There are many theories about the origin of the maneki-neko, and Imado Shrine in Asakusa is said to be one of them. The shrine is a little farther from the busy main area of Asakusa, tucked away in a quiet residential neighborhood. It’s a small shrine, and you can spot maneki-neko all around the grounds.
Imado Shrine is also known for blessings related to love and relationships, and its goshuin features a design with pink tones, hearts, and maneki-neko, making it well worth collecting.
Imado Shrine | Review by 金己田
Other Reviews by 金己田
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Oishi Park
Located on the shore of Lake Kawaguchi in the Oishi district of Yamanashi Prefecture, this scenic spot offers panoramic views of Mount Fuji across the lake. The park, with its photogenic landscapes, attracts many tourists.
Oishi Park is pretty much one of the places everyone visits when they come to Lake Kawaguchi. I went in winter, so I didn’t get to see the famous flower fields with Mount Fuji in the same view. There were also a lot of tour groups there, which made the whole park feel a bit crowded and mixed.
But if you walk a little farther to the playground area, it gets much quieter. Sitting there, eating some bread, and looking at Mount Fuji in front of me still felt worthwhile.
If you come during flower season, this place is definitely worth a visit. But if you come at the wrong time, you might want to think twice. -
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Ishiyamadera Temple
This is the head temple of the Shingon school on the bank of the Seta River, which flows from Lake Biwa, the largest lake in Japan. There are strange rocks erected all over the precincts, including the large rock towering in front of the Hondo (main shrine).
I visited Ishiyamadera Temple on a cloudy day after the rain. There were no cherry blossoms or fall colors at the time, and not many worshippers either, which made walking along the approach especially atmospheric.
The temple is built along the mountainside, and the view of the main hall set among the massive rocks feels both harmonious and almost sculpted by nature. Writing in a setting like this would surely inspire even more creativity! -
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Tsuetate Onsen
Tsuetate Onsen, nestled along the Tsuetate River in Aso District, Kumamoto Prefecture, is known as Kyushu's inner parlor. Its history dates back 1,800 years, with legends tracing its origin to being the first bath for the child who would become Emperor Ojin. The waters here are a mix of weak alkaline simple springs and chloride springs. They are also rich in metasilicic acid, which enhances the therapeutic effects of the hot springs, leaving the skin smooth and moisturized after bathing.
If I hadn’t received a stay voucher from Hizenya, I probably still wouldn’t know about Tsuetate Onsen. Tucked away in a valley on the border of Kumamoto and Oita, it feels like a hidden world of its own compared with nearby, better-known Kurokawa Onsen.
While exploring the hot spring town, I was warmly greeted by locals, which really gave me a sense of the heartfelt charm you only find in rural Japan. There wasn’t even a hint of commercialism on the streets. Spending a night here felt like pure peace and tranquility. If you’re looking for a slow-paced hot spring getaway, Tsuetate Onsen is definitely the right choice! -
