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  • Oshino Village, Mt Fuji View - Mount Fuji or Fuji-san as it is called in Japan (not Fujiyama)  is the highest mountain in Japan at 3,776 meters or 12,388 feet in altitude.  Mt Fuji is an active volcano that last erupted in 1707; Fuji straddles Shizuoka and Yamanashi prefectures just west of Tokyo, from where it can be seen on a clear day. Mount Fuji's symmetrical cone is a well known symbol of Japan and is frequently visible in art and photographs.  Although Mount Fuji has not erupted in over 300 years its still not considered to be extinct.Oshino Village, Mt Fuji View - Mount Fuji or Fuji-san as it is called in Japan (not Fujiyama)  is the highest mountain in Japan at 3,776 meters or 12,388 feet in altitude.  Mt Fuji is an active volcano that last erupted in 1707; Fuji straddles Shizuoka and Yamanashi prefectures just west of Tokyo, from where it can be seen on a clear day. Mount Fuji's symmetrical cone is a well known symbol of Japan and is frequently visible in art and photographs.  Although Mount Fuji has not erupted in over 300 years its still not considered to be extinct.
    mt-fuji-6.jpg
  • Oshino Village, Mt Fuji View - Mount Fuji or Fuji-san as it is called in Japan (not Fujiyama)  is the highest mountain in Japan at 3,776 meters or 12,388 feet in altitude.  Mt Fuji is an active volcano that last erupted in 1707; Fuji straddles Shizuoka and Yamanashi prefectures just west of Tokyo, from where it can be seen on a clear day. Mount Fuji's symmetrical cone is a well known symbol of Japan and is frequently visible in art and photographs.  Although Mount Fuji has not erupted in over 300 years its still not considered to be extinct.
    mt-fuji-3.jpg
  • Horyuji Temple was founded by Prince Shotoku in 607, credited with the early propagation of Buddhism in Japan. Horyuji is one of the country's oldest temples with the world's oldest surviving wooden structures. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1993. Horyuji's temple grounds are divided into two main precincts, the Western Precinct and the Eastern Precinct   Enclosed by roofed corridors, the Western Precinct is home to the world's oldest surviving wooden structures which are: the central gate Chumon, the main hall Kondo and a five storied pagoda. They were built during the Asuka Period and have never suffered damage or destruction although they have been renovated many times over the centuries. The main hall houses some of Japan's oldest statues of Buddha where visitors can witness the evolution of Japanese Buddha statues which had lost the more East Indian appearance in earlier creations. The Eastern Precinct showcases the octagonal shaped Yumedono Hall of Visions with life size statues of the founding prince surrounded by statues of Buddha and rakan disciples.
    horyu-ji-3.jpg
  • Horyuji Temple was founded by Prince Shotoku in 607, credited with the early propagation of Buddhism in Japan. Horyuji is one of the country's oldest temples with the world's oldest surviving wooden structures. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1993. Horyuji's temple grounds are divided into two main precincts, the Western Precinct and the Eastern Precinct   Enclosed by roofed corridors, the Western Precinct is home to the world's oldest surviving wooden structures which are: the central gate Chumon, the main hall Kondo and a five storied pagoda. They were built during the Asuka Period and have never suffered damage or destruction although they have been renovated many times over the centuries. The main hall houses some of Japan's oldest statues of Buddha where visitors can witness the evolution of Japanese Buddha statues which had lost the more East Indian appearance in earlier creations. The Eastern Precinct showcases the octagonal shaped Yumedono Hall of Visions with life size statues of the founding prince surrounded by statues of Buddha and rakan disciples.
    horyu-ji-2.jpg
  • Kofuku-ji Pagoda - Kofukuji is a Hosso Buddhist temple in Nara.  One of the great temples of the Nara period (710-794), it features a tall five-story pagoda and many Buddhist art treasures.  Today only a handful of the temple's 175 buildings remain standing, most of which date from the 15th century.  Kofukuji was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998 along with other historic sites in Nara.
    kofukuji-1.jpg
  • Horyuji Temple was founded by Prince Shotoku in 607, credited with the early propagation of Buddhism in Japan. Horyuji is one of the country's oldest temples with the world's oldest surviving wooden structures. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1993. Horyuji's temple grounds are divided into two main precincts, the Western Precinct and the Eastern Precinct   Enclosed by roofed corridors, the Western Precinct is home to the world's oldest surviving wooden structures which are: the central gate Chumon, the main hall Kondo and a five storied pagoda. They were built during the Asuka Period and have never suffered damage or destruction although they have been renovated many times over the centuries. The main hall houses some of Japan's oldest statues of Buddha where visitors can witness the evolution of Japanese Buddha statues which had lost the more East Indian appearance in earlier creations. The Eastern Precinct showcases the octagonal shaped Yumedono Hall of Visions with life size statues of the founding prince surrounded by statues of Buddha and rakan disciples.
    horyu-ji-4.jpg
  • Horyuji Temple was founded by Prince Shotoku in 607, credited with the early propagation of Buddhism in Japan. Horyuji is one of the country's oldest temples with the world's oldest surviving wooden structures. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1993. Horyuji's temple grounds are divided into two main precincts, the Western Precinct and the Eastern Precinct   Enclosed by roofed corridors, the Western Precinct is home to the world's oldest surviving wooden structures which are: the central gate Chumon, the main hall Kondo and a five storied pagoda. They were built during the Asuka Period and have never suffered damage or destruction although they have been renovated many times over the centuries. The main hall houses some of Japan's oldest statues of Buddha where visitors can witness the evolution of Japanese Buddha statues which had lost the more East Indian appearance in earlier creations. The Eastern Precinct showcases the octagonal shaped Yumedono Hall of Visions with life size statues of the founding prince surrounded by statues of Buddha and rakan disciples.
    horyu-ji-1.jpg
  • Todaiji Temple or Great Eastern Temple is one of Japan's most famous temples and a landmark of Nara. Todaiji was constructed in 752 as the head temple of all provincial Buddhist temples of Japan. Todaiji derives its name from its location east of Nara, which was the capital of Japan when it was built. It is the largest wooden structure in the world, housing the largest bronze Buddha in existance, the Daibutsu or Great Buddha.
    todai-ji-15.jpg
  • Todaiji Temple or Great Eastern Temple is one of Japan's most famous temples and a landmark of Nara. Todaiji was constructed in 752 as the head temple of all provincial Buddhist temples of Japan. Todaiji derives its name from its location east of Nara, which was the capital of Japan when it was built. It is the largest wooden structure in the world, housing the largest bronze Buddha in existance, the Daibutsu or Great Buddha.
    todai-ji-10.jpg
  • 4. Kofukuji 興福寺 was once an important center for Buddhism in Japan.  Since it was established by the Fujiwara clan who ruled Japan at the time, it also retained influence over the imperial government.  One of the great temples of the Nara Period it features a five storey pagoda and many Buddhist art treasures. Today only a handful of the temple's 175 buildings remain standing, most of which date from the 15th century.  Although its pagoda dominates the scene, octagonal halls contain most of Kofukuji’s treasures, rarely open for viewing.  The Octagonal Halls are noteworthy because of their unique architectural design and part of the Western Japan Pilgrimage of 33 Temples.
    4.NARA-KOFUKUJI-01.jpg
  • 8. Yakushiji Temple 薬師寺 was constructed by Emperor Tenmu in the 7th century for the recovery of the emperor's sick wife. Yakushiji is one of Japan's oldest temples and is laid out on a central axis flanked by two pagodas. The main hall was rebuilt in the 1970s after being destroyed by fire and houses a Yakushi trinity - considered to be a masterpiece of Japanese Buddhist art. The East Pagoda is the temple's only structure to have survived the many fires that have destroyed the temple repeatedly over the years.  It appears to have six stories, but there are really only three stories, in symmetry with the West Pagoda. The East Pagoda, the only building to have survived since the 8th century, is considered to be a masterpiece of Japanese architecture.
    8.NARA.YAKUSHIJI-02.jpg
  • 8. Yakushiji Temple 薬師寺 was constructed by Emperor Tenmu in the 7th century for the recovery of the emperor's sick wife. Yakushiji is one of Japan's oldest temples and is laid out on a central axis flanked by two pagodas. The main hall was rebuilt in the 1970s after being destroyed by fire and houses a Yakushi trinity - considered to be a masterpiece of Japanese Buddhist art. The East Pagoda is the temple's only structure to have survived the many fires that have destroyed the temple repeatedly over the years.  It appears to have six stories, but there are really only three stories, in symmetry with the West Pagoda. The East Pagoda, the only building to have survived since the 8th century, is considered to be a masterpiece of Japanese architecture.
