Temple Archives - Have Ya Seen Japan

Religion in Japan: how Shintoism co-exists with other beliefs

Shintoism is the Indigenous religion of Japan and promotes a spiritual way of life in harmony with nature and all forms of life.

Known as Kyoto’s “Chinese Temple” because of its origins, Manpukuji is the head temple of the Japanese Obaku Zen school.

Called the Zuiko-in Temple, this mesmerizing landmark is better known as the temple nestled in the forests of Mt. Daimonji.

Kyoto’s Silver Pavilion (Ginkaku-ji) is often outshone by its Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji) counterpart, but here’s why that’s simply not true.

The cherry blossoms are blooming! If you’re in Japan now or plan to be in the next week, you MUST check out these 5 sakura spots in Kyoto!

Mt. Fuji, sakura, and bonsai are the icons of Japan’s beauty, but the truth is there is an abundance of reasons that make Japan beautiful.

Nestled in the mountainous ranges of Kyoto’s Hieizan (Mt. Hiei), Enryaku-ji Temple is one of the most significant sites in Japanese history.

Kiyomizu-dera is one of Kyoto’s most popular temples, but with most of it already free for the public, is it worth entering the paid section?

You’ve probably seen this tower in every Japan tourism ad, the infamous Yasaka Pagoda. Standing tall at 46 meters, it is the pride of Kyoto.

Easily the most unique shrine I’ve ever been to is the striking demon head of Namba Yasaka Shrine, a surprisingly under-visited monument.

It’s not the temple you often see in travel magazines, but Nanzenji Temple is so much more than a building, it’s a haven of pure beauty.

The Golden Pavilion or Kinkaku-ji (金閣寺) has become a pilgrimage for visitors to Kyoto, but is it really worth your time?