http://japan-wallpaper.japanican.com/ JAPANiCAN.com, online hotels, inns & "Sunrise Tours" package tours booking website in Japan for overseas visitors. Download our amazing selection of desktop wallpapers and come enjoy a beautiful Japan! ja Copyright 2008 Wed, 04 Jun 2008 09:52:55 +0900 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/ http://www.rssboard.org/rss-specification Nara, the original capital of Japan is a treasure trove of Temples and Shrines. Kaidan-in was originally built in 755AD for the invited priest Ganjin to lecture on Buddhism. The statues of Shitenno housed at Kaidan-in are Japan national Treasures, and recognized as the greatest religious works of the Tenpyo era. http://japan-wallpaper.japanican.com/2008/06/bell-at-kukurizaru-yasaka-kosh.html http://japan-wallpaper.japanican.com/2008/06/bell-at-kukurizaru-yasaka-kosh.html Jeff Laitila Wed, 04 Jun 2008 09:52:55 +0900 Spring in Japan is a time when all the plants that had been sleeping over winter suddenly explode into growth. The Ajisai (Hydrangea) is one particular flower found in Japan that has a very great diversity, blooming from early spring to late autumn. This makes them a favorite of gardeners both professional and amateur. Ajisai (Hydrangea) is a floral symbol of the Japanese rainy season. http://japan-wallpaper.japanican.com/2008/06/carp-streaners-at-the-tako-gia.html http://japan-wallpaper.japanican.com/2008/06/carp-streaners-at-the-tako-gia.html Jeff Laitila Wed, 04 Jun 2008 09:51:45 +0900 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. http://japan-wallpaper.japanican.com/2008/05/two-swans-gliding-peacefully-t-2.html http://japan-wallpaper.japanican.com/2008/05/two-swans-gliding-peacefully-t-2.html Jeff Laitila Thu, 01 May 2008 16:52:55 +0900 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. http://japan-wallpaper.japanican.com/2008/05/snow-falling-on-japanese-garde.html http://japan-wallpaper.japanican.com/2008/05/snow-falling-on-japanese-garde.html Jeff Laitila Thu, 01 May 2008 11:51:45 +0900 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. http://japan-wallpaper.japanican.com/2008/04/covered-bridge-at-the-heian-sh.html http://japan-wallpaper.japanican.com/2008/04/covered-bridge-at-the-heian-sh.html Jeff Laitila Tue, 01 Apr 2008 16:51:45 +0900 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. http://japan-wallpaper.japanican.com/2008/04/early-spring-sakura-cherry-blo.html http://japan-wallpaper.japanican.com/2008/04/early-spring-sakura-cherry-blo.html Jeff Laitila Tue, 01 Apr 2008 11:51:55 +0900 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. http://japan-wallpaper.japanican.com/2008/03/mt-fuji-at-sunrise-as-seen-fro-2.html http://japan-wallpaper.japanican.com/2008/03/mt-fuji-at-sunrise-as-seen-fro-2.html Jeff Laitila Mon, 03 Mar 2008 16:51:45 +0900 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. http://japan-wallpaper.japanican.com/2008/03/daibutsu-great-buddha-sits-cal.html http://japan-wallpaper.japanican.com/2008/03/daibutsu-great-buddha-sits-cal.html Jeff Laitila Mon, 03 Mar 2008 11:51:55 +0900 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. http://japan-wallpaper.japanican.com/2008/02/two-swans-gliding-peacefully-t-1.html http://japan-wallpaper.japanican.com/2008/02/two-swans-gliding-peacefully-t-1.html Jeff Laitila Thu, 21 Feb 2008 11:51:55 +0900 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. http://japan-wallpaper.japanican.com/2008/02/mt-fuji-at-sunrise-as-seen-fro-1.html http://japan-wallpaper.japanican.com/2008/02/mt-fuji-at-sunrise-as-seen-fro-1.html Jeff Laitila Thu, 21 Feb 2008 11:51:45 +0900 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. http://japan-wallpaper.japanican.com/2008/01/two-swans-gliding-peacefully-t.html http://japan-wallpaper.japanican.com/2008/01/two-swans-gliding-peacefully-t.html Jeff Laitila Wed, 30 Jan 2008 16:52:55 +0900 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. http://japan-wallpaper.japanican.com/2008/01/mt-fuji-at-sunrise-as-seen-fro.html http://japan-wallpaper.japanican.com/2008/01/mt-fuji-at-sunrise-as-seen-fro.html Jeff Laitila Wed, 30 Jan 2008 16:51:45 +0900