    8.NARA.YAKUSHIJI-01.jpg
  • Yakushiji Tenple Pagoda - Yakushiji was constructed by Emperor Tenmu in the 7th century for the recovery of the emperor's sick wife. Yakushiji  is one of Japan's oldest temples, and laid out in a central axis, flanked by two pagodas. The main hall was rebuilt in the 1970s after being destroyed by fire and houses a Yakushi trinity, considered to be a masterpiece of Japanese Buddhist art. The East Pagoda is the temple's only structure to have survived the many fires that have beset the temple over the years. It appears to have six stories, but there are really only three stories, in symetry with the West Pagoda. Yakushiji is the head temple of the Hosso Sect of Japanese Buddhism.  The Genjo Sanzoin Garan is a central octagonal hall, where Genjo-sanzo's remains are enshrined.
    yakushiji-5.jpg
  • Yakushiji Tenple Pagoda - Yakushiji was constructed by Emperor Tenmu in the 7th century for the recovery of the emperor's sick wife. Yakushiji  is one of Japan's oldest temples, and laid out in a central axis, flanked by two pagodas. The main hall was rebuilt in the 1970s after being destroyed by fire and houses a Yakushi trinity, considered to be a masterpiece of Japanese Buddhist art. The East Pagoda is the temple's only structure to have survived the many fires that have beset the temple over the years. It appears to have six stories, but there are really only three stories, in symetry with the West Pagoda. Yakushiji is the head temple of the Hosso Sect of Japanese Buddhism.  The Genjo Sanzoin Garan is a central octagonal hall, where Genjo-sanzo's remains are enshrined.
    yakushiji-6.jpg
  • Yakushiji was constructed by Emperor Tenmu in the 7th century for the recovery of the emperor's sick wife. Yakushiji  is one of Japan's oldest temples, and laid out in a central axis, flanked by two pagodas. The main hall was rebuilt in the 1970s after being destroyed by fire and houses a Yakushi trinity, considered to be a masterpiece of Japanese Buddhist art. The East Pagoda is the temple's only structure to have survived the many fires that have beset the temple over the years. It appears to have six stories, but there are really only three stories, in symetry with the West Pagoda. Yakushiji is the head temple of the Hosso Sect of Japanese Buddhism.  The Genjo Sanzoin Garan is a central octagonal hall, where Genjo-sanzo's remains are enshrined.
    yakushiji-1.jpg
  • 8. Yakushiji Temple 薬師寺 was constructed by Emperor Tenmu in the 7th century for the recovery of the emperor's sick wife. Yakushiji is one of Japan's oldest temples and is laid out on a central axis flanked by two pagodas. The main hall was rebuilt in the 1970s after being destroyed by fire and houses a Yakushi trinity - considered to be a masterpiece of Japanese Buddhist art. The East Pagoda is the temple's only structure to have survived the many fires that have destroyed the temple repeatedly over the years.  It appears to have six stories, but there are really only three stories, in symmetry with the West Pagoda. The East Pagoda, the only building to have survived since the 8th century, is considered to be a masterpiece of Japanese architecture.
    8.NARA.YAKUSHIJI-03.jpg
  • Yakushiji was constructed by Emperor Tenmu in the 7th century for the recovery of the emperor's sick wife. Yakushiji  is one of Japan's oldest temples, and laid out in a central axis, flanked by two pagodas. The main hall was rebuilt in the 1970s after being destroyed by fire and houses a Yakushi trinity, considered to be a masterpiece of Japanese Buddhist art. The East Pagoda is the temple's only structure to have survived the many fires that have beset the temple over the years. It appears to have six stories, but there are really only three stories, in symetry with the West Pagoda. Yakushiji is the head temple of the Hosso Sect of Japanese Buddhism.  The Genjo Sanzoin Garan is a central octagonal hall, where Genjo-sanzo's remains are enshrined.
    yakushiji-8.jpg
  • Yakushiji was constructed by Emperor Tenmu in the 7th century for the recovery of the emperor's sick wife. Yakushiji  is one of Japan's oldest temples, and laid out in a central axis, flanked by two pagodas. The main hall was rebuilt in the 1970s after being destroyed by fire and houses a Yakushi trinity, considered to be a masterpiece of Japanese Buddhist art. The East Pagoda is the temple's only structure to have survived the many fires that have beset the temple over the years. It appears to have six stories, but there are really only three stories, in symetry with the West Pagoda. Yakushiji is the head temple of the Hosso Sect of Japanese Buddhism.  The Genjo Sanzoin Garan is a central octagonal hall, where Genjo-sanzo's remains are enshrined.
    yakushiji-7.jpg
  • Yakushiji Tenple Pagoda - Yakushiji was constructed by Emperor Tenmu in the 7th century for the recovery of the emperor's sick wife. Yakushiji  is one of Japan's oldest temples, and laid out in a central axis, flanked by two pagodas. The main hall was rebuilt in the 1970s after being destroyed by fire and houses a Yakushi trinity, considered to be a masterpiece of Japanese Buddhist art. The East Pagoda is the temple's only structure to have survived the many fires that have beset the temple over the years. It appears to have six stories, but there are really only three stories, in symetry with the West Pagoda. Yakushiji is the head temple of the Hosso Sect of Japanese Buddhism.  The Genjo Sanzoin Garan is a central octagonal hall, where Genjo-sanzo's remains are enshrined.
    yakushiji-3.jpg
  • Yakushiji Tenple Pagoda - Yakushiji was constructed by Emperor Tenmu in the 7th century for the recovery of the emperor's sick wife. Yakushiji  is one of Japan's oldest temples, and laid out in a central axis, flanked by two pagodas. The main hall was rebuilt in the 1970s after being destroyed by fire and houses a Yakushi trinity, considered to be a masterpiece of Japanese Buddhist art. The East Pagoda is the temple's only structure to have survived the many fires that have beset the temple over the years. It appears to have six stories, but there are really only three stories, in symetry with the West Pagoda. Yakushiji is the head temple of the Hosso Sect of Japanese Buddhism.  The Genjo Sanzoin Garan is a central octagonal hall, where Genjo-sanzo's remains are enshrined.
    yakushiji-2.jpg
  • Yakushiji Tenple Pagoda - Yakushiji was constructed by Emperor Tenmu in the 7th century for the recovery of the emperor's sick wife. Yakushiji  is one of Japan's oldest temples, and laid out in a central axis, flanked by two pagodas. The main hall was rebuilt in the 1970s after being destroyed by fire and houses a Yakushi trinity, considered to be a masterpiece of Japanese Buddhist art. The East Pagoda is the temple's only structure to have survived the many fires that have beset the temple over the years. It appears to have six stories, but there are really only three stories, in symetry with the West Pagoda. Yakushiji is the head temple of the Hosso Sect of Japanese Buddhism.  The Genjo Sanzoin Garan is a central octagonal hall, where Genjo-sanzo's remains are enshrined.
    yakushiji-4.jpg
  • 6. Horyuji Temple 法隆寺 was founded by Prince Shotoku in 607. The entire complex has been preserved making Horyuji a sort of museum of the building styles from the 7th century onwards.  Enclosed by roofed corridors, the Western Precinct is home to the world's oldest surviving wooden structures built during the Asuka Period and have never suffered damage or destruction. The Eastern Precinct showcases the octagonal Yumedono Hall of Dream Visions with its statue of Guze Kannon which had been kept under wraps for centuries until 1884.
    6.NARA-HORYUJI-01.jpg
  • 6. Horyuji Temple 法隆寺 was founded by Prince Shotoku in 607. The entire complex has been preserved making Horyuji a sort of museum of the building styles from the 7th century onwards.  Enclosed by roofed corridors, the Western Precinct is home to the world's oldest surviving wooden structures built during the Asuka Period and have never suffered damage or destruction. The Eastern Precinct showcases the octagonal Yumedono Hall of Dream Visions with its statue of Guze Kannon which had been kept under wraps for centuries until 1884.
