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 …
Kamakura is a historic city located a 1 hour train ride south of Tokyo. It is a popular side trip from Tokyo due to its relaxed ambiance and beautiful buddhist temples and shinto shrines. Kamakura was the power center of the Kamakura Shogunate from around 1200 to 1300. When walking around the city it’s clear …
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 …
Fukuoka is the 7th largest city in Japan. The city is located on the island of Kyushu, in the south-western part of Japan. Fukuoka has a special atmosphere, different from other Japanese cities, and is definitely worth a visit! You can spend several days exploring the city. 3 days is the ideal time to both explore …
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 …
