Nagasaki has the oldest Chinese temples in Japan. The city has some of the finest Ming Dynasty temples in the world. This might seem odd, but the mystery is easy to explain. Nagasaki has a long history of trading with Chinese merchants. Many merchants settled around the port; they built one of the oldest Chinatowns … Read more
3!..2!…1! Happy Pretend-the-world-isn’t-burning-down-around-us-Day! Happy New Year! Midnight strikes! Cue the kiss, or awkward “Do we hug, or high five? Or…” with your buddies that you may not be on intimate terms with. Go in for that hug! Be bold! It’s a new you, baby. And whether you’re breaking out of your shell over the New … Read more
As you climb the steps to the Taiyuin Mausoleum, birds replace the sound of traffic. Only a few people walk by. You linger over the delicate carvings gracing the walls of the mountain temple. You feel removed from everything. It’s impossible to believe you’re only a two-hour train ride from Tokyo. Nikko is a popular … Read more
Shikoku, the smallest of the four main islands in Japan, is home to the longest pilgrimage in Japan. The 88 temple pilgrimage trail circles around the outskirts of the entire island. The temples were all visited or founded by the first pilgrim, Kukai. Kukai is also known as Kobo-Daishi, and he founded Shingon Buddhism. He … Read more
Sensoji isn’t the just oldest temple in Tokyo. It’s actually much older than Tokyo itself. The temple drew crowds when Tokyo was a sleepy fishing village. It’s still popular today, despite the many attractions Tokyo offers. The skyscrapers in the area dwarf the main hall, distinctive gates, and five-story pagoda. Don’t be put off by … Read more
The key to enjoying Kinkakuji (aka The Golden Pavilion) is to get there early and adjust your expectations. Is Kinkakuji Worth Visiting? Out of all sights to see in Kyoto, the glittering walls of Kinkakuji evokes the greatest expectations—and unfortunately, often leads to the greatest disappointments. Kinkakuji was not intended to be a temple. The … Read more
Photos of Kiyomizudera always show the temple’s signature wooden verandah, constructed in the Edo period, framed by sakura or maple leaves—the temple is incredibly popular in spring and autumn. A temple this size is rarely seen outside of Tokyo and Osaka. Kiyomizudera’s many corners conceal hidden surprises. Atmosphere Despite its status as one of Kyoto’s … Read more
Shokozan Tokeiji Temple: A Refuge for Women Seeking Divorce If you’re heading off on the Kamakura Hiking Trail, the Shokozan Tokeiji Temple is a great place to start. With its stunning garden, peaceful surroundings, and intrinsic quietness, this temple is a great way to plunge yourself into nature and feel the stress of city life … Read more
Hase-dera Temple: Home to One of the Largest Wooden Sculptures in Japan At about an hour outside of Tokyo, Kamakura and its hiking trail are a popular destination for day-trippers. The area is jumbled with temples and other religious sites. With its sea view and fascinating statues, Hase Temple is a popular place to visit. … Read more
Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavillion) is often associated with the similarly named Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion). Kin means gold, and gin means silver. Like Kinkaku-ji, Ginkaku-ji was first the retirement villa of a shogun, later converted into a Buddhist temple. Both have the focus of a beautiful pavilion beside a pond. The similarities stop there. Ginkaku-Ji: Silver Doesn’t … Read more