Nara: Deer and Buddhas
The ancient city of Nara, capital of Japan from 710 to 784, is a short train ride from Kyoto. Many people make the trip, and what most of them want… Read more »
Category: Japanese Culture
Kyoto: Kennin-ji
The Kennin-ji is the oldest Zen Buddhist temple in Japan, established in 1202. It is notable for its artworks and beautiful gardens.
Kyoto: Gion and Geishas
This is Gion, the “Geisha District” made famous by the book and movie Memoirs of a Geisha. Perhaps I should call it a “Geiko District”, since in Kyoto a geisha… Read more »
Kyoto: Ginkaku-ji
The Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion) is a Zen Buddhist temple that was built in 1474 by the Shogun Yoshimasa Ashikaga. Being the Shogun he presumably had nearly unlimited funds to work… Read more »
Hiroshima
In Hiroshima the Memorial Peace Museum is apparently THE place to bring elementary school children.
Miyajima Museums
The Homotsukan Treasure Hall contains hundreds of art works and other treasures donated over the centuries to the Itsukushima Shrine.
Miyajima: Mt. Misen
Mt. Misen, the tallest mountain on the island, has been considered sacred since ancient times. The easiest way to get to the top is to take the ropeway that runs… Read more »
Miyajima: Daishoin Temple
The Daishoin Temple on the lower slopes of Mt. Misen was founded by Kobodaishi in 806 and is the headquarters of the Omuro Branch of Shingon Buddhism. The temple can… Read more »
Miyajima Shrines
Itsukushima Shrine is the largest shrine on Miyajima and the place most people want to see first. It dates back to the 6th century, though it was built in its… Read more »
Miyajima
Miyajima (Shrine Island) is, as the name implies, the site of a number of striking shrines and temples. It claims to be “one of Japan’s Three Most Scenic Spots” (the… Read more »