    6.NARA-HORYUJI-02.jpg
  • Gion Matsuri is the most famous festival in Japan taking place over the month of July. The grand procession of floats Yamaboko Junko takes place on July 17 but can be extremely crowded.  On evenings preceding the procession called Yoiyama, the floats are on display with locals dressed in yukata summer kimono milling around the streets of Shijo.  A second procession of floats occurs on July 24 with fewer floats but may be preferable because it is less crowded and boisterous.  Yamaboko refers to two types of floats used in the parade: there are 23 yama and 10 enormous hoko reaching up to 25 meters tall.  Both yama and hoko are elaborately decorated with unique themes. The festival has a long and almost uninterrupted history dating back to 869.  It was once a purification ritual goryo-e to appease the gods during outbreaks of epidemics. Wherever an outbreak occurred the practice was repeated. In 970, it was decreed an annual event and has seldom been broken ever since. The Gion Matsuri has been declared an Intangible Treasure of Japan by UNESCO World Heritage. 
    gion-matsuri-13.jpg
  • Gion Matsuri is the most famous festival in Japan taking place over the month of July. The grand procession of floats Yamaboko Junko takes place on July 17 but can be extremely crowded.  On evenings preceding the procession called Yoiyama, the floats are on display with locals dressed in yukata summer kimono milling around the streets of Shijo.  A second procession of floats occurs on July 24 with fewer floats but may be preferable because it is less crowded and boisterous.  Yamaboko refers to two types of floats used in the parade: there are 23 yama and 10 enormous hoko reaching up to 25 meters tall.  Both yama and hoko are elaborately decorated with unique themes. The festival has a long and almost uninterrupted history dating back to 869.  It was once a purification ritual goryo-e to appease the gods during outbreaks of epidemics. Wherever an outbreak occurred the practice was repeated. In 970, it was decreed an annual event and has seldom been broken ever since. The Gion Matsuri has been declared an Intangible Treasure of Japan by UNESCO World Heritage. 
    gion-matsuri-14.jpg
  • Gion Matsuri is the most famous festival in Japan taking place over the month of July. The grand procession of floats Yamaboko Junko takes place on July 17 but can be extremely crowded.  On evenings preceding the procession called Yoiyama, the floats are on display with locals dressed in yukata summer kimono milling around the streets of Shijo.  A second procession of floats occurs on July 24 with fewer floats but may be preferable because it is less crowded and boisterous.  Yamaboko refers to two types of floats used in the parade: there are 23 yama and 10 enormous hoko reaching up to 25 meters tall.  Both yama and hoko are elaborately decorated with unique themes. The festival has a long and almost uninterrupted history dating back to 869.  It was once a purification ritual goryo-e to appease the gods during outbreaks of epidemics. Wherever an outbreak occurred the practice was repeated. In 970, it was decreed an annual event and has seldom been broken ever since. The Gion Matsuri has been declared an Intangible Treasure of Japan by UNESCO World Heritage. 
    gion-matsuri-10.jpg
  • Gion Matsuri is the most famous festival in Japan taking place over the month of July. The grand procession of floats Yamaboko Junko takes place on July 17 but can be extremely crowded.  On evenings preceding the procession called Yoiyama, the floats are on display with locals dressed in yukata summer kimono milling around the streets of Shijo.  A second procession of floats occurs on July 24 with fewer floats but may be preferable because it is less crowded and boisterous.  Yamaboko refers to two types of floats used in the parade: there are 23 yama and 10 enormous hoko reaching up to 25 meters tall.  Both yama and hoko are elaborately decorated with unique themes. The festival has a long and almost uninterrupted history dating back to 869.  It was once a purification ritual goryo-e to appease the gods during outbreaks of epidemics. Wherever an outbreak occurred the practice was repeated. In 970, it was decreed an annual event and has seldom been broken ever since. The Gion Matsuri has been declared an Intangible Treasure of Japan by UNESCO World Heritage. 
    gion-matsuri-5.jpg
  • Gion Matsuri is the most famous festival in Japan taking place over the month of July. The grand procession of floats Yamaboko Junko takes place on July 17 but can be extremely crowded.  On evenings preceding the procession called Yoiyama, the floats are on display with locals dressed in yukata summer kimono milling around the streets of Shijo.  A second procession of floats occurs on July 24 with fewer floats but may be preferable because it is less crowded and boisterous.  Yamaboko refers to two types of floats used in the parade: there are 23 yama and 10 enormous hoko reaching up to 25 meters tall.  Both yama and hoko are elaborately decorated with unique themes. The festival has a long and almost uninterrupted history dating back to 869.  It was once a purification ritual goryo-e to appease the gods during outbreaks of epidemics. Wherever an outbreak occurred the practice was repeated. In 970, it was decreed an annual event and has seldom been broken ever since. The Gion Matsuri has been declared an Intangible Treasure of Japan by UNESCO World Heritage. 
    gion-matsuri-2.jpg
  • Gion Matsuri is the most famous festival in Japan taking place over the month of July. The grand procession of floats Yamaboko Junko takes place on July 17 but can be extremely crowded.  On evenings preceding the procession called Yoiyama, the floats are on display with locals dressed in yukata summer kimono milling around the streets of Shijo.  A second procession of floats occurs on July 24 with fewer floats but may be preferable because it is less crowded and boisterous.  Yamaboko refers to two types of floats used in the parade: there are 23 yama and 10 enormous hoko reaching up to 25 meters tall.  Both yama and hoko are elaborately decorated with unique themes. The festival has a long and almost uninterrupted history dating back to 869.  It was once a purification ritual goryo-e to appease the gods during outbreaks of epidemics. Wherever an outbreak occurred the practice was repeated. In 970, it was decreed an annual event and has seldom been broken ever since. The Gion Matsuri has been declared an Intangible Treasure of Japan by UNESCO World Heritage. 
    gion-matsuri-1.jpg
  • Gion Matsuri is the most famous festival in Japan taking place over the month of July. The grand procession of floats Yamaboko Junko takes place on July 17 but can be extremely crowded.  On evenings preceding the procession called Yoiyama, the floats are on display with locals dressed in yukata summer kimono milling around the streets of Shijo.  A second procession of floats occurs on July 24 with fewer floats but may be preferable because it is less crowded and boisterous.  Yamaboko refers to two types of floats used in the parade: there are 23 yama and 10 enormous hoko reaching up to 25 meters tall.  Both yama and hoko are elaborately decorated with unique themes. The festival has a long and almost uninterrupted history dating back to 869.  It was once a purification ritual goryo-e to appease the gods during outbreaks of epidemics. Wherever an outbreak occurred the practice was repeated. In 970, it was decreed an annual event and has seldom been broken ever since. The Gion Matsuri has been declared an Intangible Treasure of Japan by UNESCO World Heritage. 
    gion-matsuri-21.jpg
  • Gion Matsuri is the most famous festival in Japan taking place over the month of July. The grand procession of floats Yamaboko Junko takes place on July 17 but can be extremely crowded.  On evenings preceding the procession called Yoiyama, the floats are on display with locals dressed in yukata summer kimono milling around the streets of Shijo.  A second procession of floats occurs on July 24 with fewer floats but may be preferable because it is less crowded and boisterous.  Yamaboko refers to two types of floats used in the parade: there are 23 yama and 10 enormous hoko reaching up to 25 meters tall.  Both yama and hoko are elaborately decorated with unique themes. The festival has a long and almost uninterrupted history dating back to 869.  It was once a purification ritual goryo-e to appease the gods during outbreaks of epidemics. Wherever an outbreak occurred the practice was repeated. In 970, it was decreed an annual event and has seldom been broken ever since. The Gion Matsuri has been declared an Intangible Treasure of Japan by UNESCO World Heritage. 
    gion-matsuri-19.jpg
  • Gion Matsuri is the most famous festival in Japan taking place over the month of July. The grand procession of floats Yamaboko Junko takes place on July 17 but can be extremely crowded.  On evenings preceding the procession called Yoiyama, the floats are on display with locals dressed in yukata summer kimono milling around the streets of Shijo.  A second procession of floats occurs on July 24 with fewer floats but may be preferable because it is less crowded and boisterous.  Yamaboko refers to two types of floats used in the parade: there are 23 yama and 10 enormous hoko reaching up to 25 meters tall.  Both yama and hoko are elaborately decorated with unique themes. The festival has a long and almost uninterrupted history dating back to 869.  It was once a purification ritual goryo-e to appease the gods during outbreaks of epidemics. Wherever an outbreak occurred the practice was repeated. In 970, it was decreed an annual event and has seldom been broken ever since. The Gion Matsuri has been declared an Intangible Treasure of Japan by UNESCO World Heritage. 
