May 27, 2010

KUMAGAISO-The Lady's Slipper

May 17, 2010,  Sunny

Finally spring has come to Koyasan.  Various flowers started to bloom following cherry blossoms, like rhododendron, wisteria, lady's slipper and so on.  These are lady's slippers, KUMAGAISO in Japanese.  This flower is named after the samurai, Kumagai Naozane who carrying a big cloth on his back on his horse during the battle.  The cloth billows like a baloon on his back and prevent enemy's arrows piercing him.  The shape of this flower is very unique but they are an endangered species and are seldom seen in the mountains now.  Some of Koyasan temples protect and grow them carefully.  I think these flowers look like air bags of the car rather than slippers.  KQ

May 26, 2010

Wednesday Tour

Wednesday, April 28, 2010      Sunny

Every Wednesday from April to October, KCCN (Koyasan Cross-cultural Communication Network) provides "WEDNESDAY TOUR." This tour covers the three main places in Koyasan.  Take part in the WEDNESDY TOUR and get interesting information that you won't find in any guidebook. English guides are so kind and friendly. They are  glad to advice you how to spend your time in the town. You don't have to make a reservation, however, in the case of possible cancellation, it would be appreciated if you could confirm this Wednesday Tour with KCCN in advance by e-mail or phone.  ( e-mail: mail@koyasan-ccn.com   phone: 090-1486-2588)
 There are two courses:
Course A: 8:30 ~ 11:30    Meet at Ichinohashi bridge at 8:30,  and visit Okunoin, Garan and Kongobuji.
Course B: 13:00 ~ 15:30  Meet at the entrance of Kongobuji at 13:00, and visit Kongobuji, Garan and Okunoin.

May 22, 2010

KOYASAN VISITOR INFORMATION CENTER

Koyasan Visitor Information Center (VIC) is inside the Daishi Kyokai building, located near Kongobuji, Garan, and the Reihokan Museum. Our English speaking staff members are willing to assist visitors from overseas with questions and information about your visit to Koyasan. We are ready to make suggestions about;

Places you must see in Koyasan
Best way to get around in Koyasan
English information about the places to see
Information about the experiences that Koyasan would offer
Any other questions that will help you enjoy your visit
We can help you plan out your day in Koyasan

Several brochures, maps and other information are available at our office.