Admission: The Shrine is free to explore but the museum costs 200 yen to enter

Minamoto no Yoritomo

Shogunate Minamoto no Yoritomo was the founder of the Kamakura. When he became Shogunate, his first task was to move the captial of Japan from Kyoto to his home in Kamakura. Kamakura was previously a simple fishing village. When it became the capital they essentially had a fresh space to create a capital city. The second task Minamoto did was to move the Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gū shrine to Kamakura from its previous location in Zaimokuza.

Hachiman

The Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gū shrine is dedicated to the god Hachiman. Hachiman is the divine protector of Japan. He is known as the “god of martial arts” as he was the great patron deity of the samurai. Moving the temple of Hachiman also meant moving the nation’s best warriors to reside in the new location in order to protect this new government.

The name “Hachiman” means “eight banners.” Emperor Ōjin is the divine spirit of the deity Hachiman, and it is the legend that when he was born, eight heavenly banners flew through the sky, carried by doves, to signal his birth. You will find images of doves used as talismans in reference to Emperor Ōjin.

Genpei Ponds

Walking up to the shrine, the first thing which greets you is a large red torii gate. Opposite the red torii gate is a low-lying stone bridge that crosses two ponds on either side. The two Genpei ponds represent the Minamoto clan on the left and the Taira clan on the right. The Taira clan was the bitter rival of Shogun Minamoto. On the left side which is in honour of the Minamoto clan, the pond has three little islands. The number three in Japan symbolizes birth. The pond on the right, on the other hand, has four islands. The number four represents death, corresponding with the pond associated with the rival clan. Perhaps used as an omen and warning to those who come to the shrine with cruel intentions.

Living inside the pond are many different coloured koi fish and cute softshell turtles. There are lots of waterfowl too, creating a constant flurry of activity in the trees and water. In the summertime, the entirety of the water’s surface is blooming with lotus flowers and is such a sight to see!

Feng Shui Layout

Because the new Shogun had complete control of his new captial city’s design, he wanted to ensure that it was built with Feng Shui in mind.
Feng Shui is a Chinese principle that focuses on the natural forces on earth. The idea is that these forces can be harmonized and controlled to create power and good fortune. One way this is done is by the orientation of building around these invisible forces. Many principles of Feng Shui were kept in mind when designing the layout of the shrine. They had consulted the royal diviner who chose this place as it had a mountain to the north, a river to the east, a great road to the west and an opening to the south.

Taiko Bridge

Walking up towards the first bridge might find that both sides of the larger stone bridge are closed off by a red gate. This is because this bridge was reserved for the Shogunate only. The common folk needed to use a flatter bridge on either side to access the shrine. Despite the fact that the shogun of Kamakura is long dead the tradition remains as a memory to him. To the left of the shogun bridge, stands an ancient plum pine tree.

Hataage Benzaiten Shrine

After crossing the bridge, walk out onto the pond towards the Hataage Benzaiten Shrine. This can be found to the right of the entrance. A series of white flags mark this shrine. Each of these flags is a prayer left by visitors. If you wish to purchase your own flag to leave on the island you can purchase one near the shrine. If you have google translate downloaded on your phone you can use this to help translate some of the prayers left behind. Like a wave of wishes blowing in the wind.

Archery Track

As you continue down the complex, you’ll see a large crossing on either side of you. This is the ancient archery track. This was where the traditional Yabusame Shinto ritual would take place. This Shinto ritual would occur once a year. All the best samurai would come here to compete against each other for the glory of the shogun. They would mount their hoses and attempt to shoot three targets while riding at full speed down the track.

The event was started when the new Shogun realized that his archers lacked skills with their bow. He thought this would give them a good incentive to practice. Even today, a festival is held yearly in the fall where people dress in costume and perform the ritual just the great samurai would have years ago.

Maiden

The building at the base of the stairs is called the Maiden or Shimoden. The most famous woman in Japanese history and literature was a Shizuka Gozen or Lady Shizuka. She was a court dancer and mistress of Minamoto no Yoshitsune. Shizuka Gozen devoted herself to Minamoto and would dance for him with a passion that would entrance all those who watched. Famously, she would come here to perform some of her most memorable productions. Today, the Maiden is still a popular spot for dances and musical performances. As well as weddings and festivals which are held here throughout the year.

Every morning at the Maiden, people gather to offer rice, sake, vegetables, fruits, and other offerings to Hachiman. Locals come to pray for the prosperity of the Imperial Family and the nation. This ritual is called onikkusai.

In addition to paying your respects to Hachiman okami, you can also come to pray for the safety of your family and the health of your body.

Sake Rice Baskets

Off to the left of the Maiden, you’ll see a large structure filled with giant sake barrels. Different sake producers will donate large sums of money to the shrines in order to ensure good fortune for their companies. These barrels are only ceremonial and do not contain any real sake but they are still such a beautiful thing to look at.

Shirahata Shrine

On the eastern side of the lower level, you will find the Shirahata Shrine, also called the Junior Shrine. This is where the spirit of Minamoto Yoritomo and Minamoto Sanetomo are enshrined. The dark wood of the shrine is painted black and embellished with gold trim. Many people come to this shrine to pray for victory in honour of the great shogun.

Masako stone

Right beside the shrine, you’ll find the Masako stones. When you pour water on the rocks, an image of a turtle or a crane will appear. Both the crane and the turtle represent longevity as it is fabled that cranes and turtles have life spans of thousands of years. Pour some water on the rocks to pray for some life longevity for yourself!

Soreisha

On the western side of the complex, you’ll find this old, seemingly forgotten building. This is the Soreisha, the shrine dedicated to the ancestor spirits. Many people seem to miss this building and it is one of the most peaceful areas of the place. It is a newer shrine, erected in 1949. The spirits which are said to reside here are thought to protect the land and people come here to pray for their own protection.

Ginko Tree

The staircase leading to the main shrine is flanked on either side by two trees. But you might notice that the one on the left is significantly smaller. This was once where a great ginkgo tree once stood for over 1000 years. It was a precious treasure of the nation and a holy place for pilgrims.

In March 2010, a huge storm came through and uprooted the tree. Although great efforts were made to replant it, the tree could not be saved in its entirety. Because the tree was so important, the trunk was replanted in the hopes it would reproduce leaves (which it since has). Other cuttings were also replanted, and they have even begun to multiply and regrown.

The tree was said to have played a large part in the assassination of shōgun Minamoto no Sanetomo in 1219. The assassin, his nephew, hid in the tree as his uncle was leaving the shrine. When he walked down the stairs, his nephew jumped from the tree and attacked. He thought this act would enable him to become the next Shogun, but the public didn’t support his succession, and instead, he was beheaded the same day for his actions.

Stairway

The large stairway leading up to the main shrine contains 61 steps. 61 in an interesting number as it is thought to be unlucky. Perhaps the uprooting of the tree and the assassination were both brought about by the unlucky omens of the stairs.

Main Shrine Jugo

As you climb the stairs, you pass through the Sakura Gate to enter the main shrine, the Jogu. This building was recently renovated in the 21st century when the previously plain wood was repainted in this bright vermillion. The main shrine enshrines Emperor Ojin, Himegami and Empress Jingu.

On the front of the shrine is a black sign with gold lettering. The Japanese character at the top represents a dove which is the messenger used by the deity Hachiman.

Gingko Emas

At most shrines you can buy an ema, a wood plaque, to leave your prayers on. The emas at this shrine are printed with the image of the great ginkgo tree.

You can also get yourself a souvenir omikuji or random paper fortune outside the shrine. You can get on here for 200 yen that comes with your fateful prediction as well as a dove charm in honour of the deity Hachiman. When you open the fortune, should it be unlucky, fold the paper in a thin strip and place it inside the nearby “bad luck box.” Place your hand around the arrow above the box as this is said to help remove the bad luck.

Treasure Hall

The main shrine is separated into three areas, the main sanctuary, the treasure hall and the worship hall, each connected through long hallways. The Treasure Hall is located on the west side of the main sancutary and contains sacred items from the history of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu. This is the only part of the temple complex which requires admission (200 yen).

Inside, you can find such things as samurai swords from the 18th century, black lacquer arrows, 19th-century bows and quivers, and a series of ceremonial kimonos.

Maruyama Inari Shrine

On the western side of the Jogu, you will find the Senior Shrine, the Maruyama Inari Shrine. This is the oldest remaining shrine on the grounds. Standing guard outside this part of the shrine we find the Inari who are kami foxes. Kami are Japanese spirits. The fox spirits are thought to bring fertility to the land and are often seen as the spirits of agriculture.

To the right of the shrine, you’ll find a series of torii gates. Walking down the hillside through the torii gates will lead you back down to the lower level. The flags which appear in front of the torii gates have been purchased by those who pray for prosperity in their businesses. These are often the most costly prayers and only large companies are featured here.

Before leaving, take a seat in the rest area just opposite the large pond. During certain times of the year, purple wisteria grows all over the canopy. This beautiful scene is the perfect place to end your time at the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine.

Dankazura

As you start to head back to the train station, we walk down the pedestrian walkway or dankazura. The Dankazura is a stunning alley flanked on either side by beautiful sakura trees and brightly coloured flower gardens.

Ni no Torii

At the end of the alley, you come to the Ni no Torii, the final torii gate. On either side of this torii gate are two large guardian lion-dogs. The one on the left has its mouth open forming the Sanskrit letter “A”. On the other hand, the one right has its mouth closed forming the sound of the Sanskrit letter “MA”. Together the lions are attempting to sound out “Aum” which is a sacred sound and mantra practiced in Buddhism.

The post Uncover the History and Beauty of Kamakura’s Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gū Temple: Your Ultimate Self-Guided Tour first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Table Of Contents

1. Map of Walking Tour
2. History of Kyoto
3. Higashi Honganji Temple
4. The Founder’s Hall Gate
5. Kyosendo
6. Tofu Shop
7. Ayako Tenmangu Shrine
8. Walden Woods Kyoto
9. Fabric Stores
10. Ichihime Jinja
11. Ame-no-Mana-I Well
12. Gojo Rakuen
13. Takase River
14. Artists Studios
15. Yamauchi Nintendo
16. Shomem-bashi Bridge
17. Kanshundo Higashimisea
18. Toyokuni Shrine
19. Hoko-ji Temple

Map of Walking Tour

History of Kyoto

Although Kyoto is a modern city with 2.5 million inhabitants, it has a quiet, traditional side. Kyoto has evidence of settlements as early as the 6th century. But during the 8th century, Buddhists travelled to Kyoto from China to establish a new village that would become Kyoto.

In the 16th century, Toyotomi Hideyoshi designed urban Kyoto using rectangular and square blocks of houses. Everything was designed to be accessible and easy to navigate, much like the grid structure New York is modelled on today.

The Divison of Kyoto

The city of Kyoto, once the capital of Japan, was established in a precise location for a particular reason. The Buddhists of the period said that a city should only be built in a place where four gods can protect it. There needed to be a mountain to the North, a river to the east, a road to the west, and a plain with water to the south.

Kami of Kyoto

Each one of those elements represented a different Kami (Japanese god). The Tortoise god was represented by the North Mountains Hiei and Atago. The West Road represented the White Tiger God, which connected Japan to all the major cities to the west. The Red Phoenix god was characterized by the Uji River and the south plains. And finally, the great Dragon God was represented by the eastern Kamo River. These elements made Kyoto the perfect spot, as per Chinese legends.

Because Kyoto was saved from the extensive bombings by the USA in WWII, the town has preserved much of its original architecture. Walking along these backstreets, there are ordinary residential houses that feel like museum pieces. A piece of history from another time and place. And yet they are just as ubiquitous as anything else on the street.

Higashi Honganji Temple

Our tour begins at the Higashi Honganji Temple. The temple complex is enormous as Higashi Honganji is one of Japan’s most prominent Buddhist denominations, and this is its headquarters. Higashi Honganji has approximately 10,000 local temples, 50 regional offices and over 200 temples overseas.

Goeido and Amidado Halls

The two buildings standing in the centre of the grounds are the Goeido Hall (dedicated to Shinran, the sect’s founder) and the Amidado Hall (dedicated to the Amida Buddha, the most important Buddha in Jodo-Shin Buddhism). These buildings are of great historical importance and have been designated as UNESCO world heritage sites. We begin here because these incredible structures were the blueprint onto which even the most modest house, garden or shrine was built to emulate. You’ll see details from the temples here everywhere you look, in small bits and pieces as we go!

Cleansing Yourself Before Entering

Before entering the shrine, it is customary that you wash your hands. Washing is a means of cleansing the body before stepping onto the sacred ground. At the entrance to the temple, with a fierce dragon spewing water. Beneath him is a series of ladles. Take a spoon and, with water, pour it over one hand and the other. Finally, fill the scoop with water and pour it into your cupped hands. Rinse your mouth and spit the water beside the fountain (NOT INTO IT). Many visitors skip the mouth rinsing part, so if you’re not up for that, just be sure to cleanse your hands. Even if you are not religious, doing this is seen as a sign of respect in your visit to the temple.

