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  • The Moss Garden at Saihoji Temple is one of the few temples in Kyoto where visitors must request an invitation in advance before their visit. Visitors are required to participate in chanting and writing sutras before visiting the famous gardens. In this way the monks are able to maintain the temple and garden and prevent mass tourism from destroying the tranquility of this UNESCO World Heritage Japanese garden.
    koke-dera-1.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-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
  • 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
  • Mt. Kasuga Primeval Forest has been untouched for thousands of years.  The forest stretches out across an area of half a kilometer, behind Kasuga Taisha Shrine. Logging and hunting have been prohibited here since AD 841 which has made it a rare ecosystem with over 175 types of trees, rare birds, insects as well as wild animals including the sacred wild deer that roam around central Nara during the day. At night the deer return to Kasuga Forest where they live.  Kasuga Primeval Forest has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.
    kasuga-primeval-forest-4.jpg
  • Mt. Kasuga Primeval Forest has been untouched for thousands of years.  The forest stretches out across an area of half a kilometer, behind Kasuga Taisha Shrine. Logging and hunting have been prohibited here since AD 841 which has made it a rare ecosystem with over 175 types of trees, rare birds, insects as well as wild animals including the sacred wild deer that roam around central Nara during the day. At night the deer return to Kasuga Forest where they live. <br />
Kasuga Primeval Forest has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.
    kasuga-primeval-forest-3.jpg
  • Mt. Kasuga Primeval Forest has been untouched for thousands of years.  The forest stretches out across an area of half a kilometer, behind Kasuga Taisha Shrine. Logging and hunting have been prohibited here since AD 841 which has made it a rare ecosystem with over 175 types of trees, rare birds, insects as well as wild animals including the sacred wild deer that roam around central Nara during the day. At night the deer return to Kasuga Forest where they live. <br />
Kasuga Primeval Forest has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.
    kasuga-primeval-forest-01.jpg
  • Mt. Kasuga Primeval Forest has been untouched for thousands of years.  The forest stretches out across an area of half a kilometer, behind Kasuga Taisha Shrine. Logging and hunting have been prohibited here since AD 841 which has made it a rare ecosystem with over 175 types of trees, rare birds, insects as well as wild animals including the sacred wild deer that roam around central Nara during the day. At night the deer return to Kasuga Forest where they live. <br />
Kasuga Primeval Forest has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.
    kasuga-primeval-forest-2.jpg
  • Mt. Kasuga Primeval Forest has been untouched for thousands of years.  The forest stretches out across an area of half a kilometer, behind Kasuga Taisha Shrine. Logging and hunting have been prohibited here since AD 841 which has made it a rare ecosystem with over 175 types of trees, rare birds, insects as well as wild animals including the sacred wild deer that roam around central Nara during the day. At night the deer return to Kasuga Forest where they live. <br />
Kasuga Primeval Forest has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.
    kasuga-primeval-forest-1.jpg
  • Hoi An Architecture - together with the Chinese and Vietnamese architectural gems, 19th century stucco houses that show both influences from east and west add to the color of this eclectic mixture. Most of these beautiful buildings are well preserved and show an nteresting mix of architecture - all of which gives Hoi An UNESCO World Heritage Status.
    hoi-an-night.jpg
  • Hoi An Architectural Detail - the combination of  Chinese, Vietnamese and French-colonial architectural gems has given Hoi An a unique look, that has earned it UNESCO World Heritage status for its intereting blend of architectural styles: 19th century stucco houses that show both influences from east and west add to the color of this eclectic mixture. Most of these beautiful buildings are well preserved and show an nteresting mix of architecture - all of which gives Hoi An UNESCO World Heritage Status.
    hoi-an-window-1.jpg
  • Hoi An Street Scene  - the combination of  Chinese, Vietnamese and French-colonial architectural gems has given Hoi An a unique look, that has earned it UNESCO World Heritage status for its intereting blend of architectural styles: 19th century stucco houses that show both influences from east and west add to the color of this eclectic mixture. Most of these beautiful buildings are well preserved and show an nteresting mix of architecture - all of which gives Hoi An UNESCO World Heritage Status.
    hoi-an-street-scene-2.jpg
  • Hoi An Architecture - the combination of Chinese, Vietnamese and French-colonial architectural gems has given Hoi An a unique look, that has earned it UNESCO World Heritage status for its intereting blend of architectural styles: 19th century stucco houses that show both influences from east and west add to the color of this eclectic mixture. Most of these beautiful buildings are well preserved and show an nteresting mix of architecture - all of which gives Hoi An UNESCO World Heritage Status.
