Japan

Kamakura: Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine and Great Buddha at Kotokuin Temple

From the Kenchoji Temple we walked downhill to the main site in Kamakura. The Tsurugaoka Hachimangu shrine is about 15 mins by foot and is the most important Shinto shrine. Therefore it is also the most crowded and packed place that we visited in Kamakura. Everyone wanted to see the lucky charm in the shape… Continue reading Kamakura: Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine and Great Buddha at Kotokuin Temple

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Japan

Takayama: Yatai, miniature temple and Sakurayama Hachimangu shrine

Takayama is known for its two famous festivals, which date back to the 17th century. One in autumn and one in spring, when 11 (autumn) or 12 (spring) huge elaborate yatai (floats), adorned with medical dolls are paraded around town, a spectacle that attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors. The yatai are symbolic of the… Continue reading Takayama: Yatai, miniature temple and Sakurayama Hachimangu shrine

Japan

Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Shrine

This is the most amazing shrine I've visited in Japan so far, it is very beautiful with fox statues and thousands of red torii gates lining the hills. It is one of the oldest (founded in 711 AD) and most revered Shinto shrines, and dedicated to Inari, the god of rice, sake, and prosperity. While… Continue reading Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Shrine

Japan

Kyoto: Yasui Konpiragu Shrine and relationships

This little shrine is tucked away in Gion and we just found it by coincidence. It is just outside the grounds of Kenninji Temple. At this shrine, you break with undesirable things – either an unwanted partner, or just some plain bad luck. You do this at this interesting looking monument. It is actually made… Continue reading Kyoto: Yasui Konpiragu Shrine and relationships

Hong Kong, Outdoor Activity, Outlying Islands

Hiking: Lantau Trail Stage 10

Stage 10 is very similar to stage 8, as it is just a continuation of a previous stage. Apart from a few steps in the beginning it is a really flat 6.5km walk from Shui Hau to Tung Chung road, along a catchment area. However, there are a few things that set this hike apart.… Continue reading Hiking: Lantau Trail Stage 10

Japan

Tokyo: Sake barrels at Meiji Jingu

Down the path from the main entrance are two racks of ‘offerings’ to the Emperor and Empress. On the right side are beautifully decorated barrels of sake, donated each year for generations. The barrels are called 'kazaridaru', which means decoration barrels, as they are empty. I've read in one of the guide books that in… Continue reading Tokyo: Sake barrels at Meiji Jingu