Heijo-kyo Rises: Guided by Fujiwara Fuhito
Heijo-kyo, the capital of the Nara period (710–794), was relocated by imperial decree of the 43rd Reigning Empress Genmei (660-771, 元明天皇) in 710. Spanning an area similar to that of modern-day Nara City, it featured Suzakuouji Avenue, which ran straight from north to south, from the Daigokuden Palace through the Suzakumon Gate to the Rajomon Gate […]
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.
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 […]
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.
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 […]
Todaiji Temple and Great Buddha: Emperor Shomu's Vision to Restore a Nation in Crisis
Tōdaiji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Nara, houses Japan’s Great Buddha. Built by Emperor Shōmu during a smallpox epidemic, it reflects his vision to restore peace through Buddhism.