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  • Itsukushima Shrine - Miyajima Island in the inland sea was once thought to be so sacred that human beings were not permitted to live on it.  Itsukushima Shrine was constructed over water so that humans would not "pollute" the sacred island. Today many ferries carry traffic between the island and Hiroshima.  Because the island is still sacred, trees may not be cut for lumber. Deer roam freely as they are thought to be sacred in the Shinto religion as messengers of the gods.
    itsukushima-shrine.jpg
  • Kannushi is a shinto shrine priest sometimes known as shinshoku. Kannushi is a mediator between gods and humans, and served the kami on behalf of humanity. He is responsible for the maintenance of a shinto shrine, in this case Tsurugaoka Hachimangu shrine in Kamakura.  It is commonplace for Kannushi to marry - his children normally inherit their position at their shrine or a related one.  Shinto priest clothes do not have any particular religious significance, but are garments very similar to those worn in the past by the Imperial court. Miko or shrine maidens whose duties are sacred cleansing, ritual and performing kagara dance.
    shinto-priest-05.jpg
  • Kannushi is a shinto shrine priest sometimes known as shinshoku. Kannushi is a mediator between gods and humans, and served the kami on behalf of humanity. He is responsible for the maintenance of a shinto shrine, in this case Tsurugaoka Hachimangu shrine in Kamakura.  It is commonplace for Kannushi to marry - his children normally inherit their position at their shrine or a related one.  Shinto priest clothes do not have any particular religious significance, but are garments very similar to those worn in the past by the Imperial court. Miko or shrine maidens whose duties are sacred cleansing, ritual and performing kagara dance.
    shinto-priest-03.jpg
  • Kannushi is a shinto shrine priest sometimes known as shinshoku. Kannushi is a mediator between gods and humans, and served the kami on behalf of humanity. He is responsible for the maintenance of a shinto shrine, in this case Tsurugaoka Hachimangu shrine in Kamakura.  It is commonplace for Kannushi to marry - his children normally inherit their position at their shrine or a related one.  Shinto priest clothes do not have any particular religious significance, but are garments very similar to those worn in the past by the Imperial court. Miko or shrine maidens whose duties are sacred cleansing, ritual and performing kagara dance.
    shinto-priest-02.jpg
  • Kannushi is a shinto shrine priest sometimes known as shinshoku. Kannushi is a mediator between gods and humans, and served the kami on behalf of humanity. He is responsible for the maintenance of a shinto shrine, in this case Tsurugaoka Hachimangu shrine in Kamakura.  It is commonplace for Kannushi to marry - his children normally inherit their position at their shrine or a related one.  Shinto priest clothes do not have any particular religious significance, but are garments very similar to those worn in the past by the Imperial court. Miko or shrine maidens whose duties are sacred cleansing, ritual and performing kagara dance.
    shinto-priest-01.jpg
  • The Shikoku Pilgrimage is a trail of 88 temples on the island of Shikoku. It is believed all 88 temples were visited by the famous Buddhist monk Kukai, founder of the Shingon school, who was born in Zentsuji Temple in 774. To complete the pilgrimage, it is not necessary to visit the temples in order. The pilgrimage is traditionally completed on foot, but modern pilgrims use cars, taxis, buses, bicycles or motorcycles. The walking course is approximately 1200km long and can take anywhere from 30 to 60 days to complete. "Henro" is the Japanese word for pilgrim - they are recognizable by their white clothing, sedge hats, and walking sticks.
    henro-22.jpg
  • Colourful guardian at Futarasan Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Nikko.
    futarasan-2.jpg
  • The Shikoku Pilgrimage is a trail of 88 temples on the island of Shikoku. It is believed all 88 temples were visited by the famous Buddhist monk Kukai, founder of the Shingon school, who was born in Zentsuji Temple in 774. To complete the pilgrimage, it is not necessary to visit the temples in order. The pilgrimage is traditionally completed on foot, but modern pilgrims use cars, taxis, buses, bicycles or motorcycles. The walking course is approximately 1200km long and can take anywhere from 30 to 60 days to complete. "Henro" is the Japanese word for pilgrim - they are recognizable by their white clothing, sedge hats, and walking sticks.
    henro-20.jpg
  • The Shikoku Pilgrimage is a trail of 88 temples on the island of Shikoku. It is believed all 88 temples were visited by the famous Buddhist monk Kukai, founder of the Shingon school, who was born in Zentsuji Temple in 774. To complete the pilgrimage, it is not necessary to visit the temples in order. The pilgrimage is traditionally completed on foot, but modern pilgrims use cars, taxis, buses, bicycles or motorcycles. The walking course is approximately 1200km long and can take anywhere from 30 to 60 days to complete. "Henro" is the Japanese word for pilgrim - they are recognizable by their white clothing, sedge hats, and walking sticks.
    henro-22.jpg
  • Henro Japanese Pilgrim Cutouts - The Shikoku Pilgrimage is a trail of 88 temples on the island of Shikoku. It is believed all 88 temples were visited by the famous Buddhist monk Kukai, founder of the Shingon school, who was born in Zentsuji Temple in 774. To complete the pilgrimage, it is not necessary to visit the temples in order. The pilgrimage is traditionally completed on foot, but modern pilgrims use cars, taxis, buses, bicycles or motorcycles. The walking course is approximately 1200km long and can take anywhere from 30 to 60 days to complete. "Henro" is the Japanese word for pilgrim - they are recognizable by their white clothing, sedge hats, and walking sticks.
    henro-21.jpg
  • The Shikoku Pilgrimage is a trail of 88 temples on the island of Shikoku. It is believed all 88 temples were visited by the famous Buddhist monk Kukai, founder of the Shingon school, who was born in Zentsuji Temple in 774. To complete the pilgrimage, it is not necessary to visit the temples in order. The pilgrimage is traditionally completed on foot, but modern pilgrims use cars, taxis, buses, bicycles or motorcycles. The walking course is approximately 1200km long and can take anywhere from 30 to 60 days to complete. "Henro" is the Japanese word for pilgrim - they are recognizable by their white clothing, sedge hats, and walking sticks.