Shin Buddism

Jōdo Shinshū, or Shin Buddhism, started in 1173. It is the most popular form of Buddhism practised in Japan, partly due to its simple methods. Shin Buddhism “focuses on daily practice, open-minded reflection, and the direct and personal religious experience of the transcending mystery of life, symbolized by Amida Buddha.“

Goeido Hall

The Goeido Hall is one of Japan’s largest wooden structures. Originally built in the Edo period (1603–1868), the current structure is a faithful reconstruction of the Meiji period (1868–1912).

Inside the main hall, you’ll find a peaceful spot for meditation. The high ceilings are dotted with golden chandeliers in the shape of blooming lotus flowers. 90 wooden pillars support the roof, complete with organically shaped capitals. Delicate tatami mats cover the floor, their light colour contrasting with the dark wood surrounding it. A large golden altar sits on a raised platform in front of the hall. On top of the altar is a wooden statue depicting “Shinran,” the founder of the Jodo Shinshu sect.

Amida Hall

Opposite the main hall, connected by a long wooden ramp, is the Amida Hall. This building was rebuilt in 1895 and contains a statue of the all-mighty “Amida Buddha.” Throughout the complex, you’ll pass through these large wooden walkways. The design of the walkways makes you feel as though they are extensions of the main structures, like limbs reaching out. Such a complex design displays the architectural prowess of the Edo period.

Dioramas

Outside on the walkway, you’ll find some small exhibits about the construction of the halls. In one, we can see a little diorama which depicts how the lumber was transported from the forests to the temple. In another scene, workers are fleeing an avalanche; some look like they’re not going to make it! The dioramas convey how some people had to risk their lives, so this temple could be created, and this exhibit pays homage to their sacrifice.

In another glass case, we can see an enormous, dark rope. It’s as thick as an oil drum and, shockingly, was created entirely from human hair. Female Buddhists would donate their hair to the temple to be turned into these strong ropes. This would help workers move the lumber into place and was one of the most important tools of the temple’s construction.

The Founder’s Hall Gate

Although multiple gates are used to access the temple grounds, the most impressive of all the gates is “The Founder’s Hall Gate.” The gate was built in 1911 and is over 92 feet tall. It is quite opulent and has two roofs, stacked one on top of the other. This creates a layered effect like on a pagoda.

Along the temple’s exterior runs a small moat filled with lily pads and lotus, flanked by rows of Japanese black pines. The green trees set against the beige structures against a blue sea sky are one of the best colour combinations out there!

Kyosendo

After touring the temple, we head away from the tourists and into the real backstreets of Kyoto. Head to Kyosendo, where craftsmen and women keep old traditions alive. In this shop, artists create and assemble Japanese fans in the same manner as they have been made for hundreds of years.

History of Japanese Fans

The first appearance of fans in Japan was in the early 6th century, brought over from China, although these fans did not fold but were completely flat. They were also very large and needed to be operated by a servant since they were too big to hold in your hand.

Legend has it that the Japanese folding fan was invented when a craftsman serving the emperor saw a bat and was inspired by the design of its wings. The fact that the fan could fold made it easier to hold in your hand when not in use and could travel more effectively.

Varieties of Fans

There are three main varieties of Japanese fans; the feather, the folding fan and the brisé. Traditional Japanese fans are magnificently painted with images of pines, chrysanthemums, birds, plums, cherry blossoms and more! Every design contains a rush of symbols representing Japan or even hints at a theme important to the person for which the fan is being made.

For 250 years, Japan remained closed off from international trading, and when its doors were finally opened, its exports were highly sought-after items. Japanese fans began flooding the North American and European marketplaces, some of the most fashionable accessories. At this shop, you cannot only look at the artisans still making these fans but buy one to take home for yourself.

Tofu Shop

Opposite the fan shop, you’ll almost always hear a clamouring surrounding a glass refrigerator case. People come and go at all hours to buy fresh, locally-made tofu.

Inside the shop, there is a sweet fragrance that fills the air. Well-worn machines surround the outer walls of the shop, and women in aprons mull about pouring hot soy milk into plastic moulds. They sprinkled each square with magnesium chloride (which is the magic ingredient that turns soy milk into tofu.) Tofu is to Kyoto as pizza is to New York. Wide varieties are made all over Japan, but nowhere does it better than Kyoto.

History of Tofu in Japan

The tofu was first brought to Kyoto by Buddhist monks in the 6th century, who could not eat meat or dairy as an alternative protein. This tofu is extra creamy, and you can taste just how fresh it is. It’s almost like pudding! In addition to tofu, they also made little pastry-like buns from the leftover soy, which people from all over town come to purchase at lunchtime. Try one for yourself! A great treat that ensures nothing goes to waste.

Ayako Tenmangu Shrine

Continue down the streets until you come upon the Ayako Tenmangu Shrine. Sitting outside the shrine is a large stone sculpture of a bull. The bull is the symbol of health in Japan, and this shrine is dedicated to bringing health to your body and mind. The shrine is very popular during exam season when students come here to pray for academic success!

Walden Woods Kyoto

Fabric Stores

Along the backstreets of Kyoto, you’ll stumble upon almost every kind of shop! Some streets seemed completely residential, and suddenly, you’ll come across a high fashion kimono shop selling one-of-a-kind garments for Japanese weddings. These store hours are very sporadic, so I didn’t want to list anyone in particular, but weaving your way up to our next destination is a great way of discovering something for yourself!

Kimono shops, wedding kimono shops especially, are spectacular! The colours were stunning, and the amount of layering is almost impossible to imagine how these women managed to walk effortlessly and look graceful under all that weighty cloth. But fashion comes at a price!

Family Cemetery

Stop at this family-run shrine and cemetery located at the northern end of town. Here you can take a moment to learn about how the Japanese experience death.

About Japanese Cemeteries

In Japan, entire families are buried altogether. One giant stone displays their family name, and the wooden sticks surrounding it refer to the different family members who have passed; unlike in North America, where we don’t visit cemeteries all that often, it is very common in Japan to visit your family tombstone weekly. You would bring with you things your loved one cherished in life, like; beer, food or even sometimes something to read. Japanese families keep their loved ones close, even in death.

Ichihime Jinja

After a short rest or a beverage stop at one of the many street vending machines, head back out to find the Ichihime Jinja shrine. Ichihime Jinja is best known for its protection of women. All the gods worshipped here are female deities. The shrine was once even featured on a popular Japanese TV show, and ever since, women from all over the world have come here to receive the blessings of the maternal deities.

Omikuji

The Omikuji fortunes at this shrine are unique as they are stuffed inside cute, red wooden dolls in the shape of a lady. Each one has a different hand-painted face and holds within it a secret fortune. If you receive a negative fortune, tie it up on the wall with the other to ensure the bad omen doesn’t come to pass.

How to Pray

Towards the back area of the shrine is where you’ll find the haiden. This is where you pay your respects to the gods. First, drop a coin into the offering box. Next, you need to ring the bell. Ringing this bell is important in the prayer process as it lets the gods know you’re there. Ring the suzu bell, bow twice, clap your hands twice, and bow once more.

Ame-no-Mana-I Well

Besides the shrine, you’ll find the famous Ame-no-Mana-I well. This well was once used by royal families, and it is said that cleansing yourself in the springs of the well will result in your wish being granted.

Gojo Rakuen

Further along, find your way to the Gojo Rakuen area. This neighbourhood used to be the old red light, Geisha district. Although real geishas weren’t like prostitutes (they were more like companions and entertainers), various women of the night would dress like geisha and offer up their “services” to gain a particular type of clientele in this area. Brothels inside wooden teahouses were once the main establishment on these streets.

Fifth Street Paradise

Gojo Rakuen translates into “fifth street paradise.” That “paradise” refers to all the “pleasure” services once offered here. A strange feature could identify these houses of ill-repute. Unlike the red lights district in Amsterdam, where the houses were lit up with red lights to identify them as brothels, Japanese brothels were identifiable by having a fish tank outside their open door.

After becoming a seedy part of town, many branches of the Yakuza (the Japanese mafia) also moved into the area, making it an off-limits place for many Japanese people for years. Only now, after the Yakuza had been exiled from Kyoto, can people walk these streets without fear.

Takase River

Unlike European cities, where houses along the river bank are seen as some of the most desirable properties in the city, the houses along the riverbank in Kyoto are old, wooden townhomes. Some almost falling apart. They are humble houses that have yet to be swept up in the wave of urbanization.

Walking through these streets, many old tea houses and traditional restaurants remain. No trendy cafes or loud bars. These streets keep the vestiges of the old ways. Take a minute to stop along the bridge across the Takase River for a hydration break! It’s amazing in a city as famous as Kyoto, you can find such peace and quiet.VVVVVVVVVVV

Artists Studios

Due to the run-down nature of this area, and the low real estate prices, artists began to flock to this part of town. Here they could work on their craft; soon, these backstreets became a wash of artists and craftspeople. Walking, you might see people selling wares outside their front door. No official shop, just ceramics laid out in a box with an honour system for payment. I managed to poke my head into a small studio with open doors.

Inside, an old Japanese woman, surrounded by paint brushes and books, sat there painting the tiniest details onto a minuscule clay figurine. Japanse pottery is one of the oldest art forms in the country, and this woman was preserving its legacy. Surrounding her were hundreds of reference books, patterns, antique pottery and more.

Visiting Artists Workshops

Her face was so serious, but when she looked up, and I complimented her on her work, she smiled so wide – even after all these years, it still made her happy to see her work was appreciated. Hidden in the nooks and crannies of her studio were some of her pieces ready to be sent to high-end shops all over Kyoto.

Yamauchi Nintendo

Before heading across the bridge, we passed the former headquarters of Nintendo. This was their main location when Nintendo was just a Japanese playing card company established in 1889. Long before it had anything to do with Mario or Luigi. Inside this building was where Pokemon was first invented. The quiet street was very unassuming, and it was unbelievable that years later, Pokemon would become one of the most popular past times for kids worldwide.

Shomem-bashi Bridge

Crossing the Kamogawa river, we head over the Shomen-bashi bridge. This is a more modern bridge than the original one, which once stood here. It was built in 1952, but nonetheless, it keeps in line with the aesthetics of the area’s original architecture.

From the bridge, you can see both sides of Kyoto and the mountains in the background. On hot summer days, the riverbank is filled with tourists and locals relaxing alongside. On either part of the riverbank, balconies from restaurants and old townhouses overlooked the waters.

Kanshundo Higashimisea

Across the bridge, stop at Kanshundo Higashimise. This traditional candy shop has been in business for over 150 years. The sweet shop sells wagashi sweets made by skilled artisans who turn sugar into coin-sized delicate works of art in all magical shapes. These handmade treats always have seasonal touches. Since it was autumn when we were there, the chefs had different autumnal flavours added to the wagashi.

Wagashi

Take a seat at the back, where you can order a cup of green tea and a sample of one of their handmade desserts. The wagashi was made to perfectly complement the slightly bitter flavour of the green tea.
The ingredients for wagashi are fairly simple; it’s only sugar, rice flour, and some additional flavouring. But the decoration, shape and complex flavours make an otherwise simple treat into something fantastical. These treats are often served at tea ceremonies or special occasions.

Toyokuni Shrine

After a quick snack, head over to Toyokuni Shrine. Originally constructed in 1599, the shrine was built in memory of the great leader, Tokugawa Ieyasu. Tokugawa Ieyasu wanted to be treated like a god after his death and had his followers build this great shrine where people could worship his memory after his passing. But his popularity proved to be his demise, even after death. The next ruler, Toyokuni, was jealous of the dead leader’s reputation and had the shrine destroyed. The new leader had a new shine built in his honour on the same spot. Just to spite the old ruler.

Karamon Gate

The karamon gate you walk through to enter the shrine is rumoured to have been moved from the historic Fushimi Castle. This gate is one of Japan’s most iconic karamon gates, and people travel from all over to view its striking architectural design. Despite being over 400 years old, much of the gold leaf decorating the outside of the gate is from the original structure. The gate has been so lovingly cared for; therefore, even the oldest details were well preserved.

The gate was built in the Momoyama period when Japanese architecture broke away from many aspects of Chinese architecture to create its own style. Carved onto the gate are images of cranes made by Hidari Jingoro, one of the most famous carvers of the 16th century. The cranes all possess no eyes because, as the legend goes, if they had eyes, they would simply fly away and not stand and protect the temple.

Toyotomi Hideyoshi

Entombed inside the shrine is Toyotomi Hideyoshi himself, and many people visit the shrine simply to pray near his tomb. They hope their prayers will transfer some of his power to them.

Toyotomi’s family crest is a cluster of gourds. Today, you can purchase an ema in the shape of a gourd. Emas are wooden prayer plaques where worshippers can write their prayers or wishes. Another popular item the shrine is known for is its amulets called “Samuhara,” which are said to ward off misfortunes.

