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Tag: religion
Exploring the magnificent Zuihoden Mausoleum Complex in Sendai, Japan
The Zuihoden Complex in Sendai offers visitors a glimpse into the rich history and culture of Japan. The complex houses the mausoleum of the famous samurai lord, Date Masamune, as well as several other historical buildings and structures. History Date Masamune, the powerful daimyo (feudal lord) of the Sendai region, began constructing his mausoleum in…
Ise Grand Shrine
Ise Grand Shrine in the city of Ise in Mie Prefecture, Japan, is one of the most sacred shrines in Japan. Located (by train) about 2 hours south of Nagoya, it also has a close relationship with the Japanese imperial family. The shrine complex has two main shrines, the Inner Shrine (Naiku) and the Outer…
Kagura – How to see Japanese Intangible Folk Cultural Properties
This weekend I had the opportunity to see one of Japan’s Intangible Folk Cultural Properties: the Buzen Kagura. This weekend, there was a day of festivities and demonstrations north of Fukuoka at Munakata Shrine, featuring local cultural activities. What is Kagura? “Kagura” refers to a specific form of traditional Japanese dance-drama, performed as part of…
Setsubun Festival in Japan
On 3 February every year, people across Japan go to Shinto temples to participate in the Japanese Setsubun Festival or Bean-Throwing Festival. It marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring; it is one of the most important traditional events in Japan. The festival has been celebrated for centuries and has roots in…
Matsushima, Japan – One of Japan’s most beautiful areas
Matsushima is a small town located in the Miyagi Prefecture of Japan. The town is renowned for its beautiful natural scenery – over 260 small islands scattered around Matsushima Bay. The islands feature pine trees/forests, hence the name Matsushima (Pine Islands). Matsushima’s history dates back to the 8th century. This is when it was first…
Chuson-ji – One of the Tohoku region’s premiere temples
Hiraizumi’s Chuson-ji is a Buddhist temple located in Hiraizumi in the Iwate Prefecture of Japan. A quick ride on the bus or train from Ichinoseki and you are ready to explore one of Tohoku’s most elaborate and impressive temple complexes. History of Chuson-ji The temple was founded in the late 11th century by the local…
Hatsumode (初詣) – Visiting a Shinto Shrine for New Year
Have you ever heard of Hatsumode? It’s a traditional Japanese practice that happens during the New Year. During this time, people visit shrines and temples to pray for good luck and fortune in the coming year. It’s similar to making New Year’s resolutions but in a more spiritual way. During Hatsumode, people generally offer prayers,…
Motsuji Temple and Kanjiziao-in, Hiraizumi – a Pure Land temple and noble pleasure garden
Located slightly north of Ichinoseki （一関), Hiraizumi is a small, unassuming town. Mostly consisting of houses and small businesses, you might easily overlook this town in the Tohoku region of Japan. However, if you did, you would be missing out on a lot. That is because it is home to the UNESCO World Heritage Historic…
Tofuku-Ji Temple and Tsuten-Kyo Bridge, Kyoto, Japan
After visiting Fushimi Inari and Mt. Inari, the next stop on my trip to Kyoto was Tofuku-ji Temple (東福寺) and Tsuten-Kyo Bridge. Tofuku-Ji is one of the “Five Great Zen Temples in Kyoto” and it is easy to see why. Combined with its garden, which contains the Tsuten-Kyo (covered) bridge, it is easy to see…
Fushimi Inari and Mt. Inari, Kyoto – The path of 1000 gates
If you are travelling to Kyoto on a budget, you don’t like spending money or you just like hiking, then Fushimi Inari is for you. Fushimi Inari Taisha (伏見稲荷大社) is a Shinto Shrine in Kyoto that is dedicated to Inari, the god of rice. It is free to visit and is open 24/7. Fushimi Inari…
Ardchattan Priory, Scotland – A garden of contemplation
Ardchattan Priory sits approximately 10 miles/16 kilometres outside the port city of Oban in Scotland. Its history dates back to its founding in 1230. History Ardchattan Priory resulted from Duncan MacDougal, the Lord of Argyll, located in Dunollie Castle. He invited the Valliscaulian Order to set up a local priory. They had been given a…
Grutenhäuschen, Trier, Germany – A temple with a view
On the bank of the river Moselle not far upstream from the city of Trier lies a Roman temple with a beautiful view of the Moselle valley just before the Saar and Moselle rivers merge. This Roman temple (Grutenhäuschen) dates back to the 3rd/4th century AD to the time after Trier had become one of…
Monasterio de Obarra, Spain – Monastery in a valley
In the foothills of the Pyrenees near Roda de Isábena lies a Romanesque monastery. Dedicated to the Virgin Mary (Santa Maria), mountains surround it on all sides and you can only access it by hiking or through a small road that goes between Ballabriga and Bonansa. Because it is difficult to access, not many tourists…
Mariazell, Austria – A Pilgrimage in Winter
Nestled between mountains in the North Styrian Alps lies the small town of Mariazell. With approximately 3000 inhabitants, you may think that having to drive through valleys and around mountains to get to it, the town would be relatively unknown and easy to miss. You would also be wrong. Mariazell as a settlement probably dates…
Glastonbury Abbey, England – Walking the ruins
Nestled in the sleepy, mystic town of Glastonbury in Somerset are the ruins of what was once one of the most powerful institutions to have existed in the UK. I am of course referring to the famous Glastonbury Abbey. History Foundation The history of the Abbey goes back to the 7th century. The king of…