    gion-matsuri-18.jpg
  • Gion Matsuri is the most famous festival in Japan taking place over the month of July. The grand procession of floats Yamaboko Junko takes place on July 17 but can be extremely crowded.  On evenings preceding the procession called Yoiyama, the floats are on display with locals dressed in yukata summer kimono milling around the streets of Shijo.  A second procession of floats occurs on July 24 with fewer floats but may be preferable because it is less crowded and boisterous.  Yamaboko refers to two types of floats used in the parade: there are 23 yama and 10 enormous hoko reaching up to 25 meters tall.  Both yama and hoko are elaborately decorated with unique themes. The festival has a long and almost uninterrupted history dating back to 869.  It was once a purification ritual goryo-e to appease the gods during outbreaks of epidemics. Wherever an outbreak occurred the practice was repeated. In 970, it was decreed an annual event and has seldom been broken ever since. The Gion Matsuri has been declared an Intangible Treasure of Japan by UNESCO World Heritage. 
    gion-matsuri-17.jpg
  • Gion Matsuri is the most famous festival in Japan taking place over the month of July. The grand procession of floats Yamaboko Junko takes place on July 17 but can be extremely crowded.  On evenings preceding the procession called Yoiyama, the floats are on display with locals dressed in yukata summer kimono milling around the streets of Shijo.  A second procession of floats occurs on July 24 with fewer floats but may be preferable because it is less crowded and boisterous.  Yamaboko refers to two types of floats used in the parade: there are 23 yama and 10 enormous hoko reaching up to 25 meters tall.  Both yama and hoko are elaborately decorated with unique themes. The festival has a long and almost uninterrupted history dating back to 869.  It was once a purification ritual goryo-e to appease the gods during outbreaks of epidemics. Wherever an outbreak occurred the practice was repeated. In 970, it was decreed an annual event and has seldom been broken ever since. The Gion Matsuri has been declared an Intangible Treasure of Japan by UNESCO World Heritage. 
    gion-matsuri-16.jpg
  • Gion Matsuri is the most famous festival in Japan taking place over the month of July. The grand procession of floats Yamaboko Junko takes place on July 17 but can be extremely crowded.  On evenings preceding the procession called Yoiyama, the floats are on display with locals dressed in yukata summer kimono milling around the streets of Shijo.  A second procession of floats occurs on July 24 with fewer floats but may be preferable because it is less crowded and boisterous.  Yamaboko refers to two types of floats used in the parade: there are 23 yama and 10 enormous hoko reaching up to 25 meters tall.  Both yama and hoko are elaborately decorated with unique themes. The festival has a long and almost uninterrupted history dating back to 869.  It was once a purification ritual goryo-e to appease the gods during outbreaks of epidemics. Wherever an outbreak occurred the practice was repeated. In 970, it was decreed an annual event and has seldom been broken ever since. The Gion Matsuri has been declared an Intangible Treasure of Japan by UNESCO World Heritage. 
    gion-matsuri-15.jpg
  • Gion Matsuri is the most famous festival in Japan taking place over the month of July. The grand procession of floats Yamaboko Junko takes place on July 17 but can be extremely crowded.  On evenings preceding the procession called Yoiyama, the floats are on display with locals dressed in yukata summer kimono milling around the streets of Shijo.  A second procession of floats occurs on July 24 with fewer floats but may be preferable because it is less crowded and boisterous.  Yamaboko refers to two types of floats used in the parade: there are 23 yama and 10 enormous hoko reaching up to 25 meters tall.  Both yama and hoko are elaborately decorated with unique themes. The festival has a long and almost uninterrupted history dating back to 869.  It was once a purification ritual goryo-e to appease the gods during outbreaks of epidemics. Wherever an outbreak occurred the practice was repeated. In 970, it was decreed an annual event and has seldom been broken ever since. The Gion Matsuri has been declared an Intangible Treasure of Japan by UNESCO World Heritage. 
    gion-matsuri-11.jpg
  • Gion Matsuri is the most famous festival in Japan taking place over the month of July. The grand procession of floats Yamaboko Junko takes place on July 17 but can be extremely crowded.  On evenings preceding the procession called Yoiyama, the floats are on display with locals dressed in yukata summer kimono milling around the streets of Shijo.  A second procession of floats occurs on July 24 with fewer floats but may be preferable because it is less crowded and boisterous.  Yamaboko refers to two types of floats used in the parade: there are 23 yama and 10 enormous hoko reaching up to 25 meters tall.  Both yama and hoko are elaborately decorated with unique themes. The festival has a long and almost uninterrupted history dating back to 869.  It was once a purification ritual goryo-e to appease the gods during outbreaks of epidemics. Wherever an outbreak occurred the practice was repeated. In 970, it was decreed an annual event and has seldom been broken ever since. The Gion Matsuri has been declared an Intangible Treasure of Japan by UNESCO World Heritage. 
    gion-matsuri-7.jpg
  • Gion Matsuri is the most famous festival in Japan taking place over the month of July. The grand procession of floats Yamaboko Junko takes place on July 17 but can be extremely crowded.  On evenings preceding the procession called Yoiyama, the floats are on display with locals dressed in yukata summer kimono milling around the streets of Shijo.  A second procession of floats occurs on July 24 with fewer floats but may be preferable because it is less crowded and boisterous.  Yamaboko refers to two types of floats used in the parade: there are 23 yama and 10 enormous hoko reaching up to 25 meters tall.  Both yama and hoko are elaborately decorated with unique themes. The festival has a long and almost uninterrupted history dating back to 869.  It was once a purification ritual goryo-e to appease the gods during outbreaks of epidemics. Wherever an outbreak occurred the practice was repeated. In 970, it was decreed an annual event and has seldom been broken ever since. The Gion Matsuri has been declared an Intangible Treasure of Japan by UNESCO World Heritage. 
    gion-matsuri-8.jpg
  • Gion Matsuri is the most famous festival in Japan taking place over the month of July. The grand procession of floats Yamaboko Junko takes place on July 17 but can be extremely crowded.  On evenings preceding the procession called Yoiyama, the floats are on display with locals dressed in yukata summer kimono milling around the streets of Shijo.  A second procession of floats occurs on July 24 with fewer floats but may be preferable because it is less crowded and boisterous.  Yamaboko refers to two types of floats used in the parade: there are 23 yama and 10 enormous hoko reaching up to 25 meters tall.  Both yama and hoko are elaborately decorated with unique themes. The festival has a long and almost uninterrupted history dating back to 869.  It was once a purification ritual goryo-e to appease the gods during outbreaks of epidemics. Wherever an outbreak occurred the practice was repeated. In 970, it was decreed an annual event and has seldom been broken ever since. The Gion Matsuri has been declared an Intangible Treasure of Japan by UNESCO World Heritage. 
    gion-matsuri-6.jpg
  • Gion Matsuri is the most famous festival in Japan taking place over the month of July. The grand procession of floats Yamaboko Junko takes place on July 17 but can be extremely crowded.  On evenings preceding the procession called Yoiyama, the floats are on display with locals dressed in yukata summer kimono milling around the streets of Shijo.  A second procession of floats occurs on July 24 with fewer floats but may be preferable because it is less crowded and boisterous.  Yamaboko refers to two types of floats used in the parade: there are 23 yama and 10 enormous hoko reaching up to 25 meters tall.  Both yama and hoko are elaborately decorated with unique themes. The festival has a long and almost uninterrupted history dating back to 869.  It was once a purification ritual goryo-e to appease the gods during outbreaks of epidemics. Wherever an outbreak occurred the practice was repeated. In 970, it was decreed an annual event and has seldom been broken ever since. The Gion Matsuri has been declared an Intangible Treasure of Japan by UNESCO World Heritage. 
    gion-matsuri-4.jpg
  • Gion Matsuri is the most famous festival in Japan taking place over the month of July. The grand procession of floats Yamaboko Junko takes place on July 17 but can be extremely crowded.  On evenings preceding the procession called Yoiyama, the floats are on display with locals dressed in yukata summer kimono milling around the streets of Shijo.  A second procession of floats occurs on July 24 with fewer floats but may be preferable because it is less crowded and boisterous.  Yamaboko refers to two types of floats used in the parade: there are 23 yama and 10 enormous hoko reaching up to 25 meters tall.  Both yama and hoko are elaborately decorated with unique themes. The festival has a long and almost uninterrupted history dating back to 869.  It was once a purification ritual goryo-e to appease the gods during outbreaks of epidemics. Wherever an outbreak occurred the practice was repeated. In 970, it was decreed an annual event and has seldom been broken ever since. The Gion Matsuri has been declared an Intangible Treasure of Japan by UNESCO World Heritage. 
