The Tōdai-ji is an important Buddhist temple in Nara, Japan. It houses the biggest Buddha statue (daibutsu) with a height of 15 meters and a weight of 452 tons. The temple dates back to the year 745 and was last rebuilt in 1708. Continue reading “Tōdai-ji”
Kōfuku-ji
Another Buddhist temple in Nara, Japan: the Kōfuku-ji is located next to the Kasuga-Taisha. You can easily find the pagoda Gojūnotō next to it. It was founded in 669 in Kyōto and then shifted to Nara in 710. Within the Gempei war in 1108 it was destroyed. Continue reading “Kōfuku-ji”
Tō-ji
The Tō-ji (eastern temple) or Kyō-ō Gokoku-ji (protecting temple of the kings of the scripture) is a Buddhist temple in Kyōto, Japan. It is easily findable because of its 57 meters high pagoda which is the highest in Japan. Continue reading “Tō-ji”
Bamboo woods
It is a great pleasure the bamboo wood of Arashiyama in Kyōto, Japan. It feels pretty unreal to walk through this vast wood with its special atmosphere; it reaches from Tenryū-ji to just below the Ōkōchi Sansō villa. Continue reading “Bamboo woods”
Temple in the mountains
I’ve seen numerous temples and shrines throughout my visits to Japan. But the one with the most beautiful scenery is Kurama-dera close to the village Kurama north of Kyōto, Japan. It is located on mountain Kurama and you have to walk up – there is only a cable-car carrying you half the way. Continue reading “Temple in the mountains”
Best spa ever
I really like Japanese spas and especially the Onsen which get their water from hot springs. I always check wether my ryokan hotel is equipped with such a place to relax and especially love those places if they are outdoor. Continue reading “Best spa ever”
Ōkōchi-Sansō villa
The Ōkōchi-Sansō or Ōkōchi mountain villa is the former home of film director Denjirō Ōkōchi in Kyōto, Japan. It is located in Arashiyama close to the Tenryū-ji temple and can be visited for a small fee. Continue reading “Ōkōchi-Sansō villa”
Tenryū-ji
Tenryū-ji is a nice Buddhist temple in Kyōto, Japan close to the bamboo grove in Arashiyama. It was built in 1339 to satisfy the ghost of a former Tennō. In the 14th century CE the gardener Musō Soseki created a wonderful garden next to the main hall. Continue reading “Tenryū-ji”
Nanzen-ji
When you get to the Buddhist Nanzen-ji temple in Kyōto, Japan you will first be impressed by the massive wooden front gate. The temple was built in the 13th century CE and many tourists get here to see the traditional Japanese houses and the nice garden. Continue reading “Nanzen-ji”
Ginkaku-ji
Ginkaku-ji (temple of the silver pavilion) is a Buddhist temple in Kyōto, Japan. It was built in 1482 by a Shōgun as his retirement home. Two buildings from the 15th century CE are still in place: the Kannon-den (Ginkaku, silver pavilion) and the Tōgu-dō. Continue reading “Ginkaku-ji”