 Most viewed - Konan 湖南市 |
Benten-do1502 views
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Chojuji temple Hondo temple hall, National Treasure in Konan, Shiga.360 viewsThe hondo once burned down, but was rebuilt during the Kamakura Period.
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Traditional farmer's house331 views
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Traditional farmer's house315 views
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Traditional farmer's house313 views
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Farmer's house295 views
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Merchant's house284 views
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Traditional farmer's house 農家279 views
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Manhole in Konan, Shiga.274 views
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Meaning "Long Life Temple," Chojuji's Hondo temple hall is a National Treasure. It belongs to the Tendai Buddhist Sect and one of the Konan Sanzan Temple Trio along with Jorakuji and Zensuiji Temples.266 viewsChojuji temple Entrance gate + fall colors.
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Merchant's house 商家264 views
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Jorakuji's Three-story pagoda is also a National Treasure Built in 1400.248 views
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Ishibe-juku was the 51st stage/post or shukuba lodging town on the Tokaido Road where even Emperor Meiji once stayed (with an entourage of over 3,000). 220 viewsView from JR Ishibe Station. Ishibe in Konan city is rural, yet it has a few major industries operating.
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Benten-do219 views
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Pagoda and Hondo temple hall215 views
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201 views
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199 views
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199 views
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Kannon stone buddha198 views
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Konki Senshoku noren curtain. They've been in business in Konan for 200 years. One of three shops left in Shiga doing traditional indigo dyeing with natural (not synthetic) indigo dye. MAP198 viewsTake a bus or taxi from Kosei or Mikumo Stations on the Kusatsu Line. Get off at Shimoda and walk 50 meters. Parking also available. Phone: 0748-75-0128, Address: Shimoda 1530, Konan-shi, Shiga
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189 views
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Ishibe High School. Rare to see a Japanese high school whose name is shown in English.178 views
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Pouches, etc., made of indigo fabric, for sale. Coming to this place really made me aware of how beautiful the indigo color is. Take a bus or taxi from Kosei or Mikumo Stations on the Kusatsu Line. Get off at Shimoda and walk 50 meters. Parking also avail177 views
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Jorakuji Hondo hall, a National Treasure in Konan, Shiga. The pagoda on the left is also a National Treasure. The original temple burned down in 1360, and rebuilt the same year.174 views
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Near the south of JR Mikumo Station (Kusatsu Line) is Fudo-no-taki Waterfall. One of two noted waterfalls in Konan. The waterfall's trail entrance is right along the road, marked by a stone monument. MAP172 views
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Indigo placemats on stairs. It's possible for the shop to handle up to 20 people to try indigo dyeing in their shop. Call 0748-75-0128. Address: Shimoda 1530, Konan-shi, Shiga163 views
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Chojuji temple Hondo temple hall, National Treasure160 views
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Temple roof of Jorakuji temple.160 views
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A stone's throw from Chojuji Temple, Jorakuji Temple (est. 708) of the Tendai Buddhist Sect boasts two National Treasures with its main hall and three-story pagoda. It is one of the Konan Sanzan Temple Trio accessible by bus from JR Ishibe Station.159 viewsIn the deep-green forest, you can see part of the pagoda's roof.
