Toraya Akasaka Branch | Review by Holly

Shitennoji Temple

Prince Shotoku, the father of Japan’s Buddhism, had this first Japanese Buddhism temple built in 593. In the 8th century, the respect for him has changed into a religion, which is still active to this day. Since the temple was built by Prince Shotoku, it was reestablished as Washu (Japanese religion) in 1949.

• Osaka
• Shrines & Temples

If you like antiques, secondhand kimono, vintage household items, or flea markets full of everyday character, the market at Shitennoji Temple in Osaka is worth planning a special visit for. While researching, I found that markets are held on both the 21st and 22nd. I originally thought they would be about the same, but after visiting, I found clear differences in the crowds, number of stalls, and overall atmosphere.
The Daishi-e on the 21st is the largest. It has almost everything, from antiques, vintage items, secondhand kimono, clothing, and household goods to food stalls. The temple grounds are packed with stalls and people, like a large flea market combined with a festival. It's lively and energetic, but also more crowded, so you may not be able to stop and carefully browse when you see something you like. It's best to allow at least half a day to see everything, or even plan to spend the whole day.
The Taishi-e on the 22nd has a completely different feel. The first time I went, I briefly wondered whether the event had been canceled because the crowd was so much smaller than on the 21st. You can sense the difference even on the way there. After shopping there twice, I feel this is probably what the Taishi-e is normally like. Although there isn't as much selection as on the 21st, there are still plenty of antiques, vintage items, and secondhand goods. Without the jostling crowds, you can take your time and make several rounds. However, there are far fewer food vendors, so I recommend bringing a snack just in case.
Although the 22nd is less crowded, I actually bought even more that day than on the 21st. I think it's probably because my view wasn't constantly blocked by people, and I could crouch down and slowly look through the old items laid out on cloth, making it easier to find things I truly liked. I've found reasonably priced Edo Kiriko glassware, vintage tableware, and a long dress that suited me here. Treasure hunting was more enjoyable than on the 21st.
If you want a lively, festival-like market with a full range of stalls, I recommend coming on the 21st. If you prefer quietly hunting for treasures and don't want to squeeze through crowds, the 22nd is actually more comfortable. Each day's market has its own appeal. For anyone who likes antiques, kimono, and vintage items, Shitennoji Temple is well worth a special visit for a leisurely browse, whichever day you happen to go.

Achi Shrine

Worshiping the “Three Goddesses of Munakata”, the god of the sea and transportation / trading safety, this shrine sits atop the summit Mt. Tsurugata Yama, which is a part of Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter (Kurashiki Beautiful Sight Quarter). The name “Achi”, is derived from the Achino-omi tribe who migrated from afar and lived in this space. The name of the shrine comes from the tribe as well.

• Okayama
• Shrines & Temples

Achi Shrine is located on Mt. Tsurugata next to the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter. Getting there from the foot of the mountain requires walking up a slope or stone steps. If you don't want to climb too many steps right away, I recommend taking the gentler slope from the shopping street, then heading down the front stone steps. It's an easier walk, and you'll also pass the wisteria area along the way. The wisteria blooms in early May and is one of Achi Shrine's most famous sights. Unfortunately, I visited twice and missed the full bloom both times. I missed the flowering season the first time, and on my second visit, I also happened to miss the limited-edition goshuin and exhibition, which left me a little disappointed.
The shrine's charms and other items are also very distinctive, such as the delicately crafted Hanamatoi charms in soft colors and the original “Irohaura” fortunes. The paper, illustrations, and color combinations used for the fortunes are very beautiful, making them nice keepsakes even after you've drawn one.
After visiting the shrine, you can look back over the streets of Kurashiki from the higher ground nearby. The view isn't especially expansive, but you can see the white walls, black roof tiles, and streets intersecting below. Although I prefer the view from Kuniyoshi-kan, the scenery from Achi Shrine is also lovely.

Tsukannon Temple (Enichizan Kannonji Daihoin)

This historic temple is said to have been founded in 709, and its official name is “Enichizan (Enichizan) Kannonji Daihoin.” Locals have long affectionately called it “Kannon-san.” The principal image, “Sho Kannon Bosatsu,” is known as “Tsukannon,” and is counted as one of Japan’s Three Great Kannon temples alongside Tokyo’s “Asakusa Kannon” and Aichi’s “Osu Kannon.” It is said to bring a wide range of blessings, including good fortune and success in business.

• Mie
• Shrines & Temples

I took a ninja-themed high-speed ferry from Chubu Centrair International Airport to Tsu, then caught a taxi from Tsu Port. The shopping streets around Tsukannon Temple were quite quiet, completely unlike the lively areas around Sensoji Temple and Osu Kannon. Once inside the temple grounds, however, the vermilion five-story pagoda, main hall, Kannon statue, and ceiling paintings were all impressive, lending the temple an even more solemn atmosphere.
The decorations and ceiling paintings inside the main hall are also worth examining closely. The colorful celestial maiden paintings on the ceiling add a gentle, sacred feeling to the space. Other details include a dragon-shaped purification fountain, elements related to devotion to Kobo Daishi, and rubbing stones associated with the pilgrimage. They would be easy to miss on a quick visit.
The biggest surprise for me was the intricate paper-cut goshuin featuring patterns from the five-story pagoda’s murals. Its design draws from paintings and decorations inside the pagoda that are normally difficult to see. It is ornate yet dignified. I usually keep paper mementos from my travels in my journal, but this goshuin felt too special for that, so I chose to display it separately on my desk.
Tsukannon Temple may not be the liveliest temple, but it is where I most strongly felt a sense of peace and solemnity. Of the three major Kannon temples, this was the most personal and memorable stop for me.