Hidden Japan Click

The most sacred place of Japan

The most sacred place

of

Japan

This is the tomb of successive lords of Mori Clan. Mori Clan had extended its domain from 14th century. In 16th century, Motonari Mori dominate whole Chugoku region. After the defeat in the Battle of Sekigahara (1600), Mori Clan lost over half of its domain. But it had been a powerful feudal load until 19th century. In 19th century, Mori Clan greatly contributed to the overthrow of the Tokugawa Shogunate regime. And a lot of ex-samurai-politicians who were subjects of Mori Clan worked for the nation building of the modern empire of Japan.

This is the tomb of successive lords of Mori Clan. Mori Clan had extended its domain from 14th century.

In 16th century, Motonari Mori dominate whole Chugoku region. After the defeat in the Battle of Sekigahara (1600), Mori Clan lost over half of its domain. But it had been a powerful feudal load until 19th century. In 19th century, Mori Clan greatly contributed to the overthrow of the Tokugawa Shogunate regime. And a lot of ex-samurai-politicians who were subjects of Mori Clan worked for the nation building of the modern empire of Japan.

Birushana, the Big Buddha of Nara, was built in 752 AD. In its seated position, the gilt-covered 250 ton bronze statue stands 15 meters tall. Over the centuries, the statue was damaged in various battles, but restored afterward. The body of the statue was reconstructed in 1185, and the 5.3-meter-high head was rebuilt in 1692. It's housed in the Todai-ji, the world's largest wooden building, even though the present reconstruction of 1692 is only two thirds of the original temple's size.

Birushana, the Big Buddha of Nara, was built in 752 AD. In its seated position, the gilt-covered 250 ton bronze statue stands 15 meters tall. Over the centuries, the statue was damaged in various battles, but restored afterward. The body of the statue was reconstructed in 1185, and the 5.3-meter-high head was rebuilt in 1692. It's housed in the Todai-ji, the world's largest wooden building, even though the present reconstruction of 1692 is only two thirds of the original temple's size.

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Mount Koya (Koya-San: 高野山 ) is the sacred mountain of Tantric Buddhism in Japan. And there is an extensive cemetery called "Oku-no-in( 奥の院 )". It is said that there are about 200 thousand tombstones in this mysterious cemetery. For centuries, these tombs have been build by people from all classes such as imperial family, court nobles, feudal lords, monks and commoners. And, in the heart of the cemetery, there is the mausoleum of the monk Kukai who opend this mountain. Even now, monks of Koya-San believe that Kukai still is living and in meditation in the mausoleum. And they serve meals for Kukai everyday....

Mount Koya (Koya-San: 高野山 ) is the sacred mountain of Tantric Buddhism in Japan. And there is an extensive cemetery called "Oku-no-in( 奥の院 )". It is said that there are about 200 thousand tombstones in this mysterious cemetery. For centuries, these tombs have been build by people from all classes such as imperial family, court nobles, feudal lords, monks and commoners. And, in the heart of the cemetery, there is the mausoleum of the monk Kukai who opend this mountain. Even now, monks of Koya-San believe that Kukai still is living and in meditation in the mausoleum. And they serve meals for Kukai everyday....

Mount Koya (Koya-San: 高野山 ) is the sacred mountain of Tantric Buddhism in Japan. Same as Tibetan Tantric Buddhism, Japanese Tantric Buddhism (called Shingon-Shu) is a branch of Buddhism that values esoteric practices. Tantric Buddhism was introduced to Japan by Kukai (774-835), a Japanese monk who was trained in Tang Dynasty China. In 817, Kukai had founded a temple on the top of Mount Koya, and since that time, this mountain became the sacred mountain of Tantric Buddhism in Japan. There are 117 temples on Mount Koya, and the headquarters of these temples is Kongobu-Ji Temple. This is a picture of one of many buildings of Kongobu-Ji Temple.

