Anrakuji Yoshimi Kannon
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… Read more »
Category: SHRINES & TEMPLES
Azalea at Godaison Tsutsuji Park | OGOSE
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… Read more »
Only in Saitama: unusual Komainu
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…. Read more »
10 famous places for “Hatsumode” in Saitama
Hatsumode Saitama- 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… Read more »
Shoden Temple | HIDAKA
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… Read more »
Shoboji’s Legendary Gingko Tree | Higashimatsuyama
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… Read more »
Something different in Saitama: Santome PART 1 | MIYOSHI
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,… Read more »
Naritasan Temple (& Rilakkuma amulets) | KAWAGOE
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…. Read more »
Fuku Daruma / Daruma Market | KAWAGOE & TAKASAKI 【GUNMA】
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… Read more »
Mt Takao with children (includes New Years data) 【TOKYO】
Mt Takao with children – The first time I went to Mt Takao with my 4 kids, they were all under 7 at the time. The youngest had just turned… Read more »