Having been around since the beginning of the Kamakura period (1192 - 1333) Saimyoji represents beautiful examples of architecture from that time featuring a nail-free structure. Saimyoji is also Japan’s first National Treasure! The temple includes a stunning approach of over 1,000 maple trees and a gorgeous three-tiered pagoda. [...]
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The State Guest House Akasaka Palace was originally built in 1909 as the Imperial Palace for the Crown Prince Togu Gosho. In 1974 the State Guest House Akasaka Palace was designated by the Government of Japan as an official accommodation for visiting state dignitaries. [...]
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On many occasions, we’ve covered the beautiful private garden that is Happo-En that is located in the center of Tokyo. But today’s video of Happo-en is a bit different. Every night from November 1st to December 15th, you will be able to enjoy a beautiful illumination [...]
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Located near Meoto Iwa in Ise Shima (Mie), Hinjitsukan is a former guesthouse built-in 1887. Originally constructed to host the most important guests of the time such as members of the Imperial family. Primarily made of wood, Hinjitsukan was built in a record time of just three months. [...]
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Located in the city of Ise, Mie prefecture Ise Grand Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the Amaterasu-Omikami goddess. Spread across a vast part of Ise, the Grand Shrine is mainly composed of two major complexes known as Naiku and Geku. [...]
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Located off the shores of Futami city in Mie 10km away from the Ise Grand Shrine, Meoto Iwa (also known as the Married Couple Rocks), are a couple of small rocks sitting peacefully. According to the Shinto Futami Okitama Jinja, the rocks represent the union of the creators of Izanagi-no-Okami [...]
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Amidaji was founded over 1,200 years ago as a guardian temple of childbirth by Empress Komoyo, consort to Shomu Tennon. Amidaji enshrines a statue of Amida Nyorai Buddha as a gesture of gratitude for a safe birth believed to have been brought about through the glory of Amida Nyorai Buddha. [...]
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Located on the top of Mt Kurama north of Kyoto you will find the famous Kurama-dera temple. The story goes that around the year 772, a Chinese Monk named Jianzhen saw in one of his dreams that Mt Kurama had strong spiritual powers. [...]
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When visiting To-Ji temple, many may overlook its sub-temple, Kanchi-In. Located near the moat of Toji, Kanchi-In temple has been made famous thanks to its long history and beautiful gardens. Located in the temple is an ink painting drawn by the famous Miyamoto Musashi swordsman. [...]
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Founded at the beginning of the Heian period right after the capital was moved in Kyoto, To-ji (Toji) temple or the East temple in English was built. Together with its now-defunct sister temple Saiji or West temple To-ji was among Kyoto's largest temples and served the capital's guardian temples. [...]
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Heian shrine is located in Kyoto where Heian is actually Kyoto's former name. Sort of a "newcomer" in Kyoto, it was built in 1895 for the 1100th anniversary of the capital's foundation and dedicated to the spirits of Emperor Kammu and Komei. [...]
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Nanzen-Ji temple is the main temple located near Tenju-An (Kyoto). It is the head temple of a school within the Rinzai sect. Destroyed during the civil wars of the late Muromachi Period, the history of Nanzen-ji temple dates back to the middle of the 13th century when the Emperor Kameyama [...]
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