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 […]
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 […]
Nijojo Castle Watched the Rise and Fall of Tokugawa Shogunate
Nijojo Castle - a UNESCO World Heritage and National Treasure site - a residence of successive Tokugawa Shoguns in Kyoto. This stunning castle had witnessed the growth, development, fall, and eventual end of the Tokugawa Shogunate. What was the final stage of Tokugawa Shogunate, which Nijojo Castle saw? How did the last Shogun, Tokugawa Yoshinobu, […]
The Golden Tea Room & Taian Tea Room
The walls, pillars, ceiling, and tea utensils covered in gold leaf reflect a solemn scarlet color in the Golden Tea Room through the scarlet woolen cloth on the Shoji screen. In contrast, Taian in Myokian Temple, a National Treasure, is the oldest existing tea room and one of three tea rooms of national treasures (Taian, […]
Osaka Honganji Temple: The Jodo Shinshu sect of Buddhism was divided into East and West
The Higashi (east) and Nishi (west) Honqanji Temples stand along Shichijo Street in Kyoto, less than 500 meters away. The Goei-do of the Higashi Honganji is the largest wooden founder hall in the world and enshrines the wooden statue of the founder, Shinran. The Nishi Honganji, a World Heritage Site, has remained intact to this […]
Shorenin Temple, Birth of Buddhism to Save the People
Shorenin Temple Kyoto sheltered and protected two persecuted Buddhists, Honen (1133-1212, 法然)and Shinran (1173-1263, 親鸞), from the Enryakuji Temple of the Tendai sect of Buddhism. Honen and Shinran were revolutionary figures in the Buddhist world whose teaching, later Japanese Pure Land Buddhism, was the chanting of the name of Amitabha Buddha single-mindedly towards enlightenment, trusting […]
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 […]
Enryakuji Temple Enlightens the World for over 1200 years
Enryakuji on Mt. Hiei was founded by Saicho. Producing founders of several sects, it's called the "Mother of Japanese Buddhism." Enryakuji fought against three warlords: Oda Nobnaga, Shogun, and its retainer.
Byodoin Temple, Fujiwara Yorimichi's Aspiration for a Peaceful Death in the Pure Land of Buddhism
Byodoin Temple in Kyoto, the vermilion hue of the Phoenix Hall, golden-seated Amitabha Tathagata, many attractions. Fujiwara Yorimichi, the grand minister, built Byodoin Temple in 11C to wish the peacefule death in the pure land.
Daikakuji Temple, Noble Elegance In Every Corner. Imperial Court Culture began Here
Daikakuji is an unparalleled temple that offers a glimpse into the refined court culture of ancient times. Floating a boat on the pond, intoxicated by the sound of wind and string instruments, and admiring the moon. Why does Daikakuji exude such an indescribable elegance in every corner? The answer lies in its rich history - […]