Japan's 8 Creepiest Shrines & Temples
Most temples and shrines will bring you a sense of harmony and peace. However, some also come with their share of unnerving events and creepy stories.
Japan's Most Beautiful Armor Rests in Aomori
Kushihiki Hachiman-gu is a historical shrine in Hachinohe, Aomori, dating back to 1166. It's considered the most prestigious shrine built by the Nambu Clan, a samurai clan originating in northern Japan.
The Biggest Temple You've Never Heard Of
While many regions of Japan are world-renowned for their shrines and temples, sometimes it's the ones you've never heard of that leave the biggest impression.
How to Purify Yourself at a Japanese Shrine
Purify yourself in 15 (not-so-complicated) steps!
3 Fun Facts About Japanese Incense
A quick teaser for those of you who are relatively new to the world of Japanese incense!
The 5 Best Views of Mount Fuji
Mount Fuji Japanese Countryside
If you're visiting Japan, Mount Fuji is one of the most iconic sights to see!
Throw 'Undama' at This Seaside Shrine
Udo Shrine in Miyazaki features a fun way to gain some good fortune!
Searching for the Imperial Regalia of Japan
Japan's Imperial Regalia have only ever been seen by a select few. Here we try to demystify these national treasures, hunting down the sites where they are said to be located.
The 3 Most Notable Animals of Shinto Shrines
Visitors at Shinto shrines often see animal statues or motifs near the entrance, inside the shrine or on signs. What do the most notable animals symbolize?
48 Hours in Kyoto on a Budget
This isn’t Kyoto for the faint-hearted. So lace up your comfy shoes and get ready to hit the pavement!
No Trees, No Kiyomizu-dera
What are the three most notable woody materials used in the construction of Kiyomizu-dera?
6 Differences Between Temples & Shrines
I decided, once and for all, to figure out the differences between a temple and a shrine.
2016 Designer New Year’s Cards
Each year Spoon & Tamago selects a handful of its favourite "nengajo," or New Year’s cards, created by Japanese designers, illustrators and other creatives.
5 Kyushu Shrines You Can't Miss
Shinto shrines can be found just about everywhere in Japan. But shrines in Kyushu are special, because Kyushu is, according to legend, home to the first places where the Shinto gods descended to Earth.
Visiting the Cradle of Japan
Miyazaki occupies a special place in Japanese history for a mountain town called Takachiho. For it was here the deity Ninigi-no-Mikoto, grandson of the sun goddess Amaterasu, is said to have descended to Earth.
Hit 3 Sites in Hiraizumi in Just One Day!
The UNESCO-registered temples and gardens of Hiraizumi represented an attempt to create an ideal world on Earth.
Share a Gorgeous Passion for Otsu
Osamu Hasegwa is one of our favourite filmmakers, and in his latest film, “Passion for Otsu—Youngest Mayor in Japan: Naomi Koshi,” he combines his stylistic technique with a vivid storyline.
A Guide to the Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Trails
Winding through the Kii Peninsula, these are the only UNESCO World Heritage pilgrimage trails in Japan.
3 Ways to Worship Mount Fuji
Mount Fuji is an object of faith for Japanese people, and a place their hearts draw support from, as expressed by the official name under which it's registered as a Cultural World Heritage Site: 'Fujisan, sacred place and source of artistic inspiration.'
Astro Boy Meets the Rinpa School of Painting
The classic anime characters by Osamu Tezuka that gave birth to modern anime come to life in this exhibit thanks to breathtaking backgrounds provided by the traditional Japanese painting school, Rinpa.
