More glimpses of unfamiliar Japan

Temple #3 of the Izumo 33 Kannon Pilgrimage is the Tendai mountain temple of Gakuenji, a place I have visited many times and still one ...

Gakuen-Ji is among the oldest buddhist temples in Japan. According to the story it is connected to Empress Suiko who ruled from 592CE to 628...

My favorite temple, Gakuenji, like most larger temples is guarded by a pair of Nio statues. Once the largest temple in the province of Izumo...

Matarajin Shrine is located next to the main hall in Gakuen-Ji Temple, though the shrine originally stood behind Izumo Taisha. It was disman...

Today is a National Holiday in Japan in celebration of the Emperor's birthday. Actually his correct title is "Tenno" which tra...

I had to go up to Izumo on Monday so I dropped by Gakuen-Ji on my way back. The fall colors were only just starting, and it was cloudy, so i...