Hit 3 Sites in Hiraizumi in Just One Day!
The UNESCO-registered temples and gardens of Hiraizumi represented an attempt to create an ideal world on Earth.
Visiting the Cradle of Japan
Miyazaki occupies a special place in Japanese history for a mountain town called Takachiho. For it was here the deity Ninigi-no-Mikoto, grandson of the sun goddess Amaterasu, is said to have descended to Earth.
Take the Path of Faith to Discover Nature
Temples & Shrines The Wonder 500
Rediscover yourself in mystical places deep in the mountains.
No Trees, No Kiyomizu-dera
What are the three most notable woody materials used in the construction of Kiyomizu-dera?
See Kyoto Mapped as it Once Was
So long as you have this map, you can feel as though you've slipped back into the Heian Period of Kyoto.
The Biggest Temple You've Never Heard Of
While many regions of Japan are world-renowned for their shrines and temples, sometimes it's the ones you've never heard of that leave the biggest impression.
How to Purify Yourself at a Japanese Shrine
Purify yourself in 15 (not-so-complicated) steps!
3 Fun Facts About Japanese Incense
A quick teaser for those of you who are relatively new to the world of Japanese incense!
The Snowscape of Daigo Temple
The hidden Daigo Temple is one site you won't want to miss—especially in winter when snow blankets the grounds!
These Charms are Simply, Well, Charming!
A Buddhist temple in Tokyo has taken it upon itself to customize charms that are then blessed by a priest.
Japan's Most Beautiful Armor Rests in Aomori
Kushihiki Hachiman-gu is a historical shrine in Hachinohe, Aomori, dating back to 1166. It's considered the most prestigious shrine built by the Nambu Clan, a samurai clan originating in northern Japan.
3 Ways to Worship Mount Fuji
Mount Fuji is an object of faith for Japanese people, and a place their hearts draw support from, as expressed by the official name under which it's registered as a Cultural World Heritage Site: 'Fujisan, sacred place and source of artistic inspiration.'
6 Differences Between Temples & Shrines
I decided, once and for all, to figure out the differences between a temple and a shrine.
The Secret, Sacred Path to the Sea
One of Japan's best kept secrets, Motonosumi Inari Shrine, has over 100 'torii' gates. After going through them all, you can get a spectacular view of the Sea of Japan!
The 3 Most Notable Animals of Shinto Shrines
Visitors at Shinto shrines often see animal statues or motifs near the entrance, inside the shrine or on signs. What do the most notable animals symbolize?
48 Hours in Kyoto on a Budget
This isn’t Kyoto for the faint-hearted. So lace up your comfy shoes and get ready to hit the pavement!
Photos from Japan to You
Ranging from skin care and shoes to kimono and charms from shrines, blogger and model Matsu-you* introduces her favorite aspects of Japan for the G7 Japan 2016 Ise-Shima Photography Contest.
Brother & Sister in Japan
Watch this brother and sister enjoy exploring Japan, from Tokyo to Kansai, and from temples to roller coasters.
Searching for the Imperial Regalia of Japan
Japan's Imperial Regalia have only ever been seen by a select few. Here we try to demystify these national treasures, hunting down the sites where they are said to be located.
Japan's 8 Creepiest Shrines & Temples
Most temples and shrines will bring you a sense of harmony and peace. However, some also come with their share of unnerving events and creepy stories.