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One result... All the designs are unique. We held the wet handkerchief in front of a kerosene heater and it dried quickly.150 views
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Indigo fabrics for sale. Around 2000 yen per meter. Indigo dyeing came to Shiga from Kyoto. Indigo dyeing is called "aizome" in Japanese. 藍染149 views
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A room inside the shop had indigo fabrics everywhere. It takes years to learn the craft of indigo dyeing, including growing the plants. Like many other traditional crafts, this shop is uncertain who will take over and continue traditional indigo dyeing.149 views
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Zensuiji Hondo Hall in Konan, Shiga. National Treasure.147 views
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Gate guardian (right side)141 viewsIn the San-mon Gate
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Sansho Shrine139 views
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Gate guardian (left side)137 viewsIn the San-mon Gate
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Then we go to the indigo vats. They are heated with charcoal made with wood from trees on their hill. Each vat has a different indigo density.137 views
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Zensuiji temple, National Treasure.136 views
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They grow their own indigo plants, dry the leaves in the sun, and extract the dye. They offer indigo dyeing lessons during which you can dye a cotton handkerchief for 1200 yen (T-shirts also). The kind lady first showed us samples of indigo fabrics.133 views
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In the deep-green forest, you can see part of the pagoda's roof. You can walk to Jorakuji (means "Constant Comfort Temple") from Chojuji Temple. From Ishibe Station, best to take a bus to Chojuji first, then walk downhill to Jorakuji. Entra132 views
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Front view of Zensuiji Hondo Hall. National Treasure. The building design is very similar to Kongorinji temple.132 views
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Church house130 views
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Fudo-no-taki Waterfall in Mikumo, Konan, Shiga Prefecture.128 views
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Zensuiji temple in autumn.122 views
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San-mon Gate 山門 MAP121 views
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If you go to Konki Senshoku, you might as well also see Shimoda-yaki 下田焼 pottery down the road in the Konan Traditional Crafts Hall (Dento Kogei Kaikan). 湖南市伝統工芸会館 MAP118 views
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3-story pagoda, also a National Treasure117 views
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Path to temple115 views
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Hondo115 views
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Sansho Shrine115 views
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JR Ishibe Station before renovations.114 views
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Hondo temple hall114 views
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About the temple113 viewsThe temple was established in 708 as ordered by the emperor.
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JR Ishibe Station112 views
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Sansho Shrine 三聖神社112 viewsThe shrine is right next to the temple.
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Hondo temple hall, National Treasure111 views
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Entrance111 views
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After the indigo dip, water washed the handkerchief.111 views
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JR Mikumo Station platform111 views
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Temple bell110 views
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In front of JR Ishibe Station. There are many bicycle garages for out-of-town students who commute from the station to their high school in Ishibe.107 views
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Hondo temple hall107 views
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We started with a vat having a low density of indigo. We dip the handkerchief for 15 sec., wring it, then expose it to the air. The indigo dye is actually a murky brownish-yellow color, but turns blue when exposed to the air.106 views
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We fold up the handkerchief in whichever way, then tie strings/rubber bands around it. It is tie-dyeing.106 views
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Dengaku Chaya tea house reconstructed in 2003 based on Hiroshige's ukiyoe print of Ishibe. A rest place for tourists. Walkable from Ishibe Station. 田楽茶屋105 viewsThe original tea house as seen in Hiroshige's print was located some distance away (nearer to Ritto) from the location of this reconstructed tea house.
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Fall colors105 views
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So here's the handkerchief (1200 yen). It's very thin cotton. 近江正藍染 ＜県知事指定・滋賀県伝統的工芸＞105 views
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JR Mikumo Station on the Kusatsu Line.105 views
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Site of Kojima Honjin and Emperor Meiji marker. The Kojima Honjin was Ishibe-juku's best accommodation suited for feudal lords and emperors.103 views
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103 views
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Shrine next to temple103 views
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Woodblock print of Ishibe-juku101 views
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Tokaido History Museum includes an accurate model of Ishibe-juku's palatial Kojima Honjin.101 views
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Entrance to temple hall101 viewsInside are statues of gods and Buddhas designated as Important Cultural Properties. One of them was stolen, so there are security cameras inside the temple. Photography is also forbidden.
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101 views
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Established in the 8th century and one of the Konan Sanzan Trio of Tendai Buddhist National Treasure temples in Konan, Zensuiji's main Hondo Hall is a National Treasure. It is on the slope of Mt. Iwane.101 viewsZensuiji means "Efficacious Water Temple." From JR Kosei Station on the JR Kusatsu Line, catch a bus and get off at Iwane 岩根. From there, you still have to walk a bit, follow the signs (if you can read Japanese). This road leads to one entrance to Zensuiji.