    henro-20.jpg
  • Zentsuji in Kagawa Prefecture in northern Shikoku near Takamatsu is number 75 and the largest of the 88 Sacred Temples of Shikoku - an ancient pilgrimage route that circles the island of Shikoku. The temple was the home of Kobo Daishi (Kukai), the founder of the Koyasan temple complex in Wakayama and one of the most influential Buddhist priests in Japanese history. Kobo Daishi is reputed to have been born in the area and to have grown up in the temple.
    henro-17.jpg
  • Gate to Futarasan Shrine, Nikkos' second most elaborate shrine after Toshugu, though both are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
    futarasan.jpg
  • 29. Futarasan 二荒山神社  Futarasan Shrine is much older than its more lavish neighbor, Toshogu Shrine.  Futarasan was founded in 782 by Shodo Shonin, the Buddhist monk who introduced Buddhism to Nikko and also founded nearby Rinnoji Temple. This is an unusual juxtaposition of Shinto and Buddhism, particularly since they were both founded by a Buddhist monk - presumably to keep his options open.  At the back of the shrine there is a spring of pure holy water, so pure that it is used for making sake.
    29.NIKKO-FUTARASAN-02.jpg
  • St George Anglican Church Penang is officially known as Church of St George the Martyr. The church was completed in 1818 and been a George Town, Penang landmark ever since. St George’s Church Penang is the oldest Anglican Church in the Far East and has been designated by the government of Malaysia as National Heritage, given this title in 2007. The church is part of the Anglican Diocese of West Malaysia.
    St-George-Penang-02.jpg
  • St George Anglican Church Penang is officially known as Church of St George the Martyr. The church was completed in 1818 and been a George Town, Penang landmark ever since. St George’s Church Penang is the oldest Anglican Church in the Far East and has been designated by the government of Malaysia as National Heritage, given this title in 2007. The church is part of the Anglican Diocese of West Malaysia.
    St-George-Penang-03.jpg
  • Church of the Assumption Penang - the church was built by Eurasians who followed Captain Francis Light to Penang when it was established as a British trading post. These Eurasians were fleeing persecution. Their leader was Bishop Arnaud-Antoine Ganault. They were joined by Catholics of Portuguese descent. The first group of Catholics arrived in Penang on the eve of the Feast of the Assumption in 1786 and later named their church after this historic arrival. The first wooden church was replaced by moving the site to its present location and the current building was constructed in 1861.
    church-assumption-penang-03.jpg
  • Ride 'em cowboy!  Posing for the camera at one of the giant penises at the annual Kanamara Shrine Matsuri in Kawasaki, Japan. Originally, Kanamara Shrine was a place for couples to pray for fertility so as to have a baby or for prostitutes to ward off diseases as it is today. The annual festival has become, however, a bit of a circus for its novelty.
    kanamara-shrine-1.jpg
  • Awashima Jinja is a shrine for women, famous for its huge collection of dolls. Japanese are superstitions about dolls, many people find them mysterious or frightening, believing that they have souls or the power to influence human lives. There are a number of shrines and festivals where people dispose of their old dolls - they feel that if they just threw them in the garbage, the dolls’ souls might come back to haunt them like ghosts. Awashima jinja is especially devoted to dispose of hina ningyo, which are dolls that are given to young girls on Girl’s Day March 3rd. There are thousands of dolls here, as well as sculptures, figurines, carvings, and statues. You’ll find tanuki, maneki neko, daruma, frogs and many more.
    awashima-shrine-6.jpg
  • Ema Wishes at Samukawa Jinja Shrine has a long history dating back to the 8th century and is considered to be one of the leading shrines in Kanagawa Prefecture. Enshrined here are the prince and princess Samukawa-hiko-no-Mikoto and Samukawa-hime-no-Mikoto. The shrine was under the powerful protection of the Kamakura Shogunate in the 13th century, and then of the Edo Tokyo Shogunate in the 17th century.
    samukawa-shrine-14.jpg
  • Wat Pho also known as Wat Phra Chetuphon or The Temple of the Reclining Buddha, is a Buddhist temple in  Bangkok right next to to the Grand Palace.  Its official full name is Wat Phra Chetuphon Vimolmangklararm Rajwaramahaviharn. The temple is also known as the birthplace of traditional Thai massage.
    wat-pho-guardian-2.jpg
  • Illuminated model of the Temple of Heaven in Tiananmen Square.
    jla01245.jpg
  • Wat Lokayasutharam where the largest reclining Buddha is to be found in Ayutthaya.  It is 32 meters long and 8 meters high.  There is no vihara to shelter the image. In the past the vihara roof was made of tin and was struck by lightning twice so it has been left outdoors ever since.
    Wat-Lokayasutharam-4.jpg
  • The magnificent statue of Hase Kannon is housed here for all to see and worship. It is 9 meters pr 30 feet tall and has eleven heads in addition to its main one - three in front, three to the left and three to the right, plus one at the top and another on the back. Each face has a different expression, signifying that the deity listens to the wishes of all types of people. Gold leaf was applied to the statue in 1342 and in 1392 the halo was added. Although Kannon is usually described in English as "the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy" strictly speaking it is neither masculine nor feminine and represents compassion, mercy, and love.
