Tag Archives: temples
Daibutsu at Kamakura
A tourist-show, a legend told, A rusting bulk of bronze and gold, So much, and scarce so much, ye hold The meaning of Kamakura? – Rudyard Kipling, Buddha at Kamakura Neither tsunami nor earthquake could put a dent in the … Continue reading
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
The Tunnels of Zhangbi Village
From this perspective, it looks like any other village in the Chinese countryside – crumbling in a slow decay, its population reduced and largely elderly. This could be anywhere in China. Yet Zhangbi is unique. Beneath its dusty cobbled lanes … Continue reading
Beijing’s hidden surprise: Tai Miao
In Beijing, secret places undiscovered by crowds still exist. We discovered one right next to the Forbidden City. While the crowds have their photo moment thronging the main entrance of the great gate of Tiananmen, we took the road that … Continue reading
Matsushima Bay
This is my first ever visit to Tohoku and my second time back in Japan this year after the tsunami. It is August and summer in Japan. With this trip, I would have seen Japan in all her glory across … 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.
For travellers and lost babes…
I have a soft spot for this guy. You see him everywhere in Japan – along country lanes, in the forks of roads, in cemeteries, outside homes, in temple yards, sometimes in the midst of a busy street. He usually … Continue reading
Squeezing through Buddha’s nostrils
There is a pillar in the great hall at Todaiji in Nara with a small hole at its base. It is believed to be the size of the Daibutsu’s (Big Buddha’s) nostril. Anyone who manages to squeeze through that is … Continue reading
>Day 9 Kyoto
> Let me say upfront that this is one of the worst days of the trip for me. At least, it ended like that.The day started out bright and sunny as we made our way via subway and bus to … Continue reading
>Day 8 Kyoto
> We took the Thunderbird from Kanazawa station to Kyoto in the morning. Skimming past the shores of Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest lake, the morning sun in my eyes, the lake was an endless stretch of silver water rimmed by … Continue reading
Big On Trips 