Mount Koya (Koya-San: 高野山 ) is the sacred mountain of Tantric Buddhism in Japan. Same as Tibetan Tantric Buddhism, Japanese Tantric Buddhism (called Shingon-Shu) is a branch of Buddhism that values esoteric practices. Tantric Buddhism was introduced to Japan by Kukai (774-835), a Japanese monk who was trained in Tang Dynasty China. In 817, Kukai had founded a temple on the top of Mount Koya, and since that time, this mountain became the sacred mountain of Tantric Buddhism in Japan. There are 117 temples on Mount Koya, and the headquarters of these temples is Kongobu-Ji Temple. This is a picture of one of many buildings of Kongobu-Ji Temple.

Kiyomizu-dera (Pure Water) temple was founded around 780 and remains associated with the Hosso sect, one of the oldest sects of Japanese Buddhism. The temple is dedicated to Juichimen Kannon (the 11-faced Goddess of Mercy). This is the main hall, last rebuilt in 1629. It is set into a steep hillside and suspended on giant pillars. The balcony overlooks a peaceful wooded glade with an old 3-tier pagoda on the opposite side. Always a popular site, the balcony was mobbed the day we vistied by school kids looking to practice their English on any willing westerner.

Kiyomizu-dera (Pure Water) temple was founded around 780 and remains associated with the Hosso sect, one of the oldest sects of Japanese Buddhism. The temple is dedicated to Juichimen Kannon (the 11-faced Goddess of Mercy). This is the main hall, last rebuilt in 1629. It is set into a steep hillside and suspended on giant pillars. The balcony overlooks a peaceful wooded glade with an old 3-tier pagoda on the opposite side. Always a popular site, the balcony was mobbed the day we vistied by school kids looking to practice their English on any willing westerner.

Hida Folk Village (Hida no Sato) is an open air museum exhibiting over 30 typical farmhouses and other traditional buildings from the Hida region, the mountainous district of Gifu Prefecture around Takayama. During our visit, local artisans were at work weaving silk fabric, doing needlepoint, and doing basket-weaving. The museum's main attractions are a number of gassho-zukuri houses. The massive farmhouses with their steep, thatched roofs which look like praying hands ("gassho-zukuri") were moved to the musuem from the nearby Shirakawa-go region. This large bronze bell would have been used to call villagers to prayer at a Buddhist temple.

Hida Folk Village (Hida no Sato) is an open air museum exhibiting over 30 typical farmhouses and other traditional buildings from the Hida region, the mountainous district of Gifu Prefecture around Takayama. During our visit, local artisans were at work weaving silk fabric, doing needlepoint, and doing basket-weaving. The museum's main attractions are a number of gassho-zukuri houses. The massive farmhouses with their steep, thatched roofs which look like praying hands ("gassho-zukuri") were moved to the musuem from the nearby Shirakawa-go region. This large bronze bell would have been used to call villagers to prayer at a Buddhist temple.

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In Nagoya city, nearer to the Nagoya University, Buddha temple is situated which is not clear from road and whic u may not get in travel guide. But the place is very good and peaceful. Almost 20 ft tall buddha statue is there with a small small statue like "Shivling" (a general term for a sacred symbol of Lord Shiva;), dog, cat etc. Infront of Buddha, this hand with Ashoke Chakra in palm is asking for Peace. In that atmosphere (surrounded by tall tress), the staue with this hand is extraordinary.

In Nagoya city, nearer to the Nagoya University, Buddha temple is situated which is not clear from road and whic u may not get in travel guide. But the place is very good and peaceful. Almost 20 ft tall buddha statue is there with a small small statue like "Shivling"

(a general term for a sacred symbol of Lord Shiva;), dog, cat etc. Infront of Buddha, this hand with Ashoke Chakra in palm is asking for Peace. In that atmosphere (surrounded by tall tress), the staue with this hand is extraordinary.

Originally built in 1052 as a villa, the Byodo-in was later converted into a Buddhist temple. This wooden structure is over 950 years old and is one of the few remaining pieces of architecture from the Heian Era.

Originally built in 1052 as a villa, the Byodo-in was later converted into a Buddhist temple. This wooden structure is over 950 years old and is one of the few remaining pieces of architecture from the Heian Era.