    gion-matsuri-3.jpg
  • Gion Matsuri is the most famous festival in Japan taking place over the month of July. The grand procession of floats Yamaboko Junko takes place on July 17 but can be extremely crowded.  On evenings preceding the procession called Yoiyama, the floats are on display with locals dressed in yukata summer kimono milling around the streets of Shijo.  A second procession of floats occurs on July 24 with fewer floats but may be preferable because it is less crowded and boisterous.  Yamaboko refers to two types of floats used in the parade: there are 23 yama and 10 enormous hoko reaching up to 25 meters tall.  Both yama and hoko are elaborately decorated with unique themes. The festival has a long and almost uninterrupted history dating back to 869.  It was once a purification ritual goryo-e to appease the gods during outbreaks of epidemics. Wherever an outbreak occurred the practice was repeated. In 970, it was decreed an annual event and has seldom been broken ever since. The Gion Matsuri has been declared an Intangible Treasure of Japan by UNESCO World Heritage. 
    gion-matsuri-12.jpg
  • Ninnaji is one of Kyoto's most interesting temples, featuring a large variety of different buildings and gardens on its spacious grounds. It belongs to Kyoto's UNESCO world heritage sites. Ninnaji was founded in the year 888 as an imperial residence, but like most historic buildings in Japan, suffered repeated destruction in wars and fires over the centuries. Today Ninnaji is the headquarters of the Omuro school of the Buddhist Shingon sect and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    ninnaji-garden-5.jpg
  • Ninnaji is one of Kyoto's most interesting temples, featuring a large variety of different buildings and gardens on its spacious grounds. It belongs to Kyoto's UNESCO world heritage sites. Ninnaji was founded in the year 888 as an imperial residence, but like most historic buildings in Japan, suffered repeated destruction in wars and fires over the centuries. Today Ninnaji is the headquarters of the Omuro school of the Buddhist Shingon sect and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    ninnaji-garden-3.jpg
  • Shimogamo Shrine or Shimogamo jinja in Japanese is an important Shinto sanctuary in Kyoto.  Its official name is Kamo-mioya-jinja and is one of the oldest Shinto shrines in Japan.  Importantly, it is one of the seventeen Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto which have been designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
    shimogamo-3.jpg
  • Toshogu Shrine is one of Japan's most popular destinations for tourists. Five structures at Nikko are categorized as National Treasures of Japan, and three more as Important Cultural Properties.  The second shogun Hidetada ordered the construction of the Nikko Toshogu Shrine. Later, the third shogun Iemitsu had the shrine enlarged and lavishly decorated.  Yomeimon Gate is the highlight of the shrine, far more lavishly decorative than the usual austere shrines in Japan.
    yomeimon-nikko-3.jpg
  • Shimogamo Shrine or Shimogamo jinja in Japanese is an important Shinto sanctuary in Kyoto.  Its official name is Kamo-mioya-jinja and is one of the oldest Shinto shrines in Japan.  Importantly, it is one of the seventeen Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto which have been designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
    shimogamo-1.jpg
  • Ninnaji Temple Pagoda - Ninnaji is one of Kyoto's most interesting temples, with a large variety of extraordinary buildings and gardens on its spacious grounds. Among the numerous buildings on the temple grounds, are elegant palace style buildings surrounded by beautiful Japanese gardens, a five storied pagoda, various temple halls, a massive entrance gate, bell tower and tea houses.  It was the first imperial temple in Kyoto, and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site.
    ninnaji-pagoda-2.jpg
  • Ninnaji Temple Gate Nio-Mon - Ninnaji is one of Kyoto's most interesting temples, with a large variety of extraordinary buildings and gardens on its spacious grounds. Among the numerous buildings on the temple grounds, are elegant palace style buildings surrounded by beautiful Japanese gardens, a five storied pagoda, various temple halls, a massive entrance gate, bell tower and tea houses.  It was the first imperial temple in Kyoto, and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site.
    nio-mon-ninnaji-01.jpg
  • Ninnaji Temple Monks - Ninnaji is one of Kyoto's most interesting temples with a large variety of extraordinary buildings & gardens on its spacious grounds. Among the numerous buildings on the grounds are elegant palace style buildings surrounded by beautiful Japanese gardens, a five storied pagoda, various temple halls, a massive entrance gate, bell tower and tea houses.  It was the first imperial temple in Kyoto and  now a UNESCO World Heritage site.
    ninnaji-3.jpg
  • Ninnaji is one of Kyoto's most interesting temples, with a large variety of extraordinary buildings and gardens on its spacious grounds. Among the numerous buildings on the temple grounds, are elegant palace style buildings surrounded by beautiful Japanese gardens, a five storied pagoda, various temple halls, a massive entrance gate, bell tower and tea houses.  It was the first imperial temple in Kyoto, and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site.
    ninnaji-2.jpg
  • Kamigamo Shrine Bridge - Kamo-wake-ikazuchi-Jinja in the Kita Ward of Kyoto is the oldest Shinto shrine in the ancient city. Since prehistoric times Kamigamo-jinja has preserved and transmitted the legends relating to the birth of the shrine deity, Wakeikazuchi. The area contains many large trees such as oaks, suda chinquappins and weeping cherry trees coexisting in harmony. Kamigamo-jinja was officially registered IN 1994 as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in recognition of its importance as a monument of ancient Kyoto.
    kamigamo-shrine-02.jpg
  • Kamigamo Shrine Bridge and Omikuji - Kamo-wake-ikazuchi-Jinja in the Kita Ward of Kyoto is the oldest Shinto shrine in the ancient city. Since prehistoric times Kamigamo-jinja has preserved and transmitted the legends relating to the birth of the shrine deity, Wakeikazuchi. The area contains many large trees such as oaks, suda chinquappins and weeping cherry trees coexisting in harmony. Kamigamo-jinja was officially registered IN 1994 as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in recognition of its importance as a monument of ancient Kyoto.
    kamigamo-shrine-03.jpg
  • Kamigamo Shrine Gate - Kamo-wake-ikazuchi-Jinja in the Kita Ward of Kyoto is the oldest Shinto shrine in the ancient city. Since prehistoric times Kamigamo-jinja has preserved and transmitted the legends relating to the birth of the shrine deity, Wakeikazuchi. The area contains many large trees such as oaks, suda chinquappins and weeping cherry trees coexisting in harmony. Kamigamo-jinja was officially registered IN 1994 as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in recognition of its importance as a monument of ancient Kyoto.
    kamigamo-shrine-07.jpg
  • Shimogamo Shrine or Shimogamo jinja in Japanese is an important Shinto sanctuary in Kyoto.  Its official name is Kamo-mioya-jinja and is one of the oldest Shinto shrines in Japan.  Importantly, it is one of the seventeen Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto which have been designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
    shimogamo-10.jpg
  • Shimogamo Shrine or Shimogamo jinja in Japanese is an important Shinto sanctuary in Kyoto.  Its official name is Kamo-mioya-jinja and is one of the oldest Shinto shrines in Japan.  Importantly, it is one of the seventeen Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto which have been designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
    shimogamo-11.jpg
  • Shimogamo Shrine or Shimogamo jinja in Japanese is an important Shinto sanctuary in Kyoto.  Its official name is Kamo-mioya-jinja and is one of the oldest Shinto shrines in Japan.  Importantly, it is one of the seventeen Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto which have been designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
    shimogamo-15.jpg
  • Tomioka Silk Mill was the first silk production factory in Japan.  It was established at the end of the Edo period when Japan began trade with the west.  At the time of the Edo Period the most important Japanese export was raw silk.  Because raw silk was produced by hand, not enough could be made to meet demand.  The government set up a model factory equipped with modern silk producing machines from France to enable production of silk and to train local Japanese in these techniques.  The site was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015.
    tomioka-silk-mill-1.jpg
  • Shimogamo Shrine or Shimogamo jinja in Japanese is an important Shinto sanctuary in Kyoto.  Its official name is Kamo-mioya-jinja and is one of the oldest Shinto shrines in Japan.  Importantly, it is one of the seventeen Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto which have been designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
    shimogamo-12.jpg
  • Shimogamo Shrine or Shimogamo jinja in Japanese is an important Shinto sanctuary in Kyoto.  Its official name is Kamo-mioya-jinja and is one of the oldest Shinto shrines in Japan.  Importantly, it is one of the seventeen Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto which have been designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
    shimogamo-10.jpg
  • Tomioka Silk Mill was the first silk production factory in Japan.  It was established at the end of the Edo period when Japan began trade with the west.  At the time of the Edo Period the most important Japanese export was raw silk.  Because raw silk was produced by hand, not enough could be made to meet demand.  The government set up a model factory equipped with modern silk producing machines from France to enable production of silk and to train local Japanese in these techniques.  The site was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015.
