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  • Godzilla-iwa Rock (ゴジラ岩) Oronko-iwa Rock and Sankaku-iwa Rock are picturesque rock or island formations around the tip of Cape Utoro. These huge rocks, and Oronko-iwa Rock in particular is a well-known spot for sunset viewing.  A wooden stairway is built from the trailhead to the top of the rock. Godzilla Rock lies more inland, and to the Japanese imagination appears to be Godzilla rising from the sea.
    godzilla-rock-01.jpg
  • Godzilla-iwa Rock (ゴジラ岩) Oronko-iwa Rock and Sankaku-iwa Rock are picturesque rock or island formations around the tip of Cape Utoro. These huge rocks, and Oronko-iwa Rock in particular is a well-known spot for sunset viewing.  A wooden stairway is built from the trailhead to the top of the rock. Godzilla Rock lies more inland, and to the Japanese imagination appears to be Godzilla rising from the sea.
    godzilla-rock-03.jpg
  • Godzilla-iwa Rock (ゴジラ岩) Oronko-iwa Rock and Sankaku-iwa Rock are picturesque rock or island formations around the tip of Cape Utoro. These huge rocks, and Oronko-iwa Rock in particular is a well-known spot for sunset viewing.  A wooden stairway is built from the trailhead to the top of the rock. Godzilla Rock lies more inland, and to the Japanese imagination appears to be Godzilla rising from the sea.
    godzilla-rock-02.jpg
  • The limestone rocks in Krabi attract rock climbers and sports climbers from all around the world.  Especially popular is the rock climbing on the monumental peaks of Railay Beach.  Sport climbing is a form of roped climbing where metal bolts placed in the rock are used for protection. If you slip, your harness and rope will arrest the fall leaving you to concentrate on improving your climb worry free.
    railay-rock-climbing-5.jpg
  • The limestone rocks in Krabi attract rock climbers and sports climbers from all around the world.  Especially popular is the rock climbing on the monumental peaks of Railay Beach.  Sport climbing is a form of roped climbing where metal bolts placed in the rock are used for protection. If you slip, your harness and rope will arrest the fall leaving you to concentrate on improving your climb worry free.
    railay-rock-climbing-6.jpg
  • The limestone rocks in Krabi attract rock climbers and sports climbers from all around the world.  Especially popular is the rock climbing on the monumental peaks of Railay Beach.  Sport climbing is a form of roped climbing where metal bolts placed in the rock are used for protection. If you slip, your harness and rope will arrest the fall leaving you to concentrate on improving your climb worry free.
    railay-rock-climbing-3.jpg
  • The limestone rocks in Krabi attract rock climbers and sports climbers from all around the world.  Especially popular is the rock climbing on the monumental peaks of Railay Beach.  Sport climbing is a form of roped climbing where metal bolts placed in the rock are used for protection. If you slip, your harness and rope will arrest the fall leaving you to concentrate on improving your climb worry free.
    railay-rock-climbing-2.jpg
  • The limestone rocks in Krabi attract rock climbers and sports climbers from all around the world.  Especially popular is the rock climbing on the monumental peaks of Railay Beach.  Sport climbing is a form of roped climbing where metal bolts placed in the rock are used for protection. If you slip, your harness and rope will arrest the fall leaving you to concentrate on improving your climb worry free.
    railay-rock-climbing-4.jpg
  • Rock climbing is a sport where participants ascend rock formations - it requires sustained use of hands and feet to support the climber's weight and balance as well as extensive knowledge of the use of specialized safety equipment.
    halong-bay-rock-climbing-3.jpg
  • Rock climbing is a sport where participants ascend rock formations - it requires sustained use of hands and feet to support the climber's weight and balance as well as extensive knowledge of the use of specialized safety equipment.
    halong-bay-rock-climbing-2.jpg
  • Sera Monastery Rock Paintings - Tibetan rock paintings contain rich content, involving religion, politics, history, economy, culture, medicine, and social life. Buddhist scriptures, Buddhist messages, fairy tales, history stories, daily scenes, mountains and rivers, birds and flowers, patterns and adornment can be adopted into a rock painting.
    tibetan-rock-paintings.jpg
  • Red Rock Hot Spring at Pulangtubig, Valencia, Negros Oriental is a great way to relax in the cool upland temperatures of Valencia. The natural source of spring water averaging from 38 degrees Celsius. Soakers who come here regularly claim that they have been relieved of the signs and symptoms of such health problems as Asthma, Arthritis, Allergic Rhinitis, Fatigue, Insomnia, Malaise, Sinusitis and among others.  Bathers can be assured of water's cleanliness and sanitation while bathing. as it is constantly circulating and refreshed and is drained every night.
    red-rock-hot-springs-2.jpg
  • Red Rock Hot Spring at Pulangtubig, Valencia, Negros Oriental is a great way to relax in the cool upland temperatures of Valencia. The natural source of spring water averaging from 38 degrees Celsius. Soakers who come here regularly claim that they have been relieved of the signs and symptoms of such health problems as Asthma, Arthritis, Allergic Rhinitis, Fatigue, Insomnia, Malaise, Sinusitis and among others.  Bathers can be assured of water's cleanliness and sanitation while bathing. as it is constantly circulating and refreshed and is drained every night.
    red-rock-springs-1.jpg
  • Red Rock Hot Spring at Pulangtubig, Valencia, Negros Oriental is a great way to relax in the cool upland temperatures of Valencia. The natural source of spring water averaging from 38 degrees Celsius. Soakers who come here regularly claim that they have been relieved of the signs and symptoms of such health problems as Asthma, Arthritis, Allergic Rhinitis, Fatigue, Insomnia, Malaise, Sinusitis and among others.  Bathers are ou  assured of water's cleanliness and sanitation while bathing. as it is constantly circulating and refreshed and is drained every night.  .
    red-rock-springs-2.jpg
  • Red Rock Hot Spring at Pulangtubig, Valencia, Negros Oriental is a great way to relax in the cool upland temperatures of Valencia. The natural source of spring water averaging from 38 degrees Celsius. Soakers who come here regularly claim that they have been relieved of the signs and symptoms of such health problems as Asthma, Arthritis, Allergic Rhinitis, Fatigue, Insomnia, Malaise, Sinusitis and among others.  Bathers are ou  assured of water's cleanliness and sanitation while bathing. as it is constantly circulating and refreshed and is drained every night.  .
    red-rock-springs-3.jpg
  • Godzilla-iwa Rock (ゴジラ岩) Oronko-iwa Rock and Sankaku-iwa Rock are picturesque rock or island formations around the tip of Cape Utoro. These huge rocks, and Oronko-iwa Rock in particular is a well-known spot for sunset viewing.  A wooden stairway is built from the trailhead to the top of the rock. Godzilla Rock lies more inland, and to the Japanese imagination appears to be Godzilla rising from the sea.
    godzilla-rock04.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
  • Sigiriya, or Lion's rock, is an ancient rock fortress and palace ruin surrounded by the remains of an extensive network of gardens. 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.
    sigiriya-4.jpg
  • Mt Takatori Rock Formations - Mt. Takatori is characterized by vertically steep rocks which is likened to Mt. Myogi in Gunma Prefecture.  The view from the summit is outstanding, and it is crowded with people who enjoy hiking on holidays.  The steep rock formations are unusual for this area, and visitors can see many unusual shapes, some which have been cut for the sake of tombstones and walkways.  Rock climbing at Takatoriyama Park is popular here but requires  the guidance of the Mt. Takatori Safety Climbing Council instructor and comply with the prescribed rules. In order to climb these rocks, you need to register with the Mt. Takatori Safety Mountaineering Council.  The giant Maitreya Bodhisattva statue is what this park is most famous for. This Maitreya Bodhisattva statue was sculpted by Shigeru Fujishima in 1965. 
