-
Tochoji – Introducing Japan’s Massive Wooden Seated Buddha
On the side of the busy Taihaku-dori (大博通り) street of Fukuoka city (福岡); lies Tochoji (Tochouji/Tōchōji/東長寺), a rather small and peaceful temple. Do not let it’s soothing appearance deceive you however, as Tochoji is one of the oldest temples in the island of Kyushu (九州). Furthermore, this temple also holds the largest seated wooden Buddha statue in Japan; so much so that even the Dalai Lama himself visited the temple to give a talk in 2018. To learn more about this impressive temple, let’s dwell into its history and complex, shall we? History of Tochoji Read More Originally established in AD 806 as a Shingon Buddhism temple (真言宗) by a…
-
Shofukuji – A Complete Guide to Japan’s First Zen Temple
Would you believe if I tell you that the temple that pioneered one of Japan’s major religion is a back alley temple within a metropolitan? That’s right, the founding temple for Zen Buddhism in Japan is Shofukuji (聖福寺); one that is not in the ever-popular Kyoto (京都) but in the city of Fukuoka (福岡). As a matter of fact, this temple was founded in AD 1195; predating Kyoto’s oldest Zen temple, Kenninji (建仁寺) by 7 years. Having said that, let’s explore this little temple that founded Zen Buddhism in Japan. History of Shofukuji Read More Shofukuji (聖福寺) was first established in AD 1195 by a Buddhist priest known as Eisai…
-
Futagoji Temple – A Complete Guide to Kunisaki Peninsula’s Poster Boy
The name Futagoji (両子寺) is no stranger for anyone who has visited or lived nearby the Kunisaki peninsula. And yet, this temple remains relatively unknown among the travel circle given its secluded location. Futagoji is a small mountain temple located deep within the forests in the center of the peninsula. Because of this and also its iconic twin Nio guardians (仁王) statues, Futagoji is widely considered as the poster-boy temple of the region. In fact during my exchange to Oita, Japan, this was one of the first temples that I visited on a field trip. Despite having to travel in a large group while being accompanied by the enthusiastic chatters…
-
A Complete Guide to the Rokugo Manzan Temples
The remote Kunisaki Peninsula is undoubtedly a haven for Rokugo Manzan temples. And rightfully so, as this region was once the birth place of Rokugo Manzan, an indigenous culture resulted from the assimilation of Buddhism (仏教), Shintoism (神道) together with mountain worship. To describe it eloquently, it is a heritage of religious acceptance. Established in AD 718, this culture cultivated across the tranquil region and eventually established a series of rustic temples and spiritual sites. One of these is none other than the grand Usa Jingu shrine, which undeniably deserves its own article. These temples and sites are truly worth checking out, especially for their tranquility and historical value. With…
-
Rokugo Manzan – The Unique Pride and Joy Of Kyushu
Rokugo Manzan (六郷満山) is certainly a term that is deemed a jargon by many, including Japanese themselves. Even myself admittedly have never heard of it until only recently, despite having visited the region a decade ago. Nevertheless, it fascinates me as I studied about it further, that this culture is one that established the foundation for Buddhism in the island of Kyushu. For starters, Rokugo Manzan (六郷満山) refers to the synchronism of various religious beliefs which later evolved into a culture and established itself in the Kunisaki Peninsula (国東半島) region of Oita Prefecture (大分県). In fact, the region became renowned for its scenic mountain temples, and also the grand Usa…
-
Fukoji Temple – The Spectacular Cliff-Carved Buddha of Bungoono
Have you ever heard of the little Fukoji temple (pronounced Fukouji/Fukōji/普光寺)? This little temple features a rare cliff-carved Buddha statue in Japan. Located an hour away from Oita (pronounced ooi-ta/Ōita/大分) by train ride, the temple is located in the little town of Asaji (朝地) in Bungoono (pronounced Bungo-oono/Bungo-ōno/豊後大野) city. To learn more about this fascinating hidden spot, lets dwell deeper into its background. History of Fukoji Temple It’s Origins Fukoji Temple (普光寺) originated back in AD 583, during the Asuka period (飛鳥時代); a time when Buddhism firstly became a pop-culture in Japan. The founder of this temple was basically Nichira (日羅), a Japanese who worked as an official for the…
-
9 Surprisingly Charming Historic Cities To Explore In Oita Prefecture
Historic is certainly not the word that comes across your mind when you think of Oita (pronounced ooi-ta/Ōita/大分).The city in Kyushu (九州) is often overlooked by many due to its lack of attractions in the city center. Despite this, surrounding Oita lies a variety of mesmerising historic towns that houses Japan’s rich history. From the birth of deities and their dramas, to the beginning of civilisation and the introduction of Christianity, Kyūshū is certainly no slouch when it comes to its historical value. The mountainous region too helps in providing an overall genuine countryside experience as you venture into these wonders. With that said, here are 9 must-visit historic towns…
-
The History of Kitsuki Castle – Japan’s Smallest Castle
Fellow travelers, let me first introduce to you Kitsuki Castle (杵築城), the smallest castle in Japan with a hidden history. A tiny castle with a mini overlooking a small samurai town, it certainly lives up to its tiny reputation. Even the founders of the castle are a relatively minor clan when compared to its brethren. Located 25 km from the city of Beppu (別府) of Kyushu (九州), Kitsuki Castle stands among the attractions in this charming sandwich caste town. The beautiful Kitsuki Castle hidden from afar, similarly to its relatively unknown history. The History of Kitsuki Castle Regardless, the castle played an important part in Kitsuki’s founding. Also it served…
-
The History of Usa Jingū (Part 2 – Towards the Modern Age)
Welcome back fellow travel peeps and history fans to the second part of the history of Usa Jingū (宇佐神宮). In part 1, we explored how the shrine’s founding had created an unorthodox culture which developed into a mainstream practice that hit the country. While it had enjoyed a relatively stable life throughout the age of religions and aristocracy, things would take a turn at the beginning of the warring era. Usa Jingū in the History of the Genpei War From Where We Left in the History of Usa Jingū Part 1 Throughout AD 1180 to 1185, the warrior clan Minamoto (源) fought against their rival, the Taira (平) for supremacy…
-
The History of Usa Jingū (Part 1 – The Ancient Times)
Usa Jingū (pronounced U-sa and not U.S.A) is an ancient and influential shrine in Japanese history; yet surprisingly has remained hidden under many tourist’s radar. Reason being its secluded location in north-east of the island of Kyushu (九州) which is mainly a rural area with a few smaller cities. This area is known as the Kunisaki Peninsula (国東半島) and is famous for its rural areas, mountains and agriculture. Despite this, Usa Jingū is one of Japan’s major shrines and has a rich and colourful history behind its origin. To fully appreciate its significance, lets deep dive into its background. How It All Began Birth of Usa Jingū in Ancient History…
