formerly known as hoko-ji temple, gango-ji temple (元興寺) was the first buddhist temple in asuka. it quickly became the source of japanese buddhism and a center for many of the cultures from china to be introduced into japan. at the time, these unique cultural characteristics were known as asuka culture, and were subsequently propagated throughout japan.

gango-ji temple was later moved from asuka, a former capital of japan, to nara in the 8th century. gango-ji temple is one of the seven main temples of nara and was designated a UNESCO world heritage site in 1998.

when the temple was moved to nara, roof tiles and timber from the asuka temple were used in the reconstruction. as such the timber is undergoing studies to determine its age, which could make it older than horyu-ji temple, the oldest wooden structure in the world. the orange tiles that you can see in a couple of the photographs are original and dated to be over 1400 years old.

Read More >>

koya-san is considered the home of the gods and was founded by kukai (空海). in this area there are many shrines, including niutsuhime shrine (丹生都比売神社) and niukanshoufu shrine (丹生官省符神社). the character “ni” (丹) in both of these shrines’ names means vermillion. in ancient japan, vermillion was believed to have supernatural powers against evil. that is why many temples and shrines in japan are of this color. one of its other uses is for planting statues of buddha. jison-in (慈尊院) temple is next to niukanshoufu shrine.

Read More >>

yoshino and omine (吉野・大峯) are situated in the mountains of nara prefecture.  in recent history, mt. yoshino (吉野山) has become a popular tourist site for its thousands of cherry blossom trees planted throughout the mountain side.  situated at different altitudes, the four groves illuminate the mountain for over a month with their pink flowers when the trees are in bloom.  in fact, several japanese emperors throughout history are known to have visited the area during the cherry blossom season.  there have also been many poems and haikus have been written about mt. yoshino’s beauty.

originally, however, the kii mountain range gained its notoriety in the 7th century as a sacred area were the gods were enshrined.  it’s most popular site being perhaps koya-san.  specifically, yoshino and omine became a sacred site of the religious sect shugendo, which combines shinto, native japanese religion, with buddhism, which was imported from china.  to this day many worshipers and pilgrims make their way through the sacred pilgrimages in this mountainous area.

Read More >>