In the 13th century Japan was ruled by the Kamakura Shogunate, centered in Kamakura. As a result thereof many important, strategic and valuable constructions were made in the area. A significant event was the establishment of the Kamakura Gozan. Gozan translates to “5 mountains”, where “mountains” should be understood as temples. It is a hierarchical …
Kamakura is beautifully located by the sea, and is backed and surrounded by small mountains. In the hills surrounding Kamakura there are a number of beautiful forest trails. These trails make for a great escape from the city, and provide a good way to walk between some of the areas major attractions and temples while …
Zeniarai Benten Shrine (Zeniarai Benzaiten Ugafuku Jinja) is a very special shrine located in Kamakura. Visitors come here to wash their money, with the hope that they will double. Hidden in the hills on the edge of Kamakura, is one of the most unique shrines of Kanto. Zeniarai Benten Shrine is completely surrounded by steep …
Tsurugaoka Hachimangū Shrine in Kamakura is an impressive, 1000 year old shrine located in the middle of Kamakura City. In fact, it is considered the most important shrine in the entire city. The shrine sits up on a hill side, overlooking the city, and is well known for it’s 1.8km long approach and it’s 1000 …
The Great Buddha Statue (Daibutsu in Japanese) is a 13m high bronze statue, which belongs to the Buddhist Kōtoku-in temple in Kamakura – just 1 hours by train from Tokyo. It is one of the most famous Buddha statues in Japan and dates back to 1252. The current Daibutsu statue in Bronze is said to …
The Philosopher’s Walk is a shorter foot path in Kyoto. The path is just under 2km (1.2mi) long and runs along a canal at the foot of the Higashiyama mountains. The Philosophers Path, as it is sometimes called, is lined with beautiful cherry trees. During spring, when the blossoms are out, this path attracts quite …
In the scenic town of Arashiyama, on the outskirts of Kyoto, is one of Kyotos most famous attractions: Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. BOOK Tour of Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and Tenryu-ji The bamboo Forest, which is also known under the name Sagano Bamboo Forest, is probably among the top 3 attractions in Kyoto, in close competition with …
Japan is known to have a large number of sub cultures, many of which are oddly specific to Japan. While some of the Japanese pop culture has spread to the rest of the world over the past couple of decades, none of it has reached the extreme levels it has in Japan. Often born out …
Sumiyoshi Shrine is a seafarers shinto shrine in central Fukuoka, and is presumably the oldest shinto shrine in Kyushu. The current buildings date back to 1623, but the shrine existed long before that. In a charming, wooded park, near the Naka river in Hakata-ku, Fukuoka one finds the historic Sumiyoshi shrine. Sumiyoshi shrines are shinto …
Nishiki Ichiba (Nishiki Market) is a long, covered shopping arcade in central Kyoto. The more than 100 shops located here are a mix of food vendors, restaurants and specialty shops. This 400m long street is sometimes referred to as “The kitchen of Kyoto” and is the place to go if you want to hunt down …
