Tag Archives: shrines
Nagano’s Path to the Pure Land
In Nagano, all paths lead to Zenkoji. Possibly one of the most important and influential Buddhist centres of worship in Japan and a pilgrimage site, Zenkoji has had a long and important history in Nagano. In fact, with Zenkoji being … Continue reading
Togakushi: Soba, Ninjas and Shrines
As with any pilgrimage, it is often the journey that is just as, if not more important than the destination. In the magnificent tree-lined path leading to the innermost sanctuary of one of Japan’s oldest Shinto shrines, there is time … Continue reading
Frogs, Springs and Shrines: Matsumoto’s little discoveries
I was glad to return to Matsumoto. The last time I was here was in 2011 and while we covered the major sights the last time ie the black castle, this time I was happy to just wander around and … Continue reading
Dashing through Ueno Park, Tokyo
So I only had one morning. Actually less than that. I only had about an hour or two to spare before we had to check out to catch a plane home. I was in the Shinagawa Prince complex. Initially I … Continue reading
Ouchijuku: snapshots of life in the slow lane
More than a 100 years ago, Ouchijuku would have been a bustling place, being a post-town catering to travelers on the busy trade route between Aizu and Nikko. Today, Ouchijuku still bustles, not with weary travelers who break the journey … Continue reading
Kabushima: Hachinohe’s Haven
Those brollies hang out on the weathered chain link fence for a reason. Ignore them at your peril for this is probably the most likely place in the world to be dive-bombed by a seagull. A black-tailed gull to be … Continue reading
Hongu spring matsuri
As we entered the back entrance of the shrine, a car inched in behind us. Some ladies in kimono minced their way hurriedly past. A mother clasped the hand of a little girl in a red and pink kimono. There … Continue reading
Walking the Kumano Kodo
We did not walk the full Nakahechi route, which would have taken days. Instead, we took a short day walk from Hosshinmon-oji to Kumano Hongu Taisha. This is the map of the route we took. You’ll find more maps and … Continue reading
Kumano Kodo – Nachi Taisha and Hayatama Taisha
Outside Japan, few foreign tourists know of the Kii Peninsula and the Kumano Kodo. The names of small towns and villages like Shingu or Nachi may be well off the usual tourist radar – for now at least. It’s probably … Continue reading
Yoshino – a love story
This is the stuff of blockbuster sword-fighting flicks – epic battles, betrayal, loyalty, brotherhood and tragic romance – all set in the sylvan setting of Yoshino and its famous cherry trees.
Big On Trips 