Itsukushima Shrine, Itsukushima Detiy smiled on Samurai, Mori Motonari
Itsukushima Shrine - UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site - seemingly floating on the water, enchants visitors with the atmosphere of its spiritual power in the vermillion-lacquered shrine. It’s located on Miyajima Island in Hiroshima prefecture, traveling just 10 minutes by ferry from the port. Miyajima Island has been adored as “the island where deity resides” […]
Aoi Matsuri Festival, the heart of Kyoto’s graceful festival at two Kamo Shrines
Aoi Matsuri is one of Kyoto's three most famous festivals (Aoi, Gion, and Jidai), held at Kamigamo and Shimogamo Shrines. It is also one of the three major Chokusai festivals (Aoi, Iwashimizu, and Kasugasai) where an imperial envoy delivers an invocation on behalf of the emperor for the safety of the nation and its people. The main […]
The History of Hachiman Deity Worshipped at Usa Jingu Shrine, Protecting Japan and Samurai
Usa Jingu is the head shrine of approximately 460,000 Hachimangu shrines, out of a total of 110,000 shrines in Japan. This makes it the largest number in Japan. The three major Hachimangu shrines are Usa Jingu in Kyushu, Hakozakigu in Kyushu, and Iwashimizu Hachimangu in Kyoto. The deity worshipped at Usa Jingu Shrine, Hachiman Omikami, […]
Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, 5,000 Vermillion Torii Gates
Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine is one of the most notable Shinto shrines located at the foot of Mount Inari, which is considered sacred as a whole, in southern Kyoto. It is the head of over 30,000 Inari shrines across the nation that are prayed to for a good harvest. A grain deity named Ukano-mitama, also […]
Minamoto Yoritomo and Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine: The Birthplace of Japan's Samurai Government
Why did Minamoto no Yoritomo—not the military genius Yoshitsune—found Japan's first samurai government? Discover Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, where the age of the samurai began.
Atsuta Jingu Shrine and Sacred Sword Kusanagi: Myth, Emperors, and Samurai Spirit
Discover Atsuta Shrine, home of the sacred sword Kusanagi. Explore its myths, imperial history, and why this legendary blade shaped the spirit of Japan.