Every second Sunday in March, the Takaosan Yakuoin Buddhist temple holds a unique fire-walking festival known as the Hiwatari-Sai Matsuri where Yamabushi monks display the depth of their faith and asceticism by walking barefoot over smoldering coals, the remains of the matsuri sacred fire.
Read more
Around 8,000 cherry trees located along the Kawazu River, the Kawazu Sakura Festival is one of Japan’s most famous places for early cherry tree blossom viewing or hanami. Located on the Izu peninsula, Kawazu and its sakura festival attract almost two million visitors each year from mid-February through […]
Read more
One of Sado Island’s attractions, besides its many beautiful temples and it’s gorgeous landscape, is the many Noh (Japanese traditional play) that are actually performed by local villagers in some of the many temples of the Island. Here unlike many other places in Japan […]
Read more
It was under Emperor Kanmu's ordinance, in 808 that Seisuiji Temple was founded by a Buddhist monk who came from Kyoto while traveling Japan on a missionary tour. Meaning “Salvation” in Japanese, Seisuiji Temple’s main hall is highly influenced by Kyoto’s famous Kiyomizu-dera [...]
Read more
Uwajima Castle, located in Uwajima city Ehime, is one of only twelve original castles that survive intact from the Edo Period (1603-1867). Built around 1596 by the daimyo Todo Takatora and later refurbished in 1615 by the Date clan, Uwajima Castle was the pinnacle of the Date family [...]
Read more
Built by the seventh feudal lord of the Uwajima domain, Date Munetada, also known as “Shunzan”, Tensha Park is a small garden located in the center of Uwajima city. Date Munetada used it for his own personal pleasure as a place for him to rest during his retirement. [...]
Read more
Located near the river in Uwajima City, Ehime, Taga Shrine is small and quite particular. Indeed locals come and pray at the shrine not only for longevity and good health but in particular, fertility. The shrine is famous among foreign tourist for its many phallic ornaments, including a two meter […]
Read more
Located in Kinusaki peninsula, Kumano Magaibutsu is the largest Buddha image carved into a rock face in Japan. It is said that this statue was carved in a single night by goblins living nearby during the late Heian period. Two statues were built with a 8M tall Fudo Myoo […]
Read more
Oita prefecture is unique in many ways. It offers some of Japan’s most beautiful landscapes, with Kunisaki peninsula being our favorite! But Oita is also famous for its approach to religion with the Rokugo Manzan that contains elements of Buddhism, Shinto and mountain worship. It’s where both Buddhist and Shinto […]
Read more
Tsuka No Ma Onsen, formerly Shoya No Yakata, is a gorgeous Onsen Ryokan located in the spring resort area of Yufuin in Oita prefecture and renowned for its natural blue hot springs. Overlooking both Mt. Yufu Dake and Mt. Kuju this roughly 16500m2 area offers […]
Read more
Located in the Kinusaki Peninsula of Oita Prefecture, one of Japan’s most beautiful areas, Monjusenji Temple is believed to have been founded in 648 by the Father of Shugendo, En no Gyoja, acclaiming Monju Bodhisattva as the temple’s main idol of worship from Godaisan, China. [...]
Read more
Maybe one of Oita’s best-known temples, Futago-ji, is located in the Kunisaki Peninsula and was built in 718 A.D. by Ninmon. Futagoji is also famous for its two Nio Guardian figures build in hard stone and capable of withstanding whatever mother nature can throw them at. [...]
Read more
