Okunoin Cemetery, located in Koyasan, is a most astonishing cemetery. Founded in 805 by Kobo Daishi, one of Japan’s most important religious figures. Koysan is the center of the Shingo Buddhist sect. Kobo Daishi mausoleum is at the center of Okunoin Cemetery. [...]
Read more
During our latest travels to Wakayama, we had the chance to visit and stay overnight at Koyasan. And while we have shot many videos of Koyasan in the past, we could not resist giving it another try today. Enjoy Koyasan’s many wonders during the transition between winter and spring! [...]
Read more
Located near Wakayama City, Awashima Jinja is a Japanese shrine-like no other. It’s known as the Memorial dolls shrine. Being first and foremost a shrine dedicated to women and where women come to pray for fertility and other health-related matters, Awashima Jinja is also famous for being the […]
Read more
Ryoanji Temple, has Japan’s most famous zen rock garden! Originally designed for a rich aristocrat during the Heian Period, the site was later converted in 1450 into the Zen temple we know today which belongs to the Japanese Myoshinji school of the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism. [...]
Read more
Located in the beautiful, narrow streets of Higashiyama district, the Hokan-ji temple and its famous Yasaka No To (or the tower of Yasaka), is one of the most picturesque views in Japan. Founded during the Asuka era (593-710), Hokan-ji is now a famous Buddhist temple [...]
Read more
Located in the heart of Kyoto south of the famous Gion Geiko District, you will find the beautiful Kennin-ji Zen temple (also known as Kenninji). Now before going any further on Kennin-ji, we would like to first explain the difference between Geisha and Geiko. [...]
Read more
The Oto fire festival is held every year on the 6th of February at Kamikura Jinja Shrine in Wakayama prefecture. It has the honor of being among Japan's most famous Matsuri with around 1,500 to 2,000 participants joining every year for over 1,400 years [...]
Read more
One of Japan’s most famous temples, Kinkakuji is one of Kyoto’s most popular attractions and is a world-renowned tourist location. The temple was actually the retirement house of Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, and it became a Zen temple of the Rinzai sect after his death in 1408. [...]
Read more
Koibito-misaki Cape, also known as Lover’s Cape, is located in the Nishimuro district of Wakayama prefecture. It has been made famous for its unusual phenomenon where waves approach from opposite directions smashes against each other. Buffeted by winds and tides, this scenic view constantly changes. [...]
Read more
Located in the heart of the fishing town Mihonoseki in Shimane prefecture you will find the small 500 meter long Aoishidatamidori street which is lined with old houses, inns, and museums. It’s made famous by the stones used to pave the road that is supposed to turn slightly blue [...]
Read more
The Dangyokei Gorge of Ochi-gun in Shimane prefecture was designated a National Place of Scenic Beauty in 1935. Later turned into a park, the 4km long and 100m deep ravine has the Gonokawa River at its bottom. While for safety reasons it is prohibited to swim […]
Read more
Located in Karakawa Town in Shimane prefecture, Karakama-jinja Shrine, is an ancient shrine known for being mentioned in both the Engishiki, a Japanese book about laws and customs from 927, as well as Izumo no Kuni Fudoki which are ancient reports on provincial culture, geography, and oral tradition. [...]
Read more
