The Japan Plan
I tried again today to explore more around Yagi but the weather held me back. It was cold to start with but the skies looked to be clearing when I took the camera out for a walk. .jpg)
I decided to go in the opposite direction this time and found Miniashi Mountain. This Mountain is more like a large hill and is next to a small man made pond and park. .jpg)
There is a playground in the park that has some wooden equipment for the kiddies to run wild on. 
There was a stone marker a little ways into the forest at the base of the mountain. Times like this I wish I could read Japanese. I like to think it says something deep and profound but it probably is just directing visitors to the bathroom..jpg)
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Near the stone is this stair case leading up to what I think will be a shrine on the mountaintop. The gate seems to indicate so..jpg)
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These lamps line the way up the hill and are quite the site as they wind their way upwards.
Still, before I could get halfway to the top the rains shot down upon me and I retreated back towards home but not before finding a video rental store and this shrine..jpg)
These shrines pop up everywhere and this one was right under my nose. It is directly in front of my apartment across the train tracks.
So, with the weather against me yet again I decided to finally sit down and plot out just what I want to see and do in Japan. Here is the list:
Discovering Nara
Mininashi Mountain: The path up lined with Japanese lamps rising up into the mountain gnaws on my curiosity. Should there be nothing up there it will at least be a nice hike through woods up the mountain side.
Shrine Near Apartment: No special intrigue about this spot except that it is directly across from me and it merits a few photographs in better daylight.
Imaicho: I have planed a visit to this Yedo ero neighborhood only to be set back by bad weather. Clouds and rain cannot last forever and the camera and I will wander these narrow streets soon enough.
Kashihara-jingu: A shrine dedicated to Emperor Jimmu. There is a nice park around the area.
Tenrikyo Church Headquarters: I have been here twice now but never inside. The temple is open to the public so I will go in and see if the place is as amazing inside as it is outside.
Isonokami Shrine: This is home to the Nanatsusaya-no-Tachi sword and the starting point down the oldest road in Japan.
Historic Site of Toyodayama Castle: This is near the Isonokami Shrine and might be worth a look.
Momono-o Fall: Just above the Isonokami Shrine is this waterfall where a ceremony of some sorts takes place every July 18th.
Historic Site of Ryufukuji Temple: Higher up the mountain path near the waterfall.
Tenri Central Library, University and Museum: Has a path of cherry blossom trees and also maple trees for some nice photos during these seasons.
Oyamato Shrine: The keeper of the enshrined God of the Yamato Battleship. It is one of the oldest shrines in Japan. The Chan Chan festival is held here on April 1st.
Mt. Ryuo: A mountain hike that takes you to a panoramic view of Nara. Up there you will also find a statue telling of the Legend of Jan Jan Fire. The best place to start this hike would be at the base of Chogakuji Temple as if you walk the left side up the mountain you will find the Chogakuji Temple Okuno-in. (NOTE: Autumn would be a good time for this because of the beautiful seasonal leaves)
The walk will start in Tenri at the Isonokami Shrine and take me into Sakurai, a nice long hike. Again, I’ll remind myself here that autumn might make a good return visit for the hike through blood red maple leaves. Here are some noteworthy spots along the way:
Historic Site of Uchiyamaeikyuji Temple: Sure are a lot of these historic sites, aren’t there? What rested on the ruins was built in 1114. At the pond near this spot there is a marker relating the Godaigo and Bagyo Fish Legend. This is also a poem monument here.
Norikurayama Tomb: Is a walk off the road downward at the above mentioned temple site. I am unsure what this is as my guides and maps only mention it without any elaboration.
Yatogi Shrine: The gate for this shrine is a near the tomb. It is a spot on the road which you turn to, walk under and return to Yamanobe-no-Michi where the Shrine’s building rests. Another poem monument can be found here
Takaenouchi and Kayo Kango-Shuraku: These are two villages which are said to be reflected beautifully in the water that surrounds them. There is a mote around both towns that was built in the middle ages.
Fusumadaryo: This is said to be the grave of a great Empress. Here you can view the mountain silhouetted between persimmon and mandarin trees. There is a monument for the wife of poet Kakinomoto Hitomaro near this spot.
Chogakuji Temple: Red blazing leaves in autumn surround this site and the temple houses the oldest crystal eyed Buddha in Japan. Yet another poem monument here. This is pretty much the middle of the road when it comes to the hike and a good spot to rest for some Miwa somen (thin white noodles) before continuing on.
Kazeozuka Tomb: This is located just off the main road towards Yanagimoto station. An excavation of the tomb in 1998 unearthed what is said to be a mirror once owned by Queen Himiko.
Emperor Sujin Tomb: Above the Kazeosuka site is the tomb if Sujin, the founder of the Yamato Imperial Court.
