Tag: temples in japan

Historics, Towns and Cities

Asakusa Area Guide: Experience Ninjas, Samurais and River Cruises (2025 Update)

Asakusa is where Tokyo’s old soul still walks its streets. The sound of temple bells, the flash of red lanterns, and the aroma of sweet ningyo-yaki cakes blend into a neighborhood that has carried its traditions for over a thousand years. This is Tokyo before the neon lights, bullet trains and tall skyscrapers started dotting the district. The history of Asakusa’s dates back sometime to … Continue reading Asakusa Area Guide: Experience Ninjas, Samurais and River Cruises (2025 Update)

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Movie Locations

Blue Exorcist Kyoto Saga Real Life Locations You Can Visit in Japan

When Blue Exorcist first dropped, it took the anime fandom by storm with its unique story telling of Satan’s son, an exorcist with blue flames and comedic timing that has audiences in stiches. Though the lore of Blue Exorcist takes place in Japan, the setting is completely fictional which meant experiencing the anime only existed on screen. But that all changed when the season “Blue … Continue reading Blue Exorcist Kyoto Saga Real Life Locations You Can Visit in Japan

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Nature

7 Best Places to see Autumn Leaves in Kyoto

There are few places in the world where the trees erupt into vivid shades of crimson and gold in the fall season from October to December and none quite compare to the breathtaking beauty of autumn in Kyoto, Japan. The capital city of Japan gets painted with divine beauty where red maple trees and golden gingko leaves surround the temples, old walkways and modern streets … Continue reading 7 Best Places to see Autumn Leaves in Kyoto

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Historics, Nature, Religious Places, Wildlife Sanctuaries

Arashiyama Off the Beaten Path: A Journey Beyond the Usual

Arashiyama in Kyoto is not just about its famous bamboo forests; it offers extraordinary experiences from one-of-a-kind temples to merchant towns from the Meiji era, which provide unique cultural experiences and making it a must-visit destination for travelers. Continue reading Arashiyama Off the Beaten Path: A Journey Beyond the Usual

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Historics, Religious Places

The Mystique of Yakuo-in Temple: Encounter Tengu Legends, Ancient Myths and Sacred Goma Rituals

The Yakuo-In temple on Mount Takao, Tokyo, is steeped in 1200 years of history, intertwining with Tengu (demon-like deities) and Buddhist rituals like Goma. The temple complex, adorned with Tengu statues and a five-storied pagoda, offers a glimpse into Japan’s mythical folklore amidst natural beauty. Continue reading The Mystique of Yakuo-in Temple: Encounter Tengu Legends, Ancient Myths and Sacred Goma Rituals

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Historics, Religious Places

Kyoto’s Higashi Honganji & Nishi Honganji Temple – The Largest Wooden Structure In The World

One of the underrated places near Kyoto station is the magnificent Higashi Honganji and Nishi Honganji temple. Known as the Place of the Original Vow, these temples have stood since the time of Oda Nobunaga, having a stronghold in both politics and religion Continue reading Kyoto’s Higashi Honganji & Nishi Honganji Temple – The Largest Wooden Structure In The World

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Historics, Religious Places

Discover Otagi Nenbutsuji: Kyoto’s Secret Temple of 1200 Whimsical Rakan Statues

Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple, nestled in Kyoto’s Arashiyama hills, is a special temple because of its 1200 whimsical stone statues. The site offers a unique blend of 30-year art and faith, providing a serene and joyful escape from traditional Buddhist temples in Japan. Its autumn beauty and cultural festivals make it a hidden gem in Kyoto. Continue reading Discover Otagi Nenbutsuji: Kyoto’s Secret Temple of 1200 Whimsical Rakan Statues

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Ameena Navab, AWO journalist, stands before a shrine at Yakuo In temple in Mount Takao during autumn Photo credit: AWO staff
Mountains, Nature

Mount Takao – A Mystical Mountain of The Yokai, Tengu and Red Maple Leaves

Japan is known for its fair share of mythology involving supernatural beasts and deities known as Yokai and while most of these creatures are seen on the pages of books and paintings, a certain mountain exists where a shrine is dedicated to one of these very Yokai – Mount Takao. Amidst the flurry of red maple leaves in Autumn and pink cherry blossoms in Spring, … Continue reading Mount Takao – A Mystical Mountain of The Yokai, Tengu and Red Maple Leaves

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