Culture The First Emperor of Japan Gary Luscombe Following in the footsteps of Emperor Jimmu as he made his way across Japan to found the first Empire. He faced many challenges..
Culture Fujiwara Capital and Palace Ruins Alena Eckelmann An ancient capital spread out over an area of over 20 square kilometres, guarded by three sacred mountains called Fujiwara-kyo..
Culture Historic Nara Sites Aim to Join UNESCO List Kim Bergström Jan 29, 2025 In an exciting development, Japan has officially recommended the ancient capitals of Asuka and Fujiwara (located in present-day..
Culture Introducing Historic Imai-cho Alena Eckelmann A living town with 500 Edo Period merchant houses is Kashihara City’s best kept secret! If you like the machiya of Kyoto and t..
Culture Machiya Houses in Imai-Cho Alena Eckelmann White plastered walls, tiled roofs and dark-wood latticed windows, these were the trademarks of the merchant houses in wealthy..
Temples & Shrines Ofusa Kannon Temple Alena Eckelmann A gem of a temple, located in a quiet suburb of Kashihara City, invites worshippers to linger. This is the Ofusa Kannon Temple,..
Religion Ruins of Moto-Yakushi Temple Alena Eckelmann Located in a quiet suburb and surrounded by paddy fields and gardens lays the healing place of an imperial couple: Emperor Tenmu..
Culture Kashihara Jingu Shrine Alena Eckelmann Kashihara Jingu, a large shrine surrounded by lush forest, enshrines Emperor Jimmu, the legendary first imperial ruler of Japan,..