October 2012 on Japan Travel Advice

October has been a busy month on Japan Travel Advice. The site was launched on the 1st of October and we have been busy posted new content on a weekly basis. I still have some interactive Google Maps that I've been developing and hope to launch these soon.

In the meantime, please enjoy a recap of our new articles for October 2012.

Matsumoto Castle

Matsumoto Castle is one of the most visually stunning castles in all of Japan. The castle an original is known as kurasu-jo (Crow Castle) because of its black exterior. Matsumoto castle is a flatland castle (hirajiro) built on a plain rather than on a hill or mountain. It is located in Matsumoto city, in Nagano Prefecture. Read More

Kinkakuji Temple

Kinkakuji Temple, also known as the Temple of the Golden Pavilion, is one of Japan’s best known sights. Located in Northern Kyoto, the original building was constructed in 1397 as a retirement villa for the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. Read More

Todaiji Temple

Todaiji Temple in Nara is an awe-inspiring sight and should be at the top of any sightseeing trip to Japan. The temple was built in 752 during the Nara period (710 – 794 AD) at the behest of Emperor Shomu, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Read More

Kenrokuen Garden

Kenrokuen Garden in Kanazawa is considered to be one of the three most beautiful gardens in Japan. The other two are Korakuen Garden in Okayama and Kairakuen Garden in Mito. The garden is conveniently located outside the gates of Kanazawa Castle. In its original form Kenrokuen Garden formed the outer garden of Kanazawa Castle. Read More

Deer in Nara Koen Japan

This week's Japan Picture of the week is the famous deer which can be seen at Nara Koen in Japan. Nara Koen was created from wasteland in 1880 and is home to about 1200 deer. The deer in pre-Buddhist times were considered to be messengers of the gods, and today they enjoy the status of National Treasures. The deer roam the park and surrounding areas in search of keen tourists and a hand-out of food. You can buy shika-sembei (special biscuits) from vendors for 150 yen to feed to the deer.

Picture of the Week Nio Guardians at Nandai-mon Todai-ji Nara

These two fierce looking guardian statues protect the main entrance to Todai-ji in Nara, which is the 13th century Nandai-mon. The statues were carved in 1203 by the sculptor Unkei, and are more than 8 meters tall. They are considered some of the finest wooden statues in all of Japan, if not the world. They are really impressive and look like they could spring to life at any moment.