traditional
Located inYamanashi Prefecture’s Kofu City, Takeda Shrine was built in the early 20th century but has much deeper historical roots. For a mix of shrine architecture and Yamanashi’s history, head to Takeda Shrine. The Takeda ClanThe Takeda clan were a significant family from the Heian period until the late 1500s. Ruling over Kai province, the historical name of Yamanashi prefecture, the Takeda clan is most famous for Takeda Shingen. Known as a formidable military tactician during the warring states period, he was feared for his use of cavalry in battle. The clan ultimately fell into decline, es...
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Hasedera Temple in Nara Prefecture is the main temple of the Buzan sect of Shingon Buddhism, giving rise to 3000 member temples in Japan. This temple is beautiful throughout the year because of an abundance of seasonal blooms, earning the name “Temple of Flowers.” Additionally, there is also a magnificent five-storied pagoda on the temple grounds. Tales From HistoryHasedera Temple was built in 686 and was expanded in 727 by order of Emperor Shoumu. The temple can be reached by climbing a series of 399 stairs, believed to be holy by the pilgrims. One of the temple highlights is a statue of the ...
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With one of the most iconic views of Mount Fuji, Arakurayama Sengen Park shouldn’t be missed on trips to Yamanashi Prefecture. For a dash of nature and shrines amidst an incredible backdrop, head to Arakurayama Sengen Park. Arakurayama Sengen Park was opened in 1959 and covers over four hectares. Located at the base of Mount Arakurayama, this park is famous for its fantastic views of nearby Mount Fuji. At the entrance to the park, you’ll see a large red torii (gate) welcoming you. Next, there are two main paths to take. The longer one winds up the mountain to Chureito Pagoda and the Observatio...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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Matsue Castle is the only remaining castle in Shimane Prefecture and one of only 12 in Japan that preserves its original centuries-old tower. Built atop a hill that overlooks the city, this is one of the best places in Shimane to enjoy cherry blossoms or take in views of Lake Shinji. Moreover, the castle is a must-see for fans of Japanese tea culture because Matsudaira Fumai, the seventh lord of Matsue and founder of the Fumai-ryu tea ceremony, once made his home here. A designated national treasureFrom 1638 until Japan’s modernization period in the 19th century, Matsue Castle was controlled b...
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