    trung-hoa-assembly-04.jpg
  • Hoi An Old Town - UNESCO World Heritage town Hoi An is a popular stop for visitors to Vietnam.  The towns architectural styles, relaxed atmosphere, and some of the country’s best food.  The town is an attraction in itself, but just 7 km away is an excellent beach and heading the other direction is My Son ruins, another UNESCO World Heritage site.
    hoi-an-32.jpg
  • Hoi An Old Town - UNESCO World Heritage town Hoi An is a popular stop for visitors to Vietnam.  The towns architectural styles, relaxed atmosphere, and some of the country’s best food.  The town is an attraction in itself, but just 7 km away is an excellent beach and heading the other direction is My Son ruins, another UNESCO World Heritage site.
    hoi-an-31.jpg
  • Kanjizaio-in Ato Garden is an excellent example of a Pure Land garden. Maizuru ga Ike  or Dancing Crane Pond is all that is left of the once great temple complex. Kanjisaioin is one of the UNESCO world heritage sites of Hiraizumi. The pond garden remains as beautiful as it was when it was built in the 12th century.  The garden has a large pond with variable coastlines surrounded by Pure Land gardens.  In the center of the pond lies an island, the showpiece of the garden.  The gardens is a nationally designated Place of Scenic Beauty and a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Historic Monuments and Sites of Hiraizumi.  The garden was restored in 1978.
    kanjizaioin-6.jpg
  • Kanjizaio-in Ato Garden is an excellent example of a Pure Land garden. Maizuru ga Ike  or Dancing Crane Pond is all that is left of the once great temple complex. Kanjisaioin is one of the UNESCO world heritage sites of Hiraizumi. The pond garden remains as beautiful as it was when it was built in the 12th century.  The garden has a large pond with variable coastlines surrounded by Pure Land gardens.  In the center of the pond lies an island, the showpiece of the garden.  The gardens is a nationally designated Place of Scenic Beauty and a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Historic Monuments and Sites of Hiraizumi.  The garden was restored in 1978.
    kanjizaioin-2.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
  • Hoi An Old Town - UNESCO World Heritage town Hoi An is a popular stop for visitors to Vietnam.  The towns architectural styles, relaxed atmosphere, and some of the country’s best food.  The town is an attraction in itself, but just 7 km away is an excellent beach and heading the other direction is My Son ruins, another UNESCO World Heritage site.
    hoi-an-30.jpg
  • Hoi An Old Town - UNESCO World Heritage town Hoi An is a popular stop for visitors to Vietnam.  The towns architectural styles, relaxed atmosphere, and some of the country’s best food.  The town is an attraction in itself, but just 7 km away is an excellent beach and heading the other direction is My Son ruins, another UNESCO World Heritage site.
    thu-bon-river-25.jpg
  • Kanjizaio-in Ato Garden is an excellent example of a Pure Land garden. Maizuru ga Ike  or Dancing Crane Pond is all that is left of the once great temple complex. Kanjisaioin is one of the UNESCO world heritage sites of Hiraizumi. The pond garden remains as beautiful as it was when it was built in the 12th century.  The garden has a large pond with variable coastlines surrounded by Pure Land gardens.  In the center of the pond lies an island, the showpiece of the garden.  The gardens is a nationally designated Place of Scenic Beauty and a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Historic Monuments and Sites of Hiraizumi.  The garden was restored in 1978.
    kanjizaioin-8.jpg
  • Kanjizaio-in Ato Garden is an excellent example of a Pure Land garden. Maizuru ga Ike  or Dancing Crane Pond is all that is left of the once great temple complex. Kanjisaioin is one of the UNESCO world heritage sites of Hiraizumi. The pond garden remains as beautiful as it was when it was built in the 12th century.  The garden has a large pond with variable coastlines surrounded by Pure Land gardens.  In the center of the pond lies an island, the showpiece of the garden.  The gardens is a nationally designated Place of Scenic Beauty and a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Historic Monuments and Sites of Hiraizumi.  The garden was restored in 1978.
    kanjizaioin-9.jpg
  • Kanjizaio-in Ato Garden is an excellent example of a Pure Land garden. Maizuru ga Ike  or Dancing Crane Pond is all that is left of the once great temple complex. Kanjisaioin is one of the UNESCO world heritage sites of Hiraizumi. The pond garden remains as beautiful as it was when it was built in the 12th century.  The garden has a large pond with variable coastlines surrounded by Pure Land gardens.  In the center of the pond lies an island, the showpiece of the garden.  The gardens is a nationally designated Place of Scenic Beauty and a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Historic Monuments and Sites of Hiraizumi.  The garden was restored in 1978.
