Udo Shrine, or Udo-jingū, is a spectacular Shinto shrine located inside a seaside cave in Miyazaki Prefecture near the most southern end of Kyushu. While it is located far away from most other attractions in Kyushu, it is possibly one one the most scenic and special shrines in southern Japan. Hotels near Udo Shrine Japan Rail …
The Futabanosato trail is a historic 10km walking trail in Hiroshima. Hiroshima is mostly associated with the atomic bombing which happened on August 6 1945. The history of the horrors which happened here rightfully occupies a lot of the city’s museums, parks and monuments. Today Hiroshima consists primarily of modern buildings as very few buildings …
Daisho-in (大聖院) temple on Miyajima, in Hiroshima Prefecture, is an important temple in the Shingon Buddhist sect. The temple was founded by Kukai in 806, and is known for it’s beautiful fall foliage and for keeping the same flame burning since the temple was established 1200 years ago (the flame is kept in a building …
Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima island in Hiroshima Prefecture is one of the best known shrines in all of Japan, and a UNESCO world heritage site. The shrine is built in a small cove on Miyajima, and stands almost entirely over the water. The iconic torii gate located in the water in front of the shrine …
Senjokaku Pavilion (千畳閣,), literally meaning “1000 tatami mat pavilion” is a large, unfinished 16th century wooden hall on Miyajima in Hiroshima Prefecture. The hall’s construction was initiated by the former Shogun Hideyoshi who died before it was finished. The sparse hall with it’s many paintings has a mystical atmosphere to it. Near the hall is …
Mitakidera temple (三瀧寺) in Hiroshima is an atmospheric Shingon buddhist temple dating as far back as 809. The temple grounds have three water falls, which have given the temple the name “Mitakidera” literally meaning “three waterfalls temple”. The buildings are spread along a small path which leads up through the beautiful mountainside forest. The temple …
Fudo-in is a Buddhist temple located in Hiroshima, on the eastern side of mount Futabayama. The temple largely survived the 1945 atomic bombing of Hiroshima, and is the only temple in Hiroshima City, which is designated as a national treasure. As you walk around the quiet and peaceful temple grounds at Fudo-in, you can really …
The Hiroshima Toshogu Shrine in Hiroshima is a shinto shrine dedicated to the former edo-period shogun Ieyasu Tokugawa, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate (1603-1868). The shrine is beautifully located at the foot of mount Futabayama. The Hiroshima Toshogu Shrine was first constructed in 1648 by Mitsuakira Asano, who at the time ruled the Hiroshima …
Hiroshima is quite a flat city, yet there is one spot in the central city where it is possible to get a panoramic view over Hiroshima; from the Peace Pagoda located at the top of mount Futabayama, just one kilometer from Hiroshima Station, there is a magnificent panoramic view of the city. Hiroshima is a …
Kofuku-ji (興福寺), located in Nagasaki’s temple town district, was the first Obaku Zen temple in Japan. It was established in 1620 by a Chinese priest, as a place to pray for the safety of seafarers. It’s Chinese architecture makes Kofuku-ji stand out among Japanese temples and shrines. When entering Kofuku-ji temple it will quickly be …