    mt-takatori-05.jpg
  • Mt Takatori Rock Formations - Mt. Takatori is characterized by vertically steep rocks which is likened to Mt. Myogi in Gunma Prefecture.  The view from the summit is outstanding, and it is crowded with people who enjoy hiking on holidays.  The steep rock formations are unusual for this area, and visitors can see many unusual shapes, some which have been cut for the sake of tombstones and walkways.  Rock climbing at Takatoriyama Park is popular here but requires  the guidance of the Mt. Takatori Safety Climbing Council instructor and comply with the prescribed rules. In order to climb these rocks, you need to register with the Mt. Takatori Safety Mountaineering Council.  The giant Maitreya Bodhisattva statue is what this park is most famous for. This Maitreya Bodhisattva statue was sculpted by Shigeru Fujishima in 1965. 
    mt-takatori-04.jpg
  • Mt Takatori Rock Formations - Mt. Takatori is characterized by vertically steep rocks which is likened to Mt. Myogi in Gunma Prefecture.  The view from the summit is outstanding, and it is crowded with people who enjoy hiking on holidays.  The steep rock formations are unusual for this area, and visitors can see many unusual shapes, some which have been cut for the sake of tombstones and walkways.  Rock climbing at Takatoriyama Park is popular here but requires  the guidance of the Mt. Takatori Safety Climbing Council instructor and comply with the prescribed rules. In order to climb these rocks, you need to register with the Mt. Takatori Safety Mountaineering Council.  The giant Maitreya Bodhisattva statue is what this park is most famous for. This Maitreya Bodhisattva statue was sculpted by Shigeru Fujishima in 1965. 
    mt-takatori-02.jpg
  • Mt Takatori Rock Formations - Mt. Takatori is characterized by vertically steep rocks which is likened to Mt. Myogi in Gunma Prefecture.  The view from the summit is outstanding, and it is crowded with people who enjoy hiking on holidays.  The steep rock formations are unusual for this area, and visitors can see many unusual shapes, some which have been cut for the sake of tombstones and walkways.  Rock climbing at Takatoriyama Park is popular here but requires  the guidance of the Mt. Takatori Safety Climbing Council instructor and comply with the prescribed rules. In order to climb these rocks, you need to register with the Mt. Takatori Safety Mountaineering Council.  The giant Maitreya Bodhisattva statue is what this park is most famous for. This Maitreya Bodhisattva statue was sculpted by Shigeru Fujishima in 1965. 
    mt-takatori-03.jpg
  • Mt Takatori Rock Formations - Mt. Takatori is characterized by vertically steep rocks which is likened to Mt. Myogi in Gunma Prefecture.  The view from the summit is outstanding, and it is crowded with people who enjoy hiking on holidays.  The steep rock formations are unusual for this area, and visitors can see many unusual shapes, some which have been cut for the sake of tombstones and walkways.  Rock climbing at Takatoriyama Park is popular here but requires  the guidance of the Mt. Takatori Safety Climbing Council instructor and comply with the prescribed rules. In order to climb these rocks, you need to register with the Mt. Takatori Safety Mountaineering Council.  The giant Maitreya Bodhisattva statue is what this park is most famous for. This Maitreya Bodhisattva statue was sculpted by Shigeru Fujishima in 1965. 
    mt-takatori-01.jpg
  • 77.4 Kameishi Turtle Rock  亀石 - Several Kameishi turtle stones are found in Japan, including Shizuoka and Sado Island, but the best known one is in Asuka village near Nara. This megalith made of granite was carved into the shape of a tortoise which faces south, although the legend is that it originally faced east and if it ever turned to face the west, the whole of Japan will be reduced to a sea of mud”. The Kameishi Turtle Rock in Asuka together with other nearby megaliths and Ishibutai tomb have been deciphered as an ancient Star Chart that maps the constellation of Cassiopeia known as Five Emperors by the Chinese astrological system. 
    77.4.TENTATIVE-KAMEISHI.jpg
  • Kameishi Turtle Rock - Several Kameishi turtle stones are found in Japan, including Shizuoka and Sado Island, but the best known one is in Asuka village near Nara. This megalith made of granite was carved into the shape of a tortoise which faces south, although the legend is that it originally faced east and if it ever turned to face the west, the whole of Japan will be reduced to a sea of mud”. The Kameishi Turtle Rock in Asuka together with other nearby megaliths and Ishibutai tomb have been deciphered as an ancient Star Chart that maps the constellation of Cassiopeia known as Five Emperors by the Chinese astrological system. 
    turtle-stone-kameishi-1.jpg
  • Kameishi Turtle Rock - Several Kameishi turtle stones are found in Japan, including Shizuoka and Sado Island, but the best known one is in Asuka village near Nara. This megalith made of granite was carved into the shape of a tortoise which faces south, although the legend is that it originally faced east and if it ever turned to face the west, the whole of Japan will be reduced to a sea of mud”. The Kameishi Turtle Rock in Asuka together with other nearby megaliths and Ishibutai tomb have been deciphered as an ancient Star Chart that maps the constellation of Cassiopeia known as Five Emperors by the Chinese astrological system. 
    turtle-stone-kameishi-2.jpg
  • Rock Garden at Nagasaki Chinatown -Nagasaki Chinatown, also known as Shinchi Chinatown, is Japan's oldest chinatown. It was established as early as the 17th century, due to the fact that Nagasaki's port remained the country's only major port opened to Chinese trade during the era of isolation.
    nagasaki-chinatown-2.jpg
  • Phu Phra Bat is one of the premier attractions in Isaan although its location in rural Udon Thani province keeps the crowds at bay. Large boulders appear to balance on top of impossibly small rocks, rimmed by ancient Buddha images shrouded in legend. Phu Phra Bat combines a beautiful landscape along a forest trail speckled with religious arts going back over 3000 years. The park’s huge mushroom shape rock formations were the result of erosion that took place when the terrain was under the sea millions of years ago. Narrow sandstone stems hold up the weight of harder and larger chunks of rock up above them. Similar formations can be seen at Pha Taem national park but those at Phu Phra Bat are more spectacular, as if defying the laws of gravity.  The most haunting set of stones is found at Kou Nang Usa, known as Thai Stonehenge.  Ranging in height from one to three meters, seven markers have stood through the centuries in a circle surrounding a jagged rock formation rising from a broad stone floor.
    phu-phra-bat-19.jpg
  • Phu Phra Bat is one of the premier attractions in Isaan although its location in rural Udon Thani province keeps the crowds at bay. Large boulders appear to balance on top of impossibly small rocks, rimmed by ancient Buddha images shrouded in legend. Phu Phra Bat combines a beautiful landscape along a forest trail speckled with religious arts going back over 3000 years. The park’s huge mushroom shape rock formations were the result of erosion that took place when the terrain was under the sea millions of years ago. Narrow sandstone stems hold up the weight of harder and larger chunks of rock up above them. Similar formations can be seen at Pha Taem national park but those at Phu Phra Bat are more spectacular, as if defying the laws of gravity.  The most haunting set of stones is found at Kou Nang Usa, known as Thai Stonehenge.  Ranging in height from one to three meters, seven markers have stood through the centuries in a circle surrounding a jagged rock formation rising from a broad stone floor.
    phu-phra-bat-14.jpg
  • Phu Phra Bat is one of the premier attractions in Isaan although its location in rural Udon Thani province keeps the crowds at bay. Large boulders appear to balance on top of impossibly small rocks, rimmed by ancient Buddha images shrouded in legend. Phu Phra Bat combines a beautiful landscape along a forest trail speckled with religious arts going back over 3000 years. The park’s huge mushroom shape rock formations were the result of erosion that took place when the terrain was under the sea millions of years ago. Narrow sandstone stems hold up the weight of harder and larger chunks of rock up above them. Similar formations can be seen at Pha Taem national park but those at Phu Phra Bat are more spectacular, as if defying the laws of gravity.  The most haunting set of stones is found at Kou Nang Usa, known as Thai Stonehenge.  Ranging in height from one to three meters, seven markers have stood through the centuries in a circle surrounding a jagged rock formation rising from a broad stone floor. The park's distinguishing feature is its unusual rock formations around which religious shrines have been constructed. Some formations also feature prehistoric rock paintings.