    kanjizaioin-7.jpg
  • Kanjizaio-in Ato Garden is an excellent example of a Pure Land garden. Maizuru ga Ike  or Dancing Crane Pond is all that is left of the once great temple complex. Kanjisaioin is one of the UNESCO world heritage sites of Hiraizumi. The pond garden remains as beautiful as it was when it was built in the 12th century.  The garden has a large pond with variable coastlines surrounded by Pure Land gardens.  In the center of the pond lies an island, the showpiece of the garden.  The gardens is a nationally designated Place of Scenic Beauty and a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Historic Monuments and Sites of Hiraizumi.  The garden was restored in 1978.
    kanjizaioin-1.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
  • Hoi An Old Town - UNESCO World Heritage town Hoi An is a popular stop for visitors to Vietnam.  The towns architectural styles, relaxed atmosphere, and some of the country’s best food.  The town is an attraction in itself, but just 7 km away is an excellent beach and heading the other direction is My Son ruins, another UNESCO World Heritage site.
    thu-bon-bridge.jpg
  • Kanjizaio-in Ato Garden is an excellent example of a Pure Land garden. Maizuru ga Ike  or Dancing Crane Pond is all that is left of the once great temple complex. Kanjisaioin is one of the UNESCO world heritage sites of Hiraizumi. The pond garden remains as beautiful as it was when it was built in the 12th century.  The garden has a large pond with variable coastlines surrounded by Pure Land gardens.  In the center of the pond lies an island, the showpiece of the garden.  The gardens is a nationally designated Place of Scenic Beauty and a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Historic Monuments and Sites of Hiraizumi.  The garden was restored in 1978.
    kanjizaioin-3.jpg
  • Miho-no-Matsubara was registered as a part of Mt. Fuji's world heritage site impart because of its pine tree forest growing along the Miho-no-Matsubara 7 kilometer beach. The  pine forest, the ocean contrasted with Mt. Fuji has been expressed through various drawings such as Hiroshige Utagawa ukiyoe woodblock prints.  Miho Shrine is part of the UNESCO World Heritage which is also popular as a power spot, as well as the "Kami no Michi “God's Road" all have significant historical value.
    miho-no-matsubara-1.jpg
  • Miho-no-Matsubara was registered as a part of Mt. Fuji's world heritage site impart because of its pine tree forest growing along the Miho-no-Matsubara 7 kilometer beach. The  pine forest, the ocean contrasted with Mt. Fuji has been expressed through various drawings such as Hiroshige Utagawa ukiyoe woodblock prints.  Miho Shrine is part of the UNESCO World Heritage which is also popular as a power spot, as well as the "Kami no Michi “God's Road" all have significant historical value.
    miho-no-matsubara-2.jpg
  • The grounds of the Imperial City are surrounded by walls called "the Citadel".  It is  similar in design to the Forbidden City in Beijing. The enclosure was once reserved for the Vietnamese imperial family but now the Citadel is a UNESCO World Heritage site open to all.
    hue-citadel-doors-corridors-1.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
  • Borobudur is a Mahayana Buddhist Temple in Magelang, Central Java.  The monument consists of six square platforms topped by three circular ones, and is festooned with more than 2000 bas-relief panels and five hundred Buddha statues.  Borobudur was constructed in the 9th century and abandoned after the 14th century because of the decline of Buddhism in Java, and the Javanese conversion to Islam. Borobudur has been preserved through several restorations and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Borobudur is the largest Buddhist temple in the world built over 1200 years ago.
    borobudur-buddha-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-02.jpg
  • Nishi Hongan-ji or the "Western Temple of the Original Vow" is one of two temple complexes of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism in Kyoto, the other being Higashi Honganji (or "The Eastern Temple of the Original Vow". Today it serves as the head temple of the Jodo Shinshu sect.  Nish Honganji is older than the Higashi Honganji and has more integral architecture. Together they are listed as Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto as also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    nishi-hongaji-08.jpg
  • Ban Chiang National Museum is made up of antiques, pottery and anything associated with the ancient culture of Ban Chiang including ancient tools, household items, artifacts, and ceramics many of which are over 4000 years old. Displays are showcased so that visitors can get as much information as possible about the ancient culture.  Ban Chiang’s  importance to archaeologists wasn’t recognized until a young American literally stumbled onto a piece of pottery in 1966. after tripping over a tree root Harvard student Stephen Young found himself staring at the top of a pot encased in the earth. He quickly realized that a 50-foot-long area was full of these pots.  Young brought some of his finds to the Thai Fine Arts Department, which sent them to the University of Pennsylvania for further study. Later, In the mid 70s, American archaeologist Chester Gorman joined Pisit Charoenwangsa to lead an excavation that uncovered 123 human skeletons, 11 million ceramic shards, 200 fully intact pots and thousands of other artifacts, including evidence of agriculture and bronze work. Subsequent digs uncovered many more burials sites, and Ban Chiang was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1992.  Ban Chiang National Museum does a great job of showing what’s known about the civilization thousands of years ago and how it fits into the global context of human life.
