Chomeiji Temple in Omihachiman Shiga Prefecture Chomeiji Temple is the 31st Temple of the Saigoku 33 Temple Pilgrimage of Western Japan. The temple is built atop Mount Ikiya in Omihachiman, Shiga Prefecture with 808 stone …
Continue readingBlog
Himure Hachimangu Shrine
Himure Hachimangu Shrine Himure Hachimangu Shrine is the largest shrine in Omihachiman, Shiga Prefecture and is located at the foot of Mount Hachiman. The shrine is very historic and has been visited by many Japanese …
Continue readingOmihachiman
Omihachiman Omihachiman is an Edo Period town located close to Lake Biwa in Shiga Prefecture, and home to the famous Omi Merchants. The castle town of Omihachiman was built by Toyotomi Hidetsugu in 1585 when …
Continue readingShizutani School in Bizen Okayama
The Shizutani School is a historic Edo Period school that was the first public school in Japan. Shizutani School was created by Lord Mitsumasa Ikeda, the feudal lord of Okayama. It was during a visit …
Continue readingCherry Blossom Forecast 2013
This year’s cherry blossom forecast is expected to be earlier than the average schedule for most parts of Japan, with Central Honshu expecting a late March blooming date. The weather has been warmer than usual …
Continue readingHoryuji Temple
Horyuji Temple in Nara is one of Japan’s most important temples. It was founded in 607 by Prince Shotoku, who is considered to be the patron saint of Japanese Buddhism. It is one of the …
Continue readingKurashiki
Kurashiki is a sight-seeing spot in Okayama that is famous for its beautifully preserved Bikan historical area. It was an old merchant town that prospered during the Edo Period. Walking down its narrow streets with …
Continue readingHiroshima Peace Memorial Park
The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park is a park in the middle of Hiroshima city that contains several memorials to the atomic bomb victims of Hiroshima. The park is a constant reminder of the tragic past …
Continue readingKorakuen Garden
Korakuen Garden in Okayama is a beautiful Japanese landscape garden. It is considered to be one of the three most beautiful gardens in Japan. The others are Kenrokuen Garden in Kanazawa and Kairakuen Garden in …
Continue readingOkayama Castle
Okayama Castle also known as “u-jo” the “Crow Castle” is one of the must see castles in Japan. It was originally built in 1597, but the modern structure is a reconstruction. It is famous for …
Continue reading