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Koya
Many temples around Japan provide lodging for visitors interested in pursuing religious studies and learning more about Buddhism. Koya-san is especially noted for its concentration of such places, called shukubo, and guests from all over the world are able to experience life in a mon
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The Unique Pagoda of Konpon Daito in Koya
Konpon Daito in Koya-san is a unique pagoda. From the exterior, it has a red and white lacquered, two-storied design. It stands 45 meters tall (just under 150 feet), and bells attached to the top spire ring pleasantly in breezy weather.
CIMG2333 – Koyasan (Photo credit: king nik
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Kongobu
There are several buildings on the grounds of Kongobu-ji 金剛峯寺, the head temple of the Koyasan Shingon sect of Buddhism. The area is known as Danjo Garan, and is part of the Koyasan UNESCO World Heritage site. The temple itself was originally built in 1131 in honor of Toyotomi Hideoshi
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Shakyo
Shingon Buddhists believe that copying a sutra can heal the mind and body, and bring blessings to the person writing and those around him. Copying a sutra is called shakyo, and considered a virtuous task. Temples throughout Japan provide the opportunity to do shakyo, usually in a quie
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27% Discount on Narita Airport Limousine to Tokyo
The Airport Limousine Bus offers a 27% discount to overseas visitors on a return voucher from Narita Airport to a variety of Tokyo destinations. Called the “Welcome to Tokyo Limousine Bus Return Voucher”, the Narita Airport Limousine discount on return voucher fares are: Adult 4,500 yen (reg
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Kobo Daishi, one of the most important religious historical figures in Japan
One of the most important religious historical figures in Japan is Kobo Daishi, the posthumous name of the priest Kukai. He was born in Zentsu-ji City in 774 in Sanuki, now the prefecture of Kagawa on Shikoku Island. Though he is best known as the founder of the Shingon sect of Buddhi
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Infiorata Kobe 2014
“Infiorata” means “spreading flowers all over” in Italy, and the Infiorata Kobe 2014 event creates beautiful picturesque designs on roads and in open squares using flower petals. Infiorata has been held in various cities in Europe and was held in Japan in Kobe, Hyōgo Prefecture for the fir
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Gunma Prefecture
Many foreign visitors have not heard of Gunma Prefecture 群馬県 , the northernmost prefecture in the Kanto Plain on the main island of Honshu. However, it is an excellent choice for those who enjoy outdoor activities because it is easily accessible from Tokyo, yet boasts untouched natura
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Shojoshin
At the Ichinohashi Bridge entrance to Koya-san’s Okunoin graveyard stands a beautiful old temple called Shojoshin-in. It opens its doors for visitors to spend the night and experience life in a Buddhist temple which is called Shukubo. Originally a thatched hut built by Kukai more than 1,150
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Beautiful Cherry Blossoms in Kyoto Japan 京都の桜 着物美人と夜桜
Winter has gone and getting warm outside these days! Spring has come around here in Kyoto again also this year, the flowers & trees came to life with the coming of spring.
The beginning of April in Japan is the month for cherry trees to blossom throughout the country and brings crowds of
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Harry Potter Theme Area Comes to Universal Studios Japan!
Excitement is building over the July 15th opening of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. This new attraction is not just a single ride, but an entire theme area at Universal Studios Japan in Osaka. Visitors will be able to enjoy a complete immersive experience based on the popular series by
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Mt. Koya Overnight Trip
I awoke early, surprisingly refreshed despite of the chill night air of Koya-san and unusual new room. I sat next to the window overlooking the garden and wished that I had more time to spend in Shojoshin-in. It was with some excitement that I dressed and went to the temple proper for the mo
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Kusatsu Onsen 草津温泉 in the Mountains of Gunma Prefecture
Located in the mountains of Gunma Prefecture about 3 hours north of Tokyo, Kusatsu Onsen 草津温泉 is a popular resort town. Its fame was established in the late 1800s when an advisor to the imperial court, Dr. Erwin von Baelz from Germany, extolled the health benefits of the water found there. I
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Review of Kiyoshigekan Hotel in Kusatsu Onsen
Friendly service, reasonable rates, comfortable Japanese-style lodging, and luxurious baths makes a stay at the Kiyoshigekan in Kusatsu Onsen a memorable experience. The small family-run facility in Gunma Prefecture, a few hours from Tokyo, has 10 tatami rooms that sleep a maximum of 40 peop
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Sainokawara Park 西の河原公園 in Kusatsu Onsen, Gunma
Enjoy a fascinating stroll through Sainokawara Park 西の河原公園 in Kusatsu Onsen in the Gunma Prefecture. The emerald green hot spring water which makes the town famous bubbles to the surface in many places throughout the park, forming pools and rivers and even a waterfall. It all takes on a surr
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Yumomi Performance 湯もみ in Kusatsu Onsen, Gunma
If you visit Kusatsu Onsen in Gunma, be sure to see the Yumomi Performance 湯もみ at the Netsunoyu Bath House directly across from the yubatake where hot spring water gushes from the ground. Schedules vary per season, but about 3 to 6 times per day, women perform a traditional dance and folk so
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Kusatsu Kokusai Ski Resort in Gunma Prefecture
Though the resort is small, Kusatsu Onsen in Gunma Prefecture boasts one of the longest ski runs in Japan, at 8 kilometers (just under 5 miles). There is a free shuttle bus from the town to the slopes and ski lifts of Kusatsu Kokusai Ski Resort 草津国際 . The ski resort has a good ski school wit
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Beauty of the Maiko
The beautiful Maiko 舞妓 is an apprentice geisha in western Japan, usually in the Kyoto area. It can be difficult for a non-Japanese to differentiate between a Maiko and Geisha, see JapanseseSearch.com’s post on how to tell here. Their jobs consist of performing songs, dances, and playin
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Weeping cherry trees of Kyoto
Weeping cherry trees have drooping branches and are among the most common and loved cherry trees in Japan which is captured in this excellent video. During the spring, cherry tree branches come alive with pink blossoms that sway with the breeze, especially lovely when reflected in a nearby p
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Relaxing in Kusatsu Onsen 草津温泉
Breakfast at the Kiyoshigekan Hotel was standard Japanese fare, but I began my day before that, with a long soak in the outdoor bath. Despite the slight sulfur smell, it was a luxurious way to wake up. Every joint felt refreshed and I kept running my fingers over my skin, since it had a silk
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