    ban-chiang-ceramics-12.jpg
  • Ban Chiang National Museum is made up of antiques, pottery and anything associated with the ancient culture of Ban Chiang including ancient tools, household items, artifacts, and ceramics many of which are over 4000 years old. Displays are showcased so that visitors can get as much information as possible about the ancient culture.  Ban Chiang’s  importance to archaeologists wasn’t recognized until a young American literally stumbled onto a piece of pottery in 1966. after tripping over a tree root Harvard student Stephen Young found himself staring at the top of a pot encased in the earth. He quickly realized that a 50-foot-long area was full of these pots.  Young brought some of his finds to the Thai Fine Arts Department, which sent them to the University of Pennsylvania for further study. Later, In the mid 70s, American archaeologist Chester Gorman joined Pisit Charoenwangsa to lead an excavation that uncovered 123 human skeletons, 11 million ceramic shards, 200 fully intact pots and thousands of other artifacts, including evidence of agriculture and bronze work. Subsequent digs uncovered many more burials sites, and Ban Chiang was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1992.  Ban Chiang National Museum does a great job of showing what’s known about the civilization thousands of years ago and how it fits into the global context of human life.
    ban-chiang-ceramics-10.jpg
  • Ban Chiang National Museum is made up of antiques, pottery and anything associated with the ancient culture of Ban Chiang including ancient tools, household items, artifacts, and ceramics many of which are over 4000 years old. Displays are showcased so that visitors can get as much information as possible about the ancient culture.  Ban Chiang’s  importance to archaeologists wasn’t recognized until a young American literally stumbled onto a piece of pottery in 1966. after tripping over a tree root Harvard student Stephen Young found himself staring at the top of a pot encased in the earth. He quickly realized that a 50-foot-long area was full of these pots.  Young brought some of his finds to the Thai Fine Arts Department, which sent them to the University of Pennsylvania for further study. Later, In the mid 70s, American archaeologist Chester Gorman joined Pisit Charoenwangsa to lead an excavation that uncovered 123 human skeletons, 11 million ceramic shards, 200 fully intact pots and thousands of other artifacts, including evidence of agriculture and bronze work. Subsequent digs uncovered many more burials sites, and Ban Chiang was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1992.  Ban Chiang National Museum does a great job of showing what’s known about the civilization thousands of years ago and how it fits into the global context of human life.
    ban-chiang-ceramics-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-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-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
  • Kiyomizu Pagoda Autumn Leaves- a Buddhist temple in Kyoto, a major attraction to the city and a UNESCO World Heritage site.  Not one nail was used in building the entire temple.  It takes its name from the waterfall in the hills nearby, the water itself being sacred -  In Japanese Kiyomizu means clear water or pure water.
    kiyomizu-6.jpg
  • Kiyomizu Temple in Autumn; Kiyomizu-dera is a Buddhist temple in Kyoto, a major attraction to the city and a UNESCO World Heritage site.  Not one nail was used in building the entire temple.  It takes its name from the waterfall in the hills nearby, the water itself being sacred -  In Japanese Kiyomizu means clear water or pure water.
    kiyomizu-7.jpg
  • Nishi Hongan-ji or the "Western Temple of the Original Vow" is one of two temple complexes of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism in Kyoto, the other being Higashi Honganji (or "The Eastern Temple of the Original Vow". Today it serves as the head temple of the Jodo Shinshu sect.  Nish Honganji is older than the Higashi Honganji and has more integral architecture. Together they are listed as Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto as also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    nishi-hongaji-06.jpg
  • Ban Chiang National Museum is made up of antiques, pottery and anything associated with the ancient culture of Ban Chiang including ancient tools, household items, artifacts, and ceramics many of which are over 4000 years old. Displays are showcased so that visitors can get as much information as possible about the ancient culture.  Ban Chiang’s  importance to archaeologists wasn’t recognized until a young American literally stumbled onto a piece of pottery in 1966. after tripping over a tree root Harvard student Stephen Young found himself staring at the top of a pot encased in the earth. He quickly realized that a 50-foot-long area was full of these pots.  Young brought some of his finds to the Thai Fine Arts Department, which sent them to the University of Pennsylvania for further study. Later, In the mid 70s, American archaeologist Chester Gorman joined Pisit Charoenwangsa to lead an excavation that uncovered 123 human skeletons, 11 million ceramic shards, 200 fully intact pots and thousands of other artifacts, including evidence of agriculture and bronze work. Subsequent digs uncovered many more burials sites, and Ban Chiang was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1992.  Ban Chiang National Museum does a great job of showing what’s known about the civilization thousands of years ago and how it fits into the global context of human life.
