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