    hase-dera-kannon-3.jpg
  • Alternatively called Bake-jizo, Narabi-jizo (Jizos in a line) or Hyaku-jizo (100-Jizo), a group of mysteriously aligned Jizo patiently sit along the Daiya River and Jiunji Temple. "Jizo" images and statues are popular in Japan as Bodhisattva who console beings awaiting rebirth and travelers. As such they are often found along roadsides, paths or even street corners. There is a group of about 70 Jizos along the Bake Jizo Trail in Nikko. At one time there were 100 jizos along this trail. However, some of those were washed away by flooding in 1902. Alternatively called Bake-jizo, Narabi-jizo (Jizos in a line) or Hyaku-jizo (100-Jizo), a group of mysteriously aligned Jizo patiently sit along the Daiya River and Jiunji Temple
    jizo-8.jpg
  • Wat Pho also known as Wat Phra Chetuphon or The Temple of the Reclining Buddha, is a Buddhist temple in Phra Nakhon district, Bangkok,  located in the Rattanakosin Island, directly adjacent to the Grand Palace.  Its official full name is Wat Phra Chetuphon Vimolmangklararm Rajwaramahaviharn. The temple is also known as the birthplace of traditional Thai massage.
    wat-pho-5.jpg
  • St George Anglican Church Penang is officially known as Church of St George the Martyr. The church was completed in 1818 and been a George Town, Penang landmark ever since. St George’s Church Penang is the oldest Anglican Church in the Far East and has been designated by the government of Malaysia as National Heritage, given this title in 2007. The church is part of the Anglican Diocese of West Malaysia.
    St-George-Penang-07.jpg
  • St George Anglican Church Penang is officially known as Church of St George the Martyr. The church was completed in 1818 and been a George Town, Penang landmark ever since. St George’s Church Penang is the oldest Anglican Church in the Far East and has been designated by the government of Malaysia as National Heritage, given this title in 2007. The church is part of the Anglican Diocese of West Malaysia.
    St-George-Penang-06.jpg
  • St George Anglican Church Penang is officially known as Church of St George the Martyr. The church was completed in 1818 and been a George Town, Penang landmark ever since. St George’s Church Penang is the oldest Anglican Church in the Far East and has been designated by the government of Malaysia as National Heritage, given this title in 2007. The church is part of the Anglican Diocese of West Malaysia.
    St-George-Penang-05.jpg
  • St George Anglican Church Penang is officially known as Church of St George the Martyr. The church was completed in 1818 and been a George Town, Penang landmark ever since. St George’s Church Penang is the oldest Anglican Church in the Far East and has been designated by the government of Malaysia as National Heritage, given this title in 2007. The church is part of the Anglican Diocese of West Malaysia.
    St-George-Penang-01.jpg
  • St George Anglican Church Penang is officially known as Church of St George the Martyr. The church was completed in 1818 and been a George Town, Penang landmark ever since. St George’s Church Penang is the oldest Anglican Church in the Far East and has been designated by the government of Malaysia as National Heritage, given this title in 2007. The church is part of the Anglican Diocese of West Malaysia.
    st-george-anglican-penang-2.jpg
  • Seh Tek Tong Cheah Kongsi, Penang - usually known simply as Cheah Kongsi for short, is the oldest of the five clan communities in Penang. The Hokies community of Chinese settlers in Penang established this clan house, and together with Tua Pek Konh temple nearby formed the hub for this community in Penang. Such clans were formed for mutual support and self defense from rival clans. These clans also supported their brethren back in Southern China who were experiencing repression at that time. Today the clan promotes the welfare of its membership and provides educational events and scholarships for their children.
    Seh-Tek-Tong-Cheah-Kongsi-1.jpg
  • Church of the Assumption Penang - the church was built by Eurasians who followed Captain Francis Light to Penang when it was established as a British trading post. These Eurasians were fleeing persecution. Their leader was Bishop Arnaud-Antoine Ganault. They were joined by Catholics of Portuguese descent. The first group of Catholics arrived in Penang on the eve of the Feast of the Assumption in 1786 and later named their church after this historic arrival. The first wooden church was replaced by moving the site to its present location and the current building was constructed in 1861.
    church-assumption-penang-02.jpg
  • Church of the Assumption Penang - the church was built by Eurasians who followed Captain Francis Light to Penang when it was established as a British trading post. These Eurasians were fleeing persecution. Their leader was Bishop Arnaud-Antoine Ganault. They were joined by Catholics of Portuguese descent. The first group of Catholics arrived in Penang on the eve of the Feast of the Assumption in 1786 and later named their church after this historic arrival. The first wooden church was replaced by moving the site to its present location and the current building was constructed in 1861.
    church-assumption-penang-01.jpg
  • 78.1 Tsurugaoka Hachimiangu Shrine 鶴岡八幡宮 - is the most important Shinto shrine in Kamakura, as well one of the most prominent in Kanagawa Prefecture.  Although it is now a Shinto shrine, Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu was a Buddhist temple for most of its history. Many ceremonies are held here including weddings and Coming of Age day in January.  Most festivals, ceremonies and events in Kamakura are centered at and around Tsurugaoka Hachimangu.
    78.1.TENTATIVE-KAMAKURA-TSURUGAOKA-0...jpg
  • 32.1 Itsukushima Shrine 厳島神社 on Miyajima Island was once thought to be so sacred that human beings were not permitted to live on it. The shrine was constructed over water so that humans would not ‘pollute' the sacred island. Today many ferries carry traffic between the island and Hiroshima but because the island is still sacred, even now no trees may be cut for lumber, and the terminally ill are brought to the mainland to prevent death from occuring on the island.