Hoko-ji Temple

Adjacent to the shrine is an ageing temple containing an enormous bell. These are the remnants of the ancient Hoko-ji Temple. Hoko-ji Temple was once one of the greatest temples in Japan, but after many wars, earthquakes and fires, all that remains is the giant bell. This part is hidden off to the side of the temple, sitting in the middle of a run-down parking lot. But it is absolutely worth your time to come and see it!

This prayer bell is the largest in Japan. It is 4.2 meters high and weighs a whopping 82 tonnes!

If you crane your head over the barrier, you can see restored engravings and paintings that decorate the ceiling of the bell’s roof.

Not many people visit this temple, as it’s not one of the most notable. But as such, it was such a peaceful place to contemplate life and end our tour of the backstreets of Kyoto.

I hope you enjoyed this backstreets tour. Finding hidden treasures along the way is my favourite part of travel, so don’t hesitate the share your favourite unknown aspects of this incredible, historical city!

Happy Travel Adventurers!

The post Exploring the Hidden Secrets of Kyoto, an Alternative Walking Tour first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Table Of Contents

1. Access
2. #1. Take a Walk on the Boardwalk
3. #2. Light some Spirit Cleansing Incense in the Benten-do
4. #3. Read Your Fortune
5. 4. Sample Street Food
6. #5. Ride in a Duck Boats
7. #6. Admire the Kiyomizu Kannon Temple
8. #7. Walk Through the Torii Gates
9. #8. Have a Hanami
10. #9. Find the Ueno Daibutsu
11. #10. Take a Step Back in Time at the Tokyo National Museum
12. #11. Write Your Wishes on an Ema
13. #12. Find the Golden Gates of Toshogu Shrine
14. #13. Ameya Yokocho

Access

Ueno Park covers a large area and is surrounded by several stations. Most people who visit the park simply take the JR line to Ueno Station.

#1. Take a Walk on the Boardwalk

As you pass through the main gates of Ueno Park, you come upon a sea of green lotus leaves, absolutely glowing against that blue sky. This is Shinobazu Pond. The pond is situated in the south part of Ueno Park and is divided into three different areas. The Lotus Pond, the Boat Pond and the Cormorant Pond. There are several boardwalks across the Lotus pond which seemed to disappear into the green masses as they trailed off.

#2. Light some Spirit Cleansing Incense in the Benten-do

Beside the pond, stands a moderately tall temple with a bright teal roof and octagonal shell painted brilliant red. This is a Benten-dō. A Benten-dō is an octagonal temple dedicated to Benten, the goddess of good fortune, wealth, music and knowledge.  Temples are the places of worship for Japanese Buddhists and often store and display sacred Buddhist objects. The roofs of these temples are almost always the most impressive part of the building. The intricate patterns of tiles create a rich texture, and intricate sculptures line the eaves, a contrast to the simple wooden structure below. In front of the temple, you’ll find a large incense burner where locals will come to cleanse themselves before entering. Incense has been used in Buddism since the 6th century in Japan and is often used as a means of purifying yourself before entering the temple for meditation. The smell permeated this en

#3. Read Your Fortune

Found inside more shrines are cabinets containing ‘O-mikujis’. O-mikujis means ” the sacred lot” and are random fortunes written on pieces of paper housed in beautiful wooden drawers near the shrine. There are various ways of receiving these fortunes, but often they received by shaking a metal container with different sticks inside until one stick comes out a small hole at the top. You can then match the Kanji characters carved on the stick to the wooden drawers along the wall where your corresponding fortune will be found. Your fortune will always be characterized by a type of blessing. These blessings range from; great blessings, small blessings, half blessings, ending blessings and even, god forbid, curses. In additional to blessings, your fortune will also contain a reference to an aspect of your life. These can be such topics as; travel, lost articles, romantic relationships, disputes and business dealings.

4. Sample Street Food

Food stalls pop up all over the parks and around the temples. Even during the offseason, there is almost always something delicious to be found here! Most of the food stalls are selling traditional Japanese street food. If you’ve just arrived in Japan, this is such a great opportunity to dive right into to trying all different kinds of Japanese treats. Don’t be scared of these, Japanese street food is very safe to eat!

#5. Ride in a Duck Boats

Around the back of the Benten-dō is the Boat Pond. This body of water is home to the brightly coloured duck boats and other small paddle boats available for rent. The cost to rent a swan boat is 700 yen for 30 minutes. Peddling around the pond, especially during cherry blossom season is a wonderful experience!

#6. Admire the Kiyomizu Kannon Temple

Make your way towards steep steps and climb up to the Kiyomizu Kannon Temple. From the top of the stairs, you have the most fantastic view of the Bentendo below and the beautiful trees surrounding it. The first Kiyomizu Kannondo temple was built in 1631. Although fire and weather have destroyed the original temple, the one standing atop the hill now is a perfect replica of the same one people have worshipped at for ages past. Standing in the courtyard and on the deck, you feel as though time has stopped. Nothing surrounds you but trees and the outside world, full of technology, stress and troubles, seems so far away.

The Kiyomizu Kannondo temple is home to a relic of Kosodate Kannon, the goddess of conception, and is particularly popular among women hoping to have children. You see many ladies come up these steps with their husbands, cheerfully smiling, hoping the goddess will bless them with their heart’s desire. Other women approach the temple with a more

#7. Walk Through the Torii Gates

Walk back down to the stairs from the temple and stroll along the main walkway. Head towards the Ana Inari shrine where you’ll find a stunning collection of ‘torii’ gates.  A ‘torii’ gate is commonly found at the entrance of a Shinto shrine, where it symbolically marks the transition from the mortal realm to the sacred realm. The brilliant vermillion colour you often see these gates painted with is used as the colour acts to block out magical powers and evil spirits. 

As we sauntered down the rows of bright vermillion gates, we saw various, curious stone foxes with red scarves on either side of the shrine. These are called ‘Kitsune’ or fox spirit. These Kitsune are believed to possess superior intelligence, long life, and magical powers and are also there to protect the shrines. Foxes in North America are often thought of as devious scoundrels, but in Japan, they are revered with the highest regard.

#8. Have a Hanami

Along the main road that winds throughout the park are rows upon rows of cherry blossom trees. There are over 1000 trees in the park, and in April they attract ‘hanami parties’ where locals come to celebrate and enjoy the incredible views. Even if you are visiting outside of cherry blossom season, I think these trees, no matter what time of years, are still the perfect place to park yourself under and enjoy a conbini picnic!

#9. Find the Ueno Daibutsu

One of the most interesting edifices in the park is the temple dedicated to the Ueno Daibutsu. The Ueno Daibutsu was a giant bronze Buddha statue that stood from 1631 – 1923. Unfortunately, it was destroyed in the Great Tokyo Earthquake of 1923. The remains were if you can believe it, melted down to make bullets in WWII and today all that remains is the great Buddha’s face. People come from all over to see it. Outside the temple, the emas are all painted with the Ueno Daibutsu’s face.

#10. Take a Step Back in Time at the Tokyo National Museum

The Tokyo National Museum is the oldest and largest museum in Japan. It’s spread out across over 5 different buildings located inside the park. There are over 110,000 items on display which help newcomers to Japan learn all about its rich history! Admission is only 620 yen, which is less than $6 making it an amazingly cheap way to travel back in time!

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#11. Write Your Wishes on an Ema

Outside almost every temple in Japan, you’ll see hundreds of small, wooden plaques hanging on a large board. Each one is painted on one side, and the other is left for the user to write upon it. These are called ‘Emas‘. Emas are prayers or wishes left for the gods to receive. Often ema will bear pictures which may reflect the wish or the god they are trying to reach out to. The word ’ema’ means “picture horse”. This is because long ago, people would donate their horses to shrines to win favour with the gods.

As time went on, this tradition was transferred to wooden plaques with horses painted on them. These days, you donate money to the shrine to receive your chosen ema. People will often use their ema wish for luck on an exam or for a happy marriage or even just to pray for a child. Depending on your type of wish, you can search out a shrine or temple which specializes in your kind of wish.

#12. Find the Golden Gates of Toshogu Shrine

If you’re interested in seeing some Edo style architecture, head over to the Toshogu Shrine. This gorgeous shrine has survived earthquakes, wars and the worst of them all, urbanization! The shrine was dedicated to the Tokugawa Shoguns (commander in chief in feudal Japan) and is the final resting place of Tokugawa Ieyasu, who ruled Japan for over 250 years until 1868. Unlike some more modest shrines, this shrine is full of ostentatious ornamentation! Everywhere you look there appears to be gold leaf, shining in the sunlight. Over 50 copper lanterns greet you as you enter. Be sure to study the gorgeous wood carving painted in stunning rainbow colours which decorate the entire exterior of the shrine.

#13. Ameya Yokocho

To end your day, head over to Ameya-Yokochō. Ameya-Yokochō is a marketplace home to over one hundred and eighty-one shops occupying about 164,227 square feet outside of Ueno station. The market consists of two streets, which run parallel to the train line. The first street is mainly street vendors selling local produce and fresh food while the other streets have mostly permanent shops which sell everyday goods and slightly more upscale merchandise. The name Ameya-Yokochō comes from the word “ameya” which in Japanese means “candy store”. After WWII, sugar was hard to obtain, but in this area of Japan, there were many candy stores still selling the precious sweets. Even today, you can still find a few stores selling Japanese candy. It’s a great place to find sweet and savoury items or just browse some awesome shops where you can find great souvenirs at low, low prices!

The post 13 Awesome Things to do in the Ueno Park, the Best Park in Tokyo first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Table Of Contents

1. 1. Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine
2. 2. The Kimono Forest
3. 3. Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
   • Advice on Touring the Forest
4. 4. Nishi Market
5. 5. Kyoto Tower
6. 6. Traditional Fan Shops
7. 7. Kamo River Bridge
8. 9. Kiyomizu-dera Temple
9. 10. Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavillion
10. 11. The Philosopher's Path
11. 12. Nanzen-ji Temple & Hōjō Gardens

1. Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine

Fushimi Inari-Taisha ShrineOne of the most iconic images of Japan has to be the bright, vermilion-coloured torii gates of Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto. Many people come to Fushimi Inari Taisha not knowing the scope of it. They see the images online and think it’s just a few small alleyways – this is far from the whole picture. The main shrine sits at the base of the Inari mountains, but a path of thousands of torii gates behind the building leads visitors up 233 meters above sea level to visit 4 kilometres of sub-shrines, finally ending at the magnificent mountain top shrine.

To get the best shot without hundreds of people crowded inside the gates, prepared for a long hike. When you first the Torii gate trail, you’ll see it is crammed with tourists. The effect of the gates might seem a little distorted when full of people, but as you continue to walk, more and more people drop off, having had their fill, and suddenly you’ll find yourself being the only one in these fields of bright orange forest. The hike really pays off, and the view from the top of the mountain is absolutely breathtaking.

2. The Kimono Forest

About 30 minutes from the centre of the city is the village of Arashiyama. While this place is most famous for its incredible bamboo forest (also in this list), one of the more obscure places to visit here, which is absolutely unbelievable for Instagrammers, is the Kimono Forest. Behind the Sagano Romantic Train Station, you’ll find a forest created from a series of cylinder-shaped pillars. Each one contains various strips of fabric, the kind used in the design of traditional Japanese Kimonos. There are about 600 different pillars with 32 different patterns inside. Walk around to see if you can spot them all! The best time of day to see this exhibit is at dusk since the columns all light up and form a glowing pathway.

3. Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is heralded as being one of the “most beautiful groves on earth” and has been designated a “National Historic Site and Place of Scenic Beauty” by Japan. The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is truly a place unlike anywhere else. It’s a spot where you can escape yourself, as long as you manage to escape the throngs of tourists as well. Obviously, everyone wants to be here when you have a clear shot of the grove without anyone in the way. Lots of people will tell you to come even before sunrise. And while that’s probably your best chance, even those super early risers have been disappointed to see that hundreds of others had the same idea.

Advice on Touring the Forest

My advice is to take the crowds as they come and not to stress about waking up SUPER early on what’s supposed to be a relaxing vacation. I actually found that later in the afternoon, there were the least amount of people in comparison to the morning. It seemed like the tour buses were well on their way home as the sun began to set.

But even with tourists aplenty, there is still plenty to enjoy and ways to get those amazing shots! If one area becomes inundated with people, quickly pass through the crowd, and suddenly you’ll see that the path opens up. The dense areas of individuals tend to be formed by bus tours, all walking through together, so if you pass by them quickly, you might find that space they just left is pretty empty. A lot of these tour buses also don’t spend too much time in the forest. They enter at the beginning of the path but never make it to the end. I found that if you walk to the very end of the grove, you’ll find that by the end of the path, you’ll have the place to yourself at times.

