Dewa-sanzan, sometimes shortened to Dewasan, is a collective term for three peaks in Yamagata Prefecture that have been regarded as sacred since at least the sixth century. The three peaks, Haguro-san, Gas-san, and Yudono-san are also famously one of the principal haunts of the Yamabushi (meaning...

The little town of Koga in southern Shiga ken is famous for being one of the birthplaces of the ninja, Japan’s legendary medieval spy assassins. Today, the Koga Ninja Village welcomes visitors who are interested in the history and arts of the ninja. Although there’s more than a whiff of kitsch a...

Within the incredible Shingon Buddhist mountaintop complex of Koyasan, about fifty temples function as shukubo, temples which provide overnight accommodations and meals for visitors. Shukubo also offer the opportunity to take part in the life of the religious community. This may involve joining i...

Within the incredible Shingon Buddhist mountaintop complex of Koyasan, about fifty temples function as shukubo, temples which provide overnight accommodations and meals for visitors. Shukubo also offer the opportunity to take part in the life of the religious community. This may involve joining i...