    32.1.HIROSHIMA-ITSUKUSHIMA-01.jpg
  • Awashima Jinja is a shrine for women, famous for its huge collection of dolls. Japanese are superstitions about dolls, many people find them mysterious or frightening, believing that they have souls or the power to influence human lives. There are a number of shrines and festivals where people dispose of their old dolls - they feel that if they just threw them in the garbage, the dolls’ souls might come back to haunt them like ghosts. Awashima jinja is especially devoted to dispose of hina ningyo, which are dolls that are given to young girls on Girl’s Day March 3rd. There are thousands of dolls here, as well as sculptures, figurines, carvings, and statues. You’ll find tanuki, maneki neko, daruma, frogs and many more.
    awashima-shrine-5.jpg
  • Awashima Jinja is a shrine for women, famous for its huge collection of dolls. Japanese are superstitions about dolls, many people find them mysterious or frightening, believing that they have souls or the power to influence human lives. There are a number of shrines and festivals where people dispose of their old dolls - they feel that if they just threw them in the garbage, the dolls’ souls might come back to haunt them like ghosts. Awashima jinja is especially devoted to dispose of hina ningyo, which are dolls that are given to young girls on Girl’s Day March 3rd. There are thousands of dolls here, as well as sculptures, figurines, carvings, and statues. You’ll find tanuki, maneki neko, daruma, frogs and many more.
    awashima-shrine-7.jpg
  • Awashima Jinja is a shrine for women, famous for its huge collection of dolls. Japanese are superstitions about dolls, many people find them mysterious or frightening, believing that they have souls or the power to influence human lives. There are a number of shrines and festivals where people dispose of their old dolls - they feel that if they just threw them in the garbage, the dolls’ souls might come back to haunt them like ghosts. Awashima jinja is especially devoted to dispose of hina ningyo, which are dolls that are given to young girls on Girl’s Day March 3rd. There are thousands of dolls here, as well as sculptures, figurines, carvings, and statues. You’ll find tanuki, maneki neko, daruma, frogs and many more.
    awashima-shrine-4.jpg
  • Awashima Jinja is a shrine for women, famous for its huge collection of dolls. Japanese are superstitions about dolls, many people find them mysterious or frightening, believing that they have souls or the power to influence human lives. There are a number of shrines and festivals where people dispose of their old dolls - they feel that if they just threw them in the garbage, the dolls’ souls might come back to haunt them like ghosts. Awashima jinja is especially devoted to dispose of hina ningyo, which are dolls that are given to young girls on Girl’s Day March 3rd. There are thousands of dolls here, as well as sculptures, figurines, carvings, and statues. You’ll find tanuki, maneki neko, daruma, frogs and many more.
    awashima-shrine-18.jpg
  • Awashima Jinja is a shrine for women, famous for its huge collection of dolls. Japanese are superstitions about dolls, many people find them mysterious or frightening, believing that they have souls or the power to influence human lives. There are a number of shrines and festivals where people dispose of their old dolls - they feel that if they just threw them in the garbage, the dolls’ souls might come back to haunt them like ghosts. Awashima jinja is especially devoted to dispose of hina ningyo, which are dolls that are given to young girls on Girl’s Day March 3rd. There are thousands of dolls here, as well as sculptures, figurines, carvings, and statues. You’ll find tanuki, maneki neko, daruma, frogs and many more.
    awashima-shrine-8.jpg
  • Ema Wishes at Samukawa Jinja Shrine has a long history dating back to the 8th century and is considered to be one of the leading shrines in Kanagawa Prefecture. Enshrined here are the prince and princess Samukawa-hiko-no-Mikoto and Samukawa-hime-no-Mikoto. The shrine was under the powerful protection of the Kamakura Shogunate in the 13th century, and then of the Edo Tokyo Shogunate in the 17th century.
    samukawa-shrine-15.jpg
  • Samukawa Jinja Shrine has a long history dating back to the 8th century and is considered to be one of the leading shrines in Kanagawa Prefecture. Enshrined here are the prince and princess Samukawa-hiko-no-Mikoto and Samukawa-hime-no-Mikoto. The shrine was under the powerful protection of the Kamakura Shogunate in the 13th century, and then of the Edo Tokyo Shogunate in the 17th century.
    samukawa-shrine-10.jpg
  • Samukawa Jinja Shrine has a long history dating back to the 8th century and is considered to be one of the leading shrines in Kanagawa Prefecture. Enshrined here are the prince and princess Samukawa-hiko-no-Mikoto and Samukawa-hime-no-Mikoto. The shrine was under the powerful protection of the Kamakura Shogunate in the 13th century, and then of the Edo Tokyo Shogunate in the 17th century.
    samukawa-shrine-11.jpg
  • Samukawa Jinja Shrine has a long history dating back to the 8th century and is considered to be one of the leading shrines in Kanagawa Prefecture. Enshrined here are the prince and princess Samukawa-hiko-no-Mikoto and Samukawa-hime-no-Mikoto. The shrine was under the powerful protection of the Kamakura Shogunate in the 13th century, and then of the Edo Tokyo Shogunate in the 17th century.
    samukawa-shrine-12.jpg
  • Samukawa Jinja Shrine has a long history dating back to the 8th century and is considered to be one of the leading shrines in Kanagawa Prefecture. Enshrined here are the prince and princess Samukawa-hiko-no-Mikoto and Samukawa-hime-no-Mikoto. The shrine was under the powerful protection of the Kamakura Shogunate in the 13th century, and then of the Edo Tokyo Shogunate in the 17th century.
    samukawa-shrine-4.jpg
  • Samukawa Jinja Shrine has a long history dating back to the 8th century and is considered to be one of the leading shrines in Kanagawa Prefecture. Enshrined here are the prince and princess Samukawa-hiko-no-Mikoto and Samukawa-hime-no-Mikoto. The shrine was under the powerful protection of the Kamakura Shogunate in the 13th century, and then of the Edo Tokyo Shogunate in the 17th century.
    samukawa-shrine-5.jpg
  • Samukawa Jinja Shrine has a long history dating back to the 8th century and is considered to be one of the leading shrines in Kanagawa Prefecture. Enshrined here are the prince and princess Samukawa-hiko-no-Mikoto and Samukawa-hime-no-Mikoto. The shrine was under the powerful protection of the Kamakura Shogunate in the 13th century, and then of the Edo Tokyo Shogunate in the 17th century.
