Official Author

Shiho

Daisho-in Temple, Miyajima: Video Introduction Photo：Daisho-in Temple at Mt. Misen, Miyajima, one of the three most scenic spots in Japan This video, titled "Daisho-in Temple Grounds｜4K Video" (大聖院境内風景４K撮影動画), was uploaded by "Daisho-in Temple, Mt. Misen, Miyajima] Official YouTube Channel" (【宮島弥山 大本山 大聖院】公式YouTubeチャンネル). Daisho-in Temple is a historic temple in Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima, in Japan's Chugoku Region. In this video, you can see the highlights of the temple's precincts. You can't help but feel a sense of power from the solemnity of the temple and the many Buddhist statues and Jizo statues, which can be felt even through your screen. Daisho-in Temple is located on Miyajima Island at the base of Mt. Misen, and offers a panoramic view of Miyajima. In the video you can enjoy the changing of the seasons and the beautifully colored leaves in the fall. Be sure to check out the highlights of Daisho-in Temple in the video as you read along. Daisho-in – A Temple in Hiroshima With 1,200 Years of History Photo：Hakkaku Manpuku Hall where the Seven Lucky Gods are enshrined at Daisho-in Temple, Miyajima Daisho-in Temple is the main temple of the Omuro school of Shingon Buddhism, founded by the famous Japanese Buddhist monk Kobo Daishi (Kukai). It was founded in 806, after Kukai returned from Tang Dynasty China and practiced asceticism at Mt. Misen, and is considered the oldest temple on Miyajima. Daisho-in Temple is home to Kobo Daishi as well as the Sanki Daigongen, the three guardian deities of Mt. Misen. The temple also enshrines Fudo Myoo (Acala, a Buddhist wisdom king), the Seven Lucky Gods, and the eleven-faced Kannon (Goddess of Mercy), all of which were prayed to by the Sengoku Period warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Along with Mondo Yakujin Tokoji Temple in Hyogo Prefecture and Ryusenji Temple in Saitama Prefecture, Daisho-in Temple is known as one of Japan's "Three Great Masters of Fortune and Evil Warding," and is said to be beneficial in warding off bad luck and opening the door to good fortune. Along with Itsukushima Shrine, it is the most prominent power spot on Miyajima, and is also a tourist spot visited by many people. Henjokutsu Cave – Home to 88 Statues Representing the Shikoku Pilgrimage Photo：Henjokutsu Cave, Daisho-in Temple, Miyajima Henjokutsu Cave is a cave located underground in Daishoin's Daishido Hall. The principal images of the 88 sacred sites of the Shikoku Pilgrimage are enshrined in this cave, and sand from each site is buried in front of them. Walking on the buried sand is said to have the same effect as making the pilgrimage to the 88 sacred sites of Shikoku. In the cave, illuminated by the soft light of the lanterns, the voices of sutra reciters echo through the air, creating a mystical atmosphere. The sight of the numerous Buddhist statues lined up in rows is breathtaking. [Video] 2:14 - Henjokutsu Cave Chokugando – A Hall Dedicated to the Buddhist Wisdom Kings Source :YouTube screenshot Chokugando is the main hall of Daisho-in Temple. It's said that the hall was originally built by Emperor Toba during the Heian period (794-1185 A.D.) as a place to hold ceremonies for the offering of wishes. A statue of Fudo Myoo (Acala) is enshrined in the hall. Toyotomi Hideyoshi prayed to Acala for victory and safety at sea during his invasion of Korea. The statue is said to provide protection to those who cross the water to visit Miyajima. With Acala at the center, 1,000 Buddhist statues and 36 Doji (attendants) are enshrined in the four directions. The solemn atmosphere here will leave you speechless. [Video] 1:54 - Chokugando Make a Wish at Daishi Hall Photo：Daisho-in Temple's Daishi Hall, where Kobo Daishi is enshrined on Miyajima The Daishi Hall, where Kobo Daishi is enshrined, is the oldest building at Daisho-in Temple. Surrounding it are statues of the 33 guardian deities of western Japan, a statue of Kobo Daishi as a child, and Ichigan Taishi, a jizo statue. The Ichigan Taishi statue is one of the reasons Daisho-in Temple is called a power spot. As the name suggests (一願, Ichigan, lit. "One Wish"), it is said to grant a single wish. Behind Daishi Hall, there are many daruma-themed ema (votive tablets) with wishes written on them. Some say it's hard to notice because it's located far from Niomon Gate, the entrance to the temple grounds. If you are traveling from far away to visit the temple, be sure to pick up a map so you can explore the temple grounds in their entirety. Rid Yourself of Sin at the Kannon Hall Photo：Stone steps and Onarimon Gate at Daisho-in Temple, Miyajima Kannon Hall