    phu-phra-bat-15.jpg
  • Phu Phra Bat is one of the premier attractions in Isaan although its location in rural Udon Thani province keeps the crowds at bay. Large boulders appear to balance on top of impossibly small rocks, rimmed by ancient Buddha images shrouded in legend. Phu Phra Bat combines a beautiful landscape along a forest trail speckled with religious arts going back over 3000 years. The park’s huge mushroom shape rock formations were the result of erosion that took place when the terrain was under the sea millions of years ago. Narrow sandstone stems hold up the weight of harder and larger chunks of rock up above them. Similar formations can be seen at Pha Taem national park but those at Phu Phra Bat are more spectacular, as if defying the laws of gravity.  The most haunting set of stones is found at Kou Nang Usa, known as Thai Stonehenge.  Ranging in height from one to three meters, seven markers have stood through the centuries in a circle surrounding a jagged rock formation rising from a broad stone floor.
    phu-phra-bat-9.jpg
  • Phu Phra Bat is one of the premier attractions in Isaan although its location in rural Udon Thani province keeps the crowds at bay. Large boulders appear to balance on top of impossibly small rocks, rimmed by ancient Buddha images shrouded in legend. Phu Phra Bat combines a beautiful landscape along a forest trail speckled with religious arts going back over 3000 years. The park’s huge mushroom shape rock formations were the result of erosion that took place when the terrain was under the sea millions of years ago. Narrow sandstone stems hold up the weight of harder and larger chunks of rock up above them. Similar formations can be seen at Pha Taem national park but those at Phu Phra Bat are more spectacular, as if defying the laws of gravity.  The most haunting set of stones is found at Kou Nang Usa, known as Thai Stonehenge.  Ranging in height from one to three meters, seven markers have stood through the centuries in a circle surrounding a jagged rock formation rising from a broad stone floor.
    phu-phra-bat-8.jpg
  • Phu Phra Bat is one of the premier attractions in Isaan although its location in rural Udon Thani province keeps the crowds at bay. Large boulders appear to balance on top of impossibly small rocks, rimmed by ancient Buddha images shrouded in legend. Phu Phra Bat combines a beautiful landscape along a forest trail speckled with religious arts going back over 3000 years. The park’s huge mushroom shape rock formations were the result of erosion that took place when the terrain was under the sea millions of years ago. Narrow sandstone stems hold up the weight of harder and larger chunks of rock up above them. Similar formations can be seen at Pha Taem national park but those at Phu Phra Bat are more spectacular, as if defying the laws of gravity.  The most haunting set of stones is found at Kou Nang Usa, known as Thai Stonehenge.  Ranging in height from one to three meters, seven markers have stood through the centuries in a circle surrounding a jagged rock formation rising from a broad stone floor.
    phu-phra-bat-20.jpg
  • Phu Phra Bat is one of the premier attractions in Isaan although its location in rural Udon Thani province keeps the crowds at bay. Large boulders appear to balance on top of impossibly small rocks, rimmed by ancient Buddha images shrouded in legend. Phu Phra Bat combines a beautiful landscape along a forest trail speckled with religious arts going back over 3000 years. The park’s huge mushroom shape rock formations were the result of erosion that took place when the terrain was under the sea millions of years ago. Narrow sandstone stems hold up the weight of harder and larger chunks of rock up above them. Similar formations can be seen at Pha Taem national park but those at Phu Phra Bat are more spectacular, as if defying the laws of gravity.  The most haunting set of stones is found at Kou Nang Usa, known as Thai Stonehenge.  Ranging in height from one to three meters, seven markers have stood through the centuries in a circle surrounding a jagged rock formation rising from a broad stone floor.
    phu-phra-bat-22.jpg
  • Phu Phra Bat is one of the premier attractions in Isaan although its location in rural Udon Thani province keeps the crowds at bay. Large boulders appear to balance on top of impossibly small rocks, rimmed by ancient Buddha images shrouded in legend. Phu Phra Bat combines a beautiful landscape along a forest trail speckled with religious arts going back over 3000 years. The park’s huge mushroom shape rock formations were the result of erosion that took place when the terrain was under the sea millions of years ago. Narrow sandstone stems hold up the weight of harder and larger chunks of rock up above them. Similar formations can be seen at Pha Taem national park but those at Phu Phra Bat are more spectacular, as if defying the laws of gravity.  The most haunting set of stones is found at Kou Nang Usa, known as Thai Stonehenge.  Ranging in height from one to three meters, seven markers have stood through the centuries in a circle surrounding a jagged rock formation rising from a broad stone floor.
    phu-phra-bat-18.jpg
  • Phu Phra Bat is one of the premier attractions in Isaan although its location in rural Udon Thani province keeps the crowds at bay. Large boulders appear to balance on top of impossibly small rocks, rimmed by ancient Buddha images shrouded in legend. Phu Phra Bat combines a beautiful landscape along a forest trail speckled with religious arts going back over 3000 years. The park’s huge mushroom shape rock formations were the result of erosion that took place when the terrain was under the sea millions of years ago. Narrow sandstone stems hold up the weight of harder and larger chunks of rock up above them. Similar formations can be seen at Pha Taem national park but those at Phu Phra Bat are more spectacular, as if defying the laws of gravity.  The most haunting set of stones is found at Kou Nang Usa, known as Thai Stonehenge.  Ranging in height from one to three meters, seven markers have stood through the centuries in a circle surrounding a jagged rock formation rising from a broad stone floor.
    phu-phra-bat-17.jpg
  • Phu Phra Bat is one of the premier attractions in Isaan although its location in rural Udon Thani province keeps the crowds at bay. Large boulders appear to balance on top of impossibly small rocks, rimmed by ancient Buddha images shrouded in legend. Phu Phra Bat combines a beautiful landscape along a forest trail speckled with religious arts going back over 3000 years. The park’s huge mushroom shape rock formations were the result of erosion that took place when the terrain was under the sea millions of years ago. Narrow sandstone stems hold up the weight of harder and larger chunks of rock up above them. Similar formations can be seen at Pha Taem national park but those at Phu Phra Bat are more spectacular, as if defying the laws of gravity.  The most haunting set of stones is found at Kou Nang Usa, known as Thai Stonehenge.  Ranging in height from one to three meters, seven markers have stood through the centuries in a circle surrounding a jagged rock formation rising from a broad stone floor.
    phu-phra-bat-16.jpg
  • Phu Phra Bat is one of the premier attractions in Isaan although its location in rural Udon Thani province keeps the crowds at bay. Large boulders appear to balance on top of impossibly small rocks, rimmed by ancient Buddha images shrouded in legend. Phu Phra Bat combines a beautiful landscape along a forest trail speckled with religious arts going back over 3000 years. The park’s huge mushroom shape rock formations were the result of erosion that took place when the terrain was under the sea millions of years ago. Narrow sandstone stems hold up the weight of harder and larger chunks of rock up above them. Similar formations can be seen at Pha Taem national park but those at Phu Phra Bat are more spectacular, as if defying the laws of gravity.  The most haunting set of stones is found at Kou Nang Usa, known as Thai Stonehenge.  Ranging in height from one to three meters, seven markers have stood through the centuries in a circle surrounding a jagged rock formation rising from a broad stone floor.