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Built in 1400100 viewsWe cannot enter it.
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Gate in front of Ishibe Station99 views
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Shrine path99 views
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99 views
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99 views
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Church house98 views
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98 views
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98 views
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Kannon stone buddha98 viewsThe temple grounds has 33 stone buddhas.
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We dipped the handkerchief in multiple vats, each successive vat had a higher density of indigo. The more vats we dip the fabric in, the darker the color.98 views
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Hondo temple hall97 views
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Inside reconstructed tea house96 views
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96 views
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Information sign96 views
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Shrine96 views
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96 views
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95 views
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Tokaido History Museum is adjacent to Shukuba no Sato. It explains the 53 stage towns of the Tokaido Road between Edo and Kyoto. 東海道歴史資料館93 views
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Fall colors are also nice. Accessible by bus from Ishibe Station or walk from Jorakuji. Path to temple. MAP93 views
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Shrine93 views
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Pagoda foundation92 viewsThere used to be a 3-story pagoda, but Oda Nobunaga moved it to his temple. The stone foundations still remain.
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92 views
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Ishibe was usually the first overnight stop for travelers going from Kyoto to Edo (Tokyo). The Honjin is no longer in existence, and only a normal house sits on the site.91 views
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Benten-do91 views
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Shrine91 views
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Shrine91 views
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Entrance to Ameyama Cultural Sports Park, a low hill with various sports and cultural facilities and hiking trails.89 views
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Tea house89 views
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Tea house89 views
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Ishibe Town logo89 views
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Benten-do89 views
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89 views
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87 views
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Gate 関所86 views
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Old farming implements (for irrigation)86 views
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86 views
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Entrance to Shukuba no Sato, outdoor museum of stage town buildings 宿場の里 MAP83 views
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Guest name plates in the inn83 views
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Shimoda-yaki started in the 18th century using soil in the Shimoda area of Konan and techniques from Kyoto. Today, only one man makes it, and he has no successor. Pottery lessons cost 3500 yen if you want to make the piece yourself.83 views
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Hiroshige's woodblock print of Ishibe-juku (51st post town on the Tokaido) from his "Fifty-Three Stations of the Tokaido Road" series. A tea house is depicted.83 views
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82 views
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Inn82 views
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Inn kitchen82 views
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Rice warehouse81 views
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Old fire truck81 views
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Inn (hatago) 旅籠80 views
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About Zensuiji in Japanese.80 views
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About Shukuba no Sato. Interesting outdoor museum of Edo-Period buildings accurately reconstructed as was found in Ishibe-juku. You can find a farmer's house, merchant's house, inn, tea house, and warehouse. The inside is also quite authentic.78 views
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Rice warehouse78 views
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75 views
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Another spring from which the temple got its name.75 views
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Shimoda-yaki is characterized by deep-blue colors on white. They exhibit and sell Shimoda-yaki pottery and also offer pottery lessons. You should make reservations at 0748-72-7444. Take a bus from Mikumo Station and get off at Higashi Iwane 東岩根.75 views
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Indigo vats.74 views
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73 views
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Konan has some industrial parks.73 views
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Rice warehouse in Konan, Shiga.72 views
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And there it is, the National Treasure. Zensuiji's Hondo Hall. Zensuiji worships Yakushi Nyorai (the buddha of healing and medicine).71 views
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Temple bell on the left. Public is welcome to ring the bell during New Year's Eve.71 views
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Fudo-no-taki Waterfall in Mikumo, Konan, Shiga Prefecture.71 views
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My video of Fudo-no-taki Waterfall in Mikumo, Konan, Shiga Prefecture.69 views
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This was 1 or 2 days before the cherries reached full bloom.68 views
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Azalea bushes67 views
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Nigori-ike Koen Park, local park with a pond noted for cherry blossoms. MAP67 views
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66 views
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Zensuiji Hondo main hall66 views
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One spring from which the temple got its name.66 views