4. Nishi Market

The Nishiki Market now spans five covered street blocks with hundreds of shops and restaurants on either side. Because the market is a covered pedestrian walking area, this is a great place to come if it happens to be raining while you’re visiting. They call this market “Kyoto’s Kitchen” since anything you need to prepare your meals is all right here under one roof. The market was first opened in 1615! Visually this street is a wonder! The red, yellow and green glass-covered rooftop cast this incredible glow down on all the shops below, each one of which has the most amazing visuals out on display; some are handicrafts, others are brightly coloured cakes, shiny fish scales glimmering in the lights or even the mochi makers pounding their delightfully green creations.

5. Kyoto Tower

Kyoto Tower, located right above Kyoto’s central train station, is the tallest structure in Kyoto and definitely the most modern one as well. It really stands out, literally as well as figuratively. While it might seem out of place, the juxtaposition of the contemporary tower against an ancient skyline and the scenic mountains in the distance is a wonderfully composed photo.

6. Traditional Fan Shops

A traditional Japanese folding fan is one of the most popular souvenir items which people bring back from Japan, but unlike some touristy things, Japanese people do indeed use these daily in the more rural areas of Japan where modern conveniences are a luxury. Before air conditioning, these fans were the perfect way to keep cool on a hot day and their design and the artist who made them have been highly regarded for hundreds of years. You can still visit the artisans who create these iconic fans at Hangesho in the Shin Miyagawa Muso neighbourhood. This is where some of Kyoto’s famous Geisha get their fans, which they use in their tea ceremonies. Watching the delicate hands of these artists at work is a genuine experience but looking at their works on the walls is a feast for your eyes (and camera)!

7. Kamo River Bridge

Near Gion, you’ll find the Kamo River Bridge. The best place to get a shot of the main bridge is from the bridge just south of the main crossing. The Kamo River has served over the years as a place of great importance for the people of Kyoto. The river was diverted in the 8th century to ensure the new course past the town’s new capital Heian Capital (now called Kyoto).

The river was not only a place for the locals to get their drinking water but was where many of the local fabric makers would come to dye their beautiful fabrics, and pottery makers would begin to get supplies for their work, two iconic symbols of Kyoto craftsmanship. At night the lights from the neighbouring street light up the ancient trees, which line the river’s edge and create the most stunning picture. From here, you can also see the famous Minamiza Kabuki Theater in the distance, as well as a myriad of other iconic structures from Kyoto’s architectural history.

8. Geisha Spotting in Gion

The Gion district is one of Kyoto’s oldest neighbourhoods. The streets seem to surge with history, but what makes this area so unique is that it is one of the last remaining places where you can see real Geishas in Japan. Up and down these streets, you can keep your eyes open and see if you can catch a glimpse of a Geisha on her way to a tea house where exclusive guests enjoy an evening of traditional Japanese entertainment.

If you see a Maiko or Geiko in the streets, be respectful. They don’t mind if you take a picture, but they won’t stop and take a picture with you or stop to chat. If they’re on the street, they are on their way to work and don’t have time to dillydally. Let them go on their way, and just allow yourself to be an observer of their grandiose presence. The best time to spot Geisha is right before dinner time when they leave their homes to head to their private tea houses.

9. Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Upon a mountain, glowing orange against a sea of green trees is Kiyomizu-Dera Temple. This temple is one of the best places to visit in Kyoto to see traditional Japanese architecture. Kiyomizu-dera was founded here in 778, but most of the buildings you’ll see today were built in 1633. The name ‘Kiyomizu-dera’ comes from the waterfall which flows through the grounds since the word ‘Kiyoi mizu’ means pure water. I love this temple so much; visiting it feels like uncovering levels of beauty as you approach.

The walk up the hill towards the temple is full of antique shops selling brightly coloured goods, then you reach a bright red gate guarded by incredible statues. Inside you’ll see the gorgeous vermillion Koyasu Pagoda and, finally, the ancient wooden main hall. It was built without a single nail, and the veranda juts out 13 meters over the forest floor below with a view of the city below that is unrivalled!

10. Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavillion

Northwest of the city centre, you’ll find Kinkaku-ji, the Temple of the Golden Pavilion. Originally this incredible complex was built as a villa for one of the most influential statesmen in Kyoto. After many years it changed hands but eventually was converted into a Zen temple. The pavilion is one of the most popular tourist sites in Kyoto and draws millions of visitors a year. One of the reasons is the sheer power which this building holds. The top two storeys of the pavilion are covered in PURE gold leaf!

The juxtaposition of this against the simple and natural environment of the trees surrounding it feels like something out of a painting or Japanese woodcut print. While there are a lot of tourists who can take away from the zen-like experience, much like the Bamboo forest, it’s all about finding your way away from the crowds and enjoying those precious quiet moments you will manage while here.

11. The Philosopher’s Path

The Philosopher’s Path is one of the most magnificent exploratory walks you can experience in Kyoto. The path is located in the northern area of Higashiyama at the base of Kyoto’s East Mountain. It is a place to wander, to find yourself, to embrace peace and quiet and to see what makes Kyoto so unique as a city. The path follows the Lake Biwa Canal for around 29 kilometres at the base of the mountain. The trail is lined with cherry trees on either side. During the cherry blossom season, this is one of the most popular spots to come and view the spectacle.

12. Nanzen-ji Temple & Hōjō Gardens

Nanzen-ji Temple was built in 1291 for Emperor Kameyama on the site of his former palace. Inside you’ll find the Hōjō gardens, which are one of the best examples of “karesansui” gardens in Japan. They mirror the natural forms of their environment, and unlike many European gardens, they are 90% gravel. This might seem odd and ugly, but the result is a marriage of the natural environment and the man-made arts. Inside the Hōjō, you’ll find Japanese screen paintings with golden embellishments by Kanō Tan’yū, which are considered a National Treasure in Japan.

The post 12 of the Most Instagrammable Spots to see in Kyoto first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Table Of Contents

1. Access
2. Admission and Hours
   • Special Admission to the Dharma Hall
3. History
4. Hyakka'en garden
5. Chōzubachi
6. Views from the Shrine
7. Sogenchi Teien Pond Garden
8. Dragon Gate Falls
9. The Sand Garden
10. Rinzai School of Zen Buddhism
11. The Teaching Temple
12. The Hojo
    • Daihojo
    • Kohojo
      • Happy Travels, Adventurers

Access

Tenryu-ji is just a short walk from the Keifuku Arashiyama Station. If you’re travelling directly from Kyoto Station though the best way to access the temple is from JR Saga-Arashiyama Station. From JR Saga-Arashiyama Station it’s only a 5-10 minute walk to the temple. The ride from Kyoto station is about 20 minutes long and costs 240 yen.

Admission and Hours

There are two options for ticketing when you come in. You can pay 500 yen ($5 USD) to enter the gardens only or pay an extra 300 yen ($3 USD) which will allow you to also enter the interior of the building. The price difference is pretty minimal, and for anyone interested in Japanese architecture and Buddhism, purchasing the interior ticket is worth the extra cash. The temple is open from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm 365 days a year.

Special Admission to the Dharma Hall

Please note that Dharma Hall requires an additional admission fee of ¥500. The Dharma Hall is open on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays only, and during specially designated periods during the spring and autumn. The Hatto (where the Cloud Dragon is located) is closed to the public on December 31th 2023 to January 2nd, 2024.

History

The Tenryuji temple was first built in 1339 by the ruling Shogun Ashikaga Takauji. Takauji had quarrelled against Emperor Go-Daigo over the supremacy of Japan. When the emperor died, Takauji didn’t have the chance to mend the tensions between the two powerful men. This open-ended disagreement didn’t sit well with Takauji, and so he decided to build the temple in honour of the emperor in the hope of appeasing the emperor’s spirit.

Hyakka’en garden

Walking through the north gate, you first enter the Hyakka’en (flower garden). The Hyakka’en garden is covered in flowering trees, bushes and lush herbs. It was so intensely green and lush. Since it has been growing for over 700 years, it has had the change to no longer feel like it was designed, more like it grew exactly like this. In the flower garden, there was a large bamboo grove where newer bamboo stalks grow. Baby bamboo, you might say

Chōzubachi

As you walk into the temple ground, it is customary that you cleanse your hands. This action will help clean your body and mind. The first step is to pick up the water ladle with your right hand. Then scoop water and wash left hand. Then switch the ladle to your left hand, and wash right hand. Finally, pour some water into your hand and wash your mouth. Spit the water out as rinsing; this is not considered rude as the water is not safe to ingest.

Near the cleansing fountain, you’ll also find a pond full of ceramic frogs where people will throw coins and make wishes.

Views from the Shrine

Before heading around the corner to the large Sogenchi Teien Pond Garden and the main buildings, try taking a walk up the set of stairs to the left of the gardens. This is large hill gives climbers an incredible view of the garden below, Arashiyama and even the mountains far off in the distance.

Walk up the hill and take in the incredible views from the top. There are several benches up where you can stop and have a little snack. Put away your phones and, just for a few minutes, quietly enjoy the peace and tranquility. Most people run up, take a picture and run back down. But when we visited, we were so happy to find ourselves in a moment of the day when we weren’t in a rush and could just take the day as it came. We listened to the gentle rattle of the bamboo grove behind us and the sound of running water trickling from the fountains below.

Sogenchi Teien Pond Garden

The Sogenchi Teien Pond Garden is one of the most important attractions of the temple. It is over 700 years old, designed by Zen master Muso Soseki. Walking through it is like stepping back in time. The surrounding buildings might have been destroyed by fires many times over the years, but the garden has remained the same. Hundreds and hundreds of years memories encased in the water, sand and trees that surround it.

Sogenchi Teien has been dubbed a “strolling” garden since it contains features which can be explored and appreciated from various areas along a level path. The huge pond which stands in the centre of the temple acts as a giant reflecting pool. Mirroring the mountains and the trees around it.

The garden has long been a place for quiet reflections for the Japanese. In 1799 the garden appeared in one of the earlier sightseeing guides of the area. Inside the book, there was a wood print of what the garden once looked like and shockingly enough, aside from many more people, there isn’t a thing that has changed.

Dragon Gate Falls

Across the pond, you can see Dragon Gate Falls. This is made up of several large stones, symbolizing carps swimming upstream. It is an allegory of an old Chinese myth. It goes that “if a carp can swim up a waterfall, it will be turned into a great dragon.” The story in the centre of the pond symbolizing the carps transformations that come only with enlightenment and encourages all those come here to visit or to study to find the same thing.

The Sand Garden

Beside the pond lies a sand garden which had been raked into perfectly straight lines. These sand gardens were intended for spiritual reflection and helped the monks on-site practice meditation.

Rinzai School of Zen Buddhism

The temple is now the headquarter of the Rinzai School of Zen Buddhism. In the Rinzai Zen school, there is great emphasis put on “seeing one’s true nature”. While walking up and down the pathways, I tried my best to get in touch with my true nature, my inner self. Although I didn’t come to any huge realizations, I did feel deep down a massive sense of accomplishment in being here. When I was sick never thought I would get better. When I was alone and I never thought I would be in love again. And yet here I was, alongside my husband, feeling great and explore a country I never would have seen were it not for him.

The Teaching Temple

Most of the buildings in and around Tenryuji are all reconstructions since fires over the years destroyed the originals and even subsequent constructions. The most impressive of all the buildings is the teaching temple. With so many tourists around it’s hard to forget that this temple is also school and an important one at that. The building which now serves as the school is a 1900 reconstruction. Inside you’ll find the image of Gautama Buddha, flanked by two guardians.

The Hojo

The Hojo is the largest structure in the compound, which is made up of two separate buildings; the Daihojo and the Kohojo.

Daihojo

The Daihojo is used only for ceremonies and other large events. Its iconic veranda surrounds the entire structure, providing a seamless combination of indoor and outdoor space for those inside. The floors inside are covered with traditional tatami mats, and rooms are separated by using sliding bamboo doors. Inside this building, we can also find the famous painting by Wakasa Butsugai of the iconic Cloud Dragon.

Kohojo

The Kohojo building serves as a greeting room for visitors and is not as formal as the Daihojo.

Finish your wander around the temple at the pond, filled with a multitude of koi fish. Looking down the large koi swimming around, it made me wonder how long some of these creatures had been around for. Considering the size of them, I wouldn’t be surprised if lurking under the surface there was one the size of the entire pond who started his life here and is still kickin’ it.

When you’re visiting Japan, there comes the point when every temple starts to look alike, and it can be difficult to figure out which ones are worth the visit. But this temple here surely does. It’s ancient garden and beautiful architecture, which seems to melt into the natural surroundings, is truly unique, and something is not to missed.

