Tengu are Japan's mountain-dwelling spiritual beings, deeply entwined with mountain asceticism (Shugendo). From Kurama's Great Tengu who taught swordsmanship to Yoshitsune, to the Iizuna Gongen of Takao and the Taro-bo of Mt. Atago — this guide explores tengu lore, their sacred mountains, and how to visit them.

Bishamonten is one of the Four Heavenly Kings, the guardian deity of the north, also known as Vaishravana or Tamonten. Revered by warlords such as Uesugi Kenshin and Takeda Shingen, and counted among the Seven Gods of Fortune, this article traces the full scope of Bishamonten worship through sacred sites including Kurama-dera, Bishamondo, and Takkoku Bishamondo.

Have you ever stood before the Four Heavenly Kings at Todaiji's Kaidan-do and wondered who these warrior gods are? The tenbu are Hindu deities transformed into guardians of the Buddhist Law. This article explains how to identify the Four Heavenly Kings by their attributes and directions, and covers Taishakuten, Bonten, Benzaiten, and Daikokuten, with guidance on finding them at Todaiji, Kofukuji, Horyuji, and other famous temples.