    samukawa-shrine-3.jpg
  • Samukawa Jinja Shrine has a long history dating back to the 8th century and is considered to be one of the leading shrines in Kanagawa Prefecture. Enshrined here are the prince and princess Samukawa-hiko-no-Mikoto and Samukawa-hime-no-Mikoto. The shrine was under the powerful protection of the Kamakura Shogunate in the 13th century, and then of the Edo Tokyo Shogunate in the 17th century.
    samukawa-shrine-2.jpg
  • Wat Pho Reclining Buddha - Wat Pho also known as Wat Phra Chetuphon or The Temple of the Reclining Buddha, is a Buddhist temple in  Bangkok right next to to the Grand Palace.  Its official full name is Wat Phra Chetuphon Vimolmangklararm Rajwaramahaviharn. The temple is also known as the birthplace of traditional Thai massage.
    reclining-buddha-04.jpg
  • Wat Pho also known as Wat Phra Chetuphon or The Temple of the Reclining Buddha, is a Buddhist temple in  Bangkok right next to to the Grand Palace.  Its official full name is Wat Phra Chetuphon Vimolmangklararm Rajwaramahaviharn. The temple is also known as the birthplace of traditional Thai massage.
    wat-pho-7.jpg
  • Wat Pho also known as Wat Phra Chetuphon or The Temple of the Reclining Buddha, is a Buddhist temple in  Bangkok right next to to the Grand Palace.  Its official full name is Wat Phra Chetuphon Vimolmangklararm Rajwaramahaviharn. The temple is also known as the birthplace of traditional Thai massage.
    wat-pho-6.jpg
  • Wat Pho Reclining Buddha - Wat Pho also known as Wat Phra Chetuphon or The Temple of the Reclining Buddha, is a Buddhist temple in  Bangkok right next to to the Grand Palace.  Its official full name is Wat Phra Chetuphon Vimolmangklararm Rajwaramahaviharn. The temple is also known as the birthplace of traditional Thai massage.
    reclining-buddha-02.jpg
  • Wat Pho Reclining Buddha - Wat Pho also known as Wat Phra Chetuphon or The Temple of the Reclining Buddha, is a Buddhist temple in  Bangkok right next to to the Grand Palace.  Its official full name is Wat Phra Chetuphon Vimolmangklararm Rajwaramahaviharn. The temple is also known as the birthplace of traditional Thai massage.
    reclining-buddha-01.jpg
  • Henro, or Japanese Buddhist pilgrims, making their way along the sacred trails of Koya-san.  Though the most famous trail in Japan is around Shikoku Island's 88 temples, Koya-san is another hot spot.  Nowadays it is common to undertake pilgrimages in stages, completing one cycle in a number of trips; many devotees repeat the pilgrimage - even hundreds of times. Some become so addicted to the sites and the route that they spend their entire lives on the road and end their pilgrimage only in death, a memorial stone marking the ending  of their life's journey.
    henro-19.jpg
  • Jizo in Snow - "Jizo" images and statues are popular in Japan as Bodhisattva who console beings awaiting rebirth and travelers. As such they are often found along roadsides, paths or even street corners.
    amber-lotus-44.jpg
  • Named after Manjushri, wisest of the Bodhisattva, Monju Senji Temple on the Kunisaki Peninsula in Kyushu thrived as the early hub of Buddhist culture in Japan. Countless stone statues, many carved into cliffs, still survive into the present day. This area contains more than 60% of Japan's Buddhist images carved on large rock outcrops, cliffs or in caves and movable statues carved from stone. Kyushu is credited as the source of Japanese civilization, from which the seeds of culture were planted throughout the islands. Archaeological findings suggest that Kyushu was the earliest inhabited area of Japan. Records show that first contact with mainland Asia and Buddhism originated in Kyushu.
    kunisaki.jpg
  • The large reclining Buddha at Wat Lokkayasutha in Ayutthya, named Phra Budhasaiyart, is made of brick and covered with plaster, and is approximately 29 meters long. The ruins of large hexagonal pillars near the image are believed to be the ruins of the Ubosot.
    Wat-Lokayasutharam-3.jpg
  • The magnificent statue of Hase Kannon is housed here for all to see and worship. It is 9 meters pr 30 feet tall and has eleven heads in addition to its main one - three in front, three to the left and three to the right, plus one at the top and another on the back. Each face has a different expression, signifying that the deity listens to the wishes of all types of people. Gold leaf was applied to the statue in 1342 and in 1392 the halo was added. Although Kannon is usually described in English as "the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy" strictly speaking it is neither masculine nor feminine and represents compassion, mercy, and love.
    hase-dera-kannon-1.jpg
  • The magnificent statue of Hase Kannon is 9 meters pr 30 feet tall and has eleven heads in addition to its main one - three in front, three to the left and three to the right, plus one at the top and another on the back. Each face has a different expression, signifying that the deity listens to the wishes of all types of people. Gold leaf was applied to the statue in 1342 and in 1392 the halo was added. Although Kannon is usually described in English as "the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy" strictly speaking it is neither masculine nor feminine and represents compassion, mercy, and love.
    hase-dera-kannon-4.jpg
  • Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine is the most important Shinto shrine in the city of Kamakura.  A Shinto shrine now, Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu was also a Buddhist temple for most of its history. The shrine is at the geographical and cultural center of the city of Kamakura which has grown around it.
    tsurugaoka-hachimangu-3.jpg
  • Wat Pho also known as Wat Phra Chetuphon or The Temple of the Reclining Buddha, is a Buddhist temple in Phra Nakhon district, Bangkok,  located in the Rattanakosin Island, directly adjacent to the Grand Palace.  Its official full name is Wat Phra Chetuphon Vimolmangklararm Rajwaramahaviharn. The temple is also known as the birthplace of traditional Thai massage.
    wat-pho-2.jpg
  • Wat Pho also known as Wat Phra Chetuphon or The Temple of the Reclining Buddha, is a Buddhist temple in Phra Nakhon district, Bangkok,  located in the Rattanakosin Island, directly adjacent to the Grand Palace.  Its official full name is Wat Phra Chetuphon Vimolmangklararm Rajwaramahaviharn. The temple is also known as the birthplace of traditional Thai massage.
