Tohoku Choshoji Temple Zenringai
Explore Choshoji Temple and Zenringai in Hirosaki: the Tsugaru clan family temple, 33 Zen temples, Sanmon gate, castle-town defenses, access, and guided tour notes.
Temples & Shrines
Tohoku 
Aomori Saishoin Temple & Hirosaki Yasaka Shrine
Visit Saishoin Temple in Hirosaki: an original Edo-period pagoda, adjacent Yasaka Shrine, access from Hirosaki Castle, what remains, and goshuin notes.
Oda Nobunaga Honno-ji Temple, Former Honnoji Site & Nanbanji: Nobunaga Kyoto Guide
The current Honno-ji Temple was rebuilt in 1592, a decade after Nobunaga's death. This guide covers all 3 Kyoto sites, with hours, fees, and access.
Kansai Toyokuni Byo — The Mausoleum of Toyotomi Hideyoshi
Toyokuni Byo is Hideyoshi's mausoleum on Mt. Amidagamine, Kyoto: the stone stairway, 200 yen admission, access, and how it differs from Toyokuni Shrine.
Ieyasu Travel Guide Ueno Toshogu: The Golden Tokugawa Shrine Hidden in Ueno Park — and Whether the ¥700 Paid Area Is Worth It
Visit Ueno Toshogu, a gold-leafed Tokugawa shrine inside Ueno Park, Tokyo. Built in 1651 for Ieyasu — see fees, hours, and whether the ¥700 inner hall is worth entering.
Kanto Ueno Toshogu Shrine “Kinshikiden” Special Door OpeningBeyond the Doors Usually Kept Closed
A first-hand report on Ueno Toshogu Shrine’s Kinshikiden Special Opening, with details on the golden interior, carvings, fees, crowds, goshuin, and visiting tips.
Kansai Mt. Hiei Enryakuji Saito Precinct: 5 Highlights | Shakado Hall, Ninaido & Jodo-in
Quieter than Todo: Shakado (1347), the oldest hall at Enryakuji, the covered Ninaido twin halls, and Saicho's mausoleum at Jodo-in. 5 sites, 1-1.5 hrs.
Kansai Mt. Hiei Enryakuji Temple Todo Precinct: 7 Highlights & a Firsthand Guide to the Konpon Chudo Restoration
Todo is where Enryakuji began in 788. The Konpon Chudo is under restoration to about 2031, with a stage overlooking the roof works. 7 sites, 1.5-2 hrs.
Oda Nobunaga Mt. Hiei Enryakuji Temple: Complete Guide to Todo, Saito & Yokawa
Enryakuji spans three precincts on Mt. Hiei. Combined ticket ¥1,000, open 9:00-16:00, and 3.5-5 hours to walk all three. Access, fees and seasons.
Kansai Mt. Hiei Enryakuji Yokawa Precinct: 3 Highlights | Birthplace of the Omikuji
The remotest of Enryakuji's precincts and reputed birthplace of the omikuji. Ganzan Daishi-do, Yokawa Chudo, Eshin-do. 15 min by shuttle from Todo.
