What Is The Best Japanese Temple To Visit? A Temple Tour In Japan 

BY  Sibashree Sep 18, 2026

Ruwanwelisaya, or Ruwanmeli Maha Seya, won me over with its height from a distance of 100 meters.   From there also, I could not fit it into a single frame.  Also, the most astonishing feature was the frieze of stone elephant heads running the entire base of the stupa.   It took me around 10 minutes just to walk the perimeter counting them. I counted up to two hundred and then lost a count of the elephant heads.   Then, I saw the marble courtyard where white-clad pilgrims were circling clockwise.   Also, the heat radiating off the stone by mid-morning reminded me of an old saying frequently uttered by my grandmother, Thamma,  She used to say in Bengali, “Kosto na korle kesto mele na.” Roughly means, to receive the blessings of the divine, you have to put some hard efforts.   Ruwanwelisaya At A Glance  Detail Information Other Names Ruwanweli Maha Seya Maha Thupa Swarnamali Chaitya Built by King Dutugemunu. He begun the construction around 140 BC and then his brother,,  King Saddhatissa completed it.  Height 103 meters Circumference 290 meters Status One of the Atamasthana (8 sacred sites) and Solosmasthana (16 sacred sites) of Sri Lankan Buddhism UNESCO status Part of the Sacred City of Anuradhapura, inscribed 1982 Access Included in the Anuradhapura Sacred City ticket (foreign visitors) Dress code Pilgrims wear white clothes.  Also, shoulders and knees must be covered, and you need to remove your shoes and hats.   King Dutugemunu: The King Who Never Saw His Stupa Finished You cannot separate the story of King Dutugemunu from the Ruwanwelisaya stupa.   He unified Sri Lanka in the 2nd century BC after defeating the Chola ruler Elara.   According to the chapters 22 to 32 of Mahavamsa, or the Great Chronicle, Dutugemunu began construction of the stupa around 140 BC.  It was an act of religious devotion meant to enshrine one-eighth of the sacred body relics of Lord Gautam Buddha.  However, he died before the work was complete. King Saddhatissa, his brother was the successor.   The younger brother, had the unfinished structure wrapped in white cloth so the dying king could see it appear complete.   This part of the history is seen as a later embellishment as many historians, though.   Still, when the local guide told me story, it touched me.   The Completion Of The Stupa And Later Renovations   Saddhatissa finished the stupa.  Then, the subsequent kings renovated it. King Nissanka Malla in the 12th century is one of those kings to undertake this renovation after Saddhatissa.  However, by 19th century, the stupa was in ruins.   Again, a restoration campaign started in 1893 by the monk Naranvita Sumanasara Thera.  The renovation was public funded and the Ruwanweli Seya Restoration Society took the charge of it.   So, what we see today is the restored form in 1893 and later, in June 1940, the stupa got its new pinnacle.   Why Is It Called The 'Great Stupa'? Ruwanwelisaya, or the Maha Thupa, literally means 'the Great Stupa.'   It is among the Atamasthana, meaning the eight sacred places of Anuradhapura. It is even the most significant of these eight sites.   The stupa is within the Mahamevnawa Park, close enough to the Sri Maha Bodhi and the ruins of the Lovamahapaya.  So, I completed all three in the same walk without quite planning to.  Walking The Site: What To Expect As I said, the imposing scale of the stupa was the first thing I noticed.   The second thing I saw was the elephant wall.   Here is a brief highlight on what made awestruck in the stipa complex.   The Elephant Wall  A retaining wall rings the base of the stupa.  It has hundreds of elephant heads and forequarters.  The distance between the heads are very less. So, from a distance it reads as a single continuous herd holding the dome up.   A local guard told me that the exact count was 344.   However, as I mentioned, I could not finish the counting after 200.   The Marble Courtyard And Vahalkadas  The stupa has a wide, pale courtyard and vahalkadas ring the stupa at four cardinal points.   Vahalkadas are carved stone frontispieces with figures of elephants, horses, lions, and dwarfs.  Walking barefoot across the marble was a difficult task, especially in the late morning of the dry season.   However, I managed it hopping between the shaded patches.  The Evening Atmosphere  The stupa had a great impact on me, and I could not help but come back for a visit in the evening.   It was looking more divine with its floodlights creating a sheer contrast against the sky.   The stupa complex was busier in the evening, and the devotees were circling the stupa clockwise while chanting quietly.  Tickets And What They Cover Ruwanwelisaya does not need a separate ticket.  It is part of the Anuradhapura Sacred City ticket that foreign visitors need to enter the main archaeological zone.   As of 2026, pricing for that combined ticket runs from roughly US$25 to US$30 per adult.  The ticket covers Ruwanwelisaya alongside Jetavanaramaya, Thuparamaya, Abhayagiri, Lovamahapaya, and the twin ponds.   