Shirakowa is a UNESCO World Heritage village of about 1900 inhabitants. It's known for its unique Gassho-style houses with their sharply pitched thatched roofs and large attics. Residents raised silkworms on mulberry trees housed in the attic, then harvested the silk, spun and dyed it, and wove it into fabric. These roofs last 30 to 60 years. A smoky fire is kept lit in a fire pit in the home at all times. The smoke permeates the thatch and minimizes insect infestations. Re-roofing a home is often a community project and is done over a period of two days with as many as 100 people helping out.

Shirakowa is a UNESCO World Heritage village of about 1900 inhabitants. It's known for its unique Gassho-style houses with their sharply pitched thatched roofs and large attics. Residents raised silkworms on mulberry trees housed in the attic, then harvested the silk, spun and dyed it, and wove it into fabric. These roofs last 30 to 60 years. A smoky fire is kept lit in a fire pit in the home at all times. The smoke permeates the thatch and minimizes insect infestations. Re-roofing a home is often a community project and is done over a period of two days with as many as 100 people helping out.

Situated in the eastern quarter of Kyoto, is Hokanji Temple - also known as Yasaka Pagoda. It is to Kyoto what the Eiffel Tower is to Paris - the eternal symbol of a city steeped in history and culture. Walking up to the Yasaka Pagoda through a typical tourist street in Kyoto,this shot was taken on a dull and rainy day consequently the light is poor and rather harsh.

Situated in the eastern quarter of Kyoto, is Hokanji Temple - also known as Yasaka Pagoda. It is to Kyoto what the Eiffel Tower is to Paris - the eternal symbol of a city steeped in history and culture. Walking up to the Yasaka Pagoda through a typical tourist street in Kyoto,this shot was taken on a dull and rainy day consequently the light is poor and rather harsh.

One of the famous samurai houses of Kakunodate. This is Aoyagi Samurai Manor . Kakunodate is a town located in Senboku District, Akita, Japan. In 2003, the town had an estimated population of 14,138 and a density of 90.26 persons per km². The total area was 156.63 km². The town is famed for its preserved samurai houses and the proliferation of cherry trees. It is a popular destination for hanami, or cherry-blossom viewing.

One of the famous samurai houses of Kakunodate. This is Aoyagi Samurai Manor . Kakunodate is a town located in Senboku District, Akita, Japan.

In 2003, the town had an estimated population of 14,138 and a density of 90.26 persons per km². The total area was 156.63 km². The town is famed for its preserved samurai houses and the proliferation of cherry trees. It is a popular destination for hanami, or cherry-blossom viewing.

Oumagadoki we say in Japan when evening breaks down. Ou is Au means "meeting", Ma is "Devil" and Doki is Toki means " Time". Altogether : " The time when we meet devils". Beautiful description for the time between day and night. Here Oumagadoki in Hokkaido Jingu. The most important Shinto Shrine in Hokkaido. This Shrine is also called as " Kaitaku Jinjya" means Pioneer Jinjya.

Oumagadoki we say in Japan when evening breaks down. Ou is Au means "meeting", Ma is "Devil" and Doki is Toki means " Time". Altogether : " The time when we meet devils". Beautiful description for the time between day and night. Here Oumagadoki in Hokkaido Jingu. The most important Shinto Shrine in Hokkaido. This Shrine is also called as " Kaitaku Jinjya" means Pioneer Jinjya.

Maruyama is an easy mountain. Normal person can climb in 30 minutes. For Sapporo people it is no way climbing but a little hard walk. I for example never leave home thinking I am going to climb Maruyama today. This mountain is good enough when I am near and got time decide to go up quickly type of mountain. No maybe a hill. One difference is however there are 88 small stone Buddha figures wearing cap and clothes on our way up to the top.

Maruyama is an easy mountain. Normal person can climb in 30 minutes. For Sapporo people it is no way climbing but a little hard walk. I for example never leave home thinking I am going to climb Maruyama today. This mountain is good enough when I am near and got time decide to go up quickly type of mountain. No maybe a hill. One difference is however there are 88 small stone Buddha figures wearing cap and clothes on our way up to the top.

