The sixth-century Hata no Kawakatsu was one of the key figures of his time. He was an influential ally of the devout Buddhist Prince Shōtoku, credited with the spread of the new religion in Japan. As a member of the … Read the rest
Category: Kansai (Page 3 of 4)
Ema tablets featuring ‘Beyond the Boundary’ heroine sell out at Nara shrine
Asahi Shimbun, February 07, 2015 By SHOTARO HAMADA/ Staff Writer
KASHIHARA, Nara Prefecture–Five hundred small tablets featuring images of the protagonist of the popular anime series “Beyond the
The Kansai Scene this month has a special feature on Kansai’s Danjri festivals. These autumn festivals are a high-speed dangerous version of the more sedate Gion Matsuri, with elaborate carts sponsored by particular areas racing through the streets, … Read the rest
Tenkawa is a notable shrine in Nara Prefecture, which has long had an association with the performing arts and has recently won a reputation also as a ‘power spot’ with a strong sense of spiritual energy. The information below … Read the rest
Announcement of the Shika-Yose (Deer Call) in Nara Park, which begins today…
The Shika-Yose or Deer Call is a seasonal event of the ancient capital of Nara that first started in AD1892, whereby the sound of a natural … Read the rest
PAGAN’S DELIGHT
For a neo-pagan, Japan is a magical treasure-house of sacred sites and power spots. Many date back to prehistoric times, their origins obscured by a mist thicker even than that of ancient Avalon. There are swords here … Read the rest
Spectacular evenings at Todai-ji at the moment, with the nightly Omizutori festival (described below). It’s on until March 14 and definitely worth checking out. Given the number of times wooden buildings have burnt down in Japanese history, it’s amazing … Read the rest