Saga-Toriimoto Preserved Street and the Nenbutsu-ji Temples, Kyoto Travel

On August 26, 2017October 27, 2022 By JenniferIn Historic Sites, Kansai, Temple & Shrines10 Comments

Continuing my trip in hidden Arashiyama, exploring the somber Adashino Nenbutsu-ji and the whimsical statues in Otagi Nenbutsuji, while walking through the Saga-Toriimoto Preserved Street.

Moss Garden at Gioji, Kyoto

On August 19, 2017August 2, 2018 By JenniferIn Japanese Gardens, Kansai, Temple & Shrines4 Comments

Lovely moss garden and thatched roof at Gioji, an often overlooked temple in Arashiyama, Kyoto.

Where the retired Emperors resided: Daikaku-ji, Kyoto

On August 12, 2017August 2, 2018 By JenniferIn Kansai, Temple & Shrines13 Comments

A visit to the slightly off-the-beaten path temple in Kyoto, a monzeki temple in which retired Emperors resided. Located next to the oldest, partly survived Shinden-style garden pond.

Short stop at Ryozen Kannon Temple, Kyoto

On August 5, 2017March 17, 2018 By JenniferIn Kansai, Temple & Shrines2 Comments

An unexpected stop at Ryozen Kannon in Higashiyama, Kyoto, dedicated to those who were lost on both sides of WWII.

Lonely and hungry hike: Togakushi, Nagano

On July 29, 2017January 25, 2020 By JenniferIn Chubu, Hiking, Japanese Mythology, Temple & Shrines3 Comments

Admiring autumn leaves through a short hike from Togakushi-hokosha (lower shrine) to Togakushi-okusha (upper shrine), located in former Togakure, said to be the birthplace of the Togakure-ryu Ninja School.

Monkey Shrine: Hiyoshi Taisha, Otsu

On July 22, 2017May 11, 2019 By JenniferIn Kansai, Temple & Shrines1 Comment

Stopping at Hiyoshi Taisha, an old Shinto shrine located at the foot of Mt Hiei, worshiping monkey deities, before heading to Enryakuji.

Peaceful Stone Mountain Temple: Ishiyama-dera, Otsu

On July 15, 2017March 17, 2018 By JenniferIn Kansai, Temple & Shrines1 Comment

The 13th temple on the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage, offering abundance of flora varieties, and picturesque temple halls amidst wollastonite.

The Lost Capital: Heijo-kyo and Kofukuji, Nara

On July 15, 2017July 28, 2018 By JenniferIn Kansai, Temple & Shrines1 Comment

A visit to Heijo-kyo, capital of Ancient Nara, and Kofukuji, one of Nara's most important temples.

Buddhism in Nara: Toshodai-ji & Yakushiji

On July 15, 2017July 28, 2018 By JenniferIn Kansai, Temple & Shrines2 Comments

Two Budhhist temples in Nara within walking distance to each other - Toshodai-ji, an otherworldly trip and Yakushiji, a look at how serious reconstruction is.