On the Path to Enlightenment: What Studying Buddhism Has Taught Me About Japan
Being exposed to Buddhism in Japan has certainly opened my eyes to just how religiously observant Japanese people actually are.
February 19, 2017
Tag: Temple
Make a Wish at the Daruma Market
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.
February 15, 2017
Kai Zenkoji: Where a Dragon's Voice Can Be Heard
It is a Buddhist temple that is also home to a lot of precious historical statues from the Edo era.
February 5, 2017
Mii-dera: One of Japan's Four Largest Temples
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.
January 27, 2017
Distinguishing between Japanese Shrines and Temples
Did you know the differences between a shrine and a temple in Japan? There are some unique observable feature that can help you find the differences.
January 9, 2017
The Perfect 10-day Japan Trip Guide
After a handful of visitors made the journey overseas to visit me, I thought I would share the same 10 day itinerary I recommended them to follow.
December 13, 2016
Inner Nikko: Where Winter is the Best Time to Visit!
The summer may be the best time to hike in the area and the autumn may be its' most famed time for viewing, but winter in Oku-Nikko has a special feel to it – and the total lack of tourists makes that even better.
December 12, 2016
Around Higashiyama: 5 Spots to Explore Near Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Kiyomizu-dera Temple in Kyoto is a must-see for anyone visiting Japan, but there exists other beautiful temples the Higashiyama area nearby.
December 10, 2016
Nanzo-in Temple: The Reclining Buddha Temple
It’s said that a chief priest of this temple won big after laying his lottery ticket next to a statue of Daikoku (one of Japan’s seven Gods of fortune).
December 9, 2016
Wandering Kamakura in Kimono
Imagine people in kimonos being part of the landscape. Now, imagine YOURSELF in a kimono at that place.
December 3, 2016
Kyoto’s Northeast Momiji Walk: An Itinerary Through the Extraordinary
Late November marks the beginning of fall colors in western Japan, and there is no better place to enjoy them than Kyoto. This three-hour walking tour guides you through the city’s northeast Sakyo ward without paying any entrance fees.
November 26, 2016
Kyoto Covered in Red & Yellow
Living in one of the most beautiful places in Japan, I was curious to explore the beauty of momiji (maple leaves) in Kyoto.
October 28, 2016
Nara's Yakushi-ji Temple: A Healing Temple
The temple is two things: one of the seven great temples of Nara and a UNESCO world heritage site.
September 25, 2016
Magic Moments: My Personal Top 5 Moments in Japan
Scroll down to read the cherished moments out of 10 years of living in Japan as Liam shares his personal best.
September 21, 2016
Kyoto Temples and Philosopher’s Walk
Usually when we hear about Kyoto, we think of a city mostly undisturbed, placid and preserved in the richest and most authentic setting of traditional Japan - and rightfully so! Many travelers usually go straight to Kinkakuji. We cannot blame them, however, on the other side of the town are a handful of other amazing temples. Nanzen-ji and Zenrin-ji are worth a mention. Take the Philosopher's Walk and get off the beaten track!
AttractionsCultureShoppingKansai
August 27, 2016
Osaka: A Temple Hopping We Will Go
Only have a day to spend in Osaka? It’s almost impossible to see this huge metropolis in a 24-hour span, however, you can at least see a large part of its history. Join me on a temple/ shrine hopping adventure.
August 26, 2016
The Hidden Temple Gardens of Nara
Many of these temples have magnificent gardens in their precincts that are sanctuaries of peace and tranquillity from all the crowds and noise of the big cities in Japan. In this article, I will highlight some of the less well-known temple gardens in Nara that offer you a chance to experience this peace and tranquillity for yourself.
August 13, 2016
Chuson-ji in Hiraizumi: A Comfortable & Serene Destination After a Little Hike
The steep hill should not discourage you from climbing further ahead, as the best part of Hiraizumi awaits at the top of the hill in Chuson-ji. The beauty of multiple pagodas built in a form of a “Buddhist Pure Land” is just the beginning. The highlight is, of course, saved at the very end: the Golden Hall.
August 13, 2016
