Within easy reach of this popular city are five Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples that will satisfy spiritually curious and tranquility-seeking travelers.

The temple was built in AD 686 and is positioned near the top of a mountain. There is a covered stairway leading up that’s strewn with flowers and lined with stone lanterns.

Imado Jinja (今戸神社) is a small Shinto shrine located in the Asakusa area about 15 minutes by walking from Asakusa station. Its history dates back to the 11th century.

They are perfect for anyone who is searching for an escape into the countryside. But this countryside is in Tokyo.

For those visiting Fukuoka or Kita-Kyushu City, Munakata offers a wide variety of historical, cultural, and culinary attractions that are accessible by Rapid and Regional Rapid JR trains in about 35 minutes: the perfect day trip!

The tour had the theme “Life of the Samurai” and included a dinner prepared as in the Sengoku Period and staying overnight at a temple like the samurai used to when traveling to Edo.

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.

There’s more to the area than the renowned temple. Being a convenient Kintetsu or Keihan train ride from Osaka, and south of Kyoto city itself, it’s well worth the trip to Fushimi. The first thing you’ll notice when you arrive is that it’s a quaint, picturesque and peaceful place, compared to the hustle and bustle of Kyoto city, or even Fushimi Inari—at least it was when I visited.

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.

To be able to absorb the wholeness of the Japanese spirit, experiencing a brief moment of Zazen meditation can be quite bracing and uplifting. At the Shorinji Temple in Kyoto, regarded as the oldest Buddhist temple in Kyoto built in 712, visitors are allowed to engage in Zazen meditation sessions by reservation.

Here we present 15 things to do in the rural area above Tokyo known as Chiba. From spectacular mountains, beautiful temples, Disneyland and more. Chiba has a magic to it, few other prefectures have.

A memorable and exhilarating trip to Kifune Shrine and Kurama Temple up the mountains of Northern Kyoto was a perfect way to close the year in preparation for the New Year. Although the winter chill made the walk and climb quite challenging, it should be very pleasant during other seasons, such as autumn and spring when the forests beam with mesmerizing colors of maple leaves and cherry blossoms.