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Iiyama Hakusan Forest Park Observatory

Iiyama Hakusan Forest Park Observatory

From Iiyama Kannon Chokokuji Temple it is about a 25 minute climb to reach the Hakusan Observatory. It is located at the top of Hakusan Mountain on the Hakusan Hiking Course and Hakusan Jyunrei Toge Hiking Course routes. The panoramic view from the 284-meter-high observatory includes Yokohama Minato Mirai on the right, Shinjuku buildings and Tokyo Sky Tree in front, and Mount Tsukuba on the left. We hope you will enjoy the breathtaking and inspiring view.

Nature & Views Tokaido Koshu kaido KANAGAWA
Discover the Zen Spiritual Experience with a Volunteer Guide in Saijoji Temple

Discover the Zen Spiritual Experience with a Volunteer Guide in Saijoji Temple

Welcome to Daiyuzan Saijoji Temple, a sacred Zen sanctuary where tranquility and solemnity reside. Located in Minamiashigara City, Kanagawa Prefecture, Daiyuzan Saijoji Temple stands as an important Zen temple of the Soto sect, preserving its long history and deep faith to this day.The main hall was designed by Ito Chuta, the first Japanese architecture historian, and embodies the traditional Japanese aesthetic of finding the beauty in shadows. The approach leading to it is lined with approximately 20,000 cedar trees, many over hundreds of years old, enveloping visitors in a quiet, mystical atmosphere.A beautifully proportioned pagoda welcomes worshippers, evoking a sense of being transported to ancient Japan. The legendary ascetic Tengu (a type of Shinto spiritual being) stands guard before Kekkai-mon (the sacred barrier gate), and is said to ward off evil spirits and protect worshippers while also guiding the path to enlightenment.Atop 354 stone steps lies the sacred sanctuary Okunoin, quietly standing to offer deep healing and insight to visitors. This space, woven from the natural beauty of the four seasons and the spirit of Zen, is the perfect place for a journey away from daily life to center your mind.We invite you to experience the “authentic Japan” where tranquility and strength coexist at Daiyuzan Saijoji Temple. Zen practice through zazen meditation and sutra copying awaits you.

Temples & Shrines Tokaido Koshu kaido KANAGAWA
America Yama Park ROOFTOP ILLUMINATION ~20th Anniversary of the Minato Mirai Line STAR TRAIN~

America Yama Park ROOFTOP ILLUMINATION ~20th Anniversary of the Minato Mirai Line STAR TRAIN~

"ROOFTOP ILLUMINATION - Minatomirai Line 20th Anniversary STAR TRAIN" will be held at America Yama Park, a multi-story urban park located on the roof of Motomachi-Chukagai Station, where visitors can enjoy the historical atmosphere of Yamate and the bustling Motomachi area. To commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Minato Mirai Line on February 1, 2024, a beautiful "blue" illumination that blends in with the night sky will be illuminated, and a photo spot with a train motif will be available for visitors to enjoy. Come and enjoy our calming, magical space away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Nature & Views Tokaido Koshu kaido KANAGAWA
Uraga Community Center Branch (Folk Museum)

Uraga Community Center Branch (Folk Museum)

This facility provides a place and opportunity for local people and organizations where they can casually interact and discuss things. It also hosts a variety of events, such as lectures, hobby classes, practical workshops, and others to improve knowledge and education, health, social welfare as well as to promote lifestyle and culture. Local literature and documents of Uraga are displayed in the center as well.

Culture & Arts Tokaido Koshu kaido KANAGAWA
Hakone-jinja Shrine

Hakone-jinja Shrine

Hakone Shrine is an ancient shrine celebrating its 1266th anniversary. Founded in 757, the first year of the Tenpyo-Hoji Era, at the beginning of the Nara Period (710-794), when Mamaki Shonin, who was in ascetic training on Mount Hakone, was entrusted by the Great God of Hakone to the shrine at its current location by Lake Ashi. During the Kamakura period, Minamoto no Yoritomo deeply worshipped Hakone Shrine, giving birth to the custom of nishomode (pilgrimage to two shrines). Since then, the shrine has flourished as a place of reverence for warriors such as the regent Hojo and the warlord Tokugawa Ieyasu, as well as a sacred place for Shugen (Japanese mountain asceticism). In modern times, with the construction of the Hakone Road, Hakone became a sacred place of worship for the common people, and belief in Mount Hakone as a deity highly virtuous for protecting against bad luck, fulfilling one's desire, and ensuring traffic safety became even more popular. The approach from the Heiwa-no-torii (peaceful gateway) by Lake Ashinoko to the main shrine is flanked by rows of cedar trees more than 600 years old, giving the shrine a majestic appearance, behind the vermilion-lacquered Gongen-zukuri main shrine building is a pure forest of himeshara, a natural treasure of Kanagawa Prefecture, and the Gongen Mitarashi pond and Lake Ashi below reflect the vermilion Peace Gate and the sacred Mount Fuji, surrounding the shrine with beautiful nature. Many visitors from around the world come to pay their respects at the Kuzuryu Shrine (Shingu and Hongu), which is a shrine revered not only for its good fortune and prosperity, but also for its protection of money, prosperity in business, and match-making, particularly during the Tsukinamisai held at the main shrine on the 13th of each month. [Divine virtues] Good luck repelling of bad luck, fulfillment of one’s desires (protection against bad luck), traffic safety, match-making, family safety, and business prosperity On July 31st, the shrine organizes the Ashinoko Kosui Matsuri Festival to celebrate a legendary dragon. Monks sail the lake on pirate ships offering red rice to the depths below. Floating lanterns illuminate the lake waters while fireworks light the skies above.Lake Ashinoko Summer Festival Week: Hakone Summer Festival offers a variety of events such as the biggest annual festival of Hakone Shrine with Shinto celebrations and rituals, fireworks, and more. Many fireworks will be launched at a total of six fireworks festivals, adding color to the summer Hakone sky.

Temples & Shrines Tokaido Koshu kaido KANAGAWA