Emperor Keiko Tomb: Right next to the Sujin site is the tomb of the father of Yamato-Takueru-no-Mikoto. From this spot you find a magnificent view of the Nara Basin.
Kashiyama Tomb: This is above the Sujin site.
Tamakiyama Burial, Hokenoyama and Kitsunezuka Burial Mounds: You find these as you head into the Sakurai part of the journey.
Hibara-jinja Shrine and Genpin-an Temple: Located between the Hokenoyama and Kitsunezuka Burial Mounds.
Sai-jinja Shrine: Another shrine alone the road.
Omiwa-jinja: This is believed to be the oldest shrine in Japan.
Byodoji Temple: Is the last temple on the road.
Kanaya Stone Images of Buddha: These statues see you off as they sit quietly by the roadside.
Tsubaichi Ancient Market Site: This is the final stop on Yamanobe-no-michi.
Some notable sites after Yamanobe-no-michi:
Tanzan-jinji Shrine: About 6.5 km from the station you head deep into the mountains to find this shrine. This place is popular in autumn for the colors and there you will find the worlds only 13 story wooden pagoda. You can climb down the mountain here to visit the Asuka area.
Hase-dera Temple: Is a short bus ride away from Hasedera Station and again is a good place for the scenery. Cherry blossoms and autumn leaves.
Nara, after Kyoto, is the spot for original temples and shrines in Japan. The sites here are many and because one of my classes is located here I should have a chance to see them all. Here are some on my list:
Todaiji Temple/ Daibutsu-deb Hall: Home to a large bronze Buddah. The hall is the largest wooden building in the world. Inside is the On the way to the temple is a large gate called Nandai-mon with two wooden Nio guardian statues. Behind the hall is a replica of the nostril of the original bronze Buddah (larger then the current one) where it is said to bring good luck if you can squeeze through.
Nigatsu-do and Sangatsu-do: Follow the path uphill from the southeast corner of Daibutsu-en to get to these two spots. On March 12 the monks of Todaiji enter a period of initiation from Nigatsu-do. They parade torches from the balconies a rain down embers on spectators to purify them. Good views of Nara from here.
Kasuga Taisha Shrine: Ah, the spot of the deer. Deer are considered sacred here and they flock to the tourists for hand outs. Hundreds of lanterns line your way to the shrine.
Kasugayama Primeval Forrest: A UNESCO world heritage site. Located behind the Kasuga Taisha Shrine.
Shoso-in: A museum of sorts where imperial treasures are shown in the spring and autumn.
Shin-Yakushi-Ji: A temple founded in 747 by Empress Komyo.
Kofuku-ji: A temple transferred from Kyoto in 710.
Isui-en: A garden dating from the Meiji era. Stop here for a cup of tea to take I the scenery.
Ganjoji Temple: Another world heritage site.
Other Nara sites of interest: Heijo Palace Site. Toshodaiji Temple. Yakushiji Temple.
Ise-Jingu: Japan’s most impressive shrine, or so I read.
My Lonely Planet guide says this is Japanese Cherry Blossom destination. I quote: “in early to mid-April the blossoms of thousands of cherry trees form a floral carpet gradually ascending into the mountain side. I had originally planed for Kyoto to be my sakura spot but this place seems to the mecca.
Like Nara this place is bursting with history. It will take a few visits, I’m sure, to see all I want to see. Here are some spots on the Kyoto list:
Around the station:
Higashi Hongan-Ji: Headquarters to the Otani branch of Jodo Shin-shu Buddhism.
Nishi Hongan-Ji: Been here but the weather was not agreeable. A return to snap a few shots I missed because of gray skies is in order.
Shosei-en Garden: Easted of the station, this is a nice place to lounge with a picnic lunch.
Downtown:
Ponto-cho: This narrow ally is a popular spot for geisha sightings. Located between Sanjo-dori and Shijo-dori west of Kamo-gawa. Stand on the Shijo end of the ally at night for a chance to view a geisha or maiko (apprentice).
Southeast Kyoto:
Nanzen-ji: This temple has many sub-temples on the site.
Chion-in: The largest temple gate in Japan in this temple dating back to the 17th century. It is below Nanzen-ji.
Eikan-do: This place was founded in 855. From here you can climb some mountainside steps to reach Taho-to and a view of the city.
Shoren-in: An often overlooked site, so says Lonely Planet.
Tofuku-ji: Founded in 1236.
Maruyama-Koen: This park is the cherry blossom spot in Kyoto. For two weeks in April it becomes packed. A weeping cherry tree stands in the park and is said to be one of the most beautiful sites in Kyoto.
Tetsugaku-no-Michi or the Path of Philosophy: This is a little alley by the canal lined with cherry trees that is another popular spot when in season.
Kiyomizu-Dera: Dates back to 798. You walk up a steep path to get here called Teapot Lane where you can get handcrafts and other souvenirs.
