Sumiya is a wonderful, ancient traditional restaurant and entertainment venue, originally built in 1641, that’s now a museum of sorts, primarily involved in the architectural preservation of the building and interior. It’s considered to be the finest example of Edo-period ageya (restaurant and entertainment venue) architecture in urban Japan. Here is where lavish meals were […]
Read the rest of this entry »Archive for the 'Historical Buildings & Temples' Category
WoWasis visits Nijo Castle in Kyoto, Japan
Nijo Castle is an important UNESCO World heritage site in Kyoto, although the appellation is losing some of its luster, since that body seems to be giving out that honor like candy these days. Nevertheless, the castle is well worth seeing, and easy to get to, located in central Kyoto. Important aspects of the castle […]
Read the rest of this entry »WoWasis visits the Ninna-ji Temple in Kyoto, Japan
The Ninna-ji Temple was founded in 888 ACE. Also known as the Old Imperal Palace, Ninna-ji is the headquarters of the Omuro School of the Shingon sect of Buddhism.The Omuro School of Flower Arrangement is also housed in the temple. The temple complex is striking, with a number of architecturally arresting buildings, including an imposing […]
Read the rest of this entry »WoWasis’ visits Kyoto’s Tofuku-ji Hojo “Hasso” Garden
Tofuku-ji Temple with its well-known garden is southeast of Kyoto’s center, and is well worth the visit, both for its renowned garden, but also for the fact that there are relatively few visitors here, and the serenity can be welcome after braving crowds at Kyoto’s better known sites. It’s also close to the Fumisjhi Inari […]
Read the rest of this entry »WoWasis’ visits Kyoto’s amazing golden Kinkaku-ji Pavilion
Although it’s full of visitors and can get crowded, there’s no doubt as to the beauty of the scene of Kyoto’s golden Kinkaku-ji Pavilion overlooking the lake. It’s one of the finest views in Japan. Originally built in 1397 ACE, the temple was burned in 1950 by an obsessed monk, so what you’re seeing today […]
Read the rest of this entry »WoWasis visits the Kohfukuji Treasure Hall in Nara, Japan
These days, Japan is restoring seemingly dozens of historical shrines and temples. The process included shrouding the building in a huge, unsightly shed for periods of up to five years. While we here at WoWasis applaud the process in general, it wreaks havoc on visitors that were hoping to see an important shrine or temple, […]
Read the rest of this entry »WoWasis visits the Todai-Ji Temple complex in Nara, Japan
The Todai-Ji Temple complex is considered to be the top tourism attraction in Nara. There is much to see here, and the complex is large, including some uphill walks to fascinating shrines and temples. You begin at the Nandai-mon gate, which leads to the main temple area. Encased in huge chicken-wire boxes are two wooden […]
Read the rest of this entry »WoWasis’ visits Kyoto’s amazing Sanjusangen-Do temple
We here at WoWasis have seen a lot of Buddhist structures, but we weren’t prepared for what we saw at Kyoto’s amazing Sanjusangen-Do temple. Here is a hall, rebuilt in 1266, replete with 1001 statues of the 100-armed Buddhist goddess of mercy, Kannon. The statues are laid out in a grid consisting of 500 statues […]
Read the rest of this entry »WoWasis’ Top 6 picks in Takayama, Japan
Takayama is a small jewel of a city located to the north of Kyoto, and makes a refreshing two day stop. It’s unrushed, and a terrific walking town. To get here, you’ll probably take the train from Nagoya. If you do, get a window seat, as the scenery around the Hida river is at times […]
Read the rest of this entry »WoWasis visits the beautiful Isui-en Garden in Nara, Japan
On your day walk through the old Japanese capital city of Nara, it’s easy to miss one of Japan’s most outstanding gardens. It’s a must-see, though, and it will take you less than an hour to complete the magnificent walking loop. Located to the west of Todaiji Temple’s Nandaimon Gate, the Isui-en Garden sits astride […]
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