Things to Do
Shrines & Temples
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Nara
Shrines & Temples
Gangoji Temple
3.30 3A stately World Heritage site with 1,300 years of history.
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Horyu-ji Travel Guide: Experience Timeless History at Japan’s First World Heritage Site
Horyu-ji is one of Japan’s most celebrated historic temples and is home to some of the world’s oldest surviving wooden structures. With around 3,000 structures and artifacts designated as National Treasures or Important Cultural Properties, the temple holds exceptional historical and cultural value. It also has deep ties to Prince Shotoku and has long held a special place in Japanese history and culture, with its traditions continuing to this day. In this article, we’ll introduce the highlights and appeal of Horyu-ji to help first-time visitors make the most of their visit.
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A Travel Guide to Gango-ji, Japan’s Oldest Full-Scale Buddhist Temple
The UNESCO World Heritage-listed “Gango-ji” is home to many buildings and Buddhist statues designated as National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties. Often said to be the birthplace of Japanese Buddhism, it is renowned as a temple of great historical and cultural value. From the “East Gate,” the main gate, to highlights such as the “Main Hall” and other grounds buildings, there is plenty to see, and seasonal flowers charm visitors year-round. This article introduces everything you need to enjoy “Gango-ji,” from its history to recommended sightseeing spots-use it as a helpful reference.
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Niigata
Shrines & Temples
Yahiko Shrine
3.30 3One of the oldest shrines in Echigo known for its blessings of marriage.
Related Articles
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All the charms of Niigata are packed into one day! 1 Day Trip to fully enjoy the charms of "Nishikan" Ward.
Nishikan-ku (Ward) is located in the southwestern part of Niigata City. Known by the nickname "Nishikan," this area is a charming town filled with "Niigata-ness" such as delicious rice, sake breweries representing Japan, fresh fish from the Sea of Japan, abundant nature and hot springs. In this article, we will introduce a 1-day model course to enjoy such attractive "Nishikan"!
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One of Niigata’s Top Spiritual Spots! A Travel Guide to Yahiko Shrine
With a history spanning more than 2,400 years, Yahiko Shrine is one of Niigata’s most famous spiritual spots, especially known for blessings related to love and relationships. It’s no exaggeration to say this is a must-visit destination when sightseeing in Niigata. This article covers the basic information and highlights you should know before visiting Yahiko Shrine, along with the best season to go and nearby sightseeing spots.
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Gion, Higashiyama, Yamashina
Shrines & Temples
Chion-in / Yuzen-en
3.30 3The garden on the Chion-in grounds with the stroll-style pond, rocks and sands.
Related Articles
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Experience Japan’s Timeless Charm, Woven from History and Nature: A Kiyomizu-dera Travel Guide
Kiyomizu-dera is one of Kyoto’s most popular sightseeing spots, as famous as Kinkaku-ji and Arashiyama. It’s packed with highlights, from many historically valuable buildings designated as National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties to beautiful natural scenery. To help you fully enjoy Kiyomizu-dera, one of Kyoto’s must-visit attractions, we’ll introduce not only the can’t-miss highlights, but also its history and the best seasons to visit.
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[Kyoto Cherry Blossom Viewing Tour] Spring in full bloom!
If you feel a hint of spring, why don't you go to Kyoto?Cherry blossoms in Kyoto usually begin blooming around the end of March and are at their best from early to mid-April. Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan, is known for its elegant scenery. Enjoy walking around the historic shrines and temples and the streets where you can feel the careful lifestyle of the people and visit the best cherry blossom viewing spots.
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[Yasaka Shrine Travel Guide] A Famous Kyoto Power Spot for Beauty, Connections, and Good Fortune
With a long and storied history, Kyoto’s Yasaka Shrine is the head shrine of Yasaka Shrines and Gion Shrines across Japan. Enshrining a variety of high-ranking deities, it’s known as one of Kyoto’s most famous power spots, even in a city filled with temples and shrines. Beyond that, the grounds are packed with historically valuable architecture and plenty of highlights. To help you fully enjoy Yasaka Shrine and receive its many blessings, we’ll introduce the main must-sees, the best seasons to visit, and noteworthy events.
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Wakayama
Shrines & Temples
Kongobuji
3.30 3The whole Mt. Koya is the premise! The head of Japan’s buddhist temples.
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40 Things to Do in Wakayama
Wakayama Prefecture, blessed with oceans, mountains, and rivers, is a popular travel destination filled with historical sites, World Heritage locations, leisure spots, hot springs, and more. From scenic attractions that showcase Japan’s beautiful seasonal landscapes to accommodations, cuisine, and hot springs, we’ve carefully selected the best recommendations for your visit.
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World Heritage Site – Mt. Koya (Part 1) – Autumn Leaves at Kongobu-ji and Danjogaran
Wakayama Prefecture. Mt. Koya, a sacred place of which Kobo Daishi (Kukai), a famous poet, sang praises of its autumn leaves. He was fascinated by the brilliant autumn leaves during clear weather.
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Shiga
Shrines & Temples
Mii-dera (Onjoji) Temple
3.30 3The national treasure, Kondo hall, and many cultural properties are in this Tendai Jimon Sect’s head temple in Otsu City, Shiga.
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Kansai, where you can “Experience the Real Japan” that you have been looking for.
The Kansai region is a “treasure house of Japanese culture” with a rich cultural resource remaining from its history as a former prosperous capital. There is a new, high-quality cultural tour that offers multiple cultural experiences in special settings with top-notch people who have mastered culture, art, or faith rooted in the Kansai region. Here are some travel reports from actual tour participants. Take part in this tour that is sure to become a once-in-a-lifetime precious trip.
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Meet "real Japan" in Kansai - an exclusive experience.
Kansai Region hosted a capital city in ancient times and has served as the nation’s hub. It has produced many types of culture, which are handed down to this day. Touring the Kansai Area allows you to trace back the source of Japanese culture. The guide by the Japanese-culture-and-arts expert and the exclusive space are woven together into this acclaimed video. Enjoy a simulated cultural experience in the space usually closed off from the public.
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