It does not cover Isurumuniya, the Sri Maha Bodhi enclosure, or Mihintale, each of which has its own separate ticket.  Ticket Approximate price (As of September 2026) Covers Ruwanwelisaya? Anuradhapura Sacred City ticket US$25–30 Yes Combined Cultural Triangle ticket US$50 Yes (Along with Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Dambulla Royal Cave Temple and Polonnaruwa) Isurumuniya (separate) 500 LKR No Sri Maha Bodhi enclosure Offers a free entry. However, you can offer a small donation.  No  Opening Hours And Best Time To Visit The main archaeological sites, Ruwanwelisaya included, are generally open from around 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily.  Early morning is quietest and coolest for the walk around the courtyard and elephant wall.  Poya (full moon) days, especially June's Poson Poya, bring the largest crowds of pilgrims and the most atmospheric evening lighting.  Dry season, from May to September, offers the most comfortable conditions for the barefoot courtyard walk.  How To Reach Ruwanwelisaya? Ruwanwelisaya is inside Anuradhapura's Sacred City zone.  It is about a 1 km walk from the Eastern Gate car park and close to the Sri Maha Bodhi.   You can explore the zone by rented bicycle (roughly LKR 200–300 per day).  It is also the most practical way to cover the site because the individual monuments are at a distance from each other.  I underestimated the distances on foot and regretted it by early afternoon.  A Simple Half-Day Route Around Ruwanwelisaya  Time Stop Notes 7:00 AM Sri Maha Bodhi Quietest at dawn, most devotional atmosphere. 8:00 AM Ruwanwelisaya Elephant wall, courtyard, main stupa. 9:30 AM Thuparamaya Smaller, older stupa nearby. 10:30 AM Jetavanaramaya Once the tallest stupa in the ancient world. Evening Return to Ruwanwelisaya Floodlit and busiest with local devotees after dark.  What Ruwanwelisaya Represents Today  More than two thousand years after Dutugemunu started the construction, Ruwanwelisaya is still an active place of worship.  It is not a museum.   The restoration endeavors of the elephant wall and dome go on.   Also, pilgrims keep circling it in white on every Poya day of the year.   Of everything I saw across Anuradhapura, it is the site that made the clearest case for why this ancient capital is still called sacred rather than simply historic.

BY  Sibashree Mar 27, 2026

Osaka food is slowly and steadily surpassing Tokyo as the poster for Japanese cuisine.  Furthermore, it has been just a few days since La Cime in Osaka became the best restaurant in Japan in the Asia's 50 Best Restaurants list in 2026.   However, the soul of the Osaka food lies in the streets. The Dotonbori neighborhood was especially the best when I visited.  In fact, I was so much in love with the street food here that I chose to cancel the previous booking and chose a hotel in Dotonbori instead.  Also, the Dotonbori Market was the epicenter of my food exploration in Osaka.  Moreover, how can you ever forget what Anthony Bourdain had to say about food in Osaka? He said,  “I’m a big believer in winging it. I’m a big believer that you’re never going to find the perfect city travel experience or the perfect meal without a constant willingness to experience a bad one.  Letting the happy accident happen is what a lot of vacation itineraries miss, I think, and I’m always trying to push people to allow those things to happen rather than stick to some rigid itinerary.” So, let’s explore Osaka food at its best in Dotonbori. What Are The Best Osaka Food You Can Try On The Streets?  Osaka, despite its funky and vibrant appearance, has a history that goes back to the Edo Period in the 17th century.  Furthermore, it was a major trading hub during that period. Also, it was the same time when Osaka earned the nickname “Japan’s Kitchen.”  Moreover, Dotonbori extends across a canal that reaches out to the sea. So, you will always find fresh seafood in the local delicacies.  Ramen Udon Torikara Takoyaki These are some of the delicacies served by the local vendors in Osaka.  However, just mentioning these names does not justify the tangible experience of Osaka food.  I saw a big red octopus getting dressed and served, and the lobsters were irresistible.  Nonetheless, these are the best street foods you can try in Osaka.  1. Mitarashi-Dango Pocket-Pinch: 150 JPY  Mitarashi-Dango is the most comforting street food you will try in Osaka. Furthermore, these are great for budget-friendly travelers and backpackers like me.  These rice balls are sweet and chewy, and have a hint of burnt taste due to the unique browning process that takes place once the rice balls are boiled and cooled.  Furthermore, the glaze of the sweet soy sauce makes it perfect!  2. Okonomiyaki Pocket-Pinch: 400-450 JPY  Do you like frittata? Then, you will love these Japanese savory pancakes even more.  Okonomiyaki has all the flavors. However, you never feel heavy after having them. Furthermore, these pancakes are simple, as cabbage, flour, and eggs are the main ingredients.  However, the local street vendors add seafood and scallions to the dish for more flavor and color.  Also, they serve it with barbecue sauce.  