    wat-pho-1.jpg
  • Integrated with the architecture of the building, and one of the causes for its fame is Angkor Wat's extensive decoration, which predominantly takes the form of bas-relief friezes. The inner walls of the outer gallery bear a series of large scale scenes mainly depicting episodes from the Hindu epics the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.
    angkor-bas-relief-2
  • Bayon is known for its impressive sets of bas-reliefs, which present an unusual combination of mythological, historical, and even mundane scenes such as these workmen carrying a tree.
    angkor-bas-relief-3.jpg
  • Alternatively called Bake-jizo, Narabi-jizo (Jizos in a line) or Hyaku-jizo (100-Jizo), a group of mysteriously aligned Jizo patiently sit along the Daiya River and Jiunji Temple. "Jizo" images and statues are popular in Japan as Bodhisattva who console beings awaiting rebirth and travelers. As such they are often found along roadsides, paths or even street corners. There is a group of about 70 Jizos along the Bake Jizo Trail in Nikko. At one time there were 100 jizos along this trail. However, some of those were washed away by flooding in 1902. Alternatively called Bake-jizo, Narabi-jizo (Jizos in a line) or Hyaku-jizo (100-Jizo), a group of mysteriously aligned Jizo patiently sit along the Daiya River and Jiunji Temple
    jizo-9.jpg
  • Jizo in Snow - "Jizo" images and statues are popular in Japan as Bodhisattva who console beings awaiting rebirth and travelers. As such they are often found along roadsides, paths or even street corners.
    jizo-14.jpg
  • St George Anglican Church Penang is officially known as Church of St George the Martyr. The church was completed in 1818 and been a George Town, Penang landmark ever since. St George’s Church Penang is the oldest Anglican Church in the Far East and has been designated by the government of Malaysia as National Heritage, given this title in 2007. The church is part of the Anglican Diocese of West Malaysia.
    St-George-Penang-04.jpg
  • St George Anglican Church Penang is officially known as Church of St George the Martyr. The church was completed in 1818 and been a George Town, Penang landmark ever since. St George’s Church Penang is the oldest Anglican Church in the Far East and has been designated by the government of Malaysia as National Heritage, given this title in 2007. The church is part of the Anglican Diocese of West Malaysia.
    st-george-anglican-penang-1.jpg
  • 78.1 Tsurugaoka Hachimiangu Shrine 鶴岡八幡宮 - is the most important Shinto shrine in Kamakura, as well one of the most prominent in Kanagawa Prefecture.  Although it is now a Shinto shrine, Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu was a Buddhist temple for most of its history. Many ceremonies are held here including weddings and Coming of Age day in January.  Most festivals, ceremonies and events in Kamakura are centered at and around Tsurugaoka Hachimangu.
    78.1.TENTATIVE-KAMAKURA-TSURUGAOKA-0...jpg
  • Sakura at Awashima Shrine - Awashima Jinja is a shrine for women, famous for its huge collection of dolls. Japanese are superstitions about dolls, many people find them mysterious or frightening, believing that they have souls or the power to influence human lives. There are a number of shrines and festivals where people dispose of their old dolls - they feel that if they just threw them in the garbage, the dolls’ souls might come back to haunt them like ghosts. Awashima jinja is especially devoted to dispose of hina ningyo, which are dolls that are given to young girls on Girl’s Day March 3rd. There are thousands of dolls here, as well as sculptures, figurines, carvings, and statues. You’ll find tanuki, maneki neko, daruma, frogs and many more.
    awashima-shrine-16.jpg
  • Samukawa Jinja Shrine has a long history dating back to the 8th century and is considered to be one of the leading shrines in Kanagawa Prefecture. Enshrined here are the prince and princess Samukawa-hiko-no-Mikoto and Samukawa-hime-no-Mikoto. The shrine was under the powerful protection of the Kamakura Shogunate in the 13th century, and then of the Edo Tokyo Shogunate in the 17th century.
    samukawa-shrine-1.jpg
  • Wat Pho also known as Wat Phra Chetuphon or The Temple of the Reclining Buddha, is a Buddhist temple in  Bangkok right next to to the Grand Palace.  Its official full name is Wat Phra Chetuphon Vimolmangklararm Rajwaramahaviharn. The temple is also known as the birthplace of traditional Thai massage.
    wat-pho-guardian-1.jpg
  • Wat Pho Reclining Buddha - Wat Pho also known as Wat Phra Chetuphon or The Temple of the Reclining Buddha, is a Buddhist temple in  Bangkok right next to to the Grand Palace.  Its official full name is Wat Phra Chetuphon Vimolmangklararm Rajwaramahaviharn. The temple is also known as the birthplace of traditional Thai massage.
    reclining-buddha-03.jpg
  • Miko or Shinto shrine maidens' duties are sacred cleansing, performing rituals as well as traditional kagara dance.
    shinto-priest-04.jpg
  • Matsuo Sama Sake Shrine Saijo - Perhaps not surprisingly, in Japan there is even a "sake god" namely Matsuo Sama. Even sake-producing  town in Japan will have a shinto shrine dedicated to Matsuo Sama, and kegs of sake are donated to the shrine each harvest as thanks to the gods for their help.
    matsuo-shrine.jpg
  • Wat Lokayasutharam where the largest reclining Buddha image.  It is(32 meters long, and 8 meters high in Ayutthaya.  There is no vihara to shelter the image. In the past the vihara roof was made of tin and was struck by lightning twice so it has been left outdoors ever since.
    Wat-Lokayasutharam-2.jpg
  • The large reclining Buddha at Wat Lokkayasutha in Ayutthya, named Phra Budhasaiyart, is made of brick and covered with plaster, and is approximately 29 meters long. The ruins of large hexagonal pillars near the image are believed to be the ruins of the Ubosot.