    phu-phra-bat-11.jpg
  • Phu Phra Bat is one of the premier attractions in Isaan although its location in rural Udon Thani province keeps the crowds at bay. Large boulders appear to balance on top of impossibly small rocks, rimmed by ancient Buddha images shrouded in legend. Phu Phra Bat combines a beautiful landscape along a forest trail speckled with religious arts going back over 3000 years. The park’s huge mushroom shape rock formations were the result of erosion that took place when the terrain was under the sea millions of years ago. Narrow sandstone stems hold up the weight of harder and larger chunks of rock up above them. Similar formations can be seen at Pha Taem national park but those at Phu Phra Bat are more spectacular, as if defying the laws of gravity.  The most haunting set of stones is found at Kou Nang Usa, known as Thai Stonehenge.  Ranging in height from one to three meters, seven markers have stood through the centuries in a circle surrounding a jagged rock formation rising from a broad stone floor.
    phu-phra-bat-5.jpg
  • Kou Nang Usa, Thai Stonehenge at Phu Phra Bat - one of the premier attractions in Isaan although its location in rural Udon Thani province keeps the crowds at bay. Large boulders appear to balance on top of impossibly small rocks, rimmed by ancient Buddha images shrouded in legend. Phu Phra Bat combines a beautiful landscape along a forest trail speckled with religious arts going back over 3000 years. The park’s huge mushroom shape rock formations were the result of erosion that took place when the terrain was under the sea millions of years ago. Narrow sandstone stems hold up the weight of harder and larger chunks of rock up above them. Similar formations can be seen at Pha Taem national park but those at Phu Phra Bat are more spectacular, as if defying the laws of gravity.  The most haunting set of stones is found at Kou Nang Usa, known as Thai Stonehenge.  Ranging in height from one to three meters, seven markers have stood through the centuries in a circle surrounding a jagged rock formation rising from a broad stone floor.
    phu-phra-bat-6.jpg
  • Tham Phra Buddha Cave at Phu Phra Bat -  one of the premier attractions in Isaan although its location in rural Udon Thani province keeps the crowds at bay. Large boulders appear to balance on top of impossibly small rocks, rimmed by ancient Buddha images shrouded in legend. Phu Phra Bat combines a beautiful landscape along a forest trail speckled with religious arts going back over 3000 years. The park’s huge mushroom shape rock formations were the result of erosion that took place when the terrain was under the sea millions of years ago. Narrow sandstone stems hold up the weight of harder and larger chunks of rock up above them. Similar formations can be seen at Pha Taem national park but those at Phu Phra Bat are more spectacular, as if defying the laws of gravity.  The most haunting set of stones is found at Kou Nang Usa, known as Thai Stonehenge.  Ranging in height from one to three meters, seven markers have stood through the centuries in a circle surrounding a jagged rock formation rising from a broad stone floor.
    phu-phra-bat-4.jpg
  • Phu Phra Bat is one of the premier attractions in Isaan although its location in rural Udon Thani province keeps the crowds at bay. Large boulders appear to balance on top of impossibly small rocks, rimmed by ancient Buddha images shrouded in legend. Phu Phra Bat combines a beautiful landscape along a forest trail speckled with religious arts going back over 3000 years. The park’s huge mushroom shape rock formations were the result of erosion that took place when the terrain was under the sea millions of years ago. Narrow sandstone stems hold up the weight of harder and larger chunks of rock up above them. Similar formations can be seen at Pha Taem national park but those at Phu Phra Bat are more spectacular, as if defying the laws of gravity.  The most haunting set of stones is found at Kou Nang Usa, known as Thai Stonehenge.  Ranging in height from one to three meters, seven markers have stood through the centuries in a circle surrounding a jagged rock formation rising from a broad stone floor.
    phu-phra-bat-1.jpg
  • Phu Phra Bat is one of the premier attractions in Isaan although its location in rural Udon Thani province keeps the crowds at bay. Large boulders appear to balance on top of impossibly small rocks, rimmed by ancient Buddha images shrouded in legend. Phu Phra Bat combines a beautiful landscape along a forest trail speckled with religious arts going back over 3000 years. The park’s huge mushroom shape rock formations were the result of erosion that took place when the terrain was under the sea millions of years ago. Narrow sandstone stems hold up the weight of harder and larger chunks of rock up above them. Similar formations can be seen at Pha Taem national park but those at Phu Phra Bat are more spectacular, as if defying the laws of gravity.  The most haunting set of stones is found at Kou Nang Usa, known as Thai Stonehenge.  Ranging in height from one to three meters, seven markers have stood through the centuries in a circle surrounding a jagged rock formation rising from a broad stone floor.
    phu-phra-bat-21.jpg
  • Phu Phra Bat is one of the premier attractions in Isaan although its location in rural Udon Thani province keeps the crowds at bay. Large boulders appear to balance on top of impossibly small rocks, rimmed by ancient Buddha images shrouded in legend. Phu Phra Bat combines a beautiful landscape along a forest trail speckled with religious arts going back over 3000 years. The park’s huge mushroom shape rock formations were the result of erosion that took place when the terrain was under the sea millions of years ago. Narrow sandstone stems hold up the weight of harder and larger chunks of rock up above them. Similar formations can be seen at Pha Taem national park but those at Phu Phra Bat are more spectacular, as if defying the laws of gravity.  The most haunting set of stones is found at Kou Nang Usa, known as Thai Stonehenge.  Ranging in height from one to three meters, seven markers have stood through the centuries in a circle surrounding a jagged rock formation rising from a broad stone floor.
    phu-phra-bat-12.jpg
  • Phu Phra Bat is one of the premier attractions in Isaan although its location in rural Udon Thani province keeps the crowds at bay. Large boulders appear to balance on top of impossibly small rocks, rimmed by ancient Buddha images shrouded in legend. Phu Phra Bat combines a beautiful landscape along a forest trail speckled with religious arts going back over 3000 years. The park’s huge mushroom shape rock formations were the result of erosion that took place when the terrain was under the sea millions of years ago. Narrow sandstone stems hold up the weight of harder and larger chunks of rock up above them. Similar formations can be seen at Pha Taem national park but those at Phu Phra Bat are more spectacular, as if defying the laws of gravity.  The most haunting set of stones is found at Kou Nang Usa, known as Thai Stonehenge.  Ranging in height from one to three meters, seven markers have stood through the centuries in a circle surrounding a jagged rock formation rising from a broad stone floor.
    phu-phra-bat-10.jpg
  • Phu Phra Bat is one of the premier attractions in Isaan although its location in rural Udon Thani province keeps the crowds at bay. Large boulders appear to balance on top of impossibly small rocks, rimmed by ancient Buddha images shrouded in legend. Phu Phra Bat combines a beautiful landscape along a forest trail speckled with religious arts going back over 3000 years. The park’s huge mushroom shape rock formations were the result of erosion that took place when the terrain was under the sea millions of years ago. Narrow sandstone stems hold up the weight of harder and larger chunks of rock up above them. Similar formations can be seen at Pha Taem national park but those at Phu Phra Bat are more spectacular, as if defying the laws of gravity.  The most haunting set of stones is found at Kou Nang Usa, known as Thai Stonehenge.  Ranging in height from one to three meters, seven markers have stood through the centuries in a circle surrounding a jagged rock formation rising from a broad stone floor.
    phu-phra-bat-7.jpg
  • Phu Phra Bat is one of the premier attractions in Isaan although its location in rural Udon Thani province keeps the crowds at bay. Large boulders appear to balance on top of impossibly small rocks, rimmed by ancient Buddha images shrouded in legend. Phu Phra Bat combines a beautiful landscape along a forest trail speckled with religious arts going back over 3000 years. The park’s huge mushroom shape rock formations were the result of erosion that took place when the terrain was under the sea millions of years ago. Narrow sandstone stems hold up the weight of harder and larger chunks of rock up above them. Similar formations can be seen at Pha Taem national park but those at Phu Phra Bat are more spectacular, as if defying the laws of gravity.  The most haunting set of stones is found at Kou Nang Usa, known as Thai Stonehenge.  Ranging in height from one to three meters, seven markers have stood through the centuries in a circle surrounding a jagged rock formation rising from a broad stone floor.