    ban-chiang-ceramics-15.jpg
  • Ban Chiang National Museum is made up of antiques, pottery and anything associated with the ancient culture of Ban Chiang including ancient tools, household items, artifacts, and ceramics many of which are over 4000 years old. Displays are showcased so that visitors can get as much information as possible about the ancient culture.  Ban Chiang’s  importance to archaeologists wasn’t recognized until a young American literally stumbled onto a piece of pottery in 1966. after tripping over a tree root Harvard student Stephen Young found himself staring at the top of a pot encased in the earth. He quickly realized that a 50-foot-long area was full of these pots.  Young brought some of his finds to the Thai Fine Arts Department, which sent them to the University of Pennsylvania for further study. Later, In the mid 70s, American archaeologist Chester Gorman joined Pisit Charoenwangsa to lead an excavation that uncovered 123 human skeletons, 11 million ceramic shards, 200 fully intact pots and thousands of other artifacts, including evidence of agriculture and bronze work. Subsequent digs uncovered many more burials sites, and Ban Chiang was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1992.  Ban Chiang National Museum does a great job of showing what’s known about the civilization thousands of years ago and how it fits into the global context of human life.
    ban-chiang-ceramics-13.jpg
  • Ban Chiang National Museum is made up of antiques, pottery and anything associated with the ancient culture of Ban Chiang including ancient tools, household items, artifacts, and ceramics many of which are over 4000 years old. Displays are showcased so that visitors can get as much information as possible about the ancient culture.  Ban Chiang’s  importance to archaeologists wasn’t recognized until a young American literally stumbled onto a piece of pottery in 1966. after tripping over a tree root Harvard student Stephen Young found himself staring at the top of a pot encased in the earth. He quickly realized that a 50-foot-long area was full of these pots.  Young brought some of his finds to the Thai Fine Arts Department, which sent them to the University of Pennsylvania for further study. Later, In the mid 70s, American archaeologist Chester Gorman joined Pisit Charoenwangsa to lead an excavation that uncovered 123 human skeletons, 11 million ceramic shards, 200 fully intact pots and thousands of other artifacts, including evidence of agriculture and bronze work. Subsequent digs uncovered many more burials sites, and Ban Chiang was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1992.  Ban Chiang National Museum does a great job of showing what’s known about the civilization thousands of years ago and how it fits into the global context of human life.
    ban-chiang-ceramics-14.jpg
  • Ban Chiang National Museum is made up of antiques, pottery and anything associated with the ancient culture of Ban Chiang including ancient tools, household items, artifacts, and ceramics many of which are over 4000 years old. Displays are showcased so that visitors can get as much information as possible about the ancient culture.  Ban Chiang’s  importance to archaeologists wasn’t recognized until a young American literally stumbled onto a piece of pottery in 1966. after tripping over a tree root Harvard student Stephen Young found himself staring at the top of a pot encased in the earth. He quickly realized that a 50-foot-long area was full of these pots.  Young brought some of his finds to the Thai Fine Arts Department, which sent them to the University of Pennsylvania for further study. Later, In the mid 70s, American archaeologist Chester Gorman joined Pisit Charoenwangsa to lead an excavation that uncovered 123 human skeletons, 11 million ceramic shards, 200 fully intact pots and thousands of other artifacts, including evidence of agriculture and bronze work. Subsequent digs uncovered many more burials sites, and Ban Chiang was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1992.  Ban Chiang National Museum does a great job of showing what’s known about the civilization thousands of years ago and how it fits into the global context of human life.
    ban-chiang-ceramics-8.jpg
  • Ban Chiang National Museum is made up of antiques, pottery and anything associated with the ancient culture of Ban Chiang including ancient tools, household items, artifacts, and ceramics many of which are over 4000 years old. Displays are showcased so that visitors can get as much information as possible about the ancient culture.  Ban Chiang’s  importance to archaeologists wasn’t recognized until a young American literally stumbled onto a piece of pottery in 1966. after tripping over a tree root Harvard student Stephen Young found himself staring at the top of a pot encased in the earth. He quickly realized that a 50-foot-long area was full of these pots.  Young brought some of his finds to the Thai Fine Arts Department, which sent them to the University of Pennsylvania for further study. Later, In the mid 70s, American archaeologist Chester Gorman joined Pisit Charoenwangsa to lead an excavation that uncovered 123 human skeletons, 11 million ceramic shards, 200 fully intact pots and thousands of other artifacts, including evidence of agriculture and bronze work. Subsequent digs uncovered many more burials sites, and Ban Chiang was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1992.  Ban Chiang National Museum does a great job of showing what’s known about the civilization thousands of years ago and how it fits into the global context of human life.
