Early Edo Period Scripture Repository at World Heritage Nishi Hongan-ji in...
Housing the entire collection of Buddhist sutras and scripts published by Tenkai, this small structure contains a hexagonal revolving bookcase which is where the building gets its name. Tenrinzō...
View ArticleKazaridaru: Decorative Sake Barrels at a World Heritage Shrine in Kyoto (HDR...
What is generally known as sake is actually called nihonshu 「Japanese rice wine, 日本酒」 in Japanese and the literal translation is “Japan’s alcohol”. Sake just means “alcohol”. Nihonshu is a very...
View ArticleMighty Tower Gate, A Unique Perspective, Shimogamo-jinja, Kyoto
The imposing Japanese Shinto shrine tower gate 「rōmon, 楼門」 is an impressive structure, acting as an entrance to sacred ground. The bright vermillion coloured paint makes it an unmissable shrine...
View ArticleDaigo-ji, Kyoto: Travel Guide + Photos
Daigo-ji is a hidden gem in the 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kyoto. The temple complex is in the same ward as the impressive Fushimi Inari Taisha. It’s just far enough out of Kyoto that the...
View ArticleHiroshima Atomic Bomb Dome during Spring
On a Thursday morning in April, just before lunch time, Hiroshima is quiet. Very quiet. I take a little nap, head propped against my backpack, as I wait to check into a capsule hotel. The Hiroshima...
View ArticleSymbols, Where God Touched the Earth in Kyoto (HDR Photo)
Just about everything you see at a shrine in Japan is a symbol. At Kamigamo-jinja, 1 of 17 World Heritage sites in Kyoto, the most predominant symbols are two standing sand cones, immediately visible...
View Article7 Types of Japanese Amulets: Omamori at Tenryu-ji in Kyoto (HDR Photo)
Good luck in exams, safety in traffic, prosperity in business and finding someone to marry… all types of good fortune that can be obtained from a small amulet – the Japanese omamori 「お守り」. Omamori...
View ArticleKoi (Decorative Carp) at Tenryu-ji, Kyoto (HDR Photo)
Formally nishikigoi 「錦鯉」, the decorative carp is more commonly called koi 「鯉」 and since the 1800s has been bred purely for its aesthetics. The formal name nishikigoi literally means “brocaded carp”,...
View ArticleNijo-jo Castle, Kyoto 「京都市二条城」
All of the historical facts in this article are taken from the World Cultural Heritage Sites Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto inscription located at the entrance of Nijo Castle. Nijo Castle in...
View ArticleGinkaku-ji, Kyoto: Travel Guide + Photos
Ginkaku-ji 「Silver Pavilion Temple, 銀閣寺」 – officially called Jishō-ji 「Temple of Shining Mercy, 慈照寺」 – is 1 of 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites in Kyoto and isn’t actually silver. Ginkaku (Silver...
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