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Recent Entries
- Bell at Kukurizaru (Yasaka Koshido Temple) in Kyoto
- Carp Streaners at the Tako (giant kite) festival on the bank of the banks of the Sagami river in Zama city
- Zen Rock Garden at Ryoan-ji, Kyoto
- Itsukushima Shrine Torii Gate, Miyajima
- Covered Bridge at the Heian Shrine gardens in Kyoto
- Early spring Sakura (cherry blossoms) at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine in Kamakura
- Daibutsu (Great Buddha) sits calmly through a winter storm - Kotokuin Temple, Kamakura
- Snow falling on Japanese garden - Hase Kannon Temple (Hasedera)
- Two swans gliding peacefully through the moat of Matsumoto Castle
- Mt. Fuji at Sunrise - as seen from Hayama along the western coast of the Miura peninsula.
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May 2008
Bell at Kukurizaru (Yasaka Koshido Temple) in Kyoto
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Photo: Jeff Laitila
Located in Kyoto, Yasaka Koshido Temple is known for its "Kukurizaru" or "bound monkey". People who wish to rid themselves of bad habits write their negative feeling on a bound monkey and hang it at the shrine. The symbolism of using a monkey is due to the animal's desire-driven nature. Ridding oneself of a desire assures that a wish will be granted. It's the uniqueness of each Temple and Shrine in Japan that makes for endless new insights into the fascinating history and culture of Japan.
[ 01.May.2008 / PermaLink ]
May 2008
Carp Streaners at the Tako (giant kite) festival on the bank of the banks of the Sagami river in Zama city
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Photo: Jeff Laitila
Each spring one thousand carp streamers are hung across the Sagami river near Sagamihara city during the annual Tako (giant kite) festival, a traditional event held since the Edo era. The carp streamers are displayed to pray for health and future success of young boys. The giant kites of the festival (some of them weighing nearly a ton) are flown by teams which hand craft each kite out of bamboo, rope, and washi paper.
[ 01.May.2008 / PermaLink ]
April 2008
Zen Rock Garden at Ryoan-ji, Kyoto
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Photo: Jeff Laitila
Ryoan-ji (Temple of the Peaceful Dragon) is a World Heritage Site and one of Japans most picturesque Zen temples. The 15 large stones of the garden are carefully arranged so that only 14 of them can be fully viewed at any one time, the final stone being only visible to those that have achieved enlightenment. Ryoan-ji and its surrounding gardens are beautiful year round.
[ 01.April.2008 / PermaLink ]
April 2008
Itsukushima Shrine Torii Gate, Miyajima
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Photo: Jeff Laitila
Miyajima is universally recognized as being among the top three scenic places in Japan. A short ferry ride from Hiroshima, Myajima island is home to the beautiful Itskushima Shrine, a World Heritage Site, and home to the famous "floating" Torii gate. With so many scenic views and buildings listed as National Treasures, Miyajima is a must-see location for anyone exploring Western Japan.
[ 01.April.2008 / PermaLink ]
March 2008
Covered Bridge at the Heian Shrine gardens in Kyoto
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Photo: Jeff Laitila
Heian Shrine was built in the year 1895 to commemorate the 1,100th anniversary of the founding of Kyoto. Having about 150 Beni Shidare Zakura (wheeping cherry trees), the gardens are one of the best places in Kyoto to view cherry blossoms each spring. Heian Shrine is located in the north-eastern part of Kyoto and is a must-see location during sakura season.
[ 03.March.2008 / PermaLink ]
March 2008
Early spring Sakura (cherry blossoms) at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine in Kamakura
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Photo: Jeff Laitila
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, founded in the year 1180 is one of Kamakuras most impressive sites. With it's massive Ginko tree, greater than 1,000 years old and and more than 300 cherry trees, each season offers its own wonders. The view from the top of the 61 steps that lead up to the main hall is especially impressive in the spring when the sakura are in bloom.
[ 03.March.2008 / PermaLink ]
February 2008
Daibutsu (Great Buddha) sits calmly through a winter storm - Kotokuin Temple, Kamakura
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Photo: Jeff Laitila
The Daibutsu (Great Buddha) is located on the grounds of Kotokuin Temple in Kamakura. The 13.36 meter tall bronze statue was cast in the year 1252 and was originally housed inside a large temple building, although at the end of the 15th century a great tsunami (tidal wave) washed the temple buildings away. Ever since that time the Buddha has been exposed to the elements.
[ 21.February.2008 / PermaLink ]
February 2008
Snow falling on Japanese garden - Hase Kannon Temple (Hasedera)
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Photo: Jeff Laitila
Snow falling on horsetail plant and plum blossoms. The gardens located at Hase Kannon Temple (Hasedera) in Kamakura are some of the finest examples in all of Japan. Special attention is given to most traditional gardens in Japan to ensure that no matter what season you visit, there will always be something to see.
[ 21.February.2008 / PermaLink ]
January 2008
Two swans gliding peacefully through the moat of Matsumoto Castle
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Photo: Jeff Laitila
Matsumoto Castle (Matsumoto-jo) is one of Japan's best preserved castles. Built in the late 16th century, and located in the city of Matsumoto, in Nagano prefecture, Matsumoto-jo is open to tours. Visitors are able to tour the complete structure, complete with a trip to the very top of the castle for a commanding view of the surrounding countryside.
[ 30.January.2008 / PermaLink ]
January 2008
Mt. Fuji at Sunrise - as seen from Hayama along the western coast of the Miura peninsula.
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Photo: Jeff Laitila
Rising to a height of 3,776 m (12,388 ft) Mt Fuji (Fuji-san) is Japan's highest peak. Although the official climbing season runs from the beginning of July through the end of August, you don't have to climb Fuji-san to enjoy its beauty. The Fuji five lakes area offers spectacular views of the mountain and surrounding lakes, forests, and valleys year round.
[ 30.January.2008 / PermaLink ]
