TEMPLES

For the brave pilgrim, here are three awesome temples and shrines that are certainly off the beaten path in Tottori, Shizuoka and Oita.

Pack your hiking boots and get ready for an adventure as we take you to the most fascinating and beautiful spots of Japan's deep north by way of the poet Matsuo Basho.

Try your hand at this Buddhist meditative activity at Oiwasan Nissekiji Temple in Toyama—then try the food!

While the Ise-Shima area is best known for Ise Jingu, the area also offers picturesque scenery and gourmet food. And you can access this resort region easily from Osaka using the KINTETSU RAIL PASS!

Ninja and other assassins were a serious problem for high-ranking officials and royalty back in the day. Here we take a look at how they managed to thwart these silent killers.

These good luck charms can provide you with all kinds of special help!

Japan is home to thousands of historic shrines and temples, and a good few of them are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. A visit to just one can give insight into Japanese culture.

The Maneki Neko, literally the "beckoning cat,"is a very common Japanese figurine. Although there are several possible stories behind its origin, the one revolving around Gotokuji Temple probably has the most veracity to it.