    Wat-Lokayasutharam-1.jpg
  • The magnificent statue of Hase Kannon is housed here for all to see and worship. It is 9 meters pr 30 feet tall and has eleven heads in addition to its main one - three in front, three to the left and three to the right, plus one at the top and another on the back. Each face has a different expression, signifying that the deity listens to the wishes of all types of people. Gold leaf was applied to the statue in 1342 and in 1392 the halo was added. Although Kannon is usually described in English as "the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy" strictly speaking it is neither masculine nor feminine and represents compassion, mercy, and love.
    hase-dera-kannon-2.jpg
  • Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine is the most important Shinto shrine in the city of Kamakura.  A Shinto shrine now, Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu was also a Buddhist temple for most of its history. The shrine is at the geographical and cultural center of the city of Kamakura which has  grown around it.
    tsurugaoka-hachimangu-4.jpg
  • Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine is the most important Shinto shrine in the city of Kamakura.  A Shinto shrine now, Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu was also a Buddhist temple for most of its history. The shrine is at the geographical and cultural center of the city of Kamakura which has  grown around it.
    tsurugaoka-hachimangu-5.jpg
  • Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine is the most important Shinto shrine in the city of Kamakura.  A Shinto shrine now, Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu was also a Buddhist temple for most of its history. The shrine is at the geographical and cultural center of the city of Kamakura which has  grown around it.
    tsurugaoka-hachimangu-1.jpg
  • Alternatively called Bake-jizo, Narabi-jizo (Jizos in a line) or Hyaku-jizo (100-Jizo), a group of mysteriously aligned Jizo patiently sit along the Daiya River and Jiunji Temple. "Jizo" images and statues are popular in Japan as Bodhisattva who console beings awaiting rebirth and travelers. As such they are often found along roadsides, paths or even street corners. There is a group of about 70 Jizos along the Bake Jizo Trail in Nikko. At one time there were 100 jizos along this trail. However, some of those were washed away by flooding in 1902. Alternatively called Bake-jizo, Narabi-jizo (Jizos in a line) or Hyaku-jizo (100-Jizo), a group of mysteriously aligned Jizo patiently sit along the Daiya River and Jiunji Temple
    jizo-7.jpg
  • Wat Pho also known as Wat Phra Chetuphon or The Temple of the Reclining Buddha, is a Buddhist temple in Phra Nakhon district, Bangkok,  located in the Rattanakosin Island, directly adjacent to the Grand Palace.  Its official full name is Wat Phra Chetuphon Vimolmangklararm Rajwaramahaviharn. The temple is also known as the birthplace of traditional Thai massage.
    wat-pho-3.jpg
  • Shinto priest, banging drums during a wedding ceremony at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine in Kamakura.
    shinto-ceremony.jpg
  • Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine is the most important Shinto shrine in the city of Kamakura. A Shinto shrine now, Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu was also a Buddhist temple for most of its history. The shrine is at the geographical and cultural center of the city of Kamakura which has grown around it.
    tsurugaoka-hachimangu-2.jpg
  • Shogo-in Garden - Shogo-in Monzeki - After repeated relocations due to fires such as the Onin War in the Muromachi periodthe temple moved to its current location in the early Edo period.The temple and its gardens are only open a few weeks per year usually in autumn, and besides its large dry karesansui garden, there are moss gardens behind the main hall.This is the head temple of the Honzan sect of the Shugendo religion which was founded by the ascetic and mystic En-no-Gyoja. Shogo-in Monzeki Temple is also known for the fact that it served as the Monzeki Temple for generations of the imperial family and imperial court. The temple also once served as the temporary living quarters for Emperor Kokaku when the imperial palace was damaged by a fire. Monzeki temples were where the royal family serve as the head priest. Shogo-in Monzeki has another side; a more beautiful side. The temple hall, known as the shinden, houses over 100 sliding doors beautifully painted by Edo Period painter Masunobu Kano, and Kano Eino, the third heir to the Kyogano Kyoto school of Kano painting. Shugendo is an ancient Japanese religion based on mountain religions and seeks to attain Buddhist enlightenment through grueling mountainous training
    shogo-in-garden-03.jpg
  • Shogo-in Garden - Shogo-in Monzeki - After repeated relocations due to fires such as the Onin War in the Muromachi periodthe temple moved to its current location in the early Edo period.The temple and its gardens are only open a few weeks per year usually in autumn, and besides its large dry karesansui garden, there are moss gardens behind the main hall.This is the head temple of the Honzan sect of the Shugendo religion which was founded by the ascetic and mystic En-no-Gyoja. Shogo-in Monzeki Temple is also known for the fact that it served as the Monzeki Temple for generations of the imperial family and imperial court. The temple also once served as the temporary living quarters for Emperor Kokaku when the imperial palace was damaged by a fire. Monzeki temples were where the royal family serve as the head priest. Shogo-in Monzeki has another side; a more beautiful side. The temple hall, known as the shinden, houses over 100 sliding doors beautifully painted by Edo Period painter Masunobu Kano, and Kano Eino, the third heir to the Kyogano Kyoto school of Kano painting. Shugendo is an ancient Japanese religion based on mountain religions and seeks to attain Buddhist enlightenment through grueling mountainous training
    shogo-in-garden-02.jpg
  • Shogo-in Garden - Shogo-in Monzeki - After repeated relocations due to fires such as the Onin War in the Muromachi periodthe temple moved to its current location in the early Edo period.The temple and its gardens are only open a few weeks per year usually in autumn, and besides its large dry karesansui garden, there are moss gardens behind the main hall.This is the head temple of the Honzan sect of the Shugendo religion which was founded by the ascetic and mystic En-no-Gyoja. Shogo-in Monzeki Temple is also known for the fact that it served as the Monzeki Temple for generations of the imperial family and imperial court. The temple also once served as the temporary living quarters for Emperor Kokaku when the imperial palace was damaged by a fire. Monzeki temples were where the royal family serve as the head priest. Shogo-in Monzeki has another side; a more beautiful side. The temple hall, known as the shinden, houses over 100 sliding doors beautifully painted by Edo Period painter Masunobu Kano, and Kano Eino, the third heir to the Kyogano Kyoto school of Kano painting. Shugendo is an ancient Japanese religion based on mountain religions and seeks to attain Buddhist enlightenment through grueling mountainous training
    shogo-in-garden-01.jpg
  • Pond Garden and Jizo at Ryukoji - Temple 41 on the Shikoku Pilgrimage and is located on a steep hillside with a fine view down a pastoral valley. Kukai is said to have founded it in 807.  The temple, which is associated both with dragons and rice which are celebrated in Japan’s native religion, also includes an attractive Shinto shrine in its precincts.  Ryuko-ji stands on a hillside up a steep flight of stone steps in a valley. The real interest at Ryuko-ji lies beyond the unremarkable temple buildings further up the hill where the shrines are. At the top of the stairs is a shrine to the Inari or fox deity, whose shrines are typically red. Its official name is Banfudasho Inariyama Gokokuin Ryuko.
