Kyotos Gion District is one of Japans most well-known “Geisha districts”. Visitors travel to Gion for a chance to catch a glimpse of a Geisha (or Geiko as they are called here), enjoy the well preserved, historic entertainment area and to learn about traditional arts and crafts. In this centuries old district of Kyoto, old …
Tenryu-ji temple is a Rinzai Zen buddhist temple in Arashiyama, Kyoto. The temple is the highest ranked of the 5 Zen temples of Kyoto and is famous for its incredible Japanese garden. BOOK Tour of Tenryu-ji and Arashiyama Bamboo Grove In the town of Arashiyama, near the beautiful Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, lies Tenryu-ji temple. The …
Nijo Castle is a beautiful and well preserved castle, built in Kyoto between 1601 and 1626 by the Tokugawa clan. It features two palaces and numerous gardens. The complex is listed as a UNESCO world heritage site. Nijō-jō, as the castle is called in Japanese, is a flatland type castle. That means it’s not built …
Fushimi Inari Taisha is the main shrine for Inari, one of the most prominent gods (kami) of the Japanse Shinto religion. The shrine is especially known for it’s thousands of red/orange torii gates lining the paths up the mountain behind the shrine. On the edge of Kyoto, with its back against mount Inari is Fushimi …
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 …