Happy Travels, Adventurers

The post Step into the Serene World of Tenryu-ji Temple: Your Guide to Arashiyama’s Amazing Hidden Gem first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Table Of Contents

1. Access
2. History
   • The Inari Kami
3. Torii Gates
4. The Power of Vermilion
5. The Main Hall, ‘Hoden’
6. Offerings Hall, ‘Haiden’
7. Ema Plaques and Paper Cranes
8. Omikuji
9. The Beginning of the Hike
   • Buying a Torii Gate
10. Okusha Hohaisho
11. The Inner Shrine
    • Inari Foxes
    • Fox Emas
    • Mini Torri Gate Emas
    • Omokaru Ishi
12. Kumatakasha
13. Headquarters of the Inari Shrines
14. Bamboo Forest
15. Fushimishinpo Shrine
    • Shrine of the Mountain Hawk-Eagle
16. Yotsu-tsuji
17. Kami-no-Yashiro shrine
    • End of the Hike
    • Tsujiura senbei

Access

To get to the shrine, you can take the JR Nara Line to Inari Station, a short 7-minute ride from Kyoto Station only costs 140 yen. When you arrive at the station, you immediately notice the vermillion painted columns all over the platform, to replicate the torii gates at the shrine so you’ll know you’re in the right place.

Walking over from the station and looking up at the mountain, it doesn’t seem like such a difficult hike, but the trek will take you at least 2-3 hours. Even more, if you’re like me and stop along the way to study every shrine and take a million pictures.

History

To understand the significance this place, we must first understand a little bit about Shinto Shrines in general. A Shinto shrine is places of worship for Shintoist. It is also where the kami (Shinto gods) dwell. Inside these shrines are stored objects of worship for the kami. Since different gods have influence over specific parts of life, people will often go to a certain shrine to pray for good fortune in the area of expertise for that kami. These include childbirth, marriage, health and getting good grades at school.

The Inari Kami

The Inari Kami, the god worshipped throughout the entire mountain and subsequent shrines, is the patron of businesses, merchants and manufacturers. For as long as there have been temples for the Inari Kami, people have come here to pray for success in their corporate endeavours.

Torii Gates

Early on after the temple’s construction, worshippers would donate money to ensure their wishes were granted by getting good favour with the kami. To demonstrate their donations, a torii gate would be built with their name inscribed on it. Soon, hundreds of people wanted the same good fortune and came to this now infamous shrine to buy their own torii gates, creating the tunnel of torii gates you see today. Some say there are over 10,000 gates along the path but others claim that the number is well over 30,000.

The Power of Vermilion

Many people wonder why the gates and temple are painted that very particular shade of vermilion. This colour is called shuiro in Japanese and is meant to represent the colour of the sun. The goddess Amaterasu, goddess of the sun, is the most important god in Shintoism and her name literally means shining in heaven. Reflecting elements of her in the architecture of these shines brings them closer to heaven itself.

The Main Hall, ‘Hoden’

The main shrine sits at the base of the mountain. Originally built on Inariyama hill in 711, it was moved to the base of the hill later one in 816 to protect it from earthquakes. The honden or main hall was built in 1499. It’s golden ornaments glitter like sunshine against the bright red painted structure. The main temple is the location of the shrines most precious and sacred objects. Dragon fountains beside the temple are provided so visitor can wash their hands and cleanse themselves before stepping into the sacred space.

Offerings Hall, ‘Haiden’

Opposite the Hoden, is the Haiden or Offerings Hall. Here, visitors can come and make their prayers and offerings. You’ll see hundreds of sacks of rice, sake, wine, beer and other consumer products. The owners of the companies who produce these items will often make a financial donation but also leave their products on display as a means of demonstrating their donation. Free promotion too for people will have respect for corporations who support their chosen Kami.

Ema Plaques and Paper Cranes

In the main shrine, you’ll see ema plaques with wishes written all over them. Alongside the hanging emas are hundreds and thousands of paper cranes. Paper cranes in Japan have a very powerful significance. A little girl whose parents were killed in the bombing of Hiroshima channelled her pain into the creation of these tiny, paper works of art.

They were a symbol of her pain and giving them to the temple was an act of turning in her grief and stepping away from her suffering. These bright and colourful cranes are a symbol of people letting go of their grief and moving forward, to happier times.

Omikuji

In the shrine, you’ll also come across places to buy Omikuji. These are paper fortunes with predictions for your life written on them. But be warned, not all of them are good fortunes. If you receive a bad fortune, to counteract it, simply tie it onto the wire bands beside the shrine. This way, you leave the fortune behind.

The Beginning of the Hike

After wandering around the lower level temple, we headed for the stairs to begin our climb to the top! At the back of the main shrine, you come upon two rows, side by side, of Senbon Torii (thousands of torii gates). No matter which path you take, they both will lead you to the inner shine in the middle of the mountain.

There are said to over 10,000 torii gates lining the path, which creates a tunnel effect which you pass through. There are so many gates at some points that it completely obscures the forest around you. From the map, the trek didn’t look so hard, but as we watched that tiny red point move only slightly after almost half an hour of climbing, we knew this was no walk in the park.

Buying a Torii Gate

The smaller torii gates cost about 400,000 yen, and the larger ones can cost up to 1 million yen! They last about five years up here in the wilderness before they begin to deteriorate and need to be repainted or replaced. You’ll see lots of “wet paint” signs along the path as there is always a dozen or so in the process of being repaired.

When you first enter either side of the Torii gate trail, you’ll see it is crammed with tourists. The effect of the gates might seem a little distorted when full of people but as you continue to walk, more and more people drop off, having had their fill, and suddenly you’ll find yourself being the only one in these fields of bright orange wood.

Okusha Hohaisho

The first station you’ll come to is Okusha Hohaisho, the inner shrine of Fushimi Inari Taisha. This shrine was originally built for pilgrims who came and prayed to the mountain deities. The shrine was built in 1500 and has remained steadfastly the same throughout the years.

The Inner Shrine

The inner shrine was dedicated to the god of rice and sake by the Hata clan in the 8th century. Shintoists who come here to worship always follow a few rituals as they pray. The first thing they do is throw a coin into a box in front of the shrine and ring one of the suzu bells outside. These bells are thought to call the kami and let them know you’re here. They are also believed to repel evil and imbue positive energy.

Next, visitors will bow twice, quietly making their prayer to the kami, clap their hands twice and then bow deeply once more. Watching the deep concentration and devotion in their faces as made their prayers was a powerful and incredible thing to witness.

Inari Foxes

Throughout the shrine and across the pathways, you begin to spot hundreds of stone foxes. Foxes are scared to the Japanese. They were thought to be messengers for the Inari, and they are the representatives of the gods here on earth. Often you’ll see these foxes with different objects in their mouth. Each one of these items represents something significant for the gods. Keys represent the ability these foxes have to unlock a rice granary and bring forth sustenance. A scroll is meant to say the Fox is here to bring the recipient wisdom. A bamboo plant means a plentiful harvest and an orb symbolises spiritual power.

Fox Emas

In the inner shrine, you’ll see ema in the shape of foxes where visitors can write their wishes and draw a face onto the ema, making it all the more personal. Each one of the faces a unique representation of the wish maker.

Mini Torri Gate Emas

There are also miniature torii gate emas that you can buy to write your prayers on. You might not have 40,000 yen, but you can still have a torii gate with your name on it. Dan ended up buying a green copper bell up here from a priest who blessed it with good luck and told him to ring it anytime he wanted to ask the gods for a favour.

Omokaru Ishi

Beside the inner shrine, you’ll also fine the Omokaru Ishi. This is the site of the “light heavy stones”. Here, you place a coin in the box, make a wish and then pick up a stone from the pile. If it’s lighter than you thought it would be, your wish will be granted.

Kumatakasha

After visiting the Omokaru-Ishi, you can continue on the pathway up the hill or take a short detour off the path to visit some of the sub-shrines located just to the south of Kumatakasha. The Kumatakasha is where you can get a great view of the tunnel of torii gates from outside of it. From afar you can more greatly appreciate how densely packed those gates really are.

Headquarters of the Inari Shrines

The temple you’ll see right off this path is a very sweet little temple in the middle of a private bamboo forest. This site is the headquarters of the Inari shrines across Japan. Every Inari shrine from across Japan is represented here via a small sub-shrine. Some no bigger than an apple basket. You could spend hours here looking at all the different sculptures and miniature shrines. There are said to be over 10,000 here, but we didn’t come close to spotting that many.

The large shrine here is marked with a shimenawa which is a straw rope with white zigzag paper strips along the top to marks the boundary between the physical realm and the sacred realm. There was a very kind priest in the shop beside the temple who tried to help explain what the colourful kimonos along the perimeter of the shrine were. Each one was a wish and with a small donation to the shrine, we decided to make one was well. Seeing as our next step in our life was to hopefully get our own house, we wished for that. You were supposed to make the wish in elements of threes, so we went with, “health, happiness and home.”

Bamboo Forest

After walking through the shrine garden, we headed out the back to explore the bamboo forest. There were no signs, or directions and not a soul had ventured in with us. Leaving a super crowded area and heading into an empty one certainly felt like we were breaking in somewhere we weren’t supposed to be. We had visited the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove the day before and fought through hundreds of the people to view the forest. Here, we had our own private viewing garden. The bamboo might not have been as lush and tall but it was equally as beautiful.

Fushimishinpo Shrine

Hidden at the back of the forest is Fushimishinpo Shrine. Beside this shrine are hundreds of O-Tsuka, stone monuments. These may look like tombstones, but they are a monument donated by Shintoists. People who believe in Inari gods will give them names, place the names of the stone monuments and leave them in places like these shrines.

You come down a few steps to find a covered set of small shops and a few restaurants. Because these shops are only open during the busiest months, they were all closed when we arrived. These restaurants feature locals street food like fried tofu, said to be a favourite food of foxes. We peeked inside a few of the shops and were surprised to find that some of the doors were left open. We got a little spooked out and hurriedly, headed back to where we could hear more than just the sound of our own voices.

Shrine of the Mountain Hawk-Eagle

As you continue to hike up the path, you come across a large lake beside the Kumataka-sha shrine. This is the Shrine of the Mountain Hawk-Eagle. Along the lake, above the shrine, there are a few small tea shops (which again were closed while we visited) but there are also a few vending machines here where you could buy various overpriced bottles of water, soda or coffee. Legend has it that if you face the lake and clap your hands, you will hear an echo come back to you. Listen carefully for which direction the echo returns as it says that if you follow in that direction, it will lead you to someone who has lost their way.

Yotsu-tsuji

After the lake, you’ll see the pathways become almost empty. People have all but given up on the journey and yet here you’re barely halfway up. Before the first lookout point, I ran into a man feeding cats at the top of the hill. As he brought out the food, dozens of cats emerged from the forest. It was a haunting image to see when you’re walking through this forest all alone. At about the halfway mark along the path, you’ll come upon Yotsu-tsuji. This small shrine has an incredible view of Kyoto below and the trail of torii gates.

Kami-no-Yashiro shrine

At the summit of Inariyama Mountain, you’ll finally come to the Kami-no-Yashiro shrine, 233 meters above sea level. Up at the top shrine, you’ll find omikuji fortunes which are notorious for being extremely accurate – for some people, it is the entire reason they make the hike up to the summit.

The walk back down the hill is a much easier journey. You can choose to descend on the opposite side you came up so you have some different things to look at.

End of the Hike

Dusk was settling on the mountain, and our stomachs were grumbling. At night, many of the pathways are lit up, and the tourists have significantly dwindled. We wish we could have stayed longer and see the trail when it is all aglow but we were exhausted from our journey and decided to head home.

As we left, we ran into a few women in their finest kimonos leaving the temple. It was magic hour and seeing these alluring dresses as the sun began to set was one of that one-of-a-kind moments.

Tsujiura senbei

As you leave the shrine and head back to the station, you pass some sweet shops. The most famous treat being sold here is the tsujiura senbei, a fortune cookie from the 19th century.Snack carts sold a myriad of street food, infusing the entire lane with sweet and savory smells. Roasted dango was another popular dish found all over the streets here. It was being uniquely prepared as the dango rested around hot coals in the centre of an urn where they are slowly turned to give them an even char.

Fushimi Inari-taisha is truly one of the man-made wonders of the world. Finding time to come here and make the entire journey is highly recommended. The best time to come is early in the morning or as the sun sets at night since the crowds are the lowest and the light is stunning. Although we did find that even with heavy crowds, the further you get up the mountain the less and less people there are around you. So put in the effort and you’ll be rewarded with the most incredible sites.

The post The Ultimate Guide to Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari Shrine first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Access

The fastest way to access Arashiyama Village is by JR train from Kyoto station. That the JR Sagano Line to Saga-Arashiyama Station. The ride only takes 15 minues and costs 240 yen. If you don’t want to take the JR rail you can access Arashiyama by bus. Bus # 28 takes you directly from Kyoto station to the centre of Arashiyama. Although the ride can take anywhere between 30-60 mins I actually found the ride quite pleseant since you get to see a lot of the countryside and city as you travel from the centre of Kyoto to Arashiyama. This ride will only cost 230 yen.

