Known as “Heaven’s Grass”, the islands of Amakusa combine splendid natural beauty with a deeply-woven religious history that certainly does their name justice.
For the full article, please refer to ANA Experience Japan.
Tucked away in Kansai mountainside lies Mount Koya —a centuries— old spiritual retreat.
Did you know Japan had its very own “Wild West”? Well, it is more like “Wild North” as the area I am referring to is actually in Japan’s beautiful northernmost island of Hokkaido.
Buddhist temples in Japan always tend to leave quite an impression. They house some of the finest traditional art and architecture in the world and are maintained with the greatest care. Yet there is a catch for us cheapos: they tend to always ask for an admission fee. But what if I told you you can visit Japan’s most important Buddhist temples for free?
As a site of many battles between rivaling clans in the region of present-day Kansai, Koriyama has quite an impressive history. Contrastly, in today’s times of peace you can enjoy not only the superb cherry blossoms blooming here in spring, but also catch your own goldfish from one of its many ponds—how quaint!
As the largest Imperial villa in Kyoto, Shugakuin has an excellent view over Kyoto throughout the year. Designed in the mid-17th century by Emperor Go-Mizunoo himself working together with some of the finest architects and artisans to build a tranquil home to retire.
So you just visited Nijo Castle in the center of Kyoto, the famous Himeji Castle or the impressive Osaka Castle and still cannot get enough of the architecture of Japanese castles.
Aizu-Wakamatsu in the heart of Tohoku is rich with intriguing history, renowned beauty and the essence of the way of the samurai.
For the full article, please refer to Samurai Trip.
On August 6th at one of Japan’s most ancient Shinto shrines tucked away on the northern side of central Kyoto, 60 young men prepare for a sacred struggle.