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 →
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 →
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 →
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 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 →
Santome Konjaku Village (Santome Konjyamura Kouryu Plaza) for something completely different in Saitama. Part I of a 4 part series about this unique outdoor theme / eco park. We had so many adventures in 2017 and enjoyed each in different ways. However, in terms of new locations for families inRead More →
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 →
Mt Takao with children, Mt Takao cable car, Autumn Leaves Mt Takao and Mt Takao New Year Information Mt Takao Hachioji Mt Takao Autumn Leaves Navigating Mt Takao with children Mt Takao Cable Car Things to do at Mt Takao with children Food on Mt Takao Takaoson through the seasonsRead More →
The Chichibu Night Festival is held on the 2nd and 3rd of December in annually. On account of the Coronavirus, the festival was very basic in 2020 and they are planning the same in 2021. They will only carry out some of the religious parts of the festival. Moreover, itRead More →
One of my friends famously said “If you’ve seen one temple, you’ve seen them all” and there is a truth in that. However, I am quite “into” temples (and shrines). And for me, the magnificence of a temple doesn’t always lie in its appearance, but rather in the history andRead More →