This imposing building is reputed to be the largest existing wooden structure in the world. It was reconstructed during the Edo Era (1603-1867) and is the home of the Birushana Buddha, a symbol of Nara and the largest Buddha in Japan - about 63 feet tall.

This imposing building is reputed to be the largest existing wooden structure in the world. It was reconstructed during the Edo Era (1603-1867) and is the home of the Birushana Buddha, a symbol of Nara and the largest Buddha in Japan - about 63 feet tall.

Inuyama castle is the oldest castle in Japan. Most Japanese "castles" are really battlements designed for defense - little or no furnishings. This one is near the city of Nagoya and houses a nice display of battle armor. From the top floor there's a beautiful panoramic view of the Kiso River.

Inuyama castle is the oldest castle in Japan. Most Japanese "castles" are really battlements designed for defense - little or no furnishings. This one is near the city of Nagoya and houses a nice display of battle armor. From the top floor there's a beautiful panoramic view of the Kiso River.

This is just a simple Japanese motive of Nagoya Castle and surrounding blossoming cherry trees . Imagawa Ujichika built the original Nagoya Castle around 1525. Oda Nobuhide took it from Imagawa Ujitoyo in 1532, but later abandoned it. In 1610, Tokugawa Ieyasu ordered the various daimyo to help with the building of a new castle on the site. The castle's construction was completed in 1612. Until the Meiji Era, the castle was the home of the Owari clan of the Tokugawa family. During World War II, the castle was burnt to the ground, and most of its artifacts were destroyed; many of the paintings inside, however, survived and have been preserved to this day. The rebuilding of the castle finished in 1959.

This is just a simple Japanese motive of Nagoya Castle and surrounding blossoming cherry trees . Imagawa Ujichika built the original Nagoya Castle around 1525. Oda Nobuhide took it from Imagawa Ujitoyo in 1532, but later abandoned it. In 1610, Tokugawa Ieyasu ordered the various daimyo to help with the building of a new castle on the site. The castle's construction was completed in 1612. Until the Meiji Era, the castle was the home of the Owari clan of the Tokugawa family. During World War II, the castle was burnt to the ground, and most of its artifacts were destroyed; many of the paintings inside, however, survived and have been preserved to this day. The rebuilding of the castle finished in 1959.

T his is a gate of the Hikone Castle. In 1603, a war-lord Ieyasu Tokugawa reunified whole nation and was appointed as shogun by Emperor Go-Yozei. It was the begining of Tokugawa Shogunate regeme. In Japan the emperors have reigned, but don't govern from 12th century. To 19th century, the nation was governed by military leaders from samurai class. Emperor appoints the chief of samurai as the SHOGUN, the supreme general. And the shogun forms his government, shogunate . T his picture is Tenbin-Yagura, a castle gate with a high bridge.

T his is a gate of the Hikone Castle. In 1603, a war-lord Ieyasu Tokugawa reunified whole nation and was appointed as shogun by Emperor Go-Yozei. It was the begining of Tokugawa Shogunate regeme. In Japan the emperors have reigned, but don't govern from 12th century. To 19th century, the nation was governed by military leaders from samurai class. Emperor appoints the chief of samurai as the SHOGUN, the supreme general. And the shogun forms his government, shogunate . T his picture is Tenbin-Yagura, a castle gate with a high bridge.

The building in this picture is the Dibutsu-den ( The Hall of the Great Buddha) that is the main hall of the Todai-ji Temple. It was first built in 751. But it was burned twice by the war fires. The existing building was reconstructed in 1709.

The building in this picture is the Dibutsu-den ( The Hall of the Great Buddha) that is the main hall of the Todai-ji Temple. It was first built in 751. But it was burned twice by the war fires. The existing building was reconstructed in 1709.

This is several of 1500 unique rakan statues on the nihon-ji temple grounds in Chiba. A rakan is an enlightened disciple of Buddhism, one who has reached the final stage and passed the death-rebirth cycle of reincarnation. Many of the statues are headless due to vandals and natural forces as you see here.

This is several of 1500 unique rakan statues on the nihon-ji temple grounds in Chiba. A rakan is an enlightened disciple of Buddhism, one who has reached the final stage and passed the death-rebirth cycle of reincarnation. Many of the statues are headless due to vandals and natural forces as you see here.

