Japan? category ?

Kyoto's shrines and temples have statues and paintings of various birds, including dove, cranes, and sparrows. These are either related to gods or Buddhas or based on legends. Here we will introduce recommended shrines and temples for each type of bird.

This shrine enshrines Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who rose from a peasant to unify Japan. In front of the main hall is the Karamon gate, which is designated as a national treasure. Within the shrine grounds, there is a treasure museum displaying items associated with Toyotomi Hideyoshi.

Okunoin cemetery is the most important place in Koyasan. There is a tour to visit Okunoin cemetery at night with an English guide. There were many graves along the approach to the mausoleum, and it was very quiet. The atmosphere was solemn, completely different from when I visited in the afternoon.

This is the head temple of the Shinshu Bukkoji sect. Every morning at 7:00 AM, services are held in the Amida Hall and the Daishi Hall. The sound of a bell rang out from outside, and we all chanted "Namu Amida Butsu." The chanting was very fast-paced and pleasant to listen to.

This shrine is built on the site where the residence of Fujiwara no Yoshifusa, a powerful nobleman, is said to have stood around the 9th century. The well water that still exists in the purification fountain is said to have been used in the imperial court.

This is the head temple of the Shinshu Bukkoji sect. Bukkoji Temple is located just off a small side street, away from the bustling Shijo Karasuma shopping arcade. Upon entering the temple grounds, the first thing that caught my eye were the two large halls. There was a cafe on the temple grounds, so I had a meal there.

This is a sub-temple built on the north side of Toji Temple. The guest hall, built in 1605, is designated a National Treasure. There is an admission fee, but it is open to the public year-round. You can view Buddhist statues, gardens, and paintings of Miyamoto Musashi, among other things.

Toji means the temple in the east. It was built on the east side of the city 1,200 years ago when Kyoto was founded. The five-story pagoda stands 55 metres (180 feet) and is the tallest wooden structure in Japan. There are many Buddha statues lined up in the Kodo hall.

There are statues and paintings of various fish in Kyoto's shrines and temples, including sea bream, carp, and eels. These are either related to gods or Buddhas or based on legends. Here we will introduce recommended shrines and temples for each type of fish.

This shrine enshrines Onamuchi-no-Mikoto as its principal deity. Mahakala, Sarasvati, and Vaisravana are also enshrined here. There is a dragon carving on the ceiling of the worship hall. It was 8 meters (26.25 feet) long and so intricately made that it was feared to come to life at night.