    ban-chiang-ceramics-9.jpg
  • Ban Chiang National Museum is made up of antiques, pottery and anything associated with the ancient culture of Ban Chiang including ancient tools, household items, artifacts, and ceramics many of which are over 4000 years old. Displays are showcased so that visitors can get as much information as possible about the ancient culture.  Ban Chiang’s  importance to archaeologists wasn’t recognized until a young American literally stumbled onto a piece of pottery in 1966. after tripping over a tree root Harvard student Stephen Young found himself staring at the top of a pot encased in the earth. He quickly realized that a 50-foot-long area was full of these pots.  Young brought some of his finds to the Thai Fine Arts Department, which sent them to the University of Pennsylvania for further study. Later, In the mid 70s, American archaeologist Chester Gorman joined Pisit Charoenwangsa to lead an excavation that uncovered 123 human skeletons, 11 million ceramic shards, 200 fully intact pots and thousands of other artifacts, including evidence of agriculture and bronze work. Subsequent digs uncovered many more burials sites, and Ban Chiang was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1992.  Ban Chiang National Museum does a great job of showing what’s known about the civilization thousands of years ago and how it fits into the global context of human life.
    ban-chiang-ceramics-5.jpg
  • Ban Chiang National Museum is made up of antiques, pottery and anything associated with the ancient culture of Ban Chiang including ancient tools, household items, artifacts, and ceramics many of which are over 4000 years old. Displays are showcased so that visitors can get as much information as possible about the ancient culture.  Ban Chiang’s  importance to archaeologists wasn’t recognized until a young American literally stumbled onto a piece of pottery in 1966. after tripping over a tree root Harvard student Stephen Young found himself staring at the top of a pot encased in the earth. He quickly realized that a 50-foot-long area was full of these pots.  Young brought some of his finds to the Thai Fine Arts Department, which sent them to the University of Pennsylvania for further study. Later, In the mid 70s, American archaeologist Chester Gorman joined Pisit Charoenwangsa to lead an excavation that uncovered 123 human skeletons, 11 million ceramic shards, 200 fully intact pots and thousands of other artifacts, including evidence of agriculture and bronze work. Subsequent digs uncovered many more burials sites, and Ban Chiang was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1992.  Ban Chiang National Museum does a great job of showing what’s known about the civilization thousands of years ago and how it fits into the global context of human life.
    ban-chiang-ceramics-4.jpg
  • Ban Chiang National Museum is made up of antiques, pottery and anything associated with the ancient culture of Ban Chiang including ancient tools, household items, artifacts, and ceramics many of which are over 4000 years old. Displays are showcased so that visitors can get as much information as possible about the ancient culture.  Ban Chiang’s  importance to archaeologists wasn’t recognized until a young American literally stumbled onto a piece of pottery in 1966. after tripping over a tree root Harvard student Stephen Young found himself staring at the top of a pot encased in the earth. He quickly realized that a 50-foot-long area was full of these pots.  Young brought some of his finds to the Thai Fine Arts Department, which sent them to the University of Pennsylvania for further study. Later, In the mid 70s, American archaeologist Chester Gorman joined Pisit Charoenwangsa to lead an excavation that uncovered 123 human skeletons, 11 million ceramic shards, 200 fully intact pots and thousands of other artifacts, including evidence of agriculture and bronze work. Subsequent digs uncovered many more burials sites, and Ban Chiang was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1992.  Ban Chiang National Museum does a great job of showing what’s known about the civilization thousands of years ago and how it fits into the global context of human life.
    ban-chiang-ceramics-1.jpg
  • Ban Chiang National Museum is made up of antiques, pottery and anything associated with the ancient culture of Ban Chiang including ancient tools, household items, artifacts, and ceramics many of which are over 4000 years old. Displays are showcased so that visitors can get as much information as possible about the ancient culture.  Ban Chiang’s  importance to archaeologists wasn’t recognized until a young American literally stumbled onto a piece of pottery in 1966. after tripping over a tree root Harvard student Stephen Young found himself staring at the top of a pot encased in the earth. He quickly realized that a 50-foot-long area was full of these pots.  Young brought some of his finds to the Thai Fine Arts Department, which sent them to the University of Pennsylvania for further study. Later, In the mid 70s, American archaeologist Chester Gorman joined Pisit Charoenwangsa to lead an excavation that uncovered 123 human skeletons, 11 million ceramic shards, 200 fully intact pots and thousands of other artifacts, including evidence of agriculture and bronze work. Subsequent digs uncovered many more burials sites, and Ban Chiang was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1992.  Ban Chiang National Museum does a great job of showing what’s known about the civilization thousands of years ago and how it fits into the global context of human life.