    phu-phra-bat-2.jpg
  • Phu Phra Bat is one of the premier attractions in Isaan although its location in rural Udon Thani province keeps the crowds at bay. Large boulders appear to balance on top of impossibly small rocks, rimmed by ancient Buddha images shrouded in legend. Phu Phra Bat combines a beautiful landscape along a forest trail speckled with religious arts going back over 3000 years. The park’s huge mushroom shape rock formations were the result of erosion that took place when the terrain was under the sea millions of years ago. Narrow sandstone stems hold up the weight of harder and larger chunks of rock up above them. Similar formations can be seen at Pha Taem national park but those at Phu Phra Bat are more spectacular, as if defying the laws of gravity.  The most haunting set of stones is found at Kou Nang Usa, known as Thai Stonehenge.  Ranging in height from one to three meters, seven markers have stood through the centuries in a circle surrounding a jagged rock formation rising from a broad stone floor.
    phu-phra-bat-3.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.
    sigiriya-2.jpg
  • Nanzenji Hojo Garden - Nanzenji Temple is one of the most important Zen temples in Japan and the head temple of one of the schools within the Rinzai sect of Japanese Zen Buddhism. The Hojo is the former head priest's residence and Nanzenji's main hall. The Hojo is most famous for its dry rock karesansui garden whose rocks are said to resemble tigers and cubs crossing through water. Hojo Garden is a typical rock and sand garden built in the early Edo era. It features a wide, open space in front of a corner of green. It is said to be designed by Kobori Enshu, who was an expert at weaving perspective into his stone arrangements.  Besides its renowned karesansui garden, the hojo is in fact surrounded by smaller gardens.
    nanzenji-hojo-11.jpg
  • Nanzenji Hojo Garden - Nanzenji Temple is one of the most important Zen temples in Japan and the head temple of one of the schools within the Rinzai sect of Japanese Zen Buddhism. The Hojo is the former head priest's residence and Nanzenji's main hall. The Hojo is most famous for its dry rock karesansui garden whose rocks are said to resemble tigers and cubs crossing through water. Hojo Garden is a typical rock and sand garden built in the early Edo era. It features a wide, open space in front of a corner of green. It is said to be designed by Kobori Enshu, who was an expert at weaving perspective into his stone arrangements.  Besides its renowned karesansui garden, the hojo is in fact surrounded by smaller gardens.
    nanzenji-hojo-8.jpg
  • Nanzenji Hojo Garden - Nanzenji Temple is one of the most important Zen temples in Japan and the head temple of one of the schools within the Rinzai sect of Japanese Zen Buddhism. The Hojo is the former head priest's residence and Nanzenji's main hall. The Hojo is most famous for its dry rock karesansui garden whose rocks are said to resemble tigers and cubs crossing through water. Hojo Garden is a typical rock and sand garden built in the early Edo era. It features a wide, open space in front of a corner of green. It is said to be designed by Kobori Enshu, who was an expert at weaving perspective into his stone arrangements.  Besides its renowned karesansui garden, the hojo is in fact surrounded by smaller gardens.
    nanzenji-hojo-3.jpg
  • Nanzenji Hojo Garden - Nanzenji Temple is one of the most important Zen temples in Japan and the head temple of one of the schools within the Rinzai sect of Japanese Zen Buddhism. The Hojo is the former head priest's residence and Nanzenji's main hall. The Hojo is most famous for its dry rock karesansui garden whose rocks are said to resemble tigers and cubs crossing through water. Hojo Garden is a typical rock and sand garden built in the early Edo era. It features a wide, open space in front of a corner of green. It is said to be designed by Kobori Enshu, who was an expert at weaving perspective into his stone arrangements.  Besides its renowned karesansui garden, the hojo is in fact surrounded by smaller gardens.
    nanzenji-hojo-2.jpg
  • Zenzibuji Temple, Temple Number 32 - Zenzibuji temple is near Chikurinji temple on a hill facing Tosa Bay.  Zenzibu-ji is Temple number 32 on the Shikoku Pilgrimage Trail. Kobo Daishi visited this temple in 807 and trained here. Daishi wished for the safety of ships in Tosa Bay. Inside the temple is a statue of Kannon the Goddess of Mercy and was taken as the principal image. While going through temple main gate, strangely shaped rocks stand in a row, one of which has a name called Shionomngan Rock.
    zenzibuji-8.jpg
  • Zenzibuji Temple, Temple Number 32 - Zenzibuji temple is near Chikurinji temple on a hill facing Tosa Bay.  Zenzibu-ji is Temple number 32 on the Shikoku Pilgrimage Trail. Kobo Daishi visited this temple in 807 and trained here. Daishi wished for the safety of ships in Tosa Bay. Inside the temple is a statue of Kannon the Goddess of Mercy and was taken as the principal image. While going through temple main gate, strangely shaped rocks stand in a row, one of which has a name called Shionomngan Rock.
    zenzibuji-3.jpg
  • Zenzibuji Temple, Temple Number 32 - Zenzibuji temple is near Chikurinji temple on a hill facing Tosa Bay.  Zenzibu-ji is Temple number 32 on the Shikoku Pilgrimage Trail. Kobo Daishi visited this temple in 807 and trained here. Daishi wished for the safety of ships in Tosa Bay. Inside the temple is a statue of Kannon the Goddess of Mercy and was taken as the principal image. While going through temple main gate, strangely shaped rocks stand in a row, one of which has a name called Shionomngan Rock.
    zenzibuji-1.jpg
  • Nanzenji Hojo Garden - Nanzenji Temple is one of the most important Zen temples in Japan and the head temple of one of the schools within the Rinzai sect of Japanese Zen Buddhism. The Hojo is the former head priest's residence and Nanzenji's main hall. The Hojo is most famous for its dry rock karesansui garden whose rocks are said to resemble tigers and cubs crossing through water. Hojo Garden is a typical rock and sand garden built in the early Edo era. It features a wide, open space in front of a corner of green. It is said to be designed by Kobori Enshu, who was an expert at weaving perspective into his stone arrangements.  Besides its renowned karesansui garden, the hojo is in fact surrounded by smaller gardens.
    nanzenji-hojo-4.jpg
  • Zenzibuji Temple, Temple Number 32 - Zenzibuji temple is near Chikurinji temple on a hill facing Tosa Bay.  Zenzibu-ji is Temple number 32 on the Shikoku Pilgrimage Trail. Kobo Daishi visited this temple in 807 and trained here. Daishi wished for the safety of ships in Tosa Bay. Inside the temple is a statue of Kannon the Goddess of Mercy and was taken as the principal image. While going through temple main gate, strangely shaped rocks stand in a row, one of which has a name called Shionomngan Rock.
    zenzibuji-9.jpg
  • Zenzibuji Temple, Temple Number 32 - Zenzibuji temple is near Chikurinji temple on a hill facing Tosa Bay.  Zenzibu-ji is Temple number 32 on the Shikoku Pilgrimage Trail. Kobo Daishi visited this temple in 807 and trained here. Daishi wished for the safety of ships in Tosa Bay. Inside the temple is a statue of Kannon the Goddess of Mercy and was taken as the principal image. While going through temple main gate, strangely shaped rocks stand in a row, one of which has a name called Shionomngan Rock.
