religion
-
Búðakirkja: Black Church on a Gorgeous Mountainous Background (Iceland)
Búðakirkja – the Black Church – is located on Iceland’s Snæfellnes Peninsula and is the iconic black church on the island. While you can find the rainbow of colours of other churches, Búðakirkja is completely black. This is very much in stark contrast to the landscape consisting of multicoloured mountains, fluffy white and grey clouds,…
-
Hallgrímskirkja: Rekyjavik’s Basalt Column-inspired Cathedral (Iceland)
At the heart of Reykjavik sits Hallgrímskirkja, the island’s largest church (I want to call it a cathedral but it is not) and its second tallest building (74.5 metres/244 ft). Named after a famous Icelandic poet and clergyman, Hallgrímur Pétursson, construction on this Protestant Lutheran church began in 1945 and was completed in 1986. The church…
-
St Conan’s Kirk: Argyll’s Hidden Gem (Scotland)
As you head towards the Scottish Highlands and the Hebrides, you no doubt will have to pass through parts of Bute and Argyll – an absolutely beautiful area that is also defined by mountains, islands, lochs and more. There are also some amazing historical sites – Rest and Be Thankful, Ardchattan Priory, and McCaig’s Tower,…
-
One-Day Kyoto Itinerary: Combining Fushimi Inari Taisha and Tofuku-ji Temple
I have travelled many places in Japan, but one of my favourite cities has to be Kyoto because of its rich history. As someone who is interested in traditional Japanese architecture and culture, cities like Kyoto are what draw me more than modern cities like Tokyo. Two of my favourite sites in Kyoto are Fushimi…
-
Miyajidake Shrine: Fukuoka’s Sunset Boulevard
-
Seiryu-ji: Beautiful Buddhist Temple in the Mountains of Satsuma
In southern Kagoshima Prefecture lies the Satsuma Peninsula, an extremely mountainous region with beautiful beaches, stunning volcanoes and a long history intertwined with Japan’s. Near the middle of this peninsula lies a solitary temple inspired by Chinese designs. Named Seiryu-ji, it is stunning for not only the artwork on display but also its golden pavillion.…
-
Sazaedo: Temple with a Double-Helix Staircase
In Fukushima Prefecture’s Aizu region lies Aizu-Wakamatsu, the largest town. In addition to hosting famous sites, such as the Tsuruga Castle: Eastern Japan’s Largest Castle, Aizu-Wakamatsu has something unique: Sazaedo. What is Sazaedo? Sazaedo, or the “Sea Snail Temple,” is a three-storey pagoda built in 1796 to house 33 statues of the goddess Kannon, an…
-
Kirishima Jingu: Nikko of the West
Located in Kagoshima Prefecture near the slopes of Mt. Takachiho-no-mine, Kirishima Jingu is one of the holiest shrines in Japan. About 1.5 hours from Kagoshima Station and less than 30 minutes from Kagoshima Airport, a visit to Kirishima Jingu is definitely worth it. History of Kirishima Jingu Kirishima Jingu is dedicated to Ninigi-no-mikoto, the grandson…
-
Fukui Itinerary: One Day of History and Spirituality
If you want to explore history and spirituality somewhere away from Japan’s major centres, such as Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto, this one-day Fukui itinerary is for you! Getting to/from Fukui From Tokyo If you are coming from Tokyo, getting to Fukui has become much easier since JR East and JR Central extended the Shinkansen to…
-
Eiheiji Temple: Temple in the Shape of a Seated Buddha
Approximately half an hour east of Fukui City lies Eiheiji Temple. Founded in 1244, it is one of the two head temples of Soto Zen Buddhism. In addition to the amazing setting (a forested valley in the mountains), the buildings form the shape of a seated Buddha. History of Eiheiji Temple Eiheiji Temple was founded…
-
Sendai Dai-Kannon: The Guardian of Sendai
The Sendai Dai-Kannon is a giant statue of the Goddess Kannon from Japanese Buddhism. Standing tall at 100 m (328 ft) on the city’s outskirts, looking towards the city centre, she prays for world peace and prosperity. Why the Goddess Kannon? The Goddess Kannon is known for her compassion, mercy, and advocacy for humanity’s peace…
-
Kamaishi Dai-Kannon Temple: Giant Buddha overlooking Honshu’s Sanriku Coast
Iwate Prefecture in Tohoku is home to Kamaishi Dai-Kannon Temple, a giant Buddhist statue that overlooks Kamaishi harbour and the Sanriku coast. History and Architecture In the late 1960s, the Seikiouzenji Temple in Kamaishi commissioned this statue and a large temple. They commissioned this work from Kou Hawagawa, who created a 48.5-metre statue from concrete…
-
Osorezan: Sacred Mountains in the Shape of a Lotus
Located in Aomori Prefecture’s Shimokita Peninsula, Osorezan (which translates as “Dread Mountain”) is one of the prefecture’s must-see sights. This sacred mountain plays a large role in Japanese Buddhism and has done so for over 1,000 years. History A dream The story of Osorezan, which is synonymous with the Bodai-ji Temple here, started with a…
-
Sapporo Festival: Hokkaido Jingu’s major festival of the summer
It is that time of year again! Once June arrives, Japan’s numerous summer festivals really come into full swing. In this post we are going to be exploring the Sapporo festival. Mark your calendars for this three-day event held annually from 14 to 16 June. It transforms western and downtown Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido,…
-
A Guide to Betsuin Temple: Unveiling Nagoya’s Buddhist Heart
Nagoya, a metropolis known for its modern marvels, also boasts a rich cultural heritage. Nestled amidst the city’s energy lies Betsuin Temple, a haven of tranquillity and a window into Japanese Buddhist history. This guide delves into Betsuin Temple’s intriguing past, explores its present offerings, and provides essential information for your visit. A Walk Through…
