Kumano Shrine (Kumano Kotai Shrine) (Gunma Side)

  – Kumano Shrine – 熊野神社- Karuizawa (軽井沢) – July 22, 2022 Kumano Kotai Shrine is one of the many shrines located along the Nakasendo Highway connecting Kyoto and Tokyo. Built right on the border between modern day Nagano Prefecture and Gunma Prefecture, you can straddle the border and literally be in both prefectures at once. There’s even a plate set into the ground marking the line. There are several goshuin available at this shrine. This is the basic goshuin for the Gunma Prefecture side of the shrine located near the entrance. The center part in black says “Kumano Shrine”…

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Kotoku-ji – Enmei Jizo Goshuin (Tsumago Juku)

Kotoku-ji – 光徳寺Tsumago(妻籠) – August 13, 2020 Many people come to Japan for Kyoto to experience the old buildings and history of Japan, but one place I recommend visiting is the old post town, Tsumago Juku, that was one of many stops along the Nakasendo that connected Kyoto and Tokyo. The old style of the town is carefully preserved, so it feels as if you’ve stepped back in time to the Edo period of Japan. Kotoku-ji is a temple located in Tsumago. Me being me, I had to stop my husband when I saw the temple to see if we…

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Kotoku-ji – Yakushinyorai (Tsumago Juku)

Kotoku-ji – 光徳寺Tsumago(妻籠) – August 23, 2020   Many people come to Japan for Kyoto to experience the old buildings and history of Japan, but one place I recommend visiting is the old post town, Tsumago Juku, that was one of many stops along the Nakasendo that connected Kyoto and Tokyo. The old style of the town is carefully preserved, so it feels as if you’ve stepped back in time to the Edo period of Japan. Kotoku-ji is a temple located in Tsumago. Me being me, I had to stop my husband when I saw the temple to see if…

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Kotoku-ji – Ebisu Goshuin (Tsumago Juku)

Kotoku-ji – 光徳寺Tsumago(妻籠) – August 23, 2020 Many people come to Japan for Kyoto to experience the old buildings and history of Japan, but one place I recommend visiting is the old post town, Tsumago Juku, that was one of many stops along the Nakasendo that connected Kyoto and Tokyo. The old style of the town is carefully preserved, so it feels as if you’ve stepped back in time to the Edo period of Japan. Kotoku-ji is a temple located in Tsumago. Me being me, I had to stop my husband when I saw the temple to see if we…

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Matsumoto Castle – Ogasawara Family Version

Matsumoto Castle 松本城 Gujo (郡上市) August 13, 2020 About Matsumoto Castle Like Inuyama Castle and Himeji Castle, Matsumoto Castle is one of only 12 remaining original castles still standing today. Unlike many castles where I live in Gifu, it was built on a plain instead of up on a hill or mountain. It sits surrounded by a moat, which reflects the castle beautifully. There are a few goshuin designs available. This one is the Ogasawara Family design. My Visit My husband and I came to get out of the house and enjoy some semi-outdoor activities during the pandemic. I still…

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Kinjo-ji (Inami)

– Kinjo-ji – 金城寺- Nanto(南砺市) – March 21, 2020 Kinjo-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. My husband pulled out his phone and this cute goshuin was one of the top goshuin in the prefecture. Isn’t it cute? This temple is a very small, intimate temple. Outside the temple is a small nadebotoke, a statue of Buddha that you rub to cure illnesses. When you go inside, you’re greeted by a nice lady. Unlike…

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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.…

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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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