3. Daifuku Mochi Pocket Pinch: 350-400 JPY Mochi, the round rice cake, is a staple Japanese delicacy.  It has the chewiness of Mitarashi-Dango. However, it has filling as the daifuku part of the name suggests.  I loved the ones with strawberry filling, and you can also try them with other fruits.  4. Torikara Pocket-Pinch: 300-400 JPY If the USA has its deep-fried chicken, Japan also has Torikara.  I loved them, and the fried potatoes and the variety of sauces will be the most amazing additions.  5. Takoyaki Pocket Pinch: 700-800 JPY  Takoyaki is probably the most famous street food of Osaka and Japan.  Japanese people love these octopus balls, and that’s why the Takoyaki stalls in Dotonbori are countless.  Furthermore, the scallions and flakes of dried fish sprinkled on top make the dish really amazing.  Moreover, the batter is gooey, and it will melt in your mouth.  6. Taiyaki Pocket Pinch: 300 JPY This is a fish-shaped pastry and my silent favorite among everything I tried in Osaka.  The smell is irresistible, and the main attraction is to see it getting ready in front of your eyes.  You can have this vanilla-flavored pastry with cheese, custard, and hamburger meat. However, the red bean paste is the ideal choice if you want to follow the grammar of East Asian cuisine. 7. Udon Pocket Pinch: 650 JPY The hot broth and noodles! I know that I have kept you waiting for the longest time to find this lethal combination on my list.  The noodles in Udon are thick, and with the right seasoning, their taste grows on you. That’s why you can eat udon every day and not get bored.  Furthermore, there are many variations of udon, such as the curry udon, yaki-udon, nabeyaki udon, and tempura udon.  8. Soba Pocket Pinch: 400 JPY Soba has buckwheat noodles in hot broth. Furthermore, these noodles are darker and thinner.  Furthermore, the simplicity of the dish and flavors make it a perfect palate cleanser.  I loved a bowl of soba with scallions.  9. Ramen Pocket Pinch: 700-800 JPY Ramen, of course, is the quintessential wheat noodles the whole world has been eating for quite some time now.  I tried different variations of ramen in Osaka. However, I loved the one with pork the best.  10. Yakitori Pocket Pinch: 1000-1100 JPY Yakitori is the Japanese take on grilled meat.  Furthermore, you will get many variations in the meat used here. You will get bone meat, chicken skin, seafood, and many other varieties here.  11. Sushi  Pocket Pinch: 1200 JPY If Sushi is an emotion, then it runs in the veins of Osaka.  From sea urchin to tuna, eel, and salmon, Osaka spoils you with choices in sushi.  Furthermore, the art of eating sushi is something that you need to understand. It is just not about gulping down some food.  It’s also about being a part of the Japanese culture.  12. Taiko Manju Pocket Pinch: 100-150 JPY You may think that Taiko Manju and Taiyaki are the same, but the origin and texture are very different.  Despite the use of the same ingredients, Taiko Manju is fluffier. Furthermore, their drum shape is inspired by the taiko drums, which are integral parts of Japanese festivals.  Read Also: What Are The Best Day Trips From Tokyo? 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BY  Sibashree Jul 17, 2026

Every guidebook I read before my third trip to Sri Lanka showed Vavuniya in the same way.  The map was also similar in its approach, and Vavuniya looked like a dot between Anuradhapura and Jaffna. It looked like a place that everyone passed through, but not a place to stop.  The feeling or vibe was similar to Mannar, as most forums wrote it off as “not much else.” However, when I actually went there, I realized what I would have missed.  So, when my driver, Ravi, suggested the Anuradhapura-to-Jaffna drive with a day in Vavuniya instead of pushing straight through, I said yes mostly out of stubbornness. I wanted to see what a “Nothing” town on Sri Lanka’s most historically loaded highway looked like up close.  Honestly, I was not prepared for how much those hours in Vavuniya would sit with me.  The Omanthai Moment  Around twenty minutes before reaching Vavuniya Town, Ravi stopped the car.  The road there narrowed and slowed at a junction called Omanthai. There was nothing very dramatic, and it only had a few roadside stalls, buses idling, and the ordinary chaos of the A9 highway. However, the stopover became unforgettable as Ravi tapped the wheel and said, almost as an aside,  “This was the checkpoint.  During the war, you couldn't cross here without permission. Now you don't even notice it unless someone tells you." That gap between what a place was and what it looks like now is, I've realised, exactly why Vavuniya stayed with me. Also, if Hikkaduwa was the spot to witness the rampage of the 2004 tsunami and the story of human resilience after it, Vavuniya was a story of how Sri Lanka continues to evolve despite a violent history of Civil War.  And that evolution probably shows in the recent reclassification of Sri Lanka's economy in 2026 as an upper-middle-income economy by the World Bank.  What The War Left Behind And What Has Been Rebuilt In Vavuniya?  