The streets of Arashiyama are ablaze with old and new technologies. Cars and tourist buses zip about letting people on and off while rickshaws and horse-drawn carriages also plod along the road, a reflection of the modes of transportation seen here during the Edo period. Arashiyama’s iconic river and laid back attitude have drawn visitors here for hundreds of years, and despite a few mod-cons, this little village still feels like stepping back in time.

Togetsukyo Bridge

Togetsukyo Bridge is Arashiyama’s most popular landmark and one of the first things you see when you come into the city. Also known as the “Moon Crossing Bridge,” it was first built in the 10th century, but its current incarnation is a reconstruction from the 1930s. Cherry blossom trees run up and down the river’s edge, and during the spring time, the blooms draw thousands of people to this site. With the mountains in the background and the river running across, this spot is incredibly picturesque.

Hozu River Pleasure Boats

Beside the Hozu River, you can rent a “pleasure” boat. These boats will take you up and down, allowing you to see houses and landscapes only accessible from the water’s edge. The Hozu River is part of the Katsura River and begins in the mountains near Kameoka, a town north-west of Kyoto City. It snakes into the Arashiyama and surrounds the edges of the city. You’ll see, standing on the bridge, getting their photos taken, dozen of women dressed in stunning silk kimonos. Their hair and accessories match their outfit, and the dazzling embroidery on the kimonos sparkled in the sunlight. The boat trips usually last about two hours and can seat about 25 people. The boats depart on the hour from March 10 to November 30. The group boat costs 4,100 yen ($38 USD) for adults and 2,700 ($25 USD) yen for children.

Bicycle Rentals

One of the best ways to explore Arashiyama is on bike. It’s such a peaceful, breezy village and cruising around on a bike gets you around quickly but also allows you to hop on and off to stop into stores and restaurants along the way. On these bikes you can cycle through rural areas, past farming fields and thatched roof houses. A wonderful way to explore the countryside. The best place to find bicycle rentals is at Hankyu Arashiyama Station. Bicycle rental at this shop costs 900 yen per day. On weekdays, they offer special prices of 500 yen for two hours and 700 yen for four hours. Renting at the station is great since it’s most likely where you’ll arrive and depart, making it easy to drop off your bike once you’re ready to head home.

Kimono Rental

Kimonos are one of the most formal pieces of clothing many Japanese women own, and there are often not a lot of opportunities to wear them. But when travelling to these picturesque villages and historic towns, many women opts to wear their kimonos to both have a chance to dress in such an elegant fashion and feel a part of the historical look and feel of the city. The perfect place to rent a kimono if you’re looking to experience a bit of traditional Japanese culture is at Fuji Arashiyama. They might not be the cheapest, but the service and quality you’ll receive make it worth your while.

Renting a kimono is something which you want to get right. Doing it on the cheap just won’t create the same traditional experience you’re looking for. A one day rental for a 7 piece kimono set costs 3500 yen ($32 USD). You have total control of the colours and pattern of the kimono but the staff is great at helping coordinate your outfit and dress you up for a day out on the town.

Saga-Arashiyama

The primary place to do your shopping is on Saga-Arashiyama. This street in Arashiyama is constantly crowded with school children on break with their class, large tour groups and Westerners gawking at sweet shops creating art from spun sugar. Rickshaws run up and down the roads, getting honked at by locals trying to get back home in a hurry. The shops lining the street range from restaurants, cafes, sweet shops, ice cream vendors, kimonos designers and more.

Pick a Paper Fortune

Along one street we found colourful little-rolled fortunes sitting outside a beautifully decorated house. All you had to do was slip a coin into the container and take out a fortune. Fortunes on the go.

Sample Senbei

One of the more traditional snacks along the street are Senbei. Senbei are Japanese rice crackers which come in a variety of flavours. Senbei are usually eaten with green tea and sometimes offered as snack when visiting a guest house. We stopped to snack on a few different varieties. We sample both some sweet and savoury options. They were snappy and fresh, hot from the grill. The charcoal from the grill gave them a rich, smoky flavour turning a few simple ingredients into a complex dish. The most famous flavours are nori (seaweed), soy nut, soy sauce and red chilli.

Kotokikityaya

Stop off at Kotokikityaya right at the entrance to Saga-Arashiyama to taste their authentic cherry mochi. With a beautiful view of the river, in a traditional tea-house setting, there isn’t a more perfect way to start your morning or have an afternoon snack. Be sure to pair your cherry mochi with a powdered green tea to complete the meal.

Akahime Kimono Shop

What I was looking for while we were shopping was a vintage kimono. I had passed up on a few kimonos in Tokyo, but they all were too new and didn’t have the kind of character I was looking for. There were a range of clothing shops in Arashiyama for kimonos. Some were by exclusive designers, others were the ubiquitous silk version you see in every tourist shop. Akahime Kimono Shop is by far the best option if you’re looking for a tradition kimono at a great price!

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These kimonos were so well taken care of and felt brand new. Their designs ranged from traditional to more modern. You could find some handcrafted and one off designs here at competitive prices. The sweet woman who owned the shop helped me try on a few different options to find my perfect look and fit. I found a white and neon robe from the 1980’s that had some real unique designs that made it stand out from the other traditional ones. I loved it and got to pair it with a classic obi – all for just $25 USD.

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The Chiri-Men Craft Museum

This is my favourite handmade craft store in Arashiyama. Here you can find a myriad of different products all made from a weaving technique called Chirimen. The crafter used cloth or silk and “wrinkles” the fabrics into all different things like small toys, birds, dolls, purses and even these darling “hanging hina” dolls, where are good luck charms hung from the ceiling. The different items symbolized on the chain represent the kinds of things you are praying for, like health, children or wealth.

Sagano Romantic Train Station

Along these backstreets, you might come across one of the vintage train stations which service the Sagano Romantic Train route. The station’s columns are wrapped in bamboo shaped plexiglass, but the remainder of the outdoor structure is reminiscent of train stations from the 1920s.

Kimono forest

Behind the station, you can find the Kimono forest. The forest is made up of cylinder-shaped pillars which contained within them various textile used in the design of traditional Japanese Kimonos. There are about 600 different pillars with 32 different patterns inside. Walk around to see if you can spot them all! The best time of day to see this exhibit is at dusk since the columns all light up and form a glowing pathway.

Footbath of Arashiyama Onsen Station

As this is the mid point in your journey, it seems fitting that it’s time for a little rest. Take a break at the Footbath of Arashiyama Onsen Station where you can grab a ticket for 200 yeh to soak your tired feet in this natural hot spring. It’s a great way to rest and recharge to keep your enegery up for the rest of the day.

Unagi Hirokawa

If you’re looking for somewhere to eat lunch, there really is no better place than Unagi Hirokawa. This place gets busy so it’s best to arrive early or be willing to wait, and trust me, it’s worth the wait. On busy weekends, they often sell out of food before 1pm so don’t dilly dally! This place is most famous for their incredible unagi, or barbeque eel. It’s delicately charred on the grill and then slathered in a sweet and savoury sauce. This eel is fatty, tender and FRESH!

Saga-Toriimoto

Away from the main street, and down a narrow alleyway, you’ll find Saga-Toriimoto. The houses along this road all are in the style of the Meiji Period (1868-1912) and have been preserved by the city and the owners. It is a living museum of Japanese architecture. Some of the houses have been converted into restaurants and shops so be sure to poke your head inside to get a chance to see the interior of these hundred-year-old houses.

Walking through these tiny, side streets and peering into front yards and back porches were left like were on a Japanese secret garden tour of our own making.

Nisonin Temple

If you’re visiting during the summer or the fall, you’ll want to make a stop at Nisonin Temple. Nisonin Temple is a small hillside temple where you can be amazed at firey fall foliae or the stunning blooms of purple and blue hydrengas in the summer. Take a stroll in the temple’s cemetery, where you can find some of Japan’s emperors and nobles buried here.

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Rakushisha Residence

If you find yourself strolling along the backstreets of Arashiyama be sure to search out the Rakushisha Residence. This thatched roof hut once belonged to the 17th-century haiku poet Mukai Kyorai. He is one of Japan’s greatest poets, and the house is like a piece plucked out of time. You can imagine him inside there, writing out a poem on the cold, tatami floor.

Tenryu-ji Temple

Tenryu-ji Temple is probably the most visited temple in Arashiyama. The original temple was built in 1339 but due to fires and wars over the years the buildings standing here today are modern reconstructions from 1912. The gardens however, withstood the test of time and are the very same as they were when they were originally designed in 1339. It is perhaps for this reason that they are one of the Top 5 Zen temples in all of Kyoto! Admission is 500 yen (and extra 300 if you want to enter of the buildings, and if a great place to explore to study the incredible nature of Japanese Zen gardens.

Like so many travellers before us, we reminisced about the magical town we left behind as we walked back to our hotel. Although this is a great list to get you started, don’t try to rush around and just check off things on a list. Exploring, getting lost and stumbling upon hidden gems is the best part about travelling!

The post Your Ultimate Guide to Exploring the Village of Arashiyama, Kyoto first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Table Of Contents

1. Access
2. The Legend of Enoshima
3. Beaches
4. Should I get the Enoshima Day Pass?
5. Dragon's Gate
6. Waterfront
7. Nakamise Shopping Street
8. Enoshima Torii Gates
9. Zuishinmon
10. Benzaiten Goddess statue
11. Entering Enoshima Shrine
12. Hetsumiya
13. Chinowa
14. Ho-an-den
15. Nakatsunomiya Square
16. Nakatsunomiya Shrine
17. Samuel Cocking Garden
18. Enoshima Sea Candle
19. Enoshima Daish
20. Enoshima Pilgrimage Path
21. Okutsunomiya Shrine
22. Wadatsumi-no-miya
23. Love Bell
24. Uonemotei
25. Iwaya caves
26. Ferry Boat

Access

Enoshima is accessible by three train, each of which has its separate station. Depending on where you’re departing from will determine which line is best for your trip. If you’re departing from Tokyo the best options is the express train from Shinjuku station which will take you to Fujisawa station. From here you can board a local train to Katase Enoshima Station. One way tickets for this route costs 630 yen and takes around 65-75 minutes. If you’re planning on visiting Kamakura and other locations around the area, consider buying the Odakyu Railways Enoshima/Kamakura Free Pass which is 1470 yen and gives you unlimited use of trains between Fujisawa and Kamakura and Odakyu trains between Fujisawa and Enoshima.

The Legend of Enoshima

Understanding the legend which surrounds this island will help you understand the people and the history of this place.

There was once an evil dragon, with five heads, who settled in the bottomless swamp among the mountains of Fujisawa and tormented the people of the village. The peasants feared the dragon like no other as he would steal their children away in the middle of the night. Then, one day, an immense clouds enveloped the sea, and an earthquake erupted. From the clouds emerged a heavenly maiden, Benzaiten, and from the sea she brought with her an island, Enoshima Island. The dragon fell in love with the maiden and proposed to her but she refused him because of all the evil things he had done.

The dragon spent the next few years trying to mend his evil ways. He even turned himself into stone to show her how much he loved her. Eventually, the maiden forgave the dragon for the things he had done wrong and freed him from the stone mountain which had formed around him. After he was set free, they were married. Today the maiden Benzaiten still guards Enoshima along with the dragon, who now also protects the Islanders.

Beaches

If you’re visiting Japan in the summer, the city can get pretty warm so escaping to a beach might be just what you need on one of those hot, humid days. Enoshima has some of the best beaches close to Tokyo and although they can get crowded, arrive early to pitch your towel and relax on the sand all morning long. Japanese crowds are so polite and organized, even if it’s crowded when you arrive you’ll find it easy to squeeze in.

Should I get the Enoshima Day Pass?

The Enoshima Day Pass (separate from the Odakyu Railway Pass) costs 1000 yen and gives you access to the Samuel Cocking Garden, observation tower and the caves as well as the use of the escalators used to get up and down the island’s hills. You can always buy individual tickets for the escalators but they cost 300 yen each way. The gardens with observation access and the caves each cost 500 yen to enter so the pass pays for itself in those fees alone. But that’s only if you’re planning on visiting these two sites. If not, the pass isn’t worth it.

If you do end up with the pass and you’re feeling a little tired by the time you near the top, you’ll be able to ride the escalators free of charge! I still prefer the stairs myself but if you have a disability or just aren’t feeling up to it that day, the pass is definitely a good choice.

Dragon’s Gate

Walking from the train station towards the island, across the causeway, is one of my favourite parts of visiting the island. The pedestrian walkways towards the island is wonderfully decorated with statues and fantastically manicured gardens, framing the ascent to the island perfectly. As you approach, you’ll pass through the dragon-shaped stone lanterns which are the gatekeepers of the island. It’s amazing how different the landscape here is from Tokyo, you can smell the air blowing off the ocean.