    tomioka-silk-mill-12.jpg
  • Tomioka Silk Mill was the first silk production factory in Japan.  It was established at the end of the Edo period when Japan began trade with the west.  At the time of the Edo Period the most important Japanese export was raw silk.  Because raw silk was produced by hand, not enough could be made to meet demand.  The government set up a model factory equipped with modern silk producing machines from France to enable production of silk and to train local Japanese in these techniques.  The site was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015.
    tomioka-silk-mill-10.jpg
  • Tomioka Silk Mill was the first silk production factory in Japan.  It was established at the end of the Edo period when Japan began trade with the west.  At the time of the Edo Period the most important Japanese export was raw silk.  Because raw silk was produced by hand, not enough could be made to meet demand.  The government set up a model factory equipped with modern silk producing machines from France to enable production of silk and to train local Japanese in these techniques.  The site was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015.
    tomioka-silk-mill-8.jpg
  • Tomioka Silk Mill was the first silk production factory in Japan.  It was established at the end of the Edo period when Japan began trade with the west.  At the time of the Edo Period the most important Japanese export was raw silk.  Because raw silk was produced by hand, not enough could be made to meet demand.  The government set up a model factory equipped with modern silk producing machines from France to enable production of silk and to train local Japanese in these techniques.  The site was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015.
    tomioka-silk-mill-4.jpg
  • Tomioka Silk Mill was the first silk production factory in Japan.  It was established at the end of the Edo period when Japan began trade with the west.  At the time of the Edo Period the most important Japanese export was raw silk.  Because raw silk was produced by hand, not enough could be made to meet demand.  The government set up a model factory equipped with modern silk producing machines from France to enable production of silk and to train local Japanese in these techniques.  The site was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015.
    tomioka-silk-mill-7.jpg
  • Tomioka Silk Mill was the first silk production factory in Japan.  It was established at the end of the Edo period when Japan began trade with the west.  At the time of the Edo Period the most important Japanese export was raw silk.  Because raw silk was produced by hand, not enough could be made to meet demand.  The government set up a model factory equipped with modern silk producing machines from France to enable production of silk and to train local Japanese in these techniques.  The site was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015.
    tomioka-silk-mill-2.jpg
  • Shimogamo Shrine or Shimogamo jinja in Japanese is an important Shinto sanctuary in Kyoto.  Its official name is Kamo-mioya-jinja and is one of the oldest Shinto shrines in Japan.  Importantly, it is one of the seventeen Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto which have been designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
    shimogamo-13.jpg
  • Tomioka Silk Mill was the first silk production factory in Japan.  It was established at the end of the Edo period when Japan began trade with the west.  At the time of the Edo Period the most important Japanese export was raw silk.  Because raw silk was produced by hand, not enough could be made to meet demand.  The government set up a model factory equipped with modern silk producing machines from France to enable production of silk and to train local Japanese in these techniques.  The site was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015.
    tomioka-silk-mill-11.jpg
  • Tomioka Silk Mill was the first silk production factory in Japan.  It was established at the end of the Edo period when Japan began trade with the west.  At the time of the Edo Period the most important Japanese export was raw silk.  Because raw silk was produced by hand, not enough could be made to meet demand.  The government set up a model factory equipped with modern silk producing machines from France to enable production of silk and to train local Japanese in these techniques.  The site was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015.
    tomioka-silk-mill-9.jpg
  • Tomioka Silk Mill was the first silk production factory in Japan.  It was established at the end of the Edo period when Japan began trade with the west.  At the time of the Edo Period the most important Japanese export was raw silk.  Because raw silk was produced by hand, not enough could be made to meet demand.  The government set up a model factory equipped with modern silk producing machines from France to enable production of silk and to train local Japanese in these techniques.  The site was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015.
    tomioka-silk-mill-6.jpg
  • Tomioka Silk Mill was the first silk production factory in Japan.  It was established at the end of the Edo period when Japan began trade with the west.  At the time of the Edo Period the most important Japanese export was raw silk.  Because raw silk was produced by hand, not enough could be made to meet demand.  The government set up a model factory equipped with modern silk producing machines from France to enable production of silk and to train local Japanese in these techniques.  The site was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015.
    tomioka-silk-mill-5.jpg
  • Katsuren Castle was built in the Teikaku-shiki style that places four flat terrains in a staircase pattern. The castle walls were built using natural landscapes at the edge of a steep cliff.  Katsuren sits on a steep hill close to the coast with attractive views over the coastline below though only the stone walls and foundations remain of the former castle.  Katsuren was the seat of Lord Amawari who was a sickly child who had been abandoned in the mountains to die. However, he survived that ordeal and grew into a powerful leader defeating an oppressive lord and took control over Katsuren Castle.  Amawari made many water wells within the castle grounds as there was no water in the castle the wells were invaluable.   Katsuren is part of the Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu registered as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Ryukyu Kingdom developed independently as an island nation influenced by Asian countries as well as Japan. The kingdom also developed its own culture and belief
    katsuren-5.jpg
  • Katsuren Castle was built in the Teikaku-shiki style that places four flat terrains in a staircase pattern. The castle walls were built using natural landscapes at the edge of a steep cliff.  Katsuren sits on a steep hill close to the coast with attractive views over the coastline below though only the stone walls and foundations remain of the former castle.  Katsuren was the seat of Lord Amawari who was a sickly child who had been abandoned in the mountains to die. However, he survived that ordeal and grew into a powerful leader defeating an oppressive lord and took control over Katsuren Castle.  Amawari made many water wells within the castle grounds as there was no water in the castle the wells were invaluable.   Katsuren is part of the Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu registered as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Ryukyu Kingdom developed independently as an island nation influenced by Asian countries as well as Japan. The kingdom also developed its own culture and belief
    katsuren-9.jpg
  • Katsuren Castle was built in the Teikaku-shiki style that places four flat terrains in a staircase pattern. The castle walls were built using natural landscapes at the edge of a steep cliff.  Katsuren sits on a steep hill close to the coast with attractive views over the coastline below though only the stone walls and foundations remain of the former castle.  Katsuren was the seat of Lord Amawari who was a sickly child who had been abandoned in the mountains to die. However, he survived that ordeal and grew into a powerful leader defeating an oppressive lord and took control over Katsuren Castle.  Amawari made many water wells within the castle grounds as there was no water in the castle the wells were invaluable.   Katsuren is part of the Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu registered as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Ryukyu Kingdom developed independently as an island nation influenced by Asian countries as well as Japan. The kingdom also developed its own culture and belief
    katsuren-8.jpg
  • Katsuren Castle was built in the Teikaku-shiki style that places four flat terrains in a staircase pattern. The castle walls were built using natural landscapes at the edge of a steep cliff.  Katsuren sits on a steep hill close to the coast with attractive views over the coastline below though only the stone walls and foundations remain of the former castle.  Katsuren was the seat of Lord Amawari who was a sickly child who had been abandoned in the mountains to die. However, he survived that ordeal and grew into a powerful leader defeating an oppressive lord and took control over Katsuren Castle.  Amawari made many water wells within the castle grounds as there was no water in the castle the wells were invaluable.   Katsuren is part of the Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu registered as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Ryukyu Kingdom developed independently as an island nation influenced by Asian countries as well as Japan. The kingdom also developed its own culture and belief
    katsuren-1.jpg
  • Seiganto-ji Temple and Nachi Falls - Seiganto-ji or Temple of the Blue Waves is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site among other sites designated as Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range. The temple was built next to Nachi Waterfall - a site of nature worship. Seiganto-ji is an important part of the Kumano Sanzan shrine complex.   It is the first stop along the Kannon Pilgrimage Trail.  It is listed as  an Important Cultural Property of Japan.
    seiganto-ji-1.jpg
  • Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine & Nachi Waterfall are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range of Japan. The Kumano Kodo route connects it to Hongu Taisha Shrine, Hayatama Taisha Shrine, and Koya-san Wakayama Prefecture.  Even today Japanese henro pilgrims trek these routes, visiting these historically important shrines and temples.  Serious henro travel to all three sites to complete their pilgrimage. Kumano Nachi Taisha is surrounded by cedar forests, a sacred camphor tree and is located next to Tach Waterfall and Seigantoji Temple Pagoda.
