buddhist
After all, isn’t the most divine member of your household worthy of some proper respect every now and then?
Sutras aren’t meant to die in dusty old books, they’re meant to be alive in people’s voices.
Tourists flock to Japan’s ancient capital of Kyoto during the cherry blossom-viewing days of spring, but equally stunning are the sights of brilliantly colored autumn leaves amidst ancient structures that have remained undisturbed for hundreds of years.
One particular temple, Rurikoin, stands on the edge of the city and is a paradise for photographers during the autumn months, as well as visitors who didn’t even know they had an artistic side yet spend hours playing with different lighting effects there. While Rurikoin is not always open for general admission from year to year, we’re in luck because this year the building will indeed open its doors for the span of one short month.
Most people go to Shinto shrines several times a year, like for New Years or to make a special wish or prayer, like before a job interview. But with Buddhist temples, it’s usually just for tourism and funerals – not that frequently, basically. But wait! Temples are transforming these days, more and more using their halls for activities such as yoga classes, group date venues (‘gou-kon‘ in Japanese – group dinners with single men and women, seeking potential mates), and even as concert venues!





Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
Station of despair: What to do if you get stuck at the end of Tokyo’s Chuo Rapid Line
Japanese thug wear from Birth Japan perfect for those breaking bad next year
Japan’s Self-Defense Forces take “radio calisthenics” to an interesting new level
Is Japan’s new Asahi Super Dry beer better or worse than the original formula?
Japanese Internet sad to see the word “chikan” becoming commonly used in English
Japanese woodwork: A tradition hundreds of years old, but still as cool as ever 【Video】
Japanese group to hold fashion show of colostomy bags and other stoma equipment in Paris
We found possibly the quietest Japanese-style hotel in Tokyo’s bustling Shinjuku district
W.T.F. Japan: Top 5 strangest kanji ever 【Weird Top Five】
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
7-Eleven Japan’s ramen-cooking robot whipped us up a bowl of noodles【Taste test】
Cyberpunk anime meets traditional culture in Ghost in the Shell gold leaf Japanese changing screens
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
7 great places to see Mt. Fuji from without having to climb it
Hello Kitty Choco Egg figures are an adorable trip through three periods of Japanese pop culture【Pics】
Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026
Japan’s otoshidama tradition of giving kids money at New Year’s gets a social welfare upgrade
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
Sanrio theme park in Japan announces plans to expand into a Sanrio resort
Stamina-destroying “Paralysis Noodles” are Tokyo’s newest over-the-top ramen innovation
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
Japanese Internet sad to see the word “chikan” becoming commonly used in English
Japanese woodwork: A tradition hundreds of years old, but still as cool as ever 【Video】
Japanese group to hold fashion show of colostomy bags and other stoma equipment in Paris
We found possibly the quietest Japanese-style hotel in Tokyo’s bustling Shinjuku district
W.T.F. Japan: Top 5 strangest kanji ever 【Weird Top Five】
More Than a Capsule Stay: Why Solo Travelers Choose “global cabin Yokohama Chinatown”
Can a dirty butthole make you filthy rich in Japan? We’re starting a New Year’s lottery experiment
Mr. Sato accosts award-winning actor Hideaki Ito【Interview】
Dragon Ball Kai: Beautifully remastered but woefully censored for a new generation
Cute Japanese hamster T-shirt has a secret weapon: boobs【Photos】
How to order snacks on a Shinkansen bullet train in Japan