On the path leading from Kobe Sannomiya Station to Kitano Ijinkan, you can find “Ikuta Shrine.” Ikuta Shrine is dedicated to a goddess overseeing love and harmonious marital relationships. This place is deeply rooted in history, mentioned even in Japan’s ancient historical records, “Nihon Shoki,” and is recognized as one of Kobe’s three major shrines. Established in 201 AD, the ...
Adjacent to the well-known Todai-ji Nigatsu-do and Sangatsu-do in Nara Park, there is a small shrine that might not attract much attention from visitors, especially those overshadowed by the grandeur of Todai-ji. “Nara Park, Tamukeyama Hachimangu Shrine” Tamukeyama Hachimangu Shrine is quite renowned among the Hachiman shrines nationwide, dedicated to Hachiman, the god of war, and equivalent to Emperor Ojin. ...
In the southern part of Nara Park, you’ll come across a small artificial pond known as Sarusawa Pond. The reflection of the 5-story pagoda from Kofuku-ji Temple in the pond makes this place one of the iconic landscapes representing Nara. “Uname Shrine – A Small Shrine near Sarusawa Pond” Located near Sarusawa Pond, to the northwest, you’ll find a small ...
Continuing east from the Gion main street, the central commercial district of Kyoto, along the Kiyomizu main street, you’ll come across a large shrine known as Yasaka Shrine. Originally called Gion Shrine, it later adopted the name Yasaka Shrine. “Important Shrine in Kyoto, Yasaka Shrine” Yasaka Shrine is located at the eastern end of the Shijo-dori shopping street in Kyoto, ...
In Seoul’s Yongsan district, you can discover the martyrs’ shrine managed by the Catholic Archdiocese of Seoul. The current martyrs’ shrine houses a Catholic memorial cathedral built in the traditional Korean hanok style. Construction began in 1984, commemorating the 200th anniversary of Catholicism in Korea, and was completed after a three-year effort. “Site where Chosun-era Catholics were martyred by the ...
In Japan, shrines reflecting indigenous beliefs of Shintoism can be found throughout the country. Each shrine is known for enshrining various deities, ranging from legendary figures to historical personalities and characters from anime works. “Nezu Shrine: One of Tokyo’s Top 10 Shrines” Located in the northern part of the Tokyo metropolitan area, particularly in the Yanesen region, Nezu is renowned ...
Japan stands out as a country with a highly developed indigenous belief system, particularly among other Asian nations. Uniquely rooted in the Shinto faith known as “Shintō,” Japan is characterized by the establishment of shrines based on this belief. Unlike other countries densely populated by Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, or Islam, Japan houses its distinctive Shinto faith. Shinto, represented by the ...
In the eastern part of Kyoto’s Gion Street, you’ll come across a large shrine easily accessible through a main street entrance. This shrine is known as “Yasaka Shrine,” situated at the eastern end of Gion Street in Kyoto. Originally named Kiyomizu Shrine, it was later changed to Yasaka Shrine. “Yasaka Shrine in Kyoto Gion” The name “Yasaka” comes from a ...
In the heart of Kyoto, you can find the “Nishiki Market,” often referred to as Kyoto’s Kitchen. The Nishiki Market boasts a tradition spanning over 400 years. “Nishiki Tenmangu Shrine, Located at the End of Nishiki Market” As you enter Nishiki Market from the west and proceed to its eastern end, you’ll encounter Torii. Passing through Torii, you’ll find “Nishiki ...
After exploring Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto, a considerable amount of time had passed. Since I had covered the entire Mount Inari, it took much more time than anticipated. On the way down from Fushimi Inari Shrine, I happened upon a charming cafe. A cafe named “Vermillion” caught my eye, located near the shrine. “Cafe Vermillion near Fushimi Inari Shrine” ...
In Japan, one can explore the indigenous faith called “Shinto.” As a symbol of this indigenous faith, there is a gate called “Torii,” which is often used as a symbol representing Japan. One place where you can see these Torii gates extending in a long row is the “Fushimi Inari Shrine.” “Fushimi Inari Taisha (ふしみいなりたいしゃ)” In Japanese, a shrine is ...
In various parts of Japan, influenced by Shinto believers’ local faith (Shinto), you can find “shrines.” At these shrines, you’ll often see columns resembling gates called “torii,” which have become a symbol of Japan. In the heart of Tokyo, even, you can discover a grand shrine named “Meiji Shrine.” For a Korean visitor, visiting shrines in Japan may not be ...