untouched since the ice age, shirakami-sanchi (白神山地) is a forest located in northern japan. its name literally meaning white god mountain area, the park is recognized for its high purity, diversity of plants and animals, and primarily because of its new beech forest which is virtually untouched and is representative of the forests that appeared in east asia after the ice age.

most of the park is off limits, as it is intended to be kept this way for preservation purposes. however, there are a few hiking trails that lead to mountain peaks within the park, including the highest, shirakami-dake (白神岳). the most popular trail winds up a river and leads you to three waterfalls, collectively referred to as anmon no taki (暗門の滝).

Read More >>

with over 120 different species of moss, saiho-ji (西芳寺) is also known koke-dera (苔寺), or moss temple. founded in the 8th century while nara was the capital of japan. the garden was originally built to honor amitabha, the principal buddha in a branch of buddhism practiced in east asia.

aside from the wide variety of moss found in the garden, there are three tea houses as well as the golden pond, ogon-chi (黄金池), which is laid out in the shape of the chinese character for heart (心). saiho-ji is designated a place of special scenic beauty and a historical landmark.

Read More >>

nara was the capital of japan for just 75 years, from 710AD until 785AD. during that time the emperor resided at this location, heijo-kyu (平城宮). based on chinese tradition for its layout within the capital, heijo ceased to be the emperor’s palace when the capital was moved north to kyoto.

the few present buildings today have been reconstructed as the palace fell to time and weather after being abandoned. the foundations and the bases of the columns of the major buildings have been unearthed or built in place. this helps visitors to get an understanding of the layout of the palace.

Read More >>

recruited by the then emperor of japan to spread buddhism, a chinese priest named ganjin failed on his first five attempts to land in japan. he finally succeeded on his sixth attempt, but by that time he was blind due to age and disease. as the only qualified person to spread buddhism in japan, ganjin spend his first 5 years in todai-ji (東大寺), later moving to toshodai-ji (唐招提寺), pictured above, and establishing it in the year 759AD.

toshodai-ji currently serves as the head temple of the ritsu sect of buddhism. the main hall, kondo (金堂), is pictured above and is considered a national treasure of japan. built as early as 781AD, the building’s architecture with its eight pillars is considered the epitome of classical style.

Read More >>

seeking to spread shingon buddhism in japan, kukai (空海) was in search of a holy mountain like he had seen in china during his stay there. according to legend, he encountered a local god and goddess in the mountains of the ki province of japan. guided by their messengers, a black and white dog, he found a high plateau surrounded by eight peaks. the same as the number of petals on a lotus flower. this place was called koya-san and currently serves as the headquarters of shingon buddhism in japan.

Read More >>