    ban-chiang-ceramics-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-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-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-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-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-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-3.jpg
  • Nishi Hongan-ji or the "Western Temple of the Original Vow" is one of two temple complexes of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism in Kyoto, the other being Higashi Honganji (or "The Eastern Temple of the Original Vow". Today it serves as the head temple of the Jodo Shinshu sect.  Nish Honganji is older than the Higashi Honganji and has more integral architecture. Together they are listed as Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto as also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    nishi-honganji-01.jpg
  • Nishi Hongan-ji or the "Western Temple of the Original Vow" is one of two temple complexes of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism in Kyoto, the other being Higashi Honganji (or "The Eastern Temple of the Original Vow". Today it serves as the head temple of the Jodo Shinshu sect.  Nish Honganji is older than the Higashi Honganji and has more integral architecture. Together they are listed as Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto as also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    nishi-honganji-02.jpg
  • Nishi Hongan-ji or the "Western Temple of the Original Vow" is one of two temple complexes of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism in Kyoto, the other being Higashi Honganji (or "The Eastern Temple of the Original Vow". Today it serves as the head temple of the Jodo Shinshu sect.  Nish Honganji is older than the Higashi Honganji and has more integral architecture. Together they are listed as Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto as also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    nishi-honganji-04.jpg
  • Kiyomizu Pagoda at Night - Kiyomizu-dera is a Buddhist temple in Kyoto, a major attraction to the city and a UNESCO World Heritage site.  Not one nail was used in building the entire temple.  It takes its name from the waterfall in the hills nearby, the water itself being sacred -  In Japanese Kiyomizu means clear water or pure water.
    kiyomizu-1.jpg
  • Kiyomizu-dera Temple at Night - Kiyomizu-dera is a Buddhist temple in Kyoto, a major attraction to the city and a UNESCO World Heritage site.  Not one nail was used in building the entire temple.  It takes its name from the waterfall in the hills nearby, the water itself being sacred -  In Japanese Kiyomizu means clear water or pure water.
    kiyomizu-5.jpg
  • Nishi Hongan-ji or the "Western Temple of the Original Vow" is one of two temple complexes of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism in Kyoto, the other being Higashi Honganji (or "The Eastern Temple of the Original Vow". Today it serves as the head temple of the Jodo Shinshu sect.  Nish Honganji is older than the Higashi Honganji and has more integral architecture. Together they are listed as Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto as also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    nishi-hongaji-09.jpg
  • Nishi Hongan-ji or the "Western Temple of the Original Vow" is one of two temple complexes of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism in Kyoto, the other being Higashi Honganji (or "The Eastern Temple of the Original Vow". Today it serves as the head temple of the Jodo Shinshu sect.  Nish Honganji is older than the Higashi Honganji and has more integral architecture. Together they are listed as Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto as also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    nishi-hongaji-07.jpg
  • Ban Chiang National Museum is made up of antiques, pottery and anything associated with the ancient culture of Ban Chiang including ancient tools, household items, artifacts, and ceramics many of which are over 4000 years old. Displays are showcased so that visitors can get as much information as possible about the ancient culture.  Ban Chiang’s  importance to archaeologists wasn’t recognized until a young American literally stumbled onto a piece of pottery in 1966. after tripping over a tree root Harvard student Stephen Young found himself staring at the top of a pot encased in the earth. He quickly realized that a 50-foot-long area was full of these pots.  Young brought some of his finds to the Thai Fine Arts Department, which sent them to the University of Pennsylvania for further study. Later, In the mid 70s, American archaeologist Chester Gorman joined Pisit Charoenwangsa to lead an excavation that uncovered 123 human skeletons, 11 million ceramic shards, 200 fully intact pots and thousands of other artifacts, including evidence of agriculture and bronze work. Subsequent digs uncovered many more burials sites, and Ban Chiang was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1992.  Ban Chiang National Museum does a great job of showing what’s known about the civilization thousands of years ago and how it fits into the global context of human life.
    ban-chiang-ceramics-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-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-12.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-8.jpg
  • Nishi Hongan-ji or the "Western Temple of the Original Vow" is one of two temple complexes of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism in Kyoto, the other being Higashi Honganji (or "The Eastern Temple of the Original Vow". Today it serves as the head temple of the Jodo Shinshu sect.  Nish Honganji is older than the Higashi Honganji and has more integral architecture. Together they are listed as Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto as also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    nishi-honganji-05.jpg
  • Kiyomizu Pagoda at Night, Kiyomizu is a Buddhist temple in Kyoto, a major attraction to the city and a UNESCO World Heritage site.  Not one nail was used in building the entire temple.  It takes its name from the waterfall in the hills nearby, the water itself being sacred -  In Japanese Kiyomizu means clear water or pure water.
    kiyomizu-4.jpg
  • Galle Fort was built first by the Portuguese, then modified by the Dutch during the 17th century. Even today, after 400 years of existence, it still looks well preserved thanks to the efforts of the Archaeological Department of Sri Lanka and UNESCO.  The reason for its remarkable state of preservation is that this once busy trading town, visited by the East-India fleets and many regional traders, fell upon slack times after the Dutch had left. The development that did take place focussed on the new town of Galle, outside the Fort.  The Fort is really a walled city, with a rectangular pattern of streets full of the low houses with gables and verandas in the Dutch colonial style.