    zenzibuji-8.jpg
  • Zenzibuji Temple, Temple Number 32 - Zenzibuji temple is near Chikurinji temple on a hill facing Tosa Bay.  Zenzibu-ji is Temple number 32 on the Shikoku Pilgrimage Trail. Kobo Daishi visited this temple in 807 and trained here. Daishi wished for the safety of ships in Tosa Bay. Inside the temple is a statue of Kannon the Goddess of Mercy and was taken as the principal image. While going through temple main gate, strangely shaped rocks stand in a row, one of which has a name called Shionomngan Rock.
    zenzibuji-7.jpg
  • Zenzibuji Temple, Temple Number 32 - Zenzibuji temple is near Chikurinji temple on a hill facing Tosa Bay.  Zenzibu-ji is Temple number 32 on the Shikoku Pilgrimage Trail. Kobo Daishi visited this temple in 807 and trained here. Daishi wished for the safety of ships in Tosa Bay. Inside the temple is a statue of Kannon the Goddess of Mercy and was taken as the principal image. While going through temple main gate, strangely shaped rocks stand in a row, one of which has a name called Shionomngan Rock.
    zenzibuji-2.jpg
  • Zenzibuji Temple, Temple Number 32 - Zenzibuji temple is near Chikurinji temple on a hill facing Tosa Bay.  Zenzibu-ji is Temple number 32 on the Shikoku Pilgrimage Trail. Kobo Daishi visited this temple in 807 and trained here. Daishi wished for the safety of ships in Tosa Bay. Inside the temple is a statue of Kannon the Goddess of Mercy and was taken as the principal image. While going through temple main gate, strangely shaped rocks stand in a row, one of which has a name called Shionomngan Rock.
    zenzibuji-1.jpg
  • Zenzibuji Temple, Temple Number 32 - Zenzibuji temple is near Chikurinji temple on a hill facing Tosa Bay.  Zenzibu-ji is Temple number 32 on the Shikoku Pilgrimage Trail. Kobo Daishi visited this temple in 807 and trained here. Daishi wished for the safety of ships in Tosa Bay. Inside the temple is a statue of Kannon the Goddess of Mercy and was taken as the principal image. While going through temple main gate, strangely shaped rocks stand in a row, one of which has a name called Shionomngan Rock.
    zenzibuji-9.jpg
  • Zenzibuji Temple, Temple Number 32 - Zenzibuji temple is near Chikurinji temple on a hill facing Tosa Bay.  Zenzibu-ji is Temple number 32 on the Shikoku Pilgrimage Trail. Kobo Daishi visited this temple in 807 and trained here. Daishi wished for the safety of ships in Tosa Bay. Inside the temple is a statue of Kannon the Goddess of Mercy and was taken as the principal image. While going through temple main gate, strangely shaped rocks stand in a row, one of which has a name called Shionomngan Rock.
    zenzibuji-7.jpg
  • Zenzibuji Temple, Temple Number 32 - Zenzibuji temple is near Chikurinji temple on a hill facing Tosa Bay.  Zenzibu-ji is Temple number 32 on the Shikoku Pilgrimage Trail. Kobo Daishi visited this temple in 807 and trained here. Daishi wished for the safety of ships in Tosa Bay. Inside the temple is a statue of Kannon the Goddess of Mercy and was taken as the principal image. While going through temple main gate, strangely shaped rocks stand in a row, one of which has a name called Shionomngan Rock.
    zenzibuji-2.jpg
  • Nanzenji Hojo Garden - Nanzenji Temple is one of the most important Zen temples in Japan and the head temple of one of the schools within the Rinzai sect of Japanese Zen Buddhism. The Hojo is the former head priest's residence and Nanzenji's main hall. The Hojo is most famous for its dry rock karesansui garden whose rocks are said to resemble tigers and cubs crossing through water. Hojo Garden is a typical rock and sand garden built in the early Edo era. It features a wide, open space in front of a corner of green. It is said to be designed by Kobori Enshu, who was an expert at weaving perspective into his stone arrangements.  Besides its renowned karesansui garden, the hojo is in fact surrounded by smaller gardens.
    nanzenji-hojo-9.jpg
  • Zenzibuji Temple, Temple Number 32 - Zenzibuji temple is near Chikurinji temple on a hill facing Tosa Bay.  Zenzibu-ji is Temple number 32 on the Shikoku Pilgrimage Trail. Kobo Daishi visited this temple in 807 and trained here. Daishi wished for the safety of ships in Tosa Bay. Inside the temple is a statue of Kannon the Goddess of Mercy and was taken as the principal image. While going through temple main gate, strangely shaped rocks stand in a row, one of which has a name called Shionomngan Rock.
    zenzibuji-3.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.
    sigiriya-1.jpg
  • Zuiho-in Zen Garden's most intriguing feature is its main rock garden called "Dozuka-tei" which is raked into appealing patterns to suggest water ripples and waves lapping against rock formations representing the Hohrai Mountains. It was designed by Mirei Shigemori and is considered one of his most important modern Japanese gardens.
    zuiho-in-3.jpg
  • Nanzenji is of the most powerful Zen monasteries in Japan, as it was counted among the Gozan, the five principal Zen establishments in Kyoto, and in 1381 was declared number one. Its main garden is a large rectangle of crushed rock, and can be viewed from verandas of Seiryoden Hall.  Along the eastern wall is a moss covered area containing large stones and shrubs, these elements arranged from north to south. Because Nanzenji is located just below the slope of Higashiyama, the view of the garden includes the borrowed scenery of the hillside. The shape of the boulders has led some to assume that they represent "leaping tigers" following the Kano School paintings of tigers decorating the sliding doors of the Seiryoden Hall.
    nanzenji-4.jpg
  • Nanzenji is one of the most powerful Zen monasteries in Japan, as it was counted among the Gozan, the five principal Zen establishments in Kyoto, and in 1381 was declared number one. Its main garden is a large rectangle of crushed rock, and can be viewed from verandas of Seiryoden Hall.  Along the eastern wall is a moss covered area containing large stones and shrubs, these elements arranged from north to south. Because Nanzenji is located just below the slope of Higashiyama, the view of the garden includes the borrowed scenery of the hillside. The shape of the boulders has led some to assume that they represent "leaping tigers" following the Kano School paintings of tigers decorating the sliding doors of the Seiryoden Hall.
    nanzenji-2.jpg
  • Nanzenji is of the most powerful Zen monasteries in Japan, as it was counted among the Gozan, the five principal Zen establishments in Kyoto, and in 1381 was declared number one. Its main garden is a large rectangle of crushed rock, and can be viewed from verandas of Seiryoden Hall.  Along the eastern wall is a moss covered area containing large stones and shrubs, these elements arranged from north to south. Because Nanzenji is located just below the slope of Higashiyama, the view of the garden includes the borrowed scenery of the hillside. The shape of the boulders has led some to assume that they represent "leaping tigers" following the Kano School paintings of tigers decorating the sliding doors of the Seiryoden Hall.
    nanzenji-1.jpg
  • Zenzibuji Temple, Temple Number 32 - Zenzibuji temple is near Chikurinji temple on a hill facing Tosa Bay.  Zenzibu-ji is Temple number 32 on the Shikoku Pilgrimage Trail. Kobo Daishi visited this temple in 807 and trained here. Daishi wished for the safety of ships in Tosa Bay. Inside the temple is a statue of Kannon the Goddess of Mercy and was taken as the principal image. While going through temple main gate, strangely shaped rocks stand in a row, one of which has a name called Shionomngan Rock.
    zenzibuji-6.jpg
  • Ryoanji Temple garden is one of the world's best known gardens. The main attraction is its rock garden, the most renowned of its kind in Japan. The simple Zen garden consist of nothing but rocks and neatly raked gravel. Though the meaning of the garden's arrangement is unknown and up to each visitor's interpretation it is said that if you can see all of the 15 stones at one time you have reached enlightenment.
