nakain temple

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In: Cherry blossoms, Coedo Kawagoe, Festival, Seasonal, 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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In: Festival, Hiking, Seasonal, SHRINES & TEMPLES, Things to do in 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 →

Ogano deer park and shrine in the biker town of Ogano in Chichibu Saitama

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In: SHRINES & TEMPLES, Things to do in Saitama, ZOO / FARM
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Ogano Deer Park is a small animal park on the site of Oshika shrine, more commonly known as the biker’s shrine. Ogano is named for the deer in the area, it quite literally means “small deer field”. Ironically, the area is not that well known for its deer, but isRead More →

Unusual komainu

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Komainu The guardians of shrines, 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, hasRead More →

hatsumode saitama kitain hatsumode Japanese new year tradition

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In: Festival, New Years in Saitama, Seasonal, SHRINES & TEMPLES, Winter
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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 practiced tradition of new year celebrations in Japan. There are many shrines and also temples all around Saitama where you can practise Hatsumode. TechnicallyRead More →

Shoden Temple

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In: SHRINES & TEMPLES, Spring, Things to do in Saitama, Things to see in Saitama
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Komazan Shoden-in Shorakuji commonly spelt Shotenin in English 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 more so thanks to theRead 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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In: Learn in Saitama, Play in Saitama, SHRINES & TEMPLES, Things to do in Saitama
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Santome Konjaku Village ~ 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 favouritesRead 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 →