Shimogamo-jinja is one of Japans oldest shinto shrines. The shrine stands as a perfect picture of the classic Japanese shrine, with vermilion colored torii gates and buildings, paper lanterns, beautifully kept premises and overall peacefulness and tranquility. Shimogamo-jinja is postcard worthy, so if you only visit one shrine in Kyoto, you should definitely make it …
Ginkaku-ji, meaning “silver pavilion temple“, is a buddhist temple in the northern part of Kyoto. Despite being named “silver pavilion” it isn’t actually decorated with silver. For many tourists it sounds like a perfect combination to visit both the Golden Pavilion Temple and the Silver Pavilion Temple. And it sure is a great combination, but …
Kiyomizudera temple is located on a hill side on the eastern side of Kyoto. This Buddhist temple, which was founded in 778, is well known for it’s waterfall and unique terrace which sticks out over the hill side. Kiyomizudera Main Hall Just a 10 minute walk south of the famous Gion District are the well-preserved …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