    ryoanji-crop.jpg
  • Zenzibuji Temple, Temple Number 32 - Zenzibuji temple is near Chikurinji temple on a hill facing Tosa Bay.  Zenzibu-ji is Temple number 32 on the Shikoku Pilgrimage Trail. Kobo Daishi visited this temple in 807 and trained here. Daishi wished for the safety of ships in Tosa Bay. Inside the temple is a statue of Kannon the Goddess of Mercy and was taken as the principal image. While going through temple main gate, strangely shaped rocks stand in a row, one of which has a name called Shionomngan Rock.
    zenzibuji-6.jpg
  • Ryoanji Garden and Sakura - one of the world's best known gardens. The main attraction is its rock garden, the most renowned of its kind in Japan. The simple Zen garden consist of nothing but rocks and neatly raked gravel. Though the meaning of the garden's arrangement is unknown and up to each visitor's interpretation it is said that if you can see all of the 15 stones at one time you have reached enlightenment.
    ryoanji-3.jpg
  • Banryutei rock garden at Kongobuji Temple is Japan's largest Zen Garden with one hundred and forty granite rocks arranged so as to suggest dragons emerging from clouds in order to protect the temple.
    banryutei-garden-1.jpg
  • Ryoanji Temple zen garden is one of the world's best known gardens. The temple's main attraction is its rock garden - the most famous of its kind in Japan. The simple garden consist of nothing but rocks, moss and neatly raked gravel. The meaning of the garden's arrangement is up to each visitor's interpretation, though it is said that if you can see all of the fifteen stones at one time, you will have reached enlightenment.
    ryoanji-7.jpg
  • Ryoanji Temple garden is one of the world's best known gardens. The main attraction is its rock garden, the most renowned of its kind in Japan. The simple Zen garden consists of nothing but rocks and neatly raked gravel. Though the precise meaning of the garden's arrangement is unknown and up to each visitor's interpretation, it is said that if you can see all of the 15 stones at one time you have reached enlightenment.
    ryoanji-8.jpg
  • Hogon-in "garden of the lion's roar" was created by a zen priest in the Muromachi period.  Hogon-in is a sub-temple of Tenryu-ji temple and was built in 1461 in Kamigyo ward. It burnt down during the Onin War and was rebuilt later. In the Meiji period, it was moved to its present location in Arashiyama.  Its shishiku garden  was designed by Sakugen Shuryo and its highlight is a giant rock, said to shaped like a lion, a smaller stone symbolizes a carp jumping against the water of a waterfall.
    hogon-in-27.jpg
  • Hogon-in "garden of the lion's roar" was created by a zen priest in the Muromachi period.  Hogon-in is a sub-temple of Tenryu-ji temple and was built in 1461 in Kamigyo ward. It burnt down during the Onin War and was rebuilt later. In the Meiji period, it was moved to its present location in Arashiyama.  Its shishiku garden  was designed by Sakugen Shuryo and its highlight is a giant rock, said to shaped like a lion, a smaller stone symbolizes a carp jumping against the water of a waterfall.
    hogon-in-20.jpg
  • Iwaya-ji means, Rock Cave Temple and is hard place to get to. Ancient folklore tells us that a mysterious shaman priestess led Kukai here This lady-hermit was named Hokke-Sennin. The home of the priest is built against a cliff that rises straight up into the sky.  Kukai made two statues of Fudou, one of them from stone, and placed this stone Fudou inside the cave. By placing the Fudou inside the cave the entire mountain becomes a sacred place. This is truly a spectacular place to visit and explore. The path on the way up is lined with moss covered statues and trees. Iwayaji is the place where Kobo Daishi trained himself.  Iwaya-ji is temple number 45 on the Shikoku 88 Pilgrimage Trail which is traditionally completed on foot taking up some 40 days to complete as the full course is approximately 1200 km.
    iwaya-ji-14.jpg
  • Iwaya-ji means, Rock Cave Temple and is hard place to get to. Ancient folklore tells us that a mysterious shaman priestess led Kukai here This lady-hermit was named Hokke-Sennin. The home of the priest is built against a cliff that rises straight up into the sky.  Kukai made two statues of Fudou, one of them from stone, and placed this stone Fudou inside the cave. By placing the Fudou inside the cave the entire mountain becomes a sacred place. This is truly a spectacular place to visit and explore. The path on the way up is lined with moss covered statues and trees. Iwayaji is the place where Kobo Daishi trained himself.  Iwaya-ji is temple number 45 on the Shikoku 88 Pilgrimage Trail which is traditionally completed on foot taking up some 40 days to complete as the full course is approximately 1200 km.
    iwaya-ji-15.jpg
  • Iwaya-ji means, Rock Cave Temple and is hard place to get to. Ancient folklore tells us that a mysterious shaman priestess led Kukai here This lady-hermit was named Hokke-Sennin. The home of the priest is built against a cliff that rises straight up into the sky.  Kukai made two statues of Fudou, one of them from stone, and placed this stone Fudou inside the cave. By placing the Fudou inside the cave the entire mountain becomes a sacred place. This is truly a spectacular place to visit and explore. The path on the way up is lined with moss covered statues and trees. Iwayaji is the place where Kobo Daishi trained himself.  Iwaya-ji is temple number 45 on the Shikoku 88 Pilgrimage Trail which is traditionally completed on foot taking up some 40 days to complete as the full course is approximately 1200 km.
    iwaya-ji-10.jpg
  • Iwaya-ji means, Rock Cave Temple and is hard place to get to. Ancient folklore tells us that a mysterious shaman priestess led Kukai here This lady-hermit was named Hokke-Sennin. The home of the priest is built against a cliff that rises straight up into the sky.  Kukai made two statues of Fudou, one of them from stone, and placed this stone Fudou inside the cave. By placing the Fudou inside the cave the entire mountain becomes a sacred place. This is truly a spectacular place to visit and explore. The path on the way up is lined with moss covered statues and trees. Iwayaji is the place where Kobo Daishi trained himself.  Iwaya-ji is temple number 45 on the Shikoku 88 Pilgrimage Trail which is traditionally completed on foot taking up some 40 days to complete as the full course is approximately 1200 km.
    iwaya-ji-1.jpg
  • Tenjuan Temple Garden - Tenjuan Temple is a small subtemple of Nanzenji dedicated to the Zen master who served Emperor Kameyama in his religious studies. Tenju-an has a main hall and study which date back to the early 17th century. Tenjuan is noteworthy for its two gardens, a rock garden and an adjacent pond garden, which are particularly attractive during autumn. The dry karesansui garden has unusual patterns normally not found in karesansui zen gardens.
    tenju-an-1.jpg
  • Iwaya-ji means, Rock Cave Temple and is hard place to get to. Ancient folklore tells us that a mysterious shaman priestess led Kukai here This lady-hermit was named Hokke-Sennin. The home of the priest is built against a cliff that rises straight up into the sky.  Kukai made two statues of Fudou, one of them from stone, and placed this stone Fudou inside the cave. By placing the Fudou inside the cave the entire mountain becomes a sacred place. This is truly a spectacular place to visit and explore. The path on the way up is lined with moss covered statues and trees. Iwayaji is the place where Kobo Daishi trained himself.  Iwaya-ji is temple number 45 on the Shikoku 88 Pilgrimage Trail which is traditionally completed on foot taking up some 40 days to complete as the full course is approximately 1200 km.
    iwaya-ji-15.jpg
  • Iwaya-ji means, Rock Cave Temple and is hard place to get to. Ancient folklore tells us that a mysterious shaman priestess led Kukai here This lady-hermit was named Hokke-Sennin. The home of the priest is built against a cliff that rises straight up into the sky.  Kukai made two statues of Fudou, one of them from stone, and placed this stone Fudou inside the cave. By placing the Fudou inside the cave the entire mountain becomes a sacred place. This is truly a spectacular place to visit and explore. The path on the way up is lined with moss covered statues and trees. Iwayaji is the place where Kobo Daishi trained himself.  Iwaya-ji is temple number 45 on the Shikoku 88 Pilgrimage Trail which is traditionally completed on foot taking up some 40 days to complete as the full course is approximately 1200 km.
