Hakozakigu Shrine, Brings Victory and Good LuckNew!!
Hakozakigu Shrine is one of Japan's three major Hachimangu shrines (Usa, Iwashimizu Hachimangu, and Hakozakigu shrines). The main deity is the 15th Emperor Ojin, and his mother, Empress Jingu, and Princess Tamayori-hime are enshrined here. When Emperor Ojin was born, Empress Jingu put his placenta in a box called Hako (筥), buried it there, and […]
Kashima Jingu Shrine Enshrines the Diety of War, Takemikazuchi
Kashima Jingu Shrine, located in Ibaraki prefecture near the Pacific Ocean, is one of the oldest shrines in eastern Japan. It was established in 660B.C., the first year of the region of the mythological Emperor Jinmu (神武天皇). It enshrines Takemikazuchi Okami (武甕槌大神), revered as the most powerful deity in Japanese methodology, as described in NIHONSHOKIi […]
Kasugataisha: A 1,300-Year-Old Sacred Shrine in Nara
Kasgataisha Shrine in Nara has a 1300-year-old history. Feeling the spituality from the sacred deer, mountains, and forests, the all are the divinity of Kasuga's God.
Kohfukuji, 1,300 Years of Fujiwara Clan's Temple and Its Attractions
Kohfukuji Temple in the heart of Nara is a treasure trove of over 30 National Treasures, including the majestic Chukondo Hall, the five-story pagoda, as the influential Fujiwara clan who had stood at the center of power for over 1,300 years. Don't miss out on exploring the beginning of Fujiwara clan's prosperity starting Kamatari and Fuhito.
Kenrokuen, a Scenic Garden, the Maeda Clan's Survival Strategy
Kenrokuen garden in Kanazawa is a symbol of Maeda Toshiie, Toshinaga, and Toshitsune, the great lords who protected Kaga's one million koku domain against the Tokugawa Shogunate. Thier strategy was brilliant.
Tenryuji Temple, Shogun Ashikaga Takauji Mourned Emperor Go-Daigo
Located at Arashiyama, Shogun Ashikaga Takauji built Tenryuji Temple to mourn Emperor Go-Daigo. Sogen pond garden and Could Dragon painting are specutacler.
Shugakuin Imperial Villa: Emperor Gomiziunoo's Villa Life
Shugakuin Imperial Villa is surrounded by a courtly atmosphere, and its beauty is beyond description. This magnificent villa was built by the 108th Emperor Gomizunoo (1596-1680, 後水尾天皇) after his abdication. Emperor Gomizunoo ascended to the throne at a young age as the Tokugawa Shogunate consolidated its solid political system in pursuit of a centralized feudal […]
Kyoto Imperial Palace, Successive Emperor's Residence
The Heian-kyo had been the center of the nation where the successive emperors resided for over 1200 years since the capital relocation from Nara in 794 by the 50th Emperor Kanmu until 1869 when Emperor Meiji moved to Tokyo, one year after the Meiji Restoration. The highlight is the beautiful Shishinden Hall with its cypress […]
The Oki Islands, The Exile of Emperor Go-Toba by Samurai: A Political Drama in Medieval Japan
A 50-minute flight from Itami Airport in Osaka, the Oki isolated Islands in Shimane Prefecture, a UNESCO World Geopark, are blessed with abundant nature. Since ancient times, the islands have been called the "Islands of the Deities." Japan's oldest books, Kojiki and Nihonshoki, describe the creation of the Oki Islands by two deities, Izanagi and […]
Yoshino Jingu Shrine and Yoshimizu Shrine: The Heart of the Southern Court, Dedicated to Emperor Go-Daigo
In spring, Mt. Yoshino is adorned with approximately 30,000 cherry blossoms in full bloom, comprising about 200 different varieties of Yamazakura, mountain cherry blossoms, gradually reach full bloom in four areas - Shimo, Naka, Kami, and Oku – ascending from the base to the summit, taking about a month to unfold fully. The panoramic view […]