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Tokyo
Nanzoin temple (Tokyo) Binding Ksitigarbha and praying
Nanzoin Temple was founded in 1348. It is famous for its Ksitigarbha bound with rope. I tied the Ksitigarbha statue with a rope while praying for my wish. The rope is provided at the temple. Each rope cost 100 yen. There is a ceremony on New Year's Eve where this rope is untied. -
Tokyo
Gokokuji temple (Tokyo) Tokyo’s finest wooden ancient architecture
Tokyo is a city with few old wooden buildings, having suffered major earthquakes and fires during wars. However, Gokokuji Temple still has a huge main hall built in 1697. Normally, you can enter between 9:00 and 11:50 and between 13:00 and 16:00. There are many Buddha statues enshrined inside the hall. -
Tokyo
Zojoji temple (Tokyo) A huge hall and Tokyo Tower
Zojoji Temple was founded in 1393 and is the head temple of the Jodo sect of Buddhism. It is the family temple of the Tokugawa Shogunate, and the graves of six Shoguns can be found within the temple grounds. The main hall is one of the largest in Tokyo. Tokyo Tower stands in the background. -
Kyoto-City
Honnoji temple (Kyoto) Most powerful warlord rests
Honnoji Temple is the head temple of the Hokke Honmon school of Buddhism. This is the temple where Oda Nobunaga was betrayed and killed by his subordinate Akechi Mitsuhide. He was one of Japan's most famous warlord and was on the verge of unifying the country. -
Kyoto-City
Honnoji temple (Kyoto) Morning service
Honnoji Temple was founded in 1415. It is the head temple of the Hokke Honmon school of Buddhism. Morning services are held at Honnoji Temple every day from 6am, and anyone is welcome to attend. The sound of the drums was very powerful and electrifying. -
Kyoto-City
Kenninji temple (Kyoto) Zazen in front of a dry landscape garden
Kenninji Temple was founded in 1202 and is the oldest Zen temple in Kyoto. At Kenninji Temple, a Zazen (Zen meditation) session is held every second Sunday of the month from 7:30 am. No reservation is required, just arrive on time to participate. I decided to do zazen next to the dry landscape garden. -
Kyoto-City
Nishikitenmangu shrine (Kyoto)
Nishiki Tenmangu Shrine is located in the shopping district. This shrine is known for its benefits in granting success in exams, and visitors pray while stroking the cattle. Within the temple grounds, Nishiki no Mizu, known as Kyoto's finest spring water, springs forth. -
Kyoto-City
Kenninji temple (Kyoto) Copying sutras at a Zen temple
Kenninji Temple was founded in 1202 and is the oldest Zen temple in Kyoto. It is the head temple of the Kenninji branch of the Rinzai sect. Copying sutras was available to visitors at any time without the need for a reservation. The Heart Sutra was printed lightly on the copying paper, and I traced it over. -
Kyoto-City
Tenryuji temple (Kyoto) Traditional Buddhist vegetarian cuisine
I had buddhist vegetarian cuisine at "Shigetsu" located within the temple grounds. It was a charming building with Japanese-style architecture. What I felt after eating the meal was that it was light in flavor but very satisfying. It was not only delicious, but also a meal that taught me about Buddhist thought. -
Kyoto-City
Kenninji temple (Kyoto) Kyoto’s oldest Zen temple
Kenninji Temple was founded in 1202 and is the oldest Zen temple in Kyoto.It is the head temple of the Kenninji branch of the Rinzai sect. Many cultural assets have been preserved, including the National Treasure Wind God and Thunder God Screen, architecture, gardens, paintings, and more.
