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.
Why Was The World's Oldest Wooden Horyuji Temple Built by Prince Shotoku?
Horyuji Temple, a World Heritage Site, is the oldest wooden structure in the world and one of the "Buddhist Monuments in the Horyuji area”, that has retained its beauty unchanged for almost 1,400 years. It consists of 48 buildings, including the Kondo (Main Hall), the Five-story Pagoda, the Middle Gate, and the East and West […]
Takayama Festival (Spring and Autumn), Keep your eyes on Karakuri doll’s performance
In Spring, the Karakuri doll scatters a lot of cherry blossoms to commemorate the arrival of spring. In Autumn, one small Karakuri doll moves by hanging and moving across several bars one by one riding piggyback on the Hotei, who is known as a deity of good luck. People watch its success breathlessly. Once it […]
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, […]
Koyasan, a mountain-top religious city of the Shingon Esoteric Buddhism
The Candle Festival is held on August 13th to pray for the spirits of all deceased at Koyasan - a World Heritage Site - located about 850 meters above sea level. Approximately one hundred thousand votive candles line the 2 km approach to Okunoin, surrounded by Japanese cedar trees, creating a solemn atmosphere in the […]
Himeji Castle History: “Win without fighting" by overwhelming beauty and impregnable defense
Himeji Castle - a UNESCO World Heritage site and the National Treasure - enthralls you with its amazing architectural beauty coalition with dazzling white walls and roofs made from stucco. Its shape is like Shirasagi (White Heron) spreading its wings. Why was it necessary to renovate it so spectacularly beautiful? The 1st Shogun of Tokugawa Shogunate, […]
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 […]
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.
Todaiji Temple and Great Buddha, Emperor Shomu's Wish to Settle Chaotic Turmoil
Todaiji Temple - a World Heritage Site - is enormous, measuring 48.74m high, 50m deep, and 57m wide. It houses Japan's most giant bronze statue, the Great Buddha - a national treasure. The original size of the Great Buddha Hall was about 1.5 times that of the present one. Two gigantic seven-story pagodas, nearly 100 […]