Takkoku no Iwaya, a temple on the rock face of a cliff (2)

<Bishamodo> Continued to previous article, we introdue Takkoku no Iwaya (達谷窟) attractiveness. Together with Bishamodo hall, Ganmen Daibutsu is another attraction. www.tohoku-guide.com Ganmen Daibutsu with 16.5m high Buddha is one of the five large Buddhas in Japan. It is called Amida Butsu and comme…

Takkoku no Iwaya, a temple on the rock face of a cliff (1)

<The approach to the main hall> Takkoku no Iwaya (達谷窟) is a temple constructed on the rock face of a cliff in Hiraizumi area. And it was established as a religious precinct by Sakanoue no Tamuramaro in the 9th century. <Bishamondo hall entrance> The warload Akuro Takamaro had his headquarters in a f…

Issaikyo peak, breathtaking views of Azuma-Kofuji and brilliant turquoise-color pond (2)

<Kamanuma Pond 1> Last article, we introduced the Issaikyo peak (一切経山) acend route attraction. This time we introduce decend route attraction such as Kamanuma Pond. Not only ascend highlight to the Issaikyo peak, but also decend side trail is highly recommended to the climber. The picturesque Kamanu…

Osaki Hachimangu, magestic shrine pavilion with brilliantly colored carvings

<Osaki Hachimangu> Osaki Hachimangu (大崎八幡宮) is built in 1607 by Lord Date Masamune. It is magestic shrine pavilion with brilliantly colored carvings on a base of deep black lacquer. Also it is oldest shrine constructed in Gongen-zukuri architecture style designated as a national treasure. This place…

Zuihoden, superb example of elegant, gorgeous decorated architecture of the early Edo period

<Main entrance of Zuihoden with Momoyama culture style> Zuihoden (瑞鳳殿) is the mausoleum of Date Masamune, powerful feudal lords in Edo Period. Masamune was known throughout Japan as "One-eyed Dragon" during Edo. When Masamune was 70 years old, he commanded this be build one of his dying requests and…

Issaikyo peak, breathtaking views of Azuma-Kofuji and brilliant turquoise-color pond (1)

<Goshikinuma on cloudy day> Issaikyo peak (一切経山) elevated 1949 meters in Fukushima can be reached 80-min. hike from the Jododaira (浄土平) Marshland, where the parking place is located and several hiking trails starting point. <Entrance to the mountain area> <Unmelted snow trail> <marshland before fill…

Oze National Park, home to many beautiful flowers incl. Skunk cabbage (2)

<Wood deck with Skunk cabbage> Continued to previous article of Oze National Park, we introduce this area. www.tohoku-guide.com Oze National Park consists of three parts, Oze area, Ozegahara Marsh, and Lake Ozenuma & famous mountain such as Mt Shibutsu, Mt Hiuchigatake and Mt Aizu Komagatake. <Looko…

Oze National Park, home to many beautiful flowers incl. Skunk cabbage (1)

<Lookout Mt Hiuchigatake> We visited Oze National park and introduce some of their attractiveness. Oze is a national park spanning the four prefecture of Gunma, Fukushima, Niigata and Tochigi. And it is a nice hiking destination where has several surrounding mountains are located in the park. <Wood …

Mount Adatara, one of Japan's 100 famous mountains on the opening of a mountain to climbers (2)

<Look over mountain range from the top> As earlier introduced, we climbed up to Mount Adatara on the opening of a mountain to climbers of May 20th(Sun). And introduced the scenery of ascend route previous article. www.tohoku-guide.com This time, we introduce decend route that is more interesting sce…

Mount Adatara, one of Japan's 100 famous mountains on the opening of a mountain to climbers (1)

<Opening event near top of the mountain> We climbed up to Mount Adatara on the opening of a mountain to climbers last month. From May 20th(Sun), it is beginning the mountaineering season this year. We introduce the latest Mount Adatara scenery using photos in the right order. For your reference, bel…

Mount Adatara, one of Japan's 100 famous mountains offer bustling autumn leaf scenery (2)

<Mountain Stream with bustling autumn leaf 1> Continued from last article, introducing the attractiveness of Mount Adatara in Autumn. Below photos are took during autumn leaf season. www.tohoku-guide.com <Waterfall spot along mountain stream> <Bridge across the stream 1> <Bridge across the stream 2>…

(Update) Hiraizumi, temples, gardens and archeological sites <Motsu-ji temple>

<Oizumigaike(Pond)> Hiraizumi (平泉) has two major popular attraction. One is Chuson-ji temple, the other is Motsu-ji temple. This time we pick up Motsu-ji temple. Below is the last time article of Chuson-ji temple. www.tohoku-guide.com Motsu-ji temple was founded by Ennin in 850. At that time the sec…

Mount Adatara, one of Japan's 100 famous mountains offer bustling autumn leaf scenery (1)

<Mount Adatara summit 1> Mount Adatara (安達太良山) is a stratovolcano in Fukushima and also one of Japan's 100 famous mountains. The mountain is multiple volcanoes forming a broad, forested mountain range. The active peak crater is surrounded by hot springs and fumaroles. <great view of the volcanic cra…

(Update) Hiraizumi, temples, gardens and archeological sites <Chuson-ji temple>

<The approach to the main hall> Hiraizumi (平泉) has two major popular attraction. One is Chuson-ji temple, the other is Motsu-ji temple. This time pick up Chuson-ji temple scenery. <Bell tower located along the approach to the main hall> We visited Hiraizumi this month again and update the different …

Rakuten Seimei Park Miyagi, first ever Ferris-Wheel at ballpark & natural grass brings baseball atmosphere

<Lucky seventh inning> Rakuten Seimei Park Miyagi is a stadium in Sendai, primarily used for baseball. Although It opened in 1950, to modernize the facility for baseabll team, the Golden Eagles, seating quantity was reduced from 28,600 to 20,000 and wider space seat was introduced. Also, an artifici…

Meteora, experiencing sanctuaries lasting several generation at monasteries (3)

<Great Meteoron in Meteora> As indicate last article that introducing monasteries of Great Meteoron, Holy Trinity and St. Stephen. Great Meteoron The Holy Monastery of Great Meteoro (Transfiguration of Jesus) is the biggest and oldest one of all, dating back to the 14th century. It was called the mo…