Honpoji Temple: BIrthplace of the Rimpa School and Hon'ami Koetsu's World of Faith and Beauty
The tender green of the trees from outside is reflected on the polished stone floor at Honpoji Temple in Kyoto. The colors shimmer on the black surface and create a tranquil atmosphere. It’s incredibly beautiful. Honpoji Temple stands as one of the temples within the Nichiren Sect of Buddhism, established by Priest Nisshin during the […]
Kuramadera Temple's Power Contributed Minamoto Yoshitsune to Winning the Genpei War
Kuramadera Temple, nestled deep in Mt. Kurama in the northern part of Kyoto, is renowned for its vortexes and the breathtaking natural beauty of trees that have grown over the years. Upon passing through the Niomon Gate, a meandering path guides visitors to the main hall. In the Heian period (794-1185), the esteemed female writer […]
Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kannon Brought Victory to a Noble Warrior, Tamuramaro
Kiyomizu-dera Temple recognized as one of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto and a World Cultural Heritage site, was established halfway up Mt. Otowa in 778, merely six years before the capital relocation from Nara’s Heijo-kyo. The main image is the Eleven-headed Thousand-armed Kannon Bodhisattva, revered for aiding people from difficulties. The most enchanting feature […]
The Legacy of Toshodaiji Temple: Ganjin’s Epic Voyage to Japan
Tōshōdaiji Temple in Nara, founded by Ganjin in 759, reflects Emperor Shōmu’s effort to stabilize Japan through Buddhism amid epidemics and unrest.
Saihoji (Moss Temple): The pinnacle temple created by Zen Priest and Garden Designer, Muso Soseki
The ultimate beauty of nature's formations Saiho-ji, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known as the Moss Temple, is a Rinzai Zen Buddhist temple that held a special place in Steve Jobs’ heart, drawing him to visit it several times. This enchanting temple boasts a 5,000 square meter garden adorned with approximately 120 distinct varieties of […]
Hiraizumi: A Prosperous City of the Oshu Fujiwara Clan that Lasted 100 Years
The cedar-lined Tsukimizaka (Moon Viewing) slope of Chuson-ji Temple in a solemn mountain atmosphere brings you to the Konjikido Golden Hall, which retains its appearance of those days. Stepping into it, you may feel Fujiwara Kiyohira’s aspiration to build a Buddhist Land (an ideal peaceful nation on the Buddha’s teaching) from the entire structure. It […]
Sanjusangen-do Hall in Kyoto: Emperor Go-Shirakawa and the Buddhist Meaning of “33”
Sanjūsangen-dō Hall in Kyoto was built in 1164 by Emperor Go-Shirakawa and houses 1,001 statues of the Thousand-Armed Kannon. Learn the Buddhist meaning of “33.”
The history of Ginkakuji Kyoto as a moon-viewing temple
Ginkakuji Temple (Silver Pavilion), a World Heritage Site and a National Treasure is nestled amidst the serene Mt. Higashiyama, far from the bustling heart of Kyoto. Ashikaga Yoshimasa (1436-1490, 足利義政), the 8th Shogun of the Muromachi Shogunate (1336-1573), ordered its establishment during the latter years of his reign. Why did Yoshimasa enjoy the rising moon […]
Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavillion): A Symbol of Buddhist, Samurai, and Courtly Power
Kinkaku-ji Temple (the Golden Pavilion), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was built by Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, the third shogun of the Muromachi Shogunate (1336-1573), after he retired from politcal power of shogun and became a Buddhist priest. Part of Rokuon-ji Temple, the Golden Pavilion is renowned for its unique three-story structure, in which each floor represents […]
Konkai Komyoji Temple, the base of the Shinsengumi samurai who followed the Bushido
On the days of the vernal equinox and the autumnal equinoxes, the Konkai Komyoji Temple offers a breathtaking view of the setting sun turning vermilion in the western sky. The temple was founded in 1175 when Honen, a founder of the Jodo sect of Buddhism, descended from Mount Hiei to spread his teachings here. Situated […]