    iwaya-ji-14.jpg
  • Iwaya-ji means, Rock Cave Temple and is hard place to get to. Ancient folklore tells us that a mysterious shaman priestess led Kukai here This lady-hermit was named Hokke-Sennin. The home of the priest is built against a cliff that rises straight up into the sky.  Kukai made two statues of Fudou, one of them from stone, and placed this stone Fudou inside the cave. By placing the Fudou inside the cave the entire mountain becomes a sacred place. This is truly a spectacular place to visit and explore. The path on the way up is lined with moss covered statues and trees. Iwayaji is the place where Kobo Daishi trained himself.  Iwaya-ji is temple number 45 on the Shikoku 88 Pilgrimage Trail which is traditionally completed on foot taking up some 40 days to complete as the full course is approximately 1200 km.
    iwaya-ji-11.jpg
  • Naritasan Shinshoji Stone Garden - Naritasan Shinshoji is one of the most important Buddhist temples in the Tokyo area, and the Head of the Chisan Shingon Buddhism sect.  Its Japanese garden, usually called Naritasan Park, is composed of wooded and landscaped greenery. Stone monuments and memorials bearing haiku poetry punctuate the landscape, making it one of the most unusual Japanese gardens in the country. Its centerpiece is a pond with a pagoda in the middle.  In addition there is a waterfall composed with a surrounding rock garden.
    shinshoji-garden-5.jpg
  • Naritasan Shinshoji Stone Garden - Naritasan Shinshoji is one of the most important Buddhist temples in the Tokyo area, and the Head of the Chisan Shingon Buddhism sect.  Its Japanese garden, usually called Naritasan Park, is composed of wooded and landscaped greenery. Stone monuments and memorials bearing haiku poetry punctuate the landscape, making it one of the most unusual Japanese gardens in the country. Its centerpiece is a pond with a pagoda in the middle.  In addition there is a waterfall composed with a surrounding rock garden.
    shinshoji-garden-1.jpg
  • Ryoanji or the Temple of the Dragon at Peace is a Zen temple in northwest Kyoto, Ryoanji belongs to the My shin-ji school of the Rinzai branch of Zen Buddhism. The garden is considered to be the finest examples of a karesansui, Japanese rock garden, or zen garden, in the world. The temple and gardens are listed as Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto and as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    ryoanji-1.jpg
  • Kalapana Black Sand Beach - The Big Island landscape is always changing, waves crashing into rocky shores and molten lava pouring into the ocean. The Kalapana Black Sand Beach is no exception, with sandy shores that are continuously shaped as crashing waters erode black lava rock. Across 1/4 mile of rocky terrain formed from a 20th century lava flow, you'll make your way across a path to remote Kaimu beach. At the Kalapana Lava Viewing Area, when the volcano is active, emissions are visible as billows of smoke rise above the ocean.
    kalapana-black-sand-beach-1.jpg
  • The Big Island landscape is always changing, waves crashing into rocky shores and molten lava pouring into the ocean. The Kalapana Black Sand Beach is no exception, with sandy shores that are continuously shaped as crashing waters erode black lava rock. Across 1/4 mile of rocky terrain formed from a 20th century lava flow, you'll make your way across a path to remote Kaimu beach. At the Kalapana Lava Viewing Area, when the volcano is active, emissions are visible as billows of smoke rise above the ocean.
    black-sand-beach-4.jpg
  • The Big Island landscape is always changing, waves crashing into rocky shores and molten lava pouring into the ocean. The Kalapana Black Sand Beach is no exception, with sandy shores that are continuously shaped as crashing waters erode black lava rock. Across 1/4 mile of rocky terrain formed from a 20th century lava flow, you'll make your way across a path to remote Kaimu beach. At the Kalapana Lava Viewing Area, when the volcano is active, emissions are visible as billows of smoke rise above the ocean.
    black-sand-beach-5.jpg
  • Hogon-in "garden of the lion's roar" was created by a zen priest in the Muromachi period.  Hogon-in is a sub-temple of Tenryu-ji temple and was built in 1461 in Kamigyo ward. It burnt down during the Onin War and was rebuilt later. In the Meiji period, it was moved to its present location in Arashiyama.  Its shishiku garden  was designed by Sakugen Shuryo and its highlight is a giant rock, said to shaped like a lion, a smaller stone symbolizes a carp jumping against the water of a waterfall.
    hogon-in-24.jpg
  • Iwaya-ji means, Rock Cave Temple and is hard place to get to. Ancient folklore tells us that a mysterious shaman priestess led Kukai here This lady-hermit was named Hokke-Sennin. The home of the priest is built against a cliff that rises straight up into the sky.  Kukai made two statues of Fudou, one of them from stone, and placed this stone Fudou inside the cave. By placing the Fudou inside the cave the entire mountain becomes a sacred place. This is truly a spectacular place to visit and explore. The path on the way up is lined with moss covered statues and trees. Iwayaji is the place where Kobo Daishi trained himself.  Iwaya-ji is temple number 45 on the Shikoku 88 Pilgrimage Trail which is traditionally completed on foot taking up some 40 days to complete as the full course is approximately 1200 km.
    iwaya-ji-17.jpg
  • Iwaya-ji means, Rock Cave Temple and is hard place to get to. Ancient folklore tells us that a mysterious shaman priestess led Kukai here This lady-hermit was named Hokke-Sennin. The home of the priest is built against a cliff that rises straight up into the sky.  Kukai made two statues of Fudou, one of them from stone, and placed this stone Fudou inside the cave. By placing the Fudou inside the cave the entire mountain becomes a sacred place. This is truly a spectacular place to visit and explore. The path on the way up is lined with moss covered statues and trees. Iwayaji is the place where Kobo Daishi trained himself.  Iwaya-ji is temple number 45 on the Shikoku 88 Pilgrimage Trail which is traditionally completed on foot taking up some 40 days to complete as the full course is approximately 1200 km.
    iwaya-ji-13.jpg
  • Iwaya-ji means, Rock Cave Temple and is hard place to get to. Ancient folklore tells us that a mysterious shaman priestess led Kukai here This lady-hermit was named Hokke-Sennin. The home of the priest is built against a cliff that rises straight up into the sky.  Kukai made two statues of Fudou, one of them from stone, and placed this stone Fudou inside the cave. By placing the Fudou inside the cave the entire mountain becomes a sacred place. This is truly a spectacular place to visit and explore. The path on the way up is lined with moss covered statues and trees. Iwayaji is the place where Kobo Daishi trained himself.  Iwaya-ji is temple number 45 on the Shikoku 88 Pilgrimage Trail which is traditionally completed on foot taking up some 40 days to complete as the full course is approximately 1200 km.
    iwaya-ji-12.jpg
  • Iwaya-ji means, Rock Cave Temple and is hard place to get to. Ancient folklore tells us that a mysterious shaman priestess led Kukai here This lady-hermit was named Hokke-Sennin. The home of the priest is built against a cliff that rises straight up into the sky.  Kukai made two statues of Fudou, one of them from stone, and placed this stone Fudou inside the cave. By placing the Fudou inside the cave the entire mountain becomes a sacred place. This is truly a spectacular place to visit and explore. The path on the way up is lined with moss covered statues and trees. Iwayaji is the place where Kobo Daishi trained himself.  Iwaya-ji is temple number 45 on the Shikoku 88 Pilgrimage Trail which is traditionally completed on foot taking up some 40 days to complete as the full course is approximately 1200 km.
    iwaya-ji-9.jpg
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