Chion-in Temple and Honen's Buddhist Revolution in Medieval Japan
Discover how Honen transformed Japanese Buddhism through the practice of Senju Nembutsu and how Chion-in became the head temple of the Jodo sect under Tokugawa patronage.
Engakuji Temple: A Monument to Japan’s Victory Aginst the Mongols
Engakuji Temple, ranked second among the Five Great Zen Temples of Kamakura, is located near Kitakamakura Station. It was founded in 1282, a year after Regent Hojo Tokimune overcame two Mongol invasions, intending to protect the nation, promote Zen teachings, and mourn for all war victims on both sides. Upon entering through the Sanmon gate, […]
Eiheiji Temple: Inside Japan's Soto Zen Training Monastery Founded by Dogen
Discover Eiheiji Temple, the heart of Soto Zen Buddhism founded by Dogen. Learn how this mountain monastery shaped samurai and common life through daily Zen practice.
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.
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 […]
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 no 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 […]
The First Emperor Exiled by Samurai: Emperor Go-Toba and the Political Drama of Japan’s Oki Islands
Discover the dramatic story of Emperor Go-Toba, the first emperor exiled by samurai after the Jōkyū War of 1221. Explore how the remote Oki Islands became the stage for one of medieval Japan’s greatest political turning points.
Yoshimizu & Yoshino Jingu Shrines: Tracing Emperor Go-Daigo and the Story of the Southern Court
Discover Yoshimizu Shrine and Yoshino Jingu in Nara where the story of Emperor Go-Daigo, the Kenmu Restoration, and the Southern Court unfolded amid Japan’s most famous cherry blossom landscape.
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 […]