Inami Betsuin Zuisen-ji

– Inami Betsuin Zuisen-ji – 井波別院瑞泉寺- Nanto（南砺市） – March 21, 2020 Inami Betsuin Zuisen-ji was a lucky find on our way to Toyama. While at the rest stop in Johana, I mentioned on a whim it’d be nice to get my first goshuin from Toyama Prefecture. A short search found some temples a short drive away. We ended up finding a treasure. Inami is a region of Toyama Prefecture that is famous for its elaborate wood carvings. Their depth makes them seem to leap out from waves and plants. The local temple, too, is decorated with such elaborate wood sculptures.…

Continue reading

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…

Continue reading

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…

Continue reading

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…

Continue reading

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…

Continue reading

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…

Continue reading