unesco
-
Yakushima UNESCO World Heritage Listed Coastal Road with Wildlife
With much of the island of Yakushima being a natural reserve, along with giant ancient cedar trees like Jomonsugi, it is not necessarily surprising that it is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. On the west coast of the island is the World Heritage Listed Coastal Road with Wildlife, known as Seiburindou (支部林道, Western district…
-
Hiraizumi, Japan – A day-trip itinerary
Nestled in the picturesque Iwate Prefecture of Japan, Hiraizumi is a small town steeped in rich history and cultural significance. Renowned for its UNESCO World Heritage sites, Hiraizumi transports visitors to the golden age of the Fujiwara clan during the 11th and 12th centuries. This serene town flourished as a political, cultural, and religious power…
-
Daisho-in Temple: An Unforgettable Spiritual Journey
Nestled on holy Mount Misen’s slopes on Miyajima Island, the Daisho-in Temple is a lesser-known gem of Japan’s religious and cultural heritage. It is a crucial cornerstone of the Shingon sect of Japanese Buddhism. The temple offers a serene sanctuary, far removed from the bustling energy of urban life. Brimming with history, spiritual significance, and…
-
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…
-
Kofukuji Temple: A Testament to Japanese Buddhism and Art
Nara, Japan’s ancient capital, is a city steeped in history and culture. Among its many treasures, Kofukuji temple stands out as a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Japanese Buddhism, art, and architecture. Founded in 669 AD, Kofukuji temple has a long and storied past that has shaped the city’s history and culture. Today, the…
-
Todai-ji in Nara: A Must-Visit Destination for Travellers to Japan
Nestled in the charming city of Nara, Japan lies the majestic Todai-ji temple, an iconic landmark of the country’s cultural heritage. Built in the 8th century, the temple is home to the Great Buddha Hall. It is one of the largest wooden structures in the world and a testament to the skills of ancient Japanese…
-
Higashi Hongan-ji: Exploring One of Kyoto’s Most Impressive Temples
Kyoto, Japan exudes history, culture, and spirituality. As the former imperial capital of Japan, Kyoto boasts an array of temples, shrines, and other religious and cultural landmarks that have survived for centuries. One such landmark is Higashi Hongan-ji, a large temple complex located in central Kyoto. Higashi Hongan-ji is the head temple of the Jodo…
-
Exploring Kinkaku-ji: Kyoto’s Iconic Golden Temple
Kinkaku-ji, also known as the Temple of the Golden Pavilion, is a Zen Buddhist temple located in Kyoto, Japan. The temple is one of the most iconic and beautiful landmarks in Kyoto. It draws in thousands of visitors each year. The temple’s main attraction is the Golden Pavilion, a three-story pavilion covered in gold leaf…
-
Kiyomizu-dera Temple: An Icon with a View
Kyoto‘s Kiyomizu-dera is a stunning temple complex that has captured the hearts of countless visitors from around the world. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is in the Higashiyama district, a historic area known for its charming streets, traditional shops, and beautiful views. Kiyomizu-dera is not only a must-visit destination for its impressive architecture and rich…
-
Ryozen Kannon: The giant sitting Buddha statue overlooking Kyoto
Sitting east of Kyoto is a statue of a Budda that looks over the skyline. This is Ryozen Kannon, located just to the southeast of Maruyama Park. History Ryozen Kannon was built in 1955 to commemorate the Japanese soldiers who died during World War II. It was constructed in a location overlooking Kyoto to ensure…
-
Itsukushima Jinja: Miyajima’s Iconic Shrine and Floating Torii Gate
Nestled on the shores of the tranquil Seto Inland Sea in Japan, Miyajima Island is home to one of the country’s most iconic and breathtaking shrines: Itsukushima Jinja. Also known as the “floating shrine,” Itsukushima Jinja is built entirely on stilts over the water. During high tide, the water makes seem as though it’s floating.…
-
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…
-
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…
-
Toji Temple, Kyoto – The Temple for the Defence of the Nation by Means of the King of Doctrines
I recently posted about Fushimi Inari and Mt. Inari, Kyoto – The path of 1000 gates, which I visited during my trip to Kyoto. However, it was not the first place I went to in Kyoto. After getting off the Shinkansen (bullet train) at Kyoto station, I split up with my host family and went…
-
Stralsund, Germany – The gateway to Scandinavia
Stralsund is a town with a population of just over 60,000 on the coast of northern Germany. It is the fourth largest city in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. Stralsund is a Hanseatic city: it was part of the Hanseatic League. It certainly reflects that and the wealth that it in brought from the city’s historical buildings. One of…
