Weeping cherry blossom Nakain Kawagoe

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In: Coedo Kawagoe, Festival, SHRINES & TEMPLES, Things to do in Saitama, Things to see in Saitama
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Things to see in Kawagoe – stunning weeping cherry blossom tree and sakura at Nakain Temple in Kawagoe. Nakain is also renowned for its autumn leaves. Read More →

Yoshimi Kannon Anrakuji (2)

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Anrakuji Yoshimi Kannon is one of a few temples where I personally have felt a strong presence upon entering the grounds. Whether you believe in power spots or not, Yoshimi Kannon is set in such a magnificent setting that it will awe you with its beauty, if not its mysticRead More →

Azalea Ogose at Godaison Azalea Park Godaison Tsutsuji park ogose saitama things to do in saitama azalea saitama

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Azalea Ogose – beautiful azalea sightseeing spot in Ogose town, Saitama. It is a little sad when the prunus (plum, cherry, peach blossoms) finish in Japan. But only a wee bit, because right behind them comes a multitude of equally stunning flora. Straight after the yaezakura, a late blooming cherryRead More →

Unusual komainu

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Komainu are usually referred to as lion-dogs in English. They are the guardian stone statues you see near the entrance to a shrine. One on either side of the walkway. One if male, one is female. Commonly one, believed to be the male one, has its mouth open and theRead More →

hatsumode saitama kitain hatsumode Japanese new year tradition

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The Japanese New Year tradition of Hatsumode – Hatsumode is the first visit of the year to a shrine or a temple, an important and much practised tradition of new year celebrations in Japan. There are many shrines and temples all around Saitama where you can practise Hatsumode. Technically youRead More →

Shoden Temple

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Komazan Shoden’in Shorakuji commonly called Shoden Temple (Shoudenin | Shoden-in | Shodenji) stands proud at the top of the Koma peak in Hidaka. It is like a beacon for all enthralled by religious architecture. It is easy to spot it from a distance with its impressive temple structure, but moreRead More →

Shoboji's Legendary Gingko Tree

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In: Autumn in Saitama, Seasonal, SHRINES & TEMPLES, Things to do in Saitama, Things to see in Saitama
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Shoboji’s Legendary Gingko Tree at Shoboji Temple, Iwadono, Higashimatsuyama ( previously Hatoyama) Previously I wrote about a summer drive we took in the Hatoyama and Higashimatsuyama area where I saw the most impressive gingko tree I’ve ever seen.  Last Autumn we revisited the area to witness the famed Autumn colours inRead More →

Something different in Saitama

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Something different in Saitama – We had so many adventures in 2017 and enjoyed each in different ways. However, in terms of new locations for families in the Saitama area, both my husband and I have Santome Konjaku Mura (hereafter Santome) high on our list of favourites for 2017. SantomeRead More →

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Naritasan Kawagoe Betsuin Hongyoin Temple is a branch of the Naritasan Shinsoji Buddhist Temple of Narita, Chiba. It has a very interesting, but complex history with many layers of detail. The founder Ishikawa Tomegoro, with the financial backing of wealthy locals, restored what was previously the ruined Hongyoin Temple toRead More →

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Daruma / Daruma Market – I often get asked about Japanese New Year’s traditions. There are a  lot, but one close to my heart is the ancient tradition of purchasing Daruma dolls. It was the very first quintessentially Japanese New Year’s tradition I had the fortune to try. My firstRead More →