    nachi-taisha-4.jpg
  • Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range of Japan. The Kumano Kodo route connects it to Hongu Taisha Shrine, Hayatama Taisha Shrine, and Koya-san Wakayama Prefecture.  Even today Japanese henro pilgrims trek these routes, visiting these historically important shrines and temples.  Serious henro travel to all three sites to complete their pilgrimage. Kumano Nachi Taisha is surrounded by cedar forests, a sacred camphor tree and is located next to Tach Waterfall and Seigantoji Temple Pagoda.
    nachi-taisha-3.jpg
  • Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range of Japan. The Kumano Kodo route connects it to Hongu Taisha Shrine, Hayatama Taisha Shrine, and Koya-san Wakayama Prefecture.  Even today Japanese henro pilgrims trek these routes, visiting these historically important shrines and temples.  Serious henro travel to all three sites to complete their pilgrimage. Kumano Nachi Taisha is surrounded by cedar forests, a sacred camphor tree and is located next to Tach Waterfall and Seigantoji Temple Pagoda.
    nachi-taisha-1.jpg
  • Katsuren Castle was built in the Teikaku-shiki style that places four flat terrains in a staircase pattern. The castle walls were built using natural landscapes at the edge of a steep cliff.  Katsuren sits on a steep hill close to the coast with attractive views over the coastline below though only the stone walls and foundations remain of the former castle.  Katsuren was the seat of Lord Amawari who was a sickly child who had been abandoned in the mountains to die. However, he survived that ordeal and grew into a powerful leader defeating an oppressive lord and took control over Katsuren Castle.  Amawari made many water wells within the castle grounds as there was no water in the castle the wells were invaluable.   Katsuren is part of the Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu registered as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Ryukyu Kingdom developed independently as an island nation influenced by Asian countries as well as Japan. The kingdom also developed its own culture and belief
    katsuren-10.jpg
  • Katsuren Castle was built in the Teikaku-shiki style that places four flat terrains in a staircase pattern. The castle walls were built using natural landscapes at the edge of a steep cliff.  Katsuren sits on a steep hill close to the coast with attractive views over the coastline below though only the stone walls and foundations remain of the former castle.  Katsuren was the seat of Lord Amawari who was a sickly child who had been abandoned in the mountains to die. However, he survived that ordeal and grew into a powerful leader defeating an oppressive lord and took control over Katsuren Castle.  Amawari made many water wells within the castle grounds as there was no water in the castle the wells were invaluable.   Katsuren is part of the Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu registered as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Ryukyu Kingdom developed independently as an island nation influenced by Asian countries as well as Japan. The kingdom also developed its own culture and belief
    katsuren-4.jpg
  • Katsuren Castle was built in the Teikaku-shiki style that places four flat terrains in a staircase pattern. The castle walls were built using natural landscapes at the edge of a steep cliff.  Katsuren sits on a steep hill close to the coast with attractive views over the coastline below though only the stone walls and foundations remain of the former castle.  Katsuren was the seat of Lord Amawari who was a sickly child who had been abandoned in the mountains to die. However, he survived that ordeal and grew into a powerful leader defeating an oppressive lord and took control over Katsuren Castle.  Amawari made many water wells within the castle grounds as there was no water in the castle the wells were invaluable.   Katsuren is part of the Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu registered as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Ryukyu Kingdom developed independently as an island nation influenced by Asian countries as well as Japan. The kingdom also developed its own culture and belief
    katsuren-2.jpg
  • Katsuren Castle was built in the Teikaku-shiki style that places four flat terrains in a staircase pattern. The castle walls were built using natural landscapes at the edge of a steep cliff.  Katsuren sits on a steep hill close to the coast with attractive views over the coastline below though only the stone walls and foundations remain of the former castle.  Katsuren was the seat of Lord Amawari who was a sickly child who had been abandoned in the mountains to die. However, he survived that ordeal and grew into a powerful leader defeating an oppressive lord and took control over Katsuren Castle.  Amawari made many water wells within the castle grounds as there was no water in the castle the wells were invaluable.   Katsuren is part of the Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu registered as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Ryukyu Kingdom developed independently as an island nation influenced by Asian countries as well as Japan. The kingdom also developed its own culture and belief
    katsuren-3.jpg
  • Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range of Japan. The Kumano Kodo route connects it to Hongu Taisha Shrine, Hayatama Taisha Shrine, and Koya-san Wakayama Prefecture.  Even today Japanese henro pilgrims trek these routes, visiting these historically important shrines and temples.  Serious henro travel to all three sites to complete their pilgrimage. Kumano Nachi Taisha is surrounded by cedar forests, a sacred camphor tree and is located next to Tach Waterfall and Seigantoji Temple Pagoda.
    nachi-taisha-2.jpg
  • Sanbo-in is a Buddhist temple in southern Kyoto, famous for the quality of its Japanese garden.  The garden is designed as a strolling garden with a large pond and several paths and bridges and said to contain over 700 stones.  One of the stones, called the Fujito, is said to have cost over 5,000 bushels of rice to obtain. Sanb-in is also a noteworthy illustration of a landscape garden which is designed for viewing from a specific perspective within a building. Laid out in the Momoyama period, the garden depicts "fortuitous crane," the "tortoise" and the "isle of eternal youth" poetic terms that identify specific ways in which stones and ponds are poised in a prescribed, esoteric relationship. .Toyotomi Hideyoshi designed this garden as a venue for an extravagant cherry blossom viewing party.  Sanbo-in is subtemple of Daigoji, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and National Treasure of Japan. IMAGE UNAVAILABLE FOR SALE IN JAPAN
    sanbo-in-1.jpg
  • Sanbo-in is a Buddhist temple in southern Kyoto, famous for the quality of its Japanese garden.  The garden is designed as a strolling garden with a large pond and several paths and bridges and said to contain over 700 stones.  One of the stones, called the Fujito, is said to have cost over 5,000 bushels of rice to obtain. Sanb-in is also a noteworthy illustration of a landscape garden which is designed for viewing from a specific perspective within a building. Laid out in the Momoyama period, the garden depicts "fortuitous crane," the "tortoise" and the "isle of eternal youth" poetic terms that identify specific ways in which stones and ponds are poised in a prescribed, esoteric relationship. .Toyotomi Hideyoshi designed this garden as a venue for an extravagant cherry blossom viewing party.  Sanbo-in is subtemple of Daigoji, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and National Treasure of Japan. IMAGE UNAVAILABLE FOR SALE IN JAPAN
    sanbo-in-3.jpg
  • Sanbo-in is a Buddhist temple in southern Kyoto, famous for the quality of its Japanese garden.  The garden is designed as a strolling garden with a large pond and several paths and bridges and said to contain over 700 stones.  One of the stones, called the Fujito, is said to have cost over 5,000 bushels of rice to obtain. Sanb-in is also a noteworthy illustration of a landscape garden which is designed for viewing from a specific perspective within a building. Laid out in the Momoyama period, the garden depicts "fortuitous crane," the "tortoise" and the "isle of eternal youth" poetic terms that identify specific ways in which stones and ponds are poised in a prescribed, esoteric relationship. .Toyotomi Hideyoshi designed this garden as a venue for an extravagant cherry blossom viewing party.  Sanbo-in is subtemple of Daigoji, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and National Treasure of Japan. IMAGE UNAVAILABLE FOR SALE IN JAPAN
    sanbo-in-4.jpg
  • Sanbo-in is a Buddhist temple in southern Kyoto, famous for the quality of its Japanese garden.  The garden is designed as a strolling garden with a large pond and several paths and bridges and said to contain over 700 stones.  One of the stones, called the Fujito, is said to have cost over 5,000 bushels of rice to obtain. Sanb-in is also a noteworthy illustration of a landscape garden which is designed for viewing from a specific perspective within a building. Laid out in the Momoyama period, the garden depicts "fortuitous crane," the "tortoise" and the "isle of eternal youth" poetic terms that identify specific ways in which stones and ponds are poised in a prescribed, esoteric relationship. .Toyotomi Hideyoshi designed this garden as a venue for an extravagant cherry blossom viewing party.  Sanbo-in is subtemple of Daigoji, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and National Treasure of Japan. IMAGE UNAVAILABLE FOR SALE IN JAPAN
    sanbo-in-5.jpg
  • Katsuren Castle was built in the Teikaku-shiki style that places four flat terrains in a staircase pattern. The castle walls were built using natural landscapes at the edge of a steep cliff.  Katsuren sits on a steep hill close to the coast with attractive views over the coastline below though only the stone walls and foundations remain of the former castle.  Katsuren was the seat of Lord Amawari who was a sickly child who had been abandoned in the mountains to die. However, he survived that ordeal and grew into a powerful leader defeating an oppressive lord and took control over Katsuren Castle.  Amawari made many water wells within the castle grounds as there was no water in the castle the wells were invaluable.   Katsuren is part of the Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu registered as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Ryukyu Kingdom developed independently as an island nation influenced by Asian countries as well as Japan. The kingdom also developed its own culture and belief
    katsuren-7.jpg
  • Katsuren Castle was built in the Teikaku-shiki style that places four flat terrains in a staircase pattern. The castle walls were built using natural landscapes at the edge of a steep cliff.  Katsuren sits on a steep hill close to the coast with attractive views over the coastline below though only the stone walls and foundations remain of the former castle.  Katsuren was the seat of Lord Amawari who was a sickly child who had been abandoned in the mountains to die. However, he survived that ordeal and grew into a powerful leader defeating an oppressive lord and took control over Katsuren Castle.  Amawari made many water wells within the castle grounds as there was no water in the castle the wells were invaluable.   Katsuren is part of the Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu registered as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Ryukyu Kingdom developed independently as an island nation influenced by Asian countries as well as Japan. The kingdom also developed its own culture and belief
    katsuren-6.jpg
  • Seiganto-ji Temple and Nachi Falls - Seiganto-ji or Temple of the Blue Waves is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site among other sites designated as Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range. The temple was built next to Nachi Waterfall - a site of nature worship. Seiganto-ji is an important part of the Kumano Sanzan shrine complex.   It is the first stop along the Kannon Pilgrimage Trail.  It is listed as  an Important Cultural Property of Japan.
