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Month: December 2019

Kifune Shrine

Kifune Shrine Goshuin

Kifune Shrine 貴船神社 Kibune (貴船) December 31, 2019 About Kifune Shrine Kifune Shrine is actually three shrines, the main shrine, rear shrine, and Yui no Yashiro shrine, all located in a line at the base of Mt Kibune. The main shrine has been in its current location since 1055 and is famous for its sacred water. Yui no Yashiro shrine is famous for matchmaking. The rear shrine is actually the oldest of the three. A pit that’s called “Ryuketsu” or “dragon den” is at the center of the shrine. As it’s an extremely holy place, the dragon din is not…

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Jikko-in (Kyoto)

Jikko-in 慈光院 Ohara (大原) December 31, 2019 About Jikko-in Jikko-in is a small temple next to the large Sanzen-in temple complex. The temple was originally established as a monastery for Buddhist monks of the Tendai sect and focused on shomyo, a kind of chanting that influenced Japanese music. Most people visit it for its beautiful view of its garden from the Kyu-den guest area while enjoying a nice cup of green tea. My Visit Like most people, I usually visit Kyoto by train and visit locations within the city by foot, train, and subway. However while the city of Kyoto…

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Sanzen-in: Amida Sanzon (Kyoto)

Ohara (大原) – December 31, 2019 When you imagine traveling around Japan, images of trains inevitably arise. And yes, you can get to many of Japan’s most famous sites easily by train. However, some truly beautiful locations can be easily reached only by bus or car. Sanzen-in is one of those places. Sanzen-in is a lush, moss-covered temple complex in Ohara, about an hour north of Kyoto by bus. The winding pathways through the garden lead visitors to many interesting things. In the garden you can find cute stone Warabe-jizo statues, a small pond, and more as you make your…

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Sanzen-in: Honzon Yakushi Nyorai (Kyoto)

When you imagine traveling around Japan, images of trains inevitably arise. And yes, you can get to many of Japan’s most famous sites easily by train. However, some truly beautiful locations can be easily reached only by bus or car. Sanzen-in is one of those places. Sanzen-in is a lush, moss-covered temple complex in Ohara, about an hour north of Kyoto by bus. The winding pathways through the garden lead visitors to many interesting things. In the garden you can find cute stone Warabe-jizo statues, a small pond, and more as you make your way to the various temples. It…

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Sanzen-in: Shou Kannon (Kyoto)

Ohara (大原) – December 31, 2019 When you imagine traveling around Japan, images of trains inevitably arise. And yes, you can get to many of Japan’s most famous sites easily by train. However, some truly beautiful locations can be easily reached only by bus or car. Sanzen-in is one of those places. Sanzen-in is a lush, moss-covered temple complex in Ohara, about an hour north of Kyoto by bus. The winding pathways through the garden lead visitors to many interesting things. In the garden you can find cute stone Warabe-jizo statues, a small pond, and more as you make your…

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Hokoku Shrine (Osaka)

– Hokoku Shrine – 豊國神社- Osaka（大阪市） – December 30, 2019 The instant you get out of the station, you can spot Osaka Castle. It’s raised up high above the mote and stands several stories high. You can’t help but stare at it as you stroll through the park towards it. But as you wander around the corner, your eye gets taken by a large torii gate. This is the gate to Hokoku Shrine. Just through the torii you can see a large statue of the man the shrine’s dedicated to: Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the second great unifier of Japan and the…

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