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65 views
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65 views
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Very graceful roof lines.65 views
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Zensuiji stone marker.65 views
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Entrance to Zensuiji. Admission 500 yen charged. MAP64 views
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After a wooded path, you will see this.64 views
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This is in early April.64 views
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64 views
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Some hillside construction work.63 views
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One spring from which the temple got its name. Zensuiji means Efficacious Water Temple.63 views
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63 views
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Path up the mountain slope to Zensuiji.63 views
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Painted bench63 views
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Wall62 views
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Sign points the way to Zensuiji.62 views
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Bell62 views
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If you go by car, this is the large parking lot you will see. 61 views
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The hall has a few exhibition rooms. 61 views
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Also visited Zensuiji in autumn. Thought it was more colorful than in spring.61 views
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60 views
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Temple garden before the cherries reached full bloom.60 views
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Next door to the Shimoda-yaki hall is this hall for trying traditional crafts. たくみの家60 views
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Unfortunately, photography is not allowed inside. There is also a priest guide inside the Hondo Hall to give you a tour and explanation of the temple in Japanese.59 views
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The waterfall is about 5 meters high.59 views
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Red maples greet you as you approach Zensuiji's main hall.59 views
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Altar for Fudo-Myo-o.58 views
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Zensui natural spring water. Donate small change to get a bottle to fill up with this healing water.58 views
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From the road, the path to the waterfall is very short, lined with banners written with the names of ascetic pilgrims who came to pray or practice at the waterfall.57 views
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There's even a small lookout deck.57 views
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On the left of the waterfall is a small altar for Fudo-Myo-o, the patron god of mountain ascetic priests. The waterfall takes its name after this god.56 views
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Upstream at the top of the waterfall.56 views
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Dried indigo plant.56 views
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Autumn leaves accent Zensuiji very nicely in autumn.55 views
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A student created a woodblock print of the indigo artisan dyeing threads.54 views
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Pictures of their indigo plant farm in Konan.54 views
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Nice woodblock prints of the indigo master dyeing thread.54 views
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Path going to the waterfall.52 views
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Etching on stone.52 views
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Looking downstream from the waterfall.51 views
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Top of the waterfall.50 views
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Top of the waterfall.50 views
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My video introducing Konan's treasures also shows Zensuiji.50 views
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Yahei-togarashi hot chili peppers are grown in Konan by company called fm craic.48 views
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Altar for Fudo-Myo-o.47 views
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Shimoda-yaki pieces are designed for practical, everyday use.47 views
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Inside Konan Marché (now closed). Products made of yahei-togarashi hot chili peppers grown in Konan.46 views
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Yahei-togarashi hot chili peppers grown in Konan.46 views
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Junibo Onsen Yurara's mascot.46 views
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Inside Konan Marché (now closed). A variety of local produce and gifts.46 views
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My video introducing Konan also shows yahei-togarashi hot chili peppers.46 views
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Shimoda-yaki sold by the old Konan Marché (now closed).45 views
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Upper Secret, a popular American-style local cafe specializing in Indian curry with Konan's yahei hot chili peppers and confections. Open 9 am-5:30 pm, closed Tue., Phone: 0748-60-507745 viewsNear JR Kosei Station.
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Junibo Onsen Yurara hot spring facility45 views
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Shimoda-yaki cups44 views
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For 700 yen, you can also just paint something on a ready-made plate and have it fired. It takes a few weeks for it to be fired and delivered to you. Closed Mon. and Tue.44 views
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Konan Marché was like a michi-no-eki roadside station. It was a local shop selling local produce, crafts, and souvenirs. It has closed after the new Kocopia shop opened.44 views
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Zensuiji Hondo main hall33 views
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Zensuiji Hondo main worship hall32 views
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New JR Ishibe Station, Kusatsu Line. New station under construction in late 2022.23 views
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Red maples framing Zensuiji temple in autumn.19 views
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JR Ishibe Station platform.19 views
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