A small "pyramid" called "Kuma-Yama Ruin" is on the top of the Kuma-Yama Mountain that had been deified since prehistoric ages. It is guessed that this "pyramid" had built on the preBuddhist-animistic sacred rock by Buddhists in early Buddhist age (8th century). But, there are no records about this mysterious ruin. And there are very rare stone ruins like this in Japan. So no one knows what was the true purpose of this "pyramid".

A small "pyramid" called "Kuma-Yama Ruin" is on the top of the Kuma-Yama Mountain that had been deified since prehistoric ages. It is guessed that this "pyramid" had built on the preBuddhist-animistic sacred rock by Buddhists in early Buddhist age (8th century). But, there are no records about this mysterious ruin. And there are very rare stone ruins like this in Japan. So no one knows what was the true purpose of this "pyramid".

Takeda Castle is on the top of Mountain Torafusu. This castle was first constructed in 1440's by Yamana Sozen. Existing stone walls are constructed by Akamatsu Hirohide in the end of 16th century. But the castle was soon abandoned in 1600. So now only stone walls are remaining.

Takeda Castle is on the top of Mountain Torafusu. This castle was first constructed in 1440's by Yamana Sozen. Existing stone walls are constructed by Akamatsu Hirohide in the end of 16th century. But the castle was soon abandoned in 1600. So now only stone walls are remaining.

The Buddha who is the founder of the Buddhist religion is called Buddha Shakyamuni. "Shakya" is the name of the royal family into which he was born, and "Muni" means "Able One." Buddha Skakyamuni was born as a royal prince in 624 BC in a place called Lumbini, which was originally in northern India but is now part of Nepal. His mother's name was Queen Mayadevi and his father's name was King Shuddhodana. One night, Queen Mayadevi dreamed that a white elephant descended from heaven and entered her womb. The white elephant entering her womb indicated that on that very night she had conceived a child who was a pure and powerful being. The elephant's descending from heaven indicated that her child came from Tushita heaven, the Pure Land of Buddha Maitreya. Later, when she gave birth to the child, instead of experiencing pain the queen experienced a special, pure vision in which she stood holding the branch of a tree with her right hand while the gods Brahma and Indra took the child painlessly from her side. They then proceeded to honor the infant by offering him ritual ablutions. When the king saw the child he felt as if all his wishes had been fulfilled and he named the young prince "Siddhartha." He invited a Brahmin seer to make predictions about the prince's future. The seer examined the child with his clairvoyance and told the king, "There are signs that the boy could become either a chakravatin king, a ruler of the entire world, or a fully enlightened Buddha. However, since the time for chakravatin kings is now past it is certain that he will become a Buddha, and that his beneficial influence will pervade the thousand million worlds like the rays of the sun."

The Buddha who is the founder of the Buddhist religion is called Buddha Shakyamuni. "Shakya" is the name of the royal family into which he was born, and "Muni" means "Able One." Buddha Skakyamuni was born as a royal prince in 624 BC in a place called Lumbini, which was originally in northern India but is now part of Nepal. His mother's name was Queen Mayadevi and his father's name was King Shuddhodana. One night, Queen Mayadevi dreamed that a white elephant descended from heaven and entered her womb. The white elephant entering her womb indicated that on that very night she had conceived a child who was a pure and powerful being. The elephant's descending from heaven indicated that her child came from Tushita heaven, the Pure Land of Buddha Maitreya. Later, when she gave birth to the child, instead of experiencing pain the queen experienced a special, pure vision in which she stood holding the branch of a tree with her right hand while the gods Brahma and Indra took the child painlessly from her side. They then proceeded to honor the infant by offering him ritual ablutions. When the king saw the child he felt as if all his wishes had been fulfilled and he named the young prince "Siddhartha." He invited a Brahmin seer to make predictions about the prince's future. The seer examined the child with his clairvoyance and told the king, "There are signs that the boy could become either a chakravatin king, a ruler of the entire world, or a fully enlightened Buddha. However, since the time for chakravatin kings is now past it is certain that he will become a Buddha, and that his beneficial influence will pervade the thousand million worlds like the rays of the sun."