    galle-fort-7.jpg
  • Galle Fort was built first by the Portuguese, then modified by the Dutch during the 17th century. Even today, after 400 years of existence, it still looks well preserved thanks to the efforts of the Archaeological Department of Sri Lanka and UNESCO.  The reason for its remarkable state of preservation is that this once busy trading town, visited by the East-India fleets and many regional traders, fell upon slack times after the Dutch had left. The development that did take place focussed on the new town of Galle, outside the Fort.  The Fort is really a walled city, with a rectangular pattern of streets full of the low houses with gables and verandas in the Dutch colonial style.
    galle-fort-5.jpg
  • Galle Fort was built first by the Portuguese, then modified by the Dutch during the 17th century. Even today, after 400 years of existence, it still looks well preserved thanks to the efforts of the Archaeological Department of Sri Lanka and UNESCO.  The reason for its remarkable state of preservation is that this once busy trading town, visited by the East-India fleets and many regional traders, fell upon slack times after the Dutch had left. The development that did take place focussed on the new town of Galle, outside the Fort.  The Fort is really a walled city, with a rectangular pattern of streets full of the low houses with gables and verandas in the Dutch colonial style.
    galle-fort-8.jpg
  • Kiyomizu Temple in Autumn; Kiyomizu-dera is a Buddhist temple in Kyoto, a major attraction to the city and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Not one nail was used in building the entire temple. It takes its name from the waterfall in the hills nearby, the water itself being sacred - In Japanese Kiyomizu means clear water or pure water.
    kiyomizu-8.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
  • 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
  • Cruising Halong Bay gives visitors the chance to cruise the bay in style and comfort but also to enjoy kayaking.  Kayaks are usually an "add on" to the boat cruise itself.  It's a great way to view the UNESCO World Heritage site of Halong Bay itself.
    halong-kayak-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
  • 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
  • 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-1.jpg
  • Sigiriya, or Lion's rock, is an ancient rock fortress and palace ruin surrounded by the remains of an extensive network of gardens, reservoirs, and other structures. A popular tourist destination, Sigiriya is also renowned for its ancient fresco paintings which are reminiscent of the Ajanta Caves of India.  Sigiriya was built during the reign of King Kassapa I and it is one of the seven World Heritage Sites of Sri Lanka.  The Sigiriya rock is a hardened magma plug from an extinct and long-eroded volcano. It stands high above the surrounding plain, visible for miles in all directions. The rock rests on a steep mound that rises abruptly from the flat plain surrounding it. The rock itself rises 370 m (1,214 ft) above sea level and is sheer on all sides, in many places overhanging the base. It is elliptical in plan and has a flat top that slopes gradually along the long axis of the ellipse.
    sigiriya-3.jpg
  • Ile de la Cite in Paris has more to offer than just Notre Dame Cathedral.  Sainte Chapelle is a jewel of Gothic art built during the 12th century for King Saint Louis.  It was originally built to house the Crown of Thorns of Christ which is now stored at Notre Dame. The chapel is covered with 600 square meters of stained glass windows. It’s one of the most magnificent stained glass displays in the world.  The architecture and stained glass windows represent a major example of the Gothic period. The stained glass shows more than 1000 scenes from the Old and New Testaments.  The Chapel of Sainte Chapelle is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
    sainte-chapelle-9.jpg
  • Ile de la Cite in Paris has more to offer than just Notre Dame Cathedral.  Sainte Chapelle is a jewel of Gothic art built during the 12th century for King Saint Louis.  It was originally built to house the Crown of Thorns of Christ which is now stored at Notre Dame. The chapel is covered with 600 square meters of stained glass windows. It’s one of the most magnificent stained glass displays in the world.  The architecture and stained glass windows represent a major example of the Gothic period. The stained glass shows more than 1000 scenes from the Old and New Testaments.  The Chapel of Sainte Chapelle is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
    sainte-chapelle-11.jpg
  • Ile de la Cite in Paris has more to offer than just Notre Dame Cathedral.  Sainte Chapelle is a jewel of Gothic art built during the 12th century for King Saint Louis.  It was originally built to house the Crown of Thorns of Christ which is now stored at Notre Dame. The chapel is covered with 600 square meters of stained glass windows. It’s one of the most magnificent stained glass displays in the world.  The architecture and stained glass windows represent a major example of the Gothic period. The stained glass shows more than 1000 scenes from the Old and New Testaments.  The Chapel of Sainte Chapelle is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
    sainte-chapelle-10.jpg
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