Toganji is a Buddhist temple situated in Motoyama area of Nagoya. Not so far from the Motoyama subway station, we could see the huge Buddha statue head over the trees as we walk for about 5 minutes. Unlike other places, it is not at all crowded with tourists. The entire temple area is always quiet.

The “living Buddhas,” or sokushinbutsu as they are known in Japanese, differ from the more well-known mummies of Egypt in that they self-mummified while still alive.

A stroll through Mt. Atago in Kyoto gives travelers a refreshing and relaxing stroll through spectacular nature and the Japanese spiritual mindset.

Here is the center of Rokugo Manzan, where Buddhism and Shintoism intertwined, blending along with local mountain worshipers and creating its own unique religious culture.

The religion Buddhism has deep roots in Japanese culture beginning thousands of years ago. Present day, Japan is now the home of some of the most famous Buddha statues in the world. They are often referred to as "Daibutsu" meaning giant or grand Buddha. Aichi prefecture has some magnificent Daibutsu's which are less known to people but worth visiting. 

The Daibutsu (Great Buddha / 大仏) of Japan rank among the oldest, largest and most impressive in the world. Unbeknownst to most people there’s a very impressive Daibutsu statue in Japan’s capital.

Being exposed to Buddhism in Japan has certainly opened my eyes to just how religiously observant Japanese people actually are.

The Daruma market and festival is held to both expel evil spirits and call for spring, and is held every year when the plum trees bloom -- a sign that spring is just around the corner.

Mii-dera (三井寺) also referred to as Onjo-ji is one of Japan’s four largest temples. It is also one of the 33 temples of the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage.

For the first time since their creation in the Heian period (794-1192), the twenty Buddhist statues that have been preserved at Rakuyaji Temple (Koka City, Shiga Prefecture) were displayed to the public at the Tokyo National Museum in Ueno in an exhibit titled The Secret Buddha of Rakuyaji. The statues at the Hidden Buddha of Rakuyaji exhibit at the Tokyo National Museum in Ueno were truly an experience that someone outside of a religious field would normally be unable to experience.

Looking out over Tokyo from one of the many observation decks, it might seem like there is no end to the urban landscape. One skyscraper after another, it can seem like a long journey must be undertaken just to escape the hustle and bustle and find some greenery. Thankfully (for any nature or hiking lovers), Chiba prefecture is surprisingly easy to get to, and offers a lush green panorama very much contrasting that of downtown Tokyo.

Air BnB is a wonderful thing. It’s added a completely different dimension to holiday accommodation. I’m a big fan. You can find all manner of weird and wonderful places, all over the world, and quite often for a lot less than a hotel. This in mind, a Buddhist temple probably still wouldn’t figure in your top 5 of places you can find on Air BnB (it sure wasn’t on mine), but here we are. Allow me to tell you the story of when I stayed at just such a place.