Himeji Jo is the best period castle of Japan still in its original condition. Finished in 1609, it employs a genius system of defences, from lock out doors in interior spaces to steps that are spaced so as to be inconvenient for those climbing them. The way to the keep is convoluted, and doesn't follow logic. After the Meiji restoration of the 1860's, when the emperor was once again in control, castles like this one were seen as a threat by the government. Thus, they fell into disrepair. Himeji Jo suffered being used as military barracks, and was once put up for public auction for about $ 1. 000 . 000. There were no buyers.

Himeji Jo is the best period castle of Japan still in its original condition. Finished in 1609, it employs a genius system of defences, from lock out doors in interior spaces to steps that are spaced so as to be inconvenient for those climbing them. The way to the keep is convoluted, and doesn't follow logic. After the Meiji restoration of the 1860's, when the emperor was once again in control, castles like this one were seen as a threat by the government. Thus, they fell into disrepair. Himeji Jo suffered being used as military barracks, and was once put up for public auction for about $ 1. 000 . 000. There were no buyers.

I am not sure of the name of this attractive Japanese temple in central Fukuoka city, but will look it up later. Okay, it's the Sofukuji Temple off Taihak U Dori Avenue. "Dedicated in Dazaifu in 1241,it was relocated to the present site in 1600, at the time of the construction of Fukuoka Castle. In the large precinct, the Sanmon Gate, formerly the main gate of Fukuoka Castle, and the Buddha Hall, composed of the Hanamiyagura and Tsukimiyagura towers, are the main attractions."

I am not sure of the name of this attractive Japanese temple in central Fukuoka city, but will look it up later. Okay, it's the Sofukuji Temple off Taihak U Dori Avenue. "Dedicated in Dazaifu in 1241,it was relocated to the present site in 1600, at the time of the construction of Fukuoka Castle. In the large precinct, the Sanmon Gate, formerly the main gate of Fukuoka Castle, and the Buddha Hall, composed of the Hanamiyagura and Tsukimiyagura towers, are the main attractions."

A tunnel made of thousands of red torii gates making their way through the woods in Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine. Torii are a symbolic gateways marking the entrance to Shinto shrines or other sacred spots in Japan. Fushimi Inari Taisha is a shinto jinja (shrine) dedicated to the spirit Inari, located in Fushimi-ku, Kyoto, Japan. The torii gates are all donations from individuals, families or companies. The Inari spirit is considered to be the protector of grains, especially rice, and has thus historically been associated with wealth. Company officials often make offerings to Inari shrines in the form of barrels of rice wine (sake) or torii gates. Torii gates are wood and are replaced about every ten years. Fushimi Inari Taisha is without doubt the largest and most impressive Inari shrine in Japan. It was founded in the 8th century by the Hata family and is the head shrine of no less than 30,000 Inari Shrines nationwide.

A tunnel made of thousands of red torii gates making their way through the woods in Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine. Torii are a symbolic gateways marking the entrance to Shinto shrines or other sacred spots in Japan. Fushimi Inari Taisha is a shinto jinja (shrine) dedicated to the spirit Inari, located in Fushimi-ku, Kyoto, Japan. The torii gates are all donations from individuals, families or companies. The Inari spirit is considered to be the protector of grains, especially rice, and has thus historically been associated with wealth. Company officials often make offerings to Inari shrines in the form of barrels of rice wine (sake) or torii gates. Torii gates are wood and are replaced about every ten years. Fushimi Inari Taisha is without doubt the largest and most impressive Inari shrine in Japan. It was founded in the 8th century by the Hata family and is the head shrine of no less than 30,000 Inari Shrines nationwide.

This is a famous temple complex in Iwate Prefecture. And the most famous one is the Chusonji Temple. It is golden temple plated with thin film of gold. The temple was once destroyed by the fire and now is being completely restored and is being preserved inside the building seen in this photo. Photographs are not allowed inside. Hence, probably that is why this is the most photographed site there.