Sanjusangen-do: This temple was built in 1164 and inside is the statue of the 1001 armed Kannon (Buddhist goddess of mercy).
Yasaka Shrine: The place to be in Kyoto at midnight on New Years Eve as it is a popular spot for the first shrine visit of a new year.
Kodai-ji temple: Founded in 1605.
The Gion District: This is the famed Geisha district of Kyoto. One of the best spots to spy one of those painted Japanese beauties.
Southwest Kyoto:
Nijo-jo: A castle built in 1603.
Nijo Jinya: Lonely Planet calls it a hidden gem. Sort of a house of mystery with many hidden rooms, hallways and trap doors. It dates back to the Edo period.
Shinsen-en: This garden is all that remains of the original imperial palace.
Toji Temple: Below the train station, this temple was established in 794. It has the highest pagoda in Japan.
Mibu-Dera: A training center for samurai.
Northwest Kyoto:
Kinaku-ji: The golden temple, one of the most photographed sites in Kyoto. It was originally built in 1397.
Kyoto Imperial Palace park: You need special permission to enter the Imperial Palace but the park grounds are free range.
Daitoku-ji Temple: A large complex with 24 sub-temples to explore.
Kamigamo-Jinja: This shrine is older then the city itself and dates back to 679.
Other Shrines and Sites In and Around Kyoto:
Fushimi Inari Shrine: Another largely photographed site because of the red arch gates leading up to the shrine.
Tenryu-ji: Has a 14th century garden on the site.
Matsunoo Grand Shrine: Can’t find anything written about it but the photos look nice.
Daikakuji: Temple from the 16th century.
Ninnaji: Temple built in 842.
Ginkakuji: A Shogun called this place home back in 1482.
Shimogamo: Again, no info on this place in the guide but it is recommended by my Kyoto city map.
Iwatayama Park: Monkeys? Could monkeys be here? The cartoon image on the map seems to indicate so.
This will be a joint trip to visit the castle and some of the sights in Kobe:
Hemeji-jo: Said to be the best castle in Japan. Mog has touted this one as one of his favorite sights here.
Kobe Earthquake Memorial Park: Preserves part of a pier damaged by the 1995 quake.
The first of two places hit by nuclear attacks, Hiroshima stands as a reminder of the damage this race can wreak upon itself.
A-Bomb Dome: A remaining symbol of the bombs destruction.
Peace Memorial Park: Contains a cenotaph of all the known victims of the bomb.
Peace Memorial Hall: This a place of remembrance for bomb victims.
Hiroshima-Jo: This castle was rebuilt in 1958 after being totally destroyed by the bomb.
Miyajima: This place is reached from Hiroshima and is where you will find another popular photograph of Japan: the Itsukushima-jija or floating torii.
I have said a few times since coming here that Tokyo holds little interest to me. Fuji, however, is quite the opposite.
The Imperial Palace: The Parliament or White House of Japan is located here in Tokyo. Except for two days of the year you cannot get inside but you can walk around the grounds and nearing garden.
Tokyo National Museum: The largest museum in Japan.
Senso-jo: One of the better temples in Tokyo.
Yoyogi-koen: Worth the trip for the spectacle of teenage girls dressed in elaborate costumes preening for the cameras.
Fuji-san: The plan is to climb this baby in August. Areas of interest around Fuji are Sengen-jinja and Fuji Go-ko.
Sumo Tournament: Takes place in Osaka in March at the Furitsu Taiiku-kan Gymnasium.
Geisha Show: Take place in Spring and Fall. Gion Odori (Gion Kaikan Theatre) November 1-24. Kamogawa Odori (Ponto-cho Kaburen-jo Theatre) May 1-24.
No Theatre: Kanze Kaikan No Theatre is the main performance house and is located in Kyoto.
Kabuki Theatre: Best place to view is the Minami-za Theatre in Kyoto during the Kao-mise Festival (December 1-26). Other performances in May, June and September.
Japan
Shogatsu: New Year (December 21-January 1) celebrations at shrines and temples
Seijin-no-hi: Coming-of-Age Day is the second Monday in January
Hanami: Blossom viewing. Cherry at the end of March/Early April.
Golden Week: Three holidays are Green Day (April 29), Constitution Day (May 3). And Children’s Day (May 5).
Tanabata Matsuri: (July 7) This is the star festival.
O-Bon: (13-16 of July and mid-August) The Festival of the Dead. Paper lanterns placed in water.
Nara
Yamayaki (Grass Burning Festival): 15 of January (Nara)
Mantoro: Held in early February and during O-bon.
Omizutori (Water-Drawing Ceremony): March 12-13 (Nara)
Takigi No: Open performances of No by torch light at Kofuku-ji and Kasuga Taisha. May 11 and 12.
