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Saimyoji Temple

Saimyoji Temple

This Shingon Buddhist Sect Buzan School Temple in Mashiko City, Tochigi Prefecture is dedicated to the 11-headed Kanzeon Bodhisattva.  Saimyoji temple is the twentieth temple in the Bando (33 Kannon temples of kanto region) pilgrimage circuit. The gabled thatched two-story gate and three-story pagoda constructed in 1492 and the miniature shine in the main temple hall that is said to be created during the Muromachi period have all been designated Important Cultural Properties of Japan. A statue of a laughing Yama (king of Hell) next to the Bodhisattva Jizo who protects those who have fallen to hell is also found here at the temple. The laughing Yama (king of Hell) is said to be the incarnation of the jizo."

Nikko kaido Oshu kaido TOCHIGI
Isoyama Benzaiten Shrine, Izuruhara Benten Pond (Isoyama Park)

Isoyama Benzaiten Shrine, Izuruhara Benten Pond (Isoyama Park)

Izuruhara Benten Pond, the source of the Izuru River, is designated a Prefectural Natural Treasure and was selected as one of the nation’s clearest water sources by the Ministry of Environment. Take a look down into the transparent water and you will find Koi fish with sparkling scales swimming gracefully over swaying water plants. Samples of the pristine water are available to take home from the neighbouring Ichinokan hotel. Be sure to take a close look at the main building of Isoyama Benzaiten Shrine. Reconstructed in the Kamakura period (1185-1333), this cultural property is constructed without nails and displays the beauty of traditional Japanese architectural methods. Isoyama Benzaiten (nicknamed Fuzai) is a goddess of music, arts and knowledge and is one of seven lucky Sano gods built here in 948. The Benzaiten Shrine was moved here at the request of “Suisha-ko”, a group of devout local worshippers.

Nikko kaido Oshu kaido TOCHIGI
Motomachi Illumination

Motomachi Illumination

Since the opening of the port of Yokohama, this chic district was the earliest to adopt the modern western culture with its many shops aimed at foreigners. At this shopping street brimming with uniqueness, not only can you find many gourmet food, you can also find jewellery, furniture and fashion brands originating from Yokohama's Motomachi. From Autumn to Winter Motomachi is lit up brightly with colorful illuminationsMotomachi goes all-out during the year-end holiday season to create a warm and jolly atmosphere. A fun place to enjoy lights, shopping, and restaurants.

Culture & Arts Tokaido Koshu kaido KANAGAWA
Gyojagatake

Gyojagatake

The ascent to the summit of Gyojadake is a series of small ascents and descents. The summit of Mt. Gyoja is narrow and not suitable for groups resting. A stone statue of En no Gyoja (En no Gyoja) used to be placed on the summit, but it has been damaged by the wind and rain. There are several places where you have to climb up from Gyoja-dake to Shindaihi, so please be careful.Please use the "Tanzawa Omote Ridge Traverse Course" as a reference and plan your hike accordingly.Early morning trekking allows you to enjoy a special experience with fewer people and clear air.

Nature & Views Tokaido Koshu kaido KANAGAWA
Kumano Shrine, Manyo Park

Kumano Shrine, Manyo Park

Kumano Shrine enshrines a god of hot water, and hot water runs down the purification trough. There are 'Yukake-matsuri' on the fourth Saturday of May, and regularly held festival takes place at the same weekends. At the Manyo Park located at the center of spa town, there are so many Manyo plants (plants cited in the Manyoshu). There are also Manyo-tei modelled after ancient architecture of Manyo era, a monument engraved with a waka which is the only waka about hot water, and a monument of Doppo Kunikida, whose novels are focused on Yugawara.

Temples & Shrines Tokaido Koshu kaido KANAGAWA