This is a famous temple complex in Iwate Prefecture. And the most famous one is the Chusonji Temple. It is golden temple plated with thin film of gold. The temple was once destroyed by the fire and now is being completely restored and is being preserved inside the building seen in this photo. Photographs are not allowed inside. Hence, probably that is why this is the most photographed site there.

This is one of four soldiers guarding the Tosho-gu shrine in Nikko, where the shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu is buried. This one is an archer, located on the inside of the main gate (Yomei-mon). His armor is covered in gold leaf, although the gold itself is shadowed by a thick layer of dust. A very impressive figure, in a very impressive place. Look how the archer's hand gesture is frozen in time, and how it simulates both calm and focus, as this guard is ready to shoot any intruder...

This is one of four soldiers guarding the Tosho-gu shrine in Nikko, where the shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu is buried. This one is an archer, located on the inside of the main gate (Yomei-mon).

His armor is covered in gold leaf, although the gold itself is shadowed by a thick layer of dust. A very impressive figure, in a very impressive place. Look how the archer's hand gesture is frozen in time, and how it simulates both calm and focus, as this guard is ready to shoot any intruder...

The Shinkyo sacred bridge ("Snake bridge"), in Nikko, Japan, is the gateway to the temples and shrines built by the shogun Shogun Ieyasu Tokugawa, founder of the clan which ruled Japan for three centuries, from the 17th to the 19th century. The bridge has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999.

The Shinkyo sacred bridge ("Snake bridge"), in Nikko, Japan, is the gateway to the temples and shrines built by the shogun Shogun Ieyasu Tokugawa, founder of the clan which ruled Japan for three centuries, from the 17th to the 19th century. The bridge has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999.

Hiroshima-jo was built by Mori Terumoto in 1591. Mori Terumoto was a very powerful daimyo who controlled the vast majority of the San'in and San'yo areas. Having outgrown his Yamato-Koriyama castle he built a new castle at Hiroshima in 1599. Mori Terumoto aligned himself with the Western forces in the Battle of Sekigahara (1600). The Western forces lost and Mori's lands were confiscated. He was then appointed to govern most of what is modern day Yamaguchi prefecture.

Hiroshima-jo was built by Mori Terumoto in 1591. Mori Terumoto was a very powerful daimyo who controlled the vast majority of the San'in and San'yo areas. Having outgrown his Yamato-Koriyama castle he built a new castle at Hiroshima in 1599. Mori Terumoto aligned himself with the Western forces in the Battle of Sekigahara (1600). The Western forces lost and Mori's lands were confiscated. He was then appointed to govern most of what is modern day Yamaguchi prefecture.

Todaiji ("Great Eastern Temple") is one of Japan's most famous and historically significant temp .

Todaiji ("Great Eastern Temple")

is one of Japan's most famous

and historically significant temp .

Inside the Kyoto Gardens is this building which from this angle looks like a Treehouse, but it is more likely to be a Teahouse. These gardens are very colourful during spring and autumn. Tea drinking has a long history in Japan. As early as the Heian period (794-1185) the cult of tea had already flowered. It had appeared to have been a pastime enjoyed by noblemen as they dangled fishing lines in the waters of ponds and listened to music. Originally, tea was used as a stimulant to keep monks from falling asleep during meditation, but by the early 14th century, the demand for tea had increased for its taste and soon spread to the Samurai society and even into the rural communities.

Inside the Kyoto Gardens is this building which from this angle looks like a Treehouse, but it is more likely to be a Teahouse. These gardens are very colourful during spring and autumn. Tea drinking has a long history in Japan. As early as the Heian period (794-1185) the cult of tea had already flowered. It had appeared to have been a pastime enjoyed by noblemen as they dangled fishing lines in the waters of ponds and listened to music. Originally, tea was used as a stimulant to keep monks from falling asleep during meditation, but by the early 14th century, the demand for tea had increased for its taste and soon spread to the Samurai society and even into the rural communities.

