Sofuku-ji is an Ōbaku zen temple located in Nagasaki City in Nagasaki Prefecture. The temple was constructed in 1629 to serve Chinese people living in Nagasaki. It later became Japanese, so the architecture is an interesting mix of Chinese and Japanese styles. The complex has numerous important cultural assets, among them two national treasures; the …
The Confucius Shrine in Nagasaki is a Chinese shrine, dedicated to the ancient Chinese philosopher Confucius (551–479 BC). The shrine dates back to 1893, when it was first constructed by the Chinese community in Nagasaki. It is a beautiful example of Chinese architecture, and stands as a colorful contrast to the traditional Japanese shrines. Already as …
Eihei-ji is an ancient Sōtō Zen temple, located in the wooded hills outside Fukui City in Fukui Prefecture. The temple, which was founded in 1244 by Dōgen, is made up by 70 buildings and structures. Eihei-ji’s buildings are located at different heights up along the hill, and many of them are interconnected with covered wooden walkways, …
Gokoku Shrine in Fukuoka is a modern shrine, dedicated to the Japanese people who died in the wars, beginning from the start of the Meiji era (1868) and forward. The shrine is also a place to pray for family and safety. Apart from the unique golden color of the shrine buildings, Gokoku is also known …
Miyajidake is a large shinto shrine located in Fukutsu, about 25 minutes north of Fukuoka City. The shrine is especially known for having Japans largest Shimenawa rope, copper bell and Taiko drum. Additionally, due to it’s high location, there is a magnificent sunset view through the shrines torii gates. The approach to Miyajidake shrine is a …
Oyama Shrine (Oyama-jinja) is a unique shinto shrine, located in Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture. The shrine, which is dedicated to Maeda Toshiie, is especially known for it’s unusual, Dutch architecture which was added in the late 1800’s. In 1599, the shrine was established on Mt. Utatsu under the name “Utatsu Hachiman-gu“. It enshrines lord Maeda Toshiie …
Hakata Old Town is a historic area located in walking distance from the busy Hakata Station. The Old Town area contrasts the busy and modern area around Hakata Station by being very quiet and full of ancient temples and old buildings. It’s a great place to enjoy a peaceful stroll in the otherwise busy city …
Matsuchiyama Shoten is a buddhist temple, located near the Sumida River in Asakusa, Tokyo. The temple is a part of the larger Senso-ji temple which it is located nearby. It is however believed to predate Senso-ji by around 50 years. Matsuchiyama Shoten is famous for something a little unusual, namely it’s many pictures and carvings …
Eikan-do temple, formally named Zenrin-ji, is a Pure Land buddhist temple located in Kyoto. The temple is widely famous for it’s amazing fall foliage, which attracts huge crowds of locals and tourists in November. The nick-name of “Eikan” is derived from the name (Yōkan) of one of the former head priests of the temple. Eikan-do …
Nanzen-ji is one of the most important Zen temples in Japan. It is the head temple of the Nanzen-ji Rinzai sect and is known especially for it’s beautiful stone garden. The temple grounds host several other temples and a huge Meiji-era aqueduct. The area is accessible free of charge, but there are fees to enter …