Being from India, I felt connected to the civil war struggles in Vavuniya.  However, the information available to me was mostly in fragments. Standing in Vavuniya made the fragments feel connected.  During the 26-year conflict, Vavuniya functioned as a critical frontline and government-held enclave bordering LTTE territory to the north. In the final and brutal phase of the civil war, hundreds of thousands of people fleeing the fighting in the Vanni passed through Vavuniya.  Many people were even housed in transit camps, and the largest was known as Menik Farm as the conflict wound down in 2009.  However, you cannot spot any visible sign of these conflicts today.  I saw a town that was rebuilt as a meeting point and not a dividing line.  Tamil, Sinhalese, and Muslim communities live alongside each other here, and you can feel it in the built environment alone. A Hindu kovil, a mosque, and a church can sit within a few streets of each other, something I didn't see with the same density anywhere else on this trip. I want to be honest that this isn't a place with a museum or memorial that neatly packages this history for visitors. So, you have to arrive already curious and often ask. How I Spent A Slow Day In Vavuniya Town (The Places I Visited)  Vavuniya Town is walkable, and instead of being a bucket-list destination, it allows you to engage and get immersed in its spiritual, historical, and cultural vibe.  Nevertheless, these are the places I visited during my day trip to Vavuniya Town.  1. Kandasamy Kovil Kandasamy Kovil, a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Murugan, is at the heart of the town. It is similar to the temples in Jaffna in vibe. However, you cannot expect the quintessential grandeur of the South Indian temples here.  I loved that there was no queue in the temple when I visited. Just a handful of locals were moving through their morning rituals as I stood at the edge and watched them.  2. The Vavuniya Archaeological Museum The Vavuniya Archaeological Museum was a short walk away from the Kandasamy Kovil.  It is a small museum that remains open from 8:30 AM to 5 PM and offers free entry.  Furthermore, it remains closed on Tuesdays.  You can explore this small museum in half an hour. However, that does not reduce the historical value of the pottery, statues, and inscribed stones on display. These made me familiar with the district's history back well before the war, back to the Rajarata and Vanniar periods I'd just been reading about on the drive in. 3. Vavuniya Kulam And Iratperiyakulam Lake In the late afternoon, Ravi drove me out to the tanks.  Vavuniya Kulam, the town's main reservoir, had a peaceful vibe. The locals were fishing or just sitting by the water as the light softened. Iratperiyakulam Lake, a little further out, had the same unhurried energy with no ticket booth and no crowd. 4. The Market This was definitely one of my favorite parts of a trip to Vavuniya.  I wandered the Vavuniya town market at dusk. Tamil, Muslim, and Sinhalese traders shared the same narrow lanes, selling produce, dried fish, spices, and fabric side by side. It was great to see and was tangible evidence that this town has genuinely moved past being a dividing line. One Day In Vavuniya: The Itinerary TimeActivity MorningArrive via A9, stop at OmanthaiLate Morning Visit to the Kandasamy Kovil and Archaeological MuseumAfternoon and Late AfternoonVavuniya Kulam and Iratperiyakulam LakeEveningExploring Town Market and DinnerNext MorningOnward to Jaffna What I Ate In Vavuniya  Like the food in Jaffna, Vavuniya also treated me with Tamil delicacies. So, rice and curries dominate the options.  I had a lunch plate with five or six vegetables and fish curries that easily rivalled anything I have had further south. In the evening, I found a roadside stall doing kottu roti, chopped and fried on a hot griddle with theatrical noise, which felt like the right way to end a day built around quiet places. Reaching Vavuniya And Getting Around Vavuniya is on the A9 highway, which is the main north-south highway of Sri Lanka.  Also, it is on the Northern Line railway connecting to Colombo in the south and Jaffna further north.  However, you can visit Vavuniya from Anuradhapura like me, and it is a fairly short onward drive.  If you are traveling from Colombo by road. It will be a long four-hour drive, though!  Within the town itself, everything I wanted to see was walkable or a short tuk-tuk ride away.  I didn't rent anything as Ravi's car covered the tanks and the outskirts, and my own feet covered the town centre and market. Why You Must Not Skip Vavuniya  Vauniya does not have the spiritual intensity of the Dambulla Royal Cave or the cultural grandeur of Kandy.  It also does not want to be a headline destination.  I understand why it gets treated as a highway stop rather than a place to stay. However, for me, that was exactly the point. I stood at a former front line that's now just a bus stop, eating a curry plate shared by three communities that were once defined by the war between them. Overall, it offered a northern Sri Lankan experience that is not curated for visitors or trying to grab attention.