Waterfront

The waterfront on Enoshima island on the north side is vastly different front the south, were the famed Iwaya caves are located. This part of the island has a steep drop off towards the waters looking out at Sagami Bay. There is a small park along the waterfront with a few dozen small sculptures to gaze at. This park is dedicated to both the Olympics, held here in 1964 as well as representations of the Goddess Benten whom the entire island is named after. I decided this was a great place to have a quick snack before my hike up the hill.

Nakamise Shopping Street

As you approached the staircase towards the first shrine you’ll pass under a large set of bronze torii gates. Behind these gates are dozens of souvenir shops and small restaurants. These are all run by locals and have an immense charm to them. So even if the items their selling don’t seem super bespoke to Enoshima, they are still a pleasure to browse inside.

Enoshima Torii Gates

At the end of Nakamise Street you’ll find yourself approaching the bright vermillion Torii gates, before Enoshima Shrine. These torii gates symbolise the passing from the mortal realm into the realm of the gods. As you pass through, try to clear your mind, and connect with yourself in a deep and meaningful way. I find that when travelling sometimes things are so busy and hectic and this moment is a reminder to reflect and remember instead of just go, go, go.

Zuishinmon

Past the torii gates is a large wooden tower, this is the ‘Zuishinmon Gate’. The design of the tower was based on a fairytale underwater palace called ‘Ryugujyo’. On the underside of the structure are carvings of peonies and lions on the walls and ceilings. These symbolize a prayer to protect the Goddess and their worshippers.

Benzaiten Goddess statue

Behind the tower gate you’ll meet face to face the Benzaiten goddess. Here she sits, carved in stone, nestled in with her follows, surrounded by the fabled dragon whom she defeated for the people. This statue was made in 1450 yet feels so fresh and new, despite its age.

Entering Enoshima Shrine

The Enoshima Shrine, is made up of three main buildings. The Hetsumiya, the Ho-an-den and the Nakatsumiya. Before entering any of the buildings, be sute to stop by the ‘temizuya‘. The temizuya or chōzuya is a Shinto water absolution pond for a ceremonial purification rite known as temizu. To perform the ritual, just fill the ladle provided with water and wash your left hand, then your right, and if you want, drink some of the water and spit it out to cleanse your mouth. If you’re scared to do it wrong, simply watch others and you’ll get the hang of it in no time. It feels nice to participate in this ritual as it connects you with the spiritual nature of the shrine itself.

Hetsumiya

The main building in one this level is the Hetsumiya. The original wooden building with a traditional copper winged roof, was built in 1620 by Minamono no Sanetomo, the third Shogun of Kamakura Shogunate. The current version was re-built in 1976 in the exact style as the original. Inside this buildings is where the Tagitsuhime-no-Mikoto are enshrined. The Tagitsuhime-no-Mikoto are three sister goddess who are known to control the seas, which feels so appropriate as you are surrounded by the sea on all sides on the island.

Inside the Shrine you’ll see a large metal box where you can make an offering. If you’ve never made an offering at a shrine before here is how you do it. Stand in front of the offertory box, throw a coin into the box, bow twice towards the shrine, then clap your hands twice and think deep in your mind of the wish you want to come true. Then, finish the ritual by bowing deeply towards the offertory box once more. A little wish for luck never hurt anyone and you can feel good that your money is going towards keeping the shrine up and running.

Chinowa

Beside the Hetsumiya you might be puzzled by a green ring standing off to the side. This is the chinowa, an object used to cleanse your mind and body as you pass through the ring. It is said to remove all your wrongdoings and impurities.

Ho-an-den

The Ho-an-den is a small, bright red, octagonal building where you can see the famous statue of the deity Benzaiten. This building costs 200 yen to enter and is the only shrine on the island which requires payment to enter. Unlike many other statues of the Benzaiten, this one is nude, sitting on a pedestal playing a biwa. Benzaiten is very important to women, as she is the only female deity of the seven gods of fortune. If you are really interested in the statue it’s worth visiting but I personally prefer the statue you see on your way up the stairs and had a better time admiring the fantastical exterior architecture of the building instead of going inside.

Ema

If you’re feeling unlucky in love, be sure to buy an ’ema’. An ema is wooden prayer plaque from the shrine where you can write your wish for love onto. Then hang it with the rest of the wishes, blowing gently in the wind atop the island. This shrine is fabled to be particularly good for matchmaking!

Nakatsunomiya Square

Before heading up to the next level, spend some time wondering around Nakatsunomiya Square. This little garden with a observation deck of the city below, is always full of seasonal blooms and if you’re lucky enough to visit during Cherry Blossom season, you’ll be in for a real treat. Since these trees and their blooms up here are perfectly hidden away from the crowds you have a much better chance of getting to experience Japan’s most popular symbol without fighting for space.

Nakatsunomiya Shrine

The second shrine site on the island is found just around the corner and up the hill from Enoshima Shrine. This is Nakatsunomiya, the oldest shrine on the island, established in 853 by the Buddhist monk En-nin. The frieze above the door to the shrine contains over 154 carvings of various real and mythological flora and fauna popular on the island. You could stand here for hours and never be able to find them all.

Samuel Cocking Garden

The Samuel Cocking Gardens were built in 1880 by British merchant Samuel Cocking. Cocking collected tropical plants from every corner of the world he travelled to but he settled in Japan after finding love on the island. Originally the Japanese government only allowed locals to purchase land but when the laws where changed, Cocking saw his chance to buy up some of the best real estate on the island.

After the couples passing, the title of the gardens was passed onto the city of Fujisawa who saw it’s reconstruction after the great earthquake. Today, you can explore a variety of flowers found not only in Japan but all over the world. From February to March there are 250 different breeds of camellia flowers blooming and from May to October dazzling crimson roses from Canada begin to blossom. My favourite part of the gardens was the dynamic landscaping. There were archways created with hanging baskets, gazebos surrounded in blooms and beautiful mazes you could wander in dazzling colours.

Enoshima Sea Candle

In the middle of the garden stands the giant 200 foot tall Enoshima Sea Candle. From the observation tower you can see all across Enoshima, Fujisawa and beyond. On a rare clear day, you have an absolutely stunning view of Mount Fuji. The Day I visited the Mountain was unfortunately still in hiding, but the view just down to the lush green gardens was incredible and well worth the money to come up the tower. I loved looking out across the brilliant blue seas. Living in a city not near an ocean, there is something truly mesmerizing to me about the ocean and I could have stared at it for hours.

Enoshima Daish

Past the Gardens, you’ll come upon the unmistakable Buddhist temple of Enoshima Daishi. During the Meiji Period, there was a governmental separation between Shintoism and Buddhism. Buddhist temples all over Japan were destroyed and it wasn’t until the 1990’s that Enoshima residents had the chance to rebuild one of their most important temples on the island, Enoshima Daishi. Standing in front of the steps into the temple are two huge, six-meter tall statues of Fudomyo, the protector of Buddhism. Staring up at them as you enter is an intimidating process and made me a little skittish when stepping down into the temple, but I guess that just means they’re doing their job.

Inside the temple, there is a blend of modern and traditional Japanese architecture. But what continues to stand the test of the time is the peaceful feeling you get when you come inside the incense soaked temple. There was a man praying when I came inside who later told me he had come all the way from Kyoto just to pray here today, and it made the temple’s significance all the more powerful to me.

Enoshima Pilgrimage Path

Descending down from the top of Enoshima is almost as much work as climbing up. It’s around 250 steps down to the bottom but the journey downwards provides so many different things to see along the way. This pathway is known as Oiwaya-michi or the Pilgrimage way. This pathway was taken by thousands of people over the year who made their way to the Iwaya Caves. Various houses found along the stairways are covered in beautiful seashells, a testament to the love of the sea which these residents have. As you descend, you’ll get amazing views of the cliff side and the sea below. One of the views to the left of the staircase is down to Yama-futatsu, a vallery where the mountain to the east and west connect.

Okutsunomiya Shrine

As you descend from the top of the island you’ll come upon the last of the shrines, this is Okutsunomiya Shrine or “Shrine of the Deep”. Inside this shrine it is said that the sea goddess rests during the winter inside a cave and when the summer returns, the goddess will emerge once more to protect the sea. The stone torri gate which welcomes you into the shrine is from 1138, a gift from the Shogun of Kamakura.

The two red lanterns on either side of the shrine depict Otohime (on the right) and Urashima Taro (on the left). Otohime is the princess of the undersea palace Ryūgū-jō and Urashima Tarō is the fabled fisherman who, after recusing a sea turtle, is rewarded for his good deed by being brought to the undersea palace. For this turtle was no ordinary turtle, he was the all-seeing turtle of the deep. The fisherman was entertained and cared for inside the undersea palace by the princess. If you look closely on the ceiling of the shrine, you’ll see the All-seeing turtle from the story. The turtle is also called the one who watches all directions, since no matter which direction you look, the turtle appears to be looking right at you!

Set beside the temple you’ll see a large stone surrounded by the paper lightning bolts which also are hung from torri gates. This stone is the Chikara-ishi. A Chikara-ishi is a “stone of strength” which are often seen at shrines as they represent the strength which the gods bestow upon their followers. This stone weighing 320kg, which is said to have been brought to the shrine by the most power man in the nation.

Wadatsumi-no-miya

Beside Okutsu-No-Miya-Jinja shrine you’ll find Wadatsumi-no-miya. Unlike the other shrines, this one is more like a rock cave, with a bright green dragon perched on top. This is Ryujin, the dragon god of the sea, and it is said that inside is where he is enshrined. You can peek your head inside the cave during the day through a small screen, and in the deep, dank dark, there was moment where I thought I saw a small pair of eye in the darkness…

Love Bell

A few steps up from the shrines, there is a small, overgrown trail which will lead you to a little hill with an incredible view of the ocean. Atop this hill stands the ‘Love Bell‘. Since the legend of Benten and the dragon falling in love with her is so important to the mythology of the island, this bell was purchased and placed here by local couples who wished to express their undying love for each other, much like the dragon and the goddess. Each of the donors had their names engraved on the structure surrounding the bell.

Every couple who now visits this site has their chance to ring the bell to announce their undying love to the dragon and maiden. Couples have begun leaving locks on the surrounding fence with the names engraved upon them. Every year the locks have to be removed so the fence does not collapse. So maybe the locks won’t last a lifetime, but hopefully, your love will.

Uonemotei

If I can suggest one place to eat on your tour of the island it HAS to be Uonemotei. This restaurant has been here for over 140 years. It has been serving locals and pilgrims alike delicious food, right from the sea. Sitting out on their patio you have a beautiful view of the ocean and can smell the refreshing sea breeze. The house special is the “Enoshima-don” which are young sardines served with turban shells and beaten eggs atop warm rice. This is the best thing you can eat to experience true Enoshima cuisine.

Iwaya caves

Unless you’re a HUGE fan of caves or have the Enoshima Day Pass, I would skip this. The reason being they are hugely touristy and crowded and you’ll have more fun exploring the rocky seaside around them instead. Inside the first cave you’ll find Buddhist statues, and in the second you’ll find a small pond dedicated to the dragon who used to terrorize the area. During the Nara era, Buddhist monks used to be trained here in the cave, so visiting the caves was somewhat of a pilgrimage for Buddhists all over the world. Overall though, it’s a pretty simple cave and your time and money is better spent elsewhere on the island unless you have the day pass.

Around the caves, you’ll see dozens of little reefs where local fisherman are almost always camped you trying to get the catch of the day. I had a relaxing time sitting out on the rocks, near where the waves would crash against the rocks, getting sprayed every time a huge wave would come in.

Ferry Boat

To head back to the train station, I recommend taking a ferry boat ride. Throughout the day there are little ferry boats which run back and forth from the mainland to the island. Head over to the Bentenmaru pier where you can board one of the little boats. The ride isn’t very long but seeing the island from the water is a very unique perspective that gives you an idea of the scope and size of Enoshima. It’s a great opportunity to step back, literally, and see the place you just came from from afar. Look right up high and you can see the top of the Enoshima Candle and the Enoshima flag which flies high above.

Enoshima is truly one of the best place to go to take a break from the city and get a breath of FRESH air. If you have even half a day, or better yet a whole day, you NEED to make your way out here and experience another side of life in Japan.

The post The Best Self Guided Tour of Enoshima Island; Amazing Day Trip from Tokyo first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Table Of Contents

1. History
2. Osaka Castle
3. Kuromon Ichiba Market
4. Nambayasaka Shrine
5. Hozenji Yokocho
6. Hozenji Temple
7. Amerikamura! 
8. Hokkyokusei 
9. Dotonburi
   • Glico-Running-Man
10. Ebisu Bridge
11. What to Eat?
    • Takoyaki
    • Kani Doraku Dotonburi Honten
    • Osaka Ohsho
    • Creoru Okonomiyaki
    • Melon Bread Ice cream
    • Pablo Dotonbori
12. Don Quixote Ferris Wheel
13. Space Station

History

In 645, Emperor Kōtoku made Osaka the capital of Japan, and Osaka prospered and grew for years. Eventually, the capital was moved to Tokyo. But Osaka continued to be a flourishing port city and commercial centre for Japan. Today, many people flock onto its streets for one main thing: the food!

