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 […]
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 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 […]
Sakuradamon Gate of Edo Castle ruins with beautiful cherry blossoms: Ii Naosuke lost his life
The stunning sight of cherry blossoms in full bloom reflecting on the water of Chidorigafuchi moat of the former Edo Castle, now the Imperial Palace, is breathtaking. Its beauty leads to the Sakuradamon gate, where a startling event occurred under a cold sky with heavy snowfall in 1860 for the Tokugawa shogunate. Ii Naosuke (1815-1860; […]
Wakayama Castle, A Great Lord, Yorinobu, laid the foundation of the Kishu's prosperity
In 1619, three years after Tokugawa Ieyasu's passing, his 10th son, Tokugawa Yorinobu (1602-1671, 徳川頼宣), received 555,000 koku, equivalent to the rice crop of yield (*) and established the Kishu domain (present-day Wakayama and southern Mie Prefectures). Wakayama Castle, the Kishu Tokugawa Family's residence, was extended and constructed at the mouth of the Kino River, […]
The God of War, Kenshin, and the Muromachi shogunate Revival
Uesugi Kenshin (1530-1578, 上杉謙信) was a fervent believer in the god of war, Bishamonten (毘沙門天), using one of the letters of '毘' as an emblem on his own flag, and fighting under the banner of 'Bi'. During his lifetime, he lost only twice out of 71 battles, making him a true military god. During the […]
One-Eyed Dragon, Date Masamune: The Life, Legacy, and Beliefs of Japan's Great Samurai
Discover the story of Date Masamune, the legendary One-Eyed Dragon of Japan. Explore his beliefs, legacy, and the magnificent Zuihoden mausoleum that reflects the spirit of this great samurai.
Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavillion): The Moon-Viewing Temple That Shaped Wabi-Sabi
Ginkaku-ji Temple (Silver Pavilion), a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a National Treasure, stands quietly at the foot of 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 construction during the latter years of his reign. Within the tranquil confines of […]
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 […]