shrinesandtemples
Tokyo is a city that never sleeps, with a seemingly endless supply of sights, sounds and experiences to enjoy. But amidst all the excitement and energy, it can be easy to overlook some of the city’s hidden treasures. One such place is Gokokuji Temple, a beautiful and historic Buddhist temple that’s off the beaten path but well worth a visit. Temple BackgroundThe temple was founded in 1681 by the fifth shogun Tokugawa Tsunayoshi in honor of his mother. Gokokuji Temple is one of the oldest and most significant temples in Tokyo. It survived numerous earthquakes and air raids that had previously d...
GaijinPot
Yasukuni Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in central Tokyo and is an important religious site for many Japanese people. The shrine was constructed to pay homage to the soldiers who served their country. It is a place of remembrance and contemplation, where visitors can show their respect to those who fought for Japan. However, during the 1970s, the shrine became a subject of controversy when it enshrined some of the A-listed war criminals alongside other soldiers. The shrine is also well-known for celebrating Tokyo’s spring every year and is famous for its beautiful cherry blossom trees. Expl...
GaijinPot
Situated in the heart of Kawagoe in Saitama Prefecture, lies Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. The Shinto shrine is over 1,500 years old. It is a popular destination for those seeking help with matrimonial happiness and matchmaking. Kawagoe Hikawa ShrineThis shrine has an impressivetorii (shrine gate) that stands at 15 meters tall. The gate is painted in a bright orange color and is believed to be one of the largest wooden torii in the country. Walking under this magnificent gate is sure to be an exciting experience for anyone visiting the shrine. A highlight of Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine is the main shrine b...
GaijinPot
With Lake Suwa nearby, Suwa Taisha’s four main shrines have been standing amongst the forests and in veneration of Mount Moriya for over a millennium. For a trek through some of Japan’s oldest Shinto shrines, earmark a day for a pilgrimage in the heart of Nagano Prefecture. As with many shrines in Japan, the origins of Suwa Taisha are murky. Although it has the honor of being mentioned in Japan’s oldest historical texts from the eighth century, how far its roots stretch back is unknown. According to legend, Maemiya Shrine was the first of the four shrines to be founded by Takeminakata, a deity...
GaijinPot
One of Tokyo’s most important shrines, whose existence dates back to the Kamakura period, is located on a small hilltop of Nagatacho. Despite being at the heart of one of the world’s busiest cities, the surrounding greenery fills this Shinto shrine with peace and tranquility. It has a special connection to the Tokugawa clan. When Lord Ieyasu Tokugawa made Edo Castle his residence, Hie jinja (shrine) was revered as the “protector of the Tokugawa family.” Home to one of Tokyo’s biggest festivalsThe enshrined deity of Hie shrine is called Oyamakui no Kami (the guardian and protector of the city o...
GaijinPot
Tucked away in the forests of Mount Koshio, Oharano Shrine is a green retreat less than an hour away from Kyoto Station. Also known as Kyoto Kasuga, the shrine is a small piece of Nara in a Kyoto mountain suburb. The 83,000 square meter forest property offers gentle walking trails and a peaceful respite from the regular Kyoto crowds. A Branch of Nara’s Famous Kasuga TaishaIn 784 AD the then Emperor, Kanmu, moved the capital from Nara to Nagaoka-kyo. There, his Empress consort, Fujiwara no Otomuro, established Oharano Shrine. It was a place to worship her clan’s deities, enshrined at Kasuga Tai...
GaijinPot
Thousands of Inari shrines exist throughout Japan, but Taikodani Inari is considered one of the five most important. Situated in the small town of Tsuwano, also known as Little Kyoto, Taikodani Inari draws visitors with promises of traditional cultural experiences minus the crowds of larger cities. Built to defendTaikodani Inari sits on a mountain northeast of where Tsuwano Castle once stood. According to traditional beliefs, the northeastern direction is the kimon–a demon gate where bad spirits can enter one’s life and wreak havoc. To counter the unlucky power of the northeast, cities in Japa...
GaijinPot
The quiet grounds of Gessho-ji Temple house the graves of the Matsudaira Clan, feudal lords who once ruled Matsue city and its surrounding domain. The temple is not simply a gloomy graveyard, however. Carefully tended gardens, intricately decorated gravesites, and a local ghost story make Gessho-ji a unique historical site that displays Matsue city’s natural beauty and traditional culture. Guarded by a ghost storyThe most famous feature of Gessho-ji Temple is its giant turtle statue. Turtles are a symbol of longevity in Japan, and it is believed that touching this statue’s head will bring good...
GaijinPot
Himeji Castle is always an obvious point of conversation when people discuss Himeji. But, if you’re looking for an adventure a little off the beaten path, pay a visit to Engyoji Temple on Mount Shosha. Mount Shosha isn’t a widely known mountain and generally doesn’t attract many travelers. This makes it an exceptionally peaceful location to enjoy Japan’s lush nature and elaborate temple grounds. Visitors can leisurely view incredible fall foliage during the autumn season without the crowds. Engyoji TempleEngyoji Temple boasts over a thousand years of its legacy and is one of Japan’s best-kept ...
GaijinPot
While many shrines and temples exist in Japan, one of the most major historical shrines is hidden on an unassuming island in Hyogo prefecture. The shrine is called Izanagi Shrine and is intimately connected with Japanese mythology. Roots in Japanese mythologyPhoto by: WikiCommons/ Saigen Jiro According to the Japanese “Kuniumi” myth, the first island in Japan was none other than Awaji. The myth states that the island was formed by a god and goddess duo named Izanagi and Izanami. The shrine is located on Awaji island and is devoted to the deities. It is the sole grand shrine in Hyogo Prefecture...
GaijinPot
閲覧を続けるには、ノアドット株式会社が「プライバシーポリシー」に定める「アクセスデータ」を取得することを含む「nor.利用規約」に同意する必要があります。
「これは何?」という方はこちら