history
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Usa Jingu Shrine, Oita | One of the oldest shrines in Japan and a powerful power spot place
Usa Jingu is one of the oldest Shinto shrines in Japan with its foundation in the 8th century. It is located at the entrance of the Kunisaki Peninsula in Oita, Kyushu.
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Kumamoto Castle, one of the three most beautiful castles in Japan
Kumamoto Castle is a Japanese castle located in Kumamoto City, the capital city of Kumamoto Prefecture. It is regarded as one of the three best castles in Japan together with Himeji and Nagoya castles.
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Kitakyushu, Fukuoka | Abundant gourmet food and beautiful scenery
Kitakyushu City is a non-touristy, industrial city in the north of Kyushu. There is still something to see though; Kokura with Kokura Castle and Moji with Moji Port where you can find retro buildings are interesting areas.
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Izumo Taisha Shrine, Shimane | Beautiful and mysterious oldest architecture in Japan
Izumo Taisha locates in the east of Shimane is dedicated to the Shinto God Okuninushi-no-Mikoto. This shrine is regarded as the shrine of marriage, and it is famous for its gigantic shimenawa rope.
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Osaka Castle | One of the three most beautiful castles in Japan
Read about the history of the iconic Osaka Castle, and what you can see there today!
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Ise Jingu Shrine, Mie | The origin and pinnacle of Japanese shrines
Ise Jingu in Mie prefecture is listed as the most important Shinto shrine in Japan. What’s the history of this shrine, and which rituals are carried out here?
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Religions unique to Japan
While Japan’s first main religion is Shinto, the second main religion is Buddhism. How did Buddhism come to Japan, and which influence does it have on daily life in Japan?
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Five of the Best Shrines in Japan
It can be difficult to choose which shrine to visit in Japan because there are so many interesting ones to choose from. To help you, we present a list of 5 of the most impressive Shinto shrines to visit during your stay in Japan.
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Horyuji Temple, Nara | The oldest wooden building in the world
The Horyuji temple in Nara was founded in 607 by Prince Shotoku and has the oldest wooden buildings in the world.
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Kofukuji Temple, Nara | The largest number of national treasure statues in Japan
The Kofukuji Temple was moved to its current location in Nara from Kyoto in 710, the year when the capital was moved to Nara. The pagodas and the museum are worth a visit.
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Kasuga Taisha, Nara | Shiny shrine pavilion and beautiful wisteria flowers
Kasuga Taisha Shrine was founded in the 8th century by the Fujiwara family and used to be completely rebuilt every 20 years, according to Shinto tradition, until the end of the 14th century.
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Hasedera Temple, Nara | Beautiful flowers of each season
Various kinds of flowers blooming throughout the year on Hasedera’s grounds, the temple has been nicknamed ‘Flower temple’ since ancient times. I especially love to visit the Hasedera to view the hydrangea in the early summer season.
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Todaiji Temple, Nara | The world’s largest and most beautiful wooden structure
The Todaiji Temple is located in the famous Nara Park and is the world’s largest wooden structure. Discover more about its long history!
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Heian Jingu, Kyoto | Travel back in time to the Heian Period
The Heian Jingu shrine was instituted in 1895 to commemorate the 1,100-year anniversary of the return of the capital to Heian, which is today’s Kyoto. Its architecture is impressive.
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Sanjusangendo, Kyoto | Thousand golden-colored statues of the Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva
The Sanjusangendo temple in Kyoto was established by the powerful warrior-politician Taira-no-Kiyomori in 1164, and it is especially famous for its 1001 statues.
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Chionin Temple, Kyoto | The largest wooden gate in Japan
The Chion-in temple in Kyoto is a Buddhist temple and is the home of Jo-do Buddhism. It was founded in the 12th century, and besides its historical significance, there are a few other reasons why this is an interesting temple to visit!
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Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, Kyoto | Experience the beautiful seasonal precincts and the god of learning
The shrine of Kitano Tenmangu was built in the 10th century by the emperor of the time in honor of a scholar and politician. Now, it is especially known for its popular flea market.
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Toji Temple, Kyoto | Five-story pagoda and beautiful scenery
Toji means Eastern Temple, and this temple in Kyoto has a very long history. The religious foundations of Kyoto were laid here, and Buddha has protected the city from where Kukai founded the temple since 796.
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Ginkakuji Temple, Kyoto | Beautiful gardens and rustic beauty
Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion) was constructed by a shogun from the 15th century. You can still see his quest for beauty in the Ginkakuji, even after 500 years.
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Kyoto City, Kyoto | A city full of beautiful nature and Japanese history
Kyoto is often called “the heart of Japan” and it is said that it would be impossible to get to know the country without visiting this wonderful city.