Mt Koya, or more affectionately Koyasan, is widely known for its temple complex. But not so many people realise how important a part Shinto shrines play there. Indeed, as a World Heritage site there are two temples, two … Read the rest
Category: Shrine visits (Page 12 of 21)
Water plays a big part in the three big Kumano shrines. Hayatama Taisha sits near the sea. Nachi is by a waterfall. Hongu for most of its life was on an islet at the confluence of streams which merged … Read the rest
Nachi waterfall is the largest in Japan. It’s also revered as a kami. It not only speaks of the blessings of nature, but it radiates negative ions. Nowhere else exudes vitality quite as strongly.
In times past the waterfall … Read the rest
Kumano is a land of legends, and together with Yamato and Izumo it’s one of Japan’s spiritual heartlands. It’s also part of the Kii peninsula World Heritage site boasting three shrines, two temples, pilgrimage routes and a hot spring. … Read the rest
Kasuga Taisha is one of Japan’s foremost shrines. It is associated with the Fujiwara family, once the most powerful in the land, and is famous for its setting on the edge of Nara Park where it is surrounded by … Read the rest
Ueno Park in Tokyo is famous for several reasons. It houses many of the country’s top museums. It has a zoo. Its cherry blossom parties are legendary. And it was the site of a decisive battle in the … Read the rest
Stairway to Heaven by Natalie Emmons
Kansai Scene (Dec. issue)
The serene beauty of the Kumano Kodo is as legendary as its history. For centuries, this network of mountainous pilgrimage routes has granted each traveller a stimulating physical and spiritual … Read the rest