is located on the right side of the approach to the shrine, up the stairs and through Onarimon Gate. It houses a statue of the eleven-faced Kannon (Avalokitesvara), which is the principal object of worship at Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima. It is said to have been hand-carved by the Japanese Buddhist priest Gyoki. In the basement of Kannon Hall, there is a pitch-dark space where visitors can participate in a practice called "Kaidan Meguri," a type of meditation in the dark. In the darkness, visitors face themselves and rid themselves of their past sins through spiritual cultivation. It is said that by walking through the path in complete darkness, one will be guaranteed a peaceful life in paradise. The Garden of Five Hundred Arhats, a Place Where Expressive Jizo Statues Are Gathered Photo：The Five Hundred Arhats Garden at Daisho-in Temple, Miyajima The Garden of Five Hundred Arhats is located next to the stone steps leading to Daisho-in Temple's Onarimon Gate. The many Jizo statues lined up in rows, each with a different expression of joy, anger, sorrow, or happiness, are called the "Five Hundred Arhats" and are modeled after the 500 people who gathered for a Buddhist council to reaffirm Buddha's teachings. The sight of so many Jizo statues lined up in a row is truly remarkable, and the variety of expressions on their faces is a sight to behold. The handmade hats, made by visitors to the temple, are also warm and inviting, reminding us of the ancient connection between Buddha and the people. Autumn Leaves and Fire Walking Ceremonies – Seasonal Events at Daisho-in Temple! Photo：Autumn leaves illuminated at Daisho-in Temple, Miyajima Surrounded by nature, Daisho-in Temple offers visitors the opportunity to experience the changing of the seasons. In spring, the temple is famous for its cherry blossoms, and in the fall for its autumn foliage. During autumn, the illuminated leaves can be seen floating in the darkness, creating a magical atmosphere. The 31-year-old vice abbot of the temple is the one who planned this illumination. He devised the lighting with a photogenic image in mind, hoping to attract the younger generation to visit the temple. Through trial and error, the vice abbot was able to create a unique fusion that blends the historic temple with the modern social networking culture. The collaboration with the temple hall is also beautiful. Among the temple's annual events, the Daisho-in Fire Walking Ceremony is also worth seeing. The Fire Walking Ceremony is held twice a year, in spring and fall. Originally, the ceremony was derived from a secret ceremony of Shingon esoteric Buddhism. The fire is transferred from the "unquenchable sacred fire" that has been burning for 1,200 years since Kobo Daishi practiced Buddhism, and ignites the platform. A path is made on top of the fire pillar with white smoke, and visitors walk barefoot over it while chanting their prayers. Worshippers are welcome to participate if they wish, and on the day of the fire-walking ceremony, there is a long line of people waiting in line. If you're interested in making your wish come true, why not give it a try? Daisho-in Temple – Admission Fees, Required Time, and More! Photo：Maniden Hall at Daisho-in Temple, Miyajima Admission to Daisho-in Temple is free. There is a fee for prayers, memorial services, and other experiences, so please check the official website for more information. At Daisho-in Temple, shuin stamps of Acala are also available for collectors. Colorful kiri-e shuin stamps are also available, and limited time seasonal designs are also popular. If you're a collector, be sure to pick one up when you visit. There are also other red seals that are only available on Mt. Misen, where Daisho-in Temple is located, so we recommend that you take a look at them before visiting the temple. Niomon Gate Niomon Gate, the entrance to the temple grounds, is decorated with intricate carvings, and visitors are greeted by two statues of Nio (two Buddhist guardians), one on the left and one on the right. Like in a shrine, a net with a bell is hung down so that visitors can pray to each statue. Maniden Hall Maniden Hall is the only place in the country where a deity of oni (Japanese ogre demons) is enshrined. The three oni are believed to be incarnations of Buddha. "Mani" means a sphere that produces treasures at will, and is compared to the merits of sutras. The stairs past Niomon Gate are lined with "mani-sha" (prayer wheels). The prayer wheels are metal cylinders on which the Heart Sutra is inscribed, and turning them once is said to have the same merit as reading a whole scroll of the