Shrines Archives | Kansai Odyssey

Just south of Kyoto is the quiet Jonan-gu Shrine. Throughout most of the year, this shrine is little noticed, but

Bitchu Matsuyama Castle: Japan’s Only Surviving Mountain Castle

Japan’s very first castles were mountain castles or yamajiro. Unfortunately, many of them do not exist anymore, due to the

For many a trip to Japan is not complete without a stop in one of the many Buddhist temples dotting

Mt. Iimori is a popular destination for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, yet there is more to this mountain than just

In north Osaka, in the middle of a quaint residential area, lies Naritasan Fudoson Temple. Though Naritasan Fudoson doesn’t have

At the foot of Mt. Hiei in the Sakamoto district of Otsu City stands Hiyoshi Shrine. Well-known for centuries as

On the top of Mt. Hiei is a huge temple complex, Enryaku-ji. While many people just visit the To-do the