temple
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Zenko-ji Temple: A Spiritual Journey in the Heart of Nagano
Nestled amidst the tranquillity of Nagano, the city renowned for its snow-draped mountains and the 1998 Winter Olympics, resides Zenko-ji Temple, a cornerstone of Japan’s cultural and spiritual legacy. A pilgrimage site with over 1,400 years of history, it draws the devoted and those in search of an intimate interaction with Japan’s pulsating history and…
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Mitaki-Dera: A Hidden Gem of Hiroshima
Tucked away on the verdant slopes of Mt. Mitaki, Mitaki-Dera temple is a serene sanctuary that whispers stories of history, spirituality, and natural beauty. Hidden in the depths of a lush forest in Hiroshima City, Japan, this peaceful Buddhist temple invites visitors to step back in time and immerse themselves in tranquillity, away from the…
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Morioka Hachimangu Shrine: Spiritual Oasis
Tucked away amidst the lush green landscapes of Morioka, Japan, lies an unexpected gem of historical and cultural significance – the Morioka Hachimangu Shrine. An emblem of Shinto spirituality, this shrine takes visitors on an enchanting journey into Japan’s time-honoured traditions and tranquillity. Historical Background Morioka Hachimangu, also known as Hachiman Shrine, has long been…
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Kenninji: A Journey Through Zen in Kyoto’s Oldest Zen Temple
Kyoto, the city of a thousand temples, resonates with the echo of ancient chants, the fragrance of incense, and the sight of age-old traditions and architecture. In this city, where culture and history intertwine, one finds a quiet oasis of serenity known as Kenninji. As Kyoto’s oldest Zen temple, Kenninji beckons to those seeking to…
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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…
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Kokura Castle, Kitakyushu, Japan
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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…
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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…