sutra. Daisho-in Temple is also home to the Hakkaku Manpuku Hall, which enshrines Miyajima's Seven Lucky Gods, and the Amida Hall, which houses a standing statue of the Amida Nyorai (the Amitabha Buddha) among other things. Daisho-in Temple is a temple with a lot to see and do, and it takes about 30 minutes to see everything the temple has to offer. To see each spot in detail, it's recommended that you set aside at least an hour. How to Get To Daisho-in Temple Photo：The torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine To get to Daisho-in Temple, take a ferry from Miyajimaguchi Station on the JR Sanyo Line to Miyajima. There you'll find Miyajima Pier, and from there it's a 20 to 30 minute walk to the temple. The temple is located next to Itsukushima Shrine and is a 5-minute walk from the exit. If you are planning to visit Miyajima, it may be easier to visit Itsukushima Shrine and then go to Daisho-in Temple. Other Things to Do Near Daisho-in Temple Photo：The Mt. Misen Observatory at the top of Mt. Misen Besides Daisho-in Temple and Itsukushima Shrine, there are a number of other places of interest in the area that are worth checking out. Below are two places we recommend: Miyajima Omotesando Shopping Street A shopping street that leads to Itsukushima Shrine, it's full of shops selling various drinks and snacks, souvenirs, and folk crafts. There are also restaurants where you can sit down for lunch and even breweries selling craft beer. Hours: Most shops on the shopping street will close around 5:00 pm, although some shops may close earlier or later. Mt. Misen Observatory The Mt. Misen observatory is located at the top of Mt. Misen and offers an incredible panoramic view of the area. You can reach the top of Mt. Misen via a 20-minute ropeway ride from Momijidani Station, and from there it's about a 20-minute hike to the observatory. Alternatively, you can hike up the mountain which will take around 1.5-2 hours. Additionally, at the top of Mt. Misen there is a temple complex with ancient temples, Buddhist statues, and spectacular views. The views are especially lovely when the leaves change colors during autumn. You can reach the temple complex via a short hike from the observatory. Ropeway Hours: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm (Final descent 4:30 pm) Ropeway Fees: Adults (Ages 12+): 2,000 yen round trip, 1,100 yen one way. Children (Ages 6-12): 1,000 yen round trip, 550 yen one way. ※Discounts are available for groups of 15 or more. Summary of Daisho-in Temple, Miyajima Photo：The Five Hundred Arhats Garden at Daisho-in Temple, Miyajima Along with Itsukushima Shrine, Daisho-in Temple is one of Miyajima's premier power spots and a tourist attraction with much to offer. If you haven't already check out the video, be sure to do so! If you're thinking about visiting Miyajima, consider visiting in time for the autumn foliage illumination and fire-walking ceremony. They're sure to be unforgettable experiences! 【TripAdvisor】Daisho-in Temple

Edo Period Recipes: Video Introduction Source :YouTube screenshot This video, titled "[2] Edo Period Food: Making it Just Like the Original Recipe" (【2】江戸時代のご飯 原典(レシピ)通り作ってみた), was uploaded by "Gens Bookshelf Cafeteria." This video introduces Edo Period food recreated based on recipes from three cookbooks published during the Edo Period: Ryori Monogatari, Tofu Hyakuchin, and Meihan Burui. The Edo Period (1603-1868 A.D.) was a period of 260 years where Japan was under the rule of the Tokugawa Shogunate. The recipes are intriguing as they introduce meals that are similar to many found in present-day Japanese cooking, while reflecting the food culture of the time. Be sure to check out what the dishes were like in the video. How Many Meals a Day in Edo Period Japan? Shogun vs. Commoner Food Culture Photo：An oil lantern During the Edo Period, people generally ate two meals a day, one in the morning and one in the evening. However, midway through the Edo Period, it's said that three meals a day became the norm. This was due to the improvement of lanterns, which allowed people move about at night. Basic meals of the common people consisted of one soup and one vegetable dish. Side dishes consisted mostly of simmered vegetables and pickled vegetables, and fish was eaten only once every two weeks or so. The tenements where the common people of Edo lived were small and cramped housing complexes. Because of the cramped kitchens, rice was cooked only once a day to ensure efficient cooking. Farmers paid a large portion of their taxes as rice, so they had little rice to eat themselves. They often ate katemeshi, rice cooked with various grains, or mochi (rice cakes) made from various grains. The diet of a samurai varied according to rank. Low-ranking samurai had the same diet as common people, while high-ranking samurai ate a wider variety of food items and ingredients. Daimyo (feudal lords) and shogun enjoyed an even wider variety of side dishes, and some lords even enjoyed fish at every meal. Depending on their social status, they may also have enjoyed sake. Another characteristic of Edo Period food was that many people began to eat out. Food stalls selling tempura and soba (buckwheat noodles) slowly began to pop up and became common among the general populace. Other popular foods were kabayaki (grilled eel covered in a sweet soy sauce) and sushi. Together with soba and tempura, these are considered the four major foods of the Edo. 3 Edo Period Cookbooks – Cook Like They Did in the Age of the Samurai Source :YouTube screenshot Here are the three books on food in the Edo Period that were featured in the video. ●Ryori Monogatari (Tales of Cooking) Ryori Monogatari is a cookbook published in 1643, in the early Edo Period. It's considered to be the oldest cookbook in Japan that provides specific cooking methods. Dishes and ingredients are listed by category, such as "sea fish" and "river fish," and cooking methods are divided into "broths," "vinegared foods," etc. This method of compiling recipes influenced later cookbooks as well. ●Tofu Hyakuchin Tofu Hyakuchin is a cookbook published in 1782, in the mid-Edo Period. It lists 100 recipes for tofu. The book introduces dishes divided into six classes, including "common" and "exquisite," and describes the cooking processes in detail. The book also includes a note that a sequel was published the following year, which suggests that tofu was a popular ingredient among the people of the Edo Period. ●Meihan Burui Meihan Burui was published in 1802, in the late Edo Period. It's a cookbook specializing in recipes involving rice, and introduces more than 140 recipes for porridge, sushi, etc. It also includes columns on the characteristics of rice by production area, showing the high level of interest in cooking with rice during the Edo Period. Fish? Meat? Vegetables? What Did People in the Edo Period Eat the Most Of? Photo：Rice bran The basic diet during the Edo Period consisted of rice, miso soup, and one side dish. From the mid-Edo Period onward, as rice production increased and rice-polishing technology improved, diets shifted from brown rice to white rice. This had an impact on food culture as well, such as the spread of pickled vegetables made from the bran produced in the rice polishing process. Side dishes for the common people consisted mainly of beans and vegetables cooked in a stew. Natto (fermented soybeans) and tofu were also commonly eaten as a source of protein. Vegetables such as daikon, komatsuna (Japanese mustard spinach), and leeks were common, and these are eaten even today. Soy sauce, an essential ingredient for flavoring meals in the Edo Period, also spread to the common people in the mid-Edo Period. Many of the dishes in the book are also flavored simply with soy sauce or miso. ●Nebuka-jiru Nebuka-jiru is a miso soup with green onions. Make broth with kombu and dried sardines, and add leeks. Once cooked, miso is added and the soup is complete. [Video] 2:14 - Nebuka-jiru ●Ozasa Tofu Tofu is cooked on a skewer, then cooked in a pot with broth, soy sauce, and mirin. Beaten egg is then poured over the tofu and simmered, and then sprinkled with sansho (Japanese pepper). [Video] 3:00 - Ozasa Tofu ●Tofu Noodles Tofu crumbles and komatsuna are stir-fried, then mixed with boiled somen noodles. Season with soy sauce and serve. [Video] 4:11 - Tofu Noodles In the Edo Period diet, common people ate fish dishes only a few times a month. The common people ate inexpensive and easily obtainable fish, such as sardines and tuna. Shoguns or daimyo on the other hand, ate high-end fish such as sea bream (which were said to bring good luck), sillago, and flounder. Although eating meat was prohibited for many years, it was sometimes consumed for medicinal purposes. Summary of Food Culture in Edo Period Japan Source :YouTube screenshot In this article. we introduced a video recreating Edo Period food. By learning about meals during Edo Period Japan, you can better understand how people lived, the food culture, and the social dynamics of the time. Food is one of the many perspectives from which to understand the history of any given era. If you're curious about Japanese cooking, maybe try making some of the recipes yourself! We hope you can use this article as a reference to create some delicious dishes!