Just to the north of Kyoto, Ohara is a picturesque village with a traditional, rural feel. It’s known locally for its vegetables, but has a wider claim to fame as host to the celebrated Buddhist temple … Read the rest
Category: Kansai (Page 1 of 4)
Anyone in Osaka next weekend should think of heading for the Namba Yasaka Shrine, whose unique frontage is pictured above. On the third Sunday of January each year, the shrine … Read the rest
Kagura – Entertainment Fit for Gods
Following on from the theoretical research into Japan’s mythology in the last posting, exciting news comes of a new venue for theatrical performances of the main myths. The recently opened Osaka kagura space (Iwami
Burial mounds for emperors set to gain World Heritage listing
By MAYUMI UEDA/ May 14, 2019 Asahi Shimbun
UNESCO signaled its readiness May 13 to grant World Heritage status to a cluster of “kofun” burial mounds in Osaka Prefecture dating
One of the prime functions of Shinto in Japan is the sacralisation of the country’s history. It’s a vital part of the national sense of identity, and why Shinto is sometimes called a religion of Japaneseness. The role shrines play … Read the rest
A shrine that dates back to 709. A huge imposing torii. And next to it an ancient sake factory, now a museum, in front of which tourist coaches pull up throughout the day.
It’s only half an hour from Kyoto, … Read the rest
The excellent Core Kyoto series produced by NHK World (which broadcasts in English for overseas) has produced a fine item about Kyoto’s Mt Atago and the pilgrimage for the fire deity which takes place on July 31.
The video is … Read the rest