A haven of peace in the heart of Tokyo Meiji-jingu Shrine is located in Yoyogi Park in the heart of Tokyo. It offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Built in 1920 in honor of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, this Shinto shrine embodies the values of peace, respect, and …
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Hana Matsuri is also known as the Flower Festival or Buddha’s Birthday. Hana Matsuri is an annual Buddhist celebration celebrated in Japan and other parts of the world in honor of the birth of Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha and founder of Buddhism. The celebration takes place on April 8 each year. Hana Matsuri: Origin of …
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The Seven Gods of Happiness, or Shichifukujin (七福神), bring good luck and prosperity. They are often found in netsuke prints and other artistic representations. Six of them are mythological figures and one is historical. Origin and Significance Originally, these gods were distant and impersonal. Gradually, they became protective figures associated with professions and the arts. …
What is the Dogū Doll? The Dogū doll is a terracotta figurine created by the inhabitants of Japan during the Jōmon period. It is particularly interesting because it is one of the oldest traces of prehistoric Japanese culture. These objects, often small in size, feature stylized human forms, but their true purpose remains a mystery. …
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Shuten-doji is one of the most famous demons in Japanese mythology. He is the protagonist of an ancient and captivating legend, which has been passed down from generation to generation. This demon is feared for his strength and cruelty. History Shuten-doji lived on Mount Oe, where he terrorized the inhabitants of the surrounding regions. This …
Esu is a central figure in the Yoruba religion, revered as the messenger of the gods and master of crossroads. He is a complex god, recognized for his roles as mediator, trickster, and protector. In Afro-Brazilian traditions such as Candomblé, he plays a similar role, connecting humans to divine forces. The role of this god …
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The Yuki-onna, or “snow woman”, has fascinated people in Japanese folklore for centuries. She embodies the icy and mysterious beauty of winter. This legendary character remains one of the best known in Japanese folk tales. Origins The legends of the Yuki-onna come from the mountainous and snowy regions of Japan. These stories have been passed …
Momotaro, or “the peach-boy”, is a very famous tale in Japanese folklore. This story conveys essential values such as courage, loyalty, and friendship. It remains popular across generations and embodies an important part of Japanese culture. The Origin of the Momotaro Tale According to legend, an elderly childless couple discovers a huge peach floating in …
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Toshogu-ji Temple in Nikko: Sacred Splendor Set in the majestic landscape of Nikko, Toshogu-ji Temple embodies history and spirituality in an iconic way. This architectural marvel, which pays homage to Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, captivates the imagination of visitors. A Remarkable Architecture History and Symbolism: Built in the 17th century, this temple is a testament to …
True historical gem located In Kamakura, Japan, the Kōtoku-in Temple is a sacred place that attracts thousands of visitors each year who come to discover one of the country’s most revered treasures: the Great Buddha of Kamakura. This temple, with its atmosphere imbued of serenity and its thousand-year-old history, offers travelers a unique cultural immersion. …
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