temple

temple

Stone steps at Hase-dera Temple in Nara, Japan, lined with blooming hydrangeas. Serene
Nara

Hasedera: Peonies and Steps

Hasedera temple in Nara, a spiritual jewel nestled in greenery, famous for its legendary 400 steps and its enchanting peonies.

Peony Bloom
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Mossy forest trail at Jinjoji Temple, Japan Some hiking
Chugoku

Jinjo-ji: Ancient Shrine Lost in the Mountains

Dans le fin fond de la campagne rurale japonaise, on tombe parfois sur des endroits qui semblent figés dans le temps. Le temple Jinjoji à Shimonoseki en fait clairement partie.

Quiet
Half day (allow extra time if you include mountain scenery walks and slow exploration of the garden and grounds)
Iconic red Daruma dolls, symbols of perseverance. Easy walk
Osaka

Katsuō-ji: Temple of the Daruma

Not far from Osaka, in the heart of Mino forest, is a place reputed to grant all wishes. Discover the Temple of the Daruma …

Busy
Half day (about 3–5 hours including travel from central Osaka); allow longer if visiting as part of a Kansai/ Saigoku pilgrimage day
Vibrant autumn garden at Shiofunekannon-ji Temple, Japan Vibrant
Spring

Shiofune Kannon-ji Temple

This 1,300-year-old Buddhist temple lights up with beauty when spring comes. Its flowering azalea groves display the most beautiful colours.

Azalea Festival
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Natadera Temple: Serene Japanese Shrine Amidst Verdant Landscape Easy walk
Ishikawa

Natadera Temple

Natadera Temple, in the suburb of Komatsu (Ishikawa prefecture) a few kilometres from Kanazawa city, belongs to the Shingon Buddhist sect.

Some crowds
Half day (about 2–4 hours on site, longer if combining with Komatsu/Kanazawa sightseeing)
Hannya-ji Temple Dreamlike
Autumn

Hannya-ji: The Cosmos Temple

Nara is very pretty with plenty of hidden corners to visit that I’ll try to help you discover. One of my autumn favourites is Hannya-ji Temple.

Cosmos Bloom
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Mount Osore Some hiking
Aomori

Osore-san: Highway to Hell

We march towards the entrance of Mount Osore under the crazy heat.

Some crowds
Half day (about 3–5 hours on site, plus transit); Full day if doing it as a day trip from Aomori/Hachinohe