    seiganto-ji-2.jpg
  • Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine & Nachi Waterfall are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range of Japan. The Kumano Kodo route connects it to Hongu Taisha Shrine, Hayatama Taisha Shrine, and Koya-san Wakayama Prefecture.  Even today Japanese henro pilgrims trek these routes, visiting these historically important shrines and temples.  Serious henro travel to all three sites to complete their pilgrimage. Kumano Nachi Taisha is surrounded by cedar forests, a sacred camphor tree and is located next to Tach Waterfall and Seigantoji Temple Pagoda.
    nachi-taisha-5.jpg
  • Sanb-in is a Buddhist temple in southern Kyoto, famous for the quality of its Japanese garden.  The garden is designed as a strolling garden with a large pond and several paths and bridges and said to contain over 700 stones.  One of the stones, called the Fujito, is said to have cost over 5,000 bushels of rice to obtain. Sanb-in is also a noteworthy illustration of a landscape garden which is designed for viewing from a specific perspective within a building. Laid out in the Momoyama period, the garden depicts "fortuitous crane," the "tortoise" and the "isle of eternal youth" poetic terms that identify specific ways in which stones and ponds are poised in a prescribed, esoteric relationship. .Toyotomi Hideyoshi designed this garden as a venue for an extravagant cherry blossom viewing party.  Sanbo-in is subtemple of Daigoji, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and National Treasure of Japan. IMAGE UNAVAILABLE FOR SALE IN JAPAN
    sanbo-in-2.jpg
  • Sanbo-in is a Buddhist temple in southern Kyoto, famous for the quality of its Japanese garden.  The garden is designed as a strolling garden with a large pond and several paths and bridges and said to contain over 700 stones.  One of the stones, called the Fujito, is said to have cost over 5,000 bushels of rice to obtain. Sanb-in is also a noteworthy illustration of a landscape garden which is designed for viewing from a specific perspective within a building. Laid out in the Momoyama period, the garden depicts "fortuitous crane," the "tortoise" and the "isle of eternal youth" poetic terms that identify specific ways in which stones and ponds are poised in a prescribed, esoteric relationship. .Toyotomi Hideyoshi designed this garden as a venue for an extravagant cherry blossom viewing party.  Sanbo-in is subtemple of Daigoji, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and National Treasure of Japan. IMAGE UNAVAILABLE FOR SALE IN JAPAN
    sanbo-in-6.jpg
  • Sanbo-in is a Buddhist temple in southern Kyoto, famous for the quality of its Japanese garden.  The garden is designed as a strolling garden with a large pond and several paths and bridges and said to contain over 700 stones.  One of the stones, called the Fujito, is said to have cost over 5,000 bushels of rice to obtain. Sanb-in is also a noteworthy illustration of a landscape garden which is designed for viewing from a specific perspective within a building. Laid out in the Momoyama period, the garden depicts "fortuitous crane," the "tortoise" and the "isle of eternal youth" poetic terms that identify specific ways in which stones and ponds are poised in a prescribed, esoteric relationship. .Toyotomi Hideyoshi designed this garden as a venue for an extravagant cherry blossom viewing party.  Sanbo-in is subtemple of Daigoji, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and National Treasure of Japan.IMAGE UNAVAILABLE FOR SALE IN JAPAN
    sanbo-in-7.jpg
  • Sanbo-in is a Buddhist temple in southern Kyoto, famous for the quality of its Japanese garden.  The garden is designed as a strolling garden with a large pond and several paths and bridges and said to contain over 700 stones.  One of the stones, called the Fujito, is said to have cost over 5,000 bushels of rice to obtain. Sanb-in is also a noteworthy illustration of a landscape garden which is designed for viewing from a specific perspective within a building. Laid out in the Momoyama period, the garden depicts "fortuitous crane," the "tortoise" and the "isle of eternal youth" poetic terms that identify specific ways in which stones and ponds are poised in a prescribed, esoteric relationship. .Toyotomi Hideyoshi designed this garden as a venue for an extravagant cherry blossom viewing party.  Sanbo-in is subtemple of Daigoji, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and National Treasure of Japan.IMAGE UNAVAILABLE FOR SALE IN JAPAN
    sanbo-in-8.jpg
  • Sanbo-in is a Buddhist temple in southern Kyoto, famous for the quality of its Japanese garden.  The garden is designed as a strolling garden with a large pond and several paths and bridges and said to contain over 700 stones.  One of the stones, called the Fujito, is said to have cost over 5,000 bushels of rice to obtain. Sanb-in is also a noteworthy illustration of a landscape garden which is designed for viewing from a specific perspective within a building. Laid out in the Momoyama period, the garden depicts "fortuitous crane," the "tortoise" and the "isle of eternal youth" poetic terms that identify specific ways in which stones and ponds are poised in a prescribed, esoteric relationship. .Toyotomi Hideyoshi designed this garden as a venue for an extravagant cherry blossom viewing party.  Sanbo-in is subtemple of Daigoji, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and National Treasure of Japan. IMAGE UNAVAILABLE FOR SALE IN JAPAN
    sanbo-in-9.jpg
  • Sanbo-in is a Buddhist temple in southern Kyoto, famous for the quality of its Japanese garden.  The garden is designed as a strolling garden with a large pond and several paths and bridges and said to contain over 700 stones.  One of the stones, called the Fujito, is said to have cost over 5,000 bushels of rice to obtain. Sanb-in is also a noteworthy illustration of a landscape garden which is designed for viewing from a specific perspective within a building. Laid out in the Momoyama period, the garden depicts "fortuitous crane," the "tortoise" and the "isle of eternal youth" poetic terms that identify specific ways in which stones and ponds are poised in a prescribed, esoteric relationship. .Toyotomi Hideyoshi designed this garden as a venue for an extravagant cherry blossom viewing party.  Sanbo-in is subtemple of Daigoji, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and National Treasure of Japan. IMAGE UNAVAILABLE FOR SALE IN JAPAN
    sanbo-in-10.jpg
  • The unique feature of the Hikiyama Festival is that performances of kabuki are performed by children, a rarity in Japan.  There are 12 kabuki floats called hikiyama with a kabuki stage.  Groups of kabuki floats appear in Nagahama’s main festival each year.  Yet the performances are usually excellent with the usual Japanese sense of care, professionalism, and putting  a huge community and group effort into the productions.  Nagahama Hikiyama Matsuri was inscribed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity as one of the 33 Yama Hoo and Yatai Float Festivals in Japan.
    childrens-kabuki-17.jpg
  • The unique feature of the Hikiyama Festival is that performances of kabuki are performed by children, a rarity in Japan.  There are 12 kabuki floats called hikiyama with a kabuki stage.  Groups of kabuki floats appear in Nagahama’s main festival each year.  Yet the performances are usually excellent with the usual Japanese sense of care, professionalism, and putting  a huge community and group effort into the productions.  Nagahama Hikiyama Matsuri was inscribed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity as one of the 33 Yama Hoo and Yatai Float Festivals in Japan.
    childrens-kabuki-11.jpg
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