Shibarare Jizo: The Rope-Tied Statue that Grants Wishes
Kinky? Spooky? Nah, this rope-tied “Shibarare Jizo” has an amusing story behind it, and I bet you’d want to tie a rope around it, too, when you learn what it’s all about.
Unedori Shrine: Love Wishes on Red Strips of Cloth
People say that Unedori, your wish will come true if you write it on a red piece of cloth and tie it using only your left hand.
The Baby-Eating Enma Statue of Taisoji
“Shh,” the mother said to her baby. “Enma will eat you if you don’t behave.”
Otagi Nenbutsuji: Enjoy Autumn Leaves in Kyoto with Whimsical Stone Statues
Otagi Nenbutsuji features 1,200 stone statues, each with its own distinct face, standing against the fiery autumn colors of Arashiyama, Kyoto.
Ogouchi Shrine: Remnant of the Former Ogouchi Village
When a water reservoir displaces a village, its gods and goddesses need rehoming, too.
Asagaya Shinmeigu: Bracelet Charms & Crescent Moon Prayer Plaques
Fancy protective charms that can be worn as accessories and adorable prayer plaques shaped like the crescent moon—Asagaya Shinmeigu has some of the cutest shrine goods out there.
Sweets and Shopping at Kotohira Shrine
The casual visitor to Kotohira Shrine doesn’t need to walk 1,368 steps to find delicious treats and spots of interest.
The Magnificent Ceiling of Enpuku-ji
Not many temples allow you to lie down to take photos of the ceiling. Enpukuji in Choshi does.
An Autumn Afternoon in Gotokuji
In the quiet neighborhood of Setagaya, the lucky cats of Gōtokuji beckon curious passers-by, perhaps saving weary soul or two.
Kunōzan Tōshōgū
When Tokugawa Ieyasu died, Kunōzan Tōshōgū in Shizuoka Prefecture was built to enshrine his remains. They were lated moved to Nikko, but it is said that a part still remains in its original resting place. To this day, Kunōzan Tōshōgū remains a spectacular feat—an ornate shrine fit for a fearsome ruler.