Hiroshima-jo was built by Mori Terumoto in 1591. Mori Terumoto was a very powerful daimyo who controlled the vast majority of the San'in and San'yo areas. Having outgrown his Yamato-Koriyama castle he built a new castle at Hiroshima in 1599. Mori Terumoto aligned himself with the Western forces in the Battle of Sekigahara (1600). The Western forces lost and Mori's lands were confiscated. He was then appointed to govern most of what is modern day Yamaguchi prefecture.

Hiroshima-jo was built by Mori Terumoto in 1591. Mori Terumoto was a very powerful daimyo who controlled the vast majority of the San'in and San'yo areas. Having outgrown his Yamato-Koriyama castle he built a new castle at Hiroshima in 1599. Mori Terumoto aligned himself with the Western forces in the Battle of Sekigahara (1600). The Western forces lost and Mori's lands were confiscated. He was then appointed to govern most of what is modern day Yamaguchi prefecture.

This photo was taken at the Honmaru (inner citadel) of Himeji Castle , facing the magnificent central donjon, Daitenshu . Look at the scale; the visitors are literally dwarfed by the 46.4 meter / 152 ft-high tower. It is possible to go inside the tower - there are six levels within its dark and chilly keep, supported by a framework of huge wooden pillars one of which is made from a 780-year-old cypress tree. It is said that when touching this tree, one will have a long life - well I'll find out about that, I guess ... Himeji Castle is part of UNESCO's World Heritage List, and is widely regarded as the prototypical Japanese castle, containing defensive and architectural features such as tall stone foundations, whitewash walls, gun emplacements, and stone-dropping holes. One of Himeji's most important defensive elements, and perhaps its most famous, is the confusing maze of paths leading to the main keep. The gates, baileys, and outer walls of the complex are organized so as to force an approaching force to travel in a spiral pattern around the castle on their way into the keep, facing many dead ends. This allowed the intruders to be watched and fired upon from the keep during their entire approach. However, Himeji was never attacked in this manner, and so the system remains untested.

This photo was taken at the Honmaru (inner citadel) of Himeji Castle , facing the magnificent central donjon, Daitenshu . Look at the scale; the visitors are literally dwarfed by the 46.4 meter / 152 ft-high tower. It is possible to go inside the tower - there are six levels within its dark and chilly keep, supported by a framework of huge wooden pillars one of which is made from a 780-year-old cypress tree. It is said that when touching this tree, one will have a long life - well I'll find out about that, I guess ... Himeji Castle is part of UNESCO's World Heritage List, and is widely regarded as the prototypical Japanese castle, containing defensive and architectural features such as tall stone foundations, whitewash walls, gun emplacements, and stone-dropping holes. One of Himeji's most important defensive elements, and perhaps its most famous, is the confusing maze of paths leading to the main keep. The gates, baileys, and outer walls of the complex are organized so as to force an approaching force to travel in a spiral pattern around the castle on their way into the keep, facing many dead ends. This allowed the intruders to be watched and fired upon from the keep during their entire approach. However, Himeji was never attacked in this manner, and so the system remains untested.

One of the famous samurai houses of Kakunodate. This is Aoyagi Samurai Manor .

One of the famous samurai houses of Kakunodate.

This is Aoyagi Samurai Manor .

This photo was taken at Himeji Kokoen , a beautiful array of Japanes-style gardens located adjacent to Himeji Castle west of its main gate (Otemon Gate). Kokoen was opened in 1992 on the former site of of the feudal lords' west residence (Nishi-Oyashiki). It consists of nine separate gardens designed in various styles of the Edo period. Among the gardens are the garden of the lord's residence which features a pond with waterfall, a tea garden where visitors can enjoy green tea in a tea ceremony house, a pine tree garden, bamboo garden and flower garden.

This photo was taken at Himeji Kokoen , a beautiful array of Japanes-style gardens located adjacent to Himeji Castle west of its main gate (Otemon Gate). Kokoen was opened in 1992 on the former site of of the feudal lords' west residence (Nishi-Oyashiki). It consists of nine separate gardens designed in various styles of the Edo period. Among the gardens are the garden of the lord's residence which features a pond with waterfall, a tea garden where visitors can enjoy green tea in a tea ceremony house, a pine tree garden, bamboo garden and flower garden.

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