Osaka Castle

Start your morning off at Osaka Castle. The history of Osaka Castle dates back to 1583. However, the building you see today is far from the original. Wars, sieges and bombing raids destroyed the structure many times over the years, and the current incarnation is a reconstruction from 1995. The castle is now used as a museum dedicated to the history of the castle and Osaka. While the museum is pretty interesting, for our purposes today, we’re just going to take a walk around the grounds. You can still see so much of the castle from down below. The incredibly beautiful moats and tree line passageways surrounding the castle are a relaxing way to start your morning rather than crammed into a line to see inside.  

Surrounding the castle are various food stalls selling some of Osaka’s culinary specialties. I would opt for the yakisoba, a delicious noodle dish covered in oyster sauce and topped with pickled ginger. Strangely enough, it makes for a delicious and decidedly Japanese breakfast. You can get it to go and eat it in front of the picturesque castle moat which surrounds the entire castle.

Kuromon Ichiba Market

The next stop is the Kuromon Ichiba Market. The Kuromon market has been open as “the nation’s kitchen” since 1601. Its bustling narrow alley serves fresh sushi and sashimi, meat, produce and a collection of housewares and souvenir shops. Although there are plenty of grocery stalls, there are also dozens of small restaurants along the alley where you can grab a delightful little lunch.

Try to arrive before or after 12 pm to ensure it’s not too busy and you miss the lunch rush! While Tsukiji in Tokyo is most notable for its fresh fish, Osaka is famous for its choice of sliced Wagyu and Kobe beef. You can pick your desired cut, and certain shops will cook it right up for you then and there! Just add a little salt and get ready for a transcendent taste experience.

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Nambayasaka Shrine

After stuffing your face at the market, work off all those calories with a short 15-minute walk over to Nambayasaka Shrine. If you’ve been in Japan for some time now, you might think, “another shrine?” but trust me, this one really stands out. Approaching it, even from afar, you’ll notice it right away. The shrine was designed in the shape of an enormous lion’s head. The area of Osaka we’ve now entered is Namba, and this is its main Shinto shrine. While many temples in Japan are Buddhist, brought to Japan by the Chinese, Shinto is Japan’s native religion. Each Shinto shrine worships a particular spirit or “kami.” At this temple, the spirit lion is said to swallow evil spirits and bring good luck to those who come to pray. So if you have any evil spirits to get rid of, this is the place to do it!

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Hozenji Yokocho

Walk up through the charming side street of Namba towards Hozenji Yokocho. Hozenji Yokocho is a tight little alleyway whose architecture has been preserved as a relic from the Edo period. Stepping under the gates, flanked on either side by bright red lanterns, you enter a peaceful oasis. Study the architecture tightly squeezed in on either side. 

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Hozenji Temple

Stop by the nearby Hozenji Buddhist temple, which dates back to the 17th century. This temple gives the name to the area. It features an ancient statue of Fudomyoo, which is covered in moss. Blessings are given by pouring water over the statue, keeping the moss nice and healthy, and, best of all, bright green! It really looks like a tree sculpture instead of a stone statue.

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Amerikamura! 

Our next stop is over in “Amerikamura.” While some places might send you to the more popular Shinsaibashi shopping arcade, I find it rather commercialized and lacking the, sometimes odd, characters that Amerikamura has. You might think it odd to visit somewhere inspired by America if you’re looking for a Japanese experience, but this is Japan’s idealized version of America. Studying if you have lived or have ever been to the US before is fascinating. Colourful and quirky shops line the street, and even more quirkily dressed teenagers relax outside hip coffee shops and lively bars. This is the best place to find well-priced and fantastically curated thrift shops and indie clothing brands.

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Hokkyokusei 

If you’re a little hungry before dinner, stop by Hokkyokusei, where you can sample the now internet-famous omurice. Omurice is an omelette stuffed with rice and slathered in a thick red sauce. When you cut it open down the centre, the entire thing melts down the middle sensationally pleasingly. It’s delicious and the perfect little bit to eat to tide you over before dinner.

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Dotonburi

As night begins to fall, it is time to make your way over to the neon streets of Dotonburi. While the biggest highlight inside Dotonburi is the food, the architecture and spectacular light show are nothing to scoff at. At night, the entire area comes alive, and the lights of the buildings dance on the water along the Tombori River. “Dotonbori” is named after Yasui Doton, whose vision in 1612 was to create two canals connecting this area to the Kizugawa River, thereby increasing its commercial and trading power. War greatly affected his plans; unfortunately, he died before seeing his vision come to fruition. His cousins took over the concept after Yasui Doton’s death and named the area after him.

Glico-Running-Man

One of the most famous neon signs in Dotonburi is the Glico-Running-Man. This billboard has been located here for over 70 years and is the oldest sign on the street. It is over 33m tall and stands imposingly over the iconic Ebusu-bashi bridge. Glico’s primary business is manufacturing confectionery products, so it might seem odd that its mascot is an athlete, but that’s just how Japan is, unexpected.

Ebisu Bridge

Be sure to stand on the Ebisu Bridge and look at the river and the beautiful flashing signs on either side. This is the perfect spot for a photo opportunity or just to take a moment to drink in all the incredible imagery which Dotonburi is so famous for.

What to Eat?

Takoyaki

But there is one reason you probably came to Osaka: to eat, and Dotonburi is the place to do it. What’s great about Dotonburi is that all the food options here are small, unlike huge meals, so you can sample a myriad of Osaka’s culinary treasures in one night. The first stop on your food tour should be Takoyaki. 

This iconic ball-shaped delicacy is the most popular treat from Osaka. Made from an egg batter and filled with a juicy piece of octopus, the batter is then poured into round pans and shaped into adorable little balls. Then it’s covered in savoury sauce, mayo, pickled ginger and topped with bonito flakes. There are so many vendors, so just find the one with the biggest line (always a sign for the best food in Japan) and wait for your turn to dig in!

Kani Doraku Dotonburi Honten

Next up is the famous Kani Doraku Dotonburi Honten. This sign is one of the most popular photo spots in Osaka due to the 3-meter wide moving mechanical crab located on the front of the building. You can dine inside with views over the river, but you can also grab cheaper grilled crab legs right outside the entrance to the restaurant. They are not super cheap but juicy, sweet and incredibly fresh.

Osaka Ohsho

Next up is Gyoza at Osaka Ohsho. Once more, you’ll see giant versions of the gyoza plastered up on the front of the building as you enter. Ordering here is very simple since there is only one option (meat and chives), and you just need to tell them how many order’s you’d like. Get a seat at one of their tiny tables and dress your gyoza with their zingy sauces.xxxxxxx

Creoru Okonomiyaki

At the very end of Dontonburi is Creoru Takoyaki & Okonomiyaki where you can sample Osaka’s own version of okonomiyaki. Osaka differs in this dish by adding grated yam potato to the batter and not including noodles, as some Okonomiyaki in Tokyo and Hiroshima are made with. It is a simple and clean version due to the lack of carbs. It allows the sampling of many different filling combinations.

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Melon Bread Ice cream

After all these incredible savoury dishes, it’s time for something sweet. One of the most popular street sweets is freshly baked melon “pan” or melon bread filled with a giant scoop of ice cream. Despite the name, there is no melon inside. The crust pattern on top of the bread when it cooks gives it a melon-looking appearance, hence the name. The combination of the hot and cold is perfect for any day!

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Pablo Dotonbori

If you’re still craving something sweet, check out Pablo Dotonbori’s cheese tarts. These world-famous tarts are buttery, crispy and perfectly sweet. They often have a big line, but it moves quickly and is worth the wait. Various flavours exist, but the classic and the macha are fan favourites.

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Don Quixote Ferris Wheel

Don Quixote is a famous superstore across Japan. But the one in Osaka is even more popular because it has a giant, 77-meter-tall Ferris wheel on its exterior. Its bright red and yellow tracks and huge mascot characters on the facade made it a popular photo opportunity even though it went out of service years ago. But thanks to its fandom, it was recently renovated and reopened to the public. Take your chance now before it closes down again to jump in and experience stunning views across Dotonbori.

Space Station

End off your night with some retro fun at Space Station. This bar is filled with retro video games, cheap drinks and amazing company!

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Osaka is a city full of surprises and has a lot to offer visitors. With the help of this guide, you can make the most of your 24 hours in Osaka and experience the best of what the city has to offer. From traditional temples to delicious street food, there is something for everyone in Osaka. We hope this guide has helped you plan your trip and that you enjoy exploring this vibrant city.

The post Your ULTIMATE Guide to Exploring Osaka in 24 Hours first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Table Of Contents

1. Access
2. When To Visit
3. History
4. Torii Gates
5. Dragon Fountain
6. Naien
7. Treasure House
8. Kazaridaru

Access

It is an easy journey to get to Meiji Shrine. Just a hop, skip and a jump from the Harajuku train station. When I visited it was starting to rain, but under the canopy of trees near the shrine you barely even notice it. Shielded from not only the noise of the city, but the weather as well.

When To Visit

Because this is one of the most popular shrines in the city, I find waking up early and making this one of your first stops of the day is the best plan! Walking along the pathways toward the temple with no one else on the pathway but myself is such an amazing experience. Over 100,000 trees, made up of 365 different species from various regions throughout Japan, surround the shrine. Coffee in hand, it was a most relaxing stroll to start off the morning.

History

The Meiji Shrine is dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Compared to other shrines throughout the city, this one is rather new, being built in 1920, after the death of the emperor and empress. Although it was destroyed during the air raids of WWII, it was quickly rebuilt in the same style as the original after donation efforts from the region.

Meiji is one of Japan’s most visited shrines and welcomes more than three million visitors during their New Years celebrations alone. Throughout the year, the shrine is one of the most popular places for wedding ceremonies, and I was even lucky enough to see two couples and their families on their way inside. The ceremonies are private and not open to the public, but if you’re quick, you can usually see them as they arrive.

Torii Gates

After a short walk through the forest, you arrive at the large torii gates inviting you into the shrine complex. The torii gate is over 40 feet tall and made from a 1,500-year-old cypress tree. There is something so magnificent yet simple about this design and gives the entire place a sense of magnitude.

Dragon Fountain

Before entering the temple, and the sacred grounds, you take a moment to cleanse yourself at the water station. Here you can purify your hands and mouth from the gilded dragon fountain.

Naien

The main area is made up of various sacred buildings, each one serving a particular purpose. The “Naien,” is the name for the inner part of the complex. There is also the “Gaien,” which is the outer area comprised of the Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery, the National sports stadium and the Meiji Memorial Hall

Inside the Naien, visitors can make offerings at the main hall, buy good luck charms blessed by the priests or write out a wish on a wooden ema to hang on the wall with all the others.

During the spring and summer, the temple gardens are a sought-after destination and require a separate entrance fee. Since it was the fall and there wasn’t much to see I skipped out on this option but during the summer, the inner garden is home to a beautiful set of blooming iris flowers which draw people from all over Japan.

Treasure House

At the north end of the compound is the Treasure House which displays the personal belongings of the Emperor and Empress, including the royal carriage that the Emperor rode in to attend the first day of the shrine’s construction. There is also a small museum on site which regularly houses temporary exhibitions.

Overall, this shrine is not as colourful as other temples we saw during our travels in Japan. But there was something about its restrained and simplistic design that made it feel a part of the natural surroundings. Like something that grew out of the forest, not built within it. 

At first, I remember feeling let down and not as impressed with it as with other temples, but the more time I spent in its quiet, reflective environs, the more and more I grew to appreciate its austerity.

Kazaridaru

As I left the shrine to walk back towards the main street, I took a moment to observe the artistically painted stack of sake barrels that adorned the pathway near the shrine. Although they look like real sake barrels, they are not full of wine. They are “kazaridaru,” which means “decoration barrel.” Despite being physically empty, they are full of cultural significance. The characters used to write the word “sake” are the same as the characters used to write “God.” Therefore, to drink sake was to feel closer to the gods.

The sake manufacturers and the Meiji shrine maintain a symbiotic relationship where the priests pray for the good fortunes of the companies and in turn, the manufacturers donate sake to the shrine to use during their ceremonies and festivals. Looking at each barrel and guessing at the significance of their drawings is a fun game to play as you’re passing by.

Opposite the sake are barrels of wine that serve the same purpose. But don’t look as cute.

All in all, the Meiji shrine is a worthwhile jaunt from Harajuku or Yoyogi park if you’re in the area, and is the perfect place to visit for a moment of quiet reflection. Go early in the morning to avoid the crowds!

The post Discover the Cultural Riches of Tokyo with a Walking Tour of Meiji Shrine: Your Ultimate Guide to Exploring the Heart of Japan’s History first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.