    temple-41-ryukoji-8.jpg
  • Ryukoji is Temple 41 on the Shikoku Pilgrimage and is located on a steep hillside with a fine view down a pastoral valley. Kukai is said to have founded it in 807.  The temple, which is associated both with dragons and rice which are celebrated in Japan’s native religion, also includes an attractive Shinto shrine in its precincts.  Ryuko-ji stands on a hillside up a steep flight of stone steps in a valley. The real interest at Ryuko-ji lies beyond the unremarkable temple buildings further up the hill where the shrines are. At the top of the stairs is a shrine to the Inari or fox deity, whose shrines are typically red. Its official name is Banfudasho Inariyama Gokokuin Ryuko.
    temple-41-ryukoji-6.jpg
  • Ryukoji is Temple 41 on the Shikoku Pilgrimage and is located on a steep hillside with a fine view down a pastoral valley. Kukai is said to have founded it in 807.  The temple, which is associated both with dragons and rice which are celebrated in Japan’s native religion, also includes an attractive Shinto shrine in its precincts.  Ryuko-ji stands on a hillside up a steep flight of stone steps in a valley. The real interest at Ryuko-ji lies beyond the unremarkable temple buildings further up the hill where the shrines are. At the top of the stairs is a shrine to the Inari or fox deity, whose shrines are typically red. Its official name is Banfudasho Inariyama Gokokuin Ryuko.
    temple-41-ryukoji-4.jpg
  • Ryukoji is Temple 41 on the Shikoku Pilgrimage and is located on a steep hillside with a fine view down a pastoral valley. Kukai is said to have founded it in 807.  The temple, which is associated both with dragons and rice which are celebrated in Japan’s native religion, also includes an attractive Shinto shrine in its precincts.  Ryuko-ji stands on a hillside up a steep flight of stone steps in a valley. The real interest at Ryuko-ji lies beyond the unremarkable temple buildings further up the hill where the shrines are. At the top of the stairs is a shrine to the Inari or fox deity, whose shrines are typically red. Its official name is Banfudasho Inariyama Gokokuin Ryuko.
    temple-41-ryukoji-2.jpg
  • Rather than merely cutting down trees so build a house or wall, Japanese follow the custom of preserving plants and trees.  In part, this is because of the Shinto religion which believes in all things having life, particularly plants and animals and so are preserved.  Rather than chopping down a tree that is in the way, rather the building is built around the tree so as to preserve it.
    preserve-trees-2.jpg
  • Rather than merely cutting down trees so build a house or wall, Japanese follow the custom of preserving plants and trees.  In part, this is because of the Shinto religion which believes in all things having life, particularly plants and animals and so are preserved.  Rather than chopping down a tree that is in the way, rather the building is built around the tree so as to preserve it.
    preserve-trees-1.jpg
  • Hawaiian settlements thrived at Koloko for many years -  people that lived here raised crops, harvested fish and practiced their religion. To survive in a hot, arid environment Hawaiians used special fishing skills which included fishponds with knowledge of the location of fresh water.
    Kaloko-Honokohau-Park-4.jpg
  • Hawaiian settlements thrived at Koloko for many years -  people that lived here raised crops, harvested fish and practiced their religion. To survive in a hot, arid environment Hawaiians used special fishing skills which included fishponds with knowledge of the location of fresh water.
    Kaloko-Honokohau-Park-3.jpg
  • Hawaiian settlements thrived at Koloko for many years -  people that lived here raised crops, harvested fish and practiced their religion. To survive in a hot, arid environment Hawaiians used special fishing skills which included fishponds with knowledge of the location of fresh water.
    Kaloko-Honokohau-Park-2.jpg
  • Nara Park or Nara Koen is a large park and the location of numerous Nara attractions, including Todaiji, Nara National Museum, Kofukuji and Kasuga Taisha Shrine. The park is home to hundreds of wild deer.  Nara's deer have become a kind of symbol of the city and have even been designated a natural treasure. Traditionally, deer have always been considered messengers of the gods in the in Shinto religion.  Nara's deer are fairly tame, though they can be aggressive when hungry. Deer crackers or shika sembei are for sale around the park, and some deer have learned to bow to visitors.
    nara-deer-park-4.jpg
  • Nara Park or Nara Koen is a large park and the location of numerous Nara attractions, including Todaiji, Nara National Museum, Kofukuji and Kasuga Taisha Shrine. The park is home to hundreds of wild deer.  Nara's deer have become a kind of symbol of the city and have even been designated a natural treasure. Traditionally, deer have always been considered messengers of the gods in the in Shinto religion.  Nara's deer are fairly tame, though they can be aggressive when hungry. Deer crackers or shika sembei are for sale around the park, and some deer have learned to bow to visitors.
    nara-deer-park-3.jpg
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