Random Beauty of Nikko

The water comes from the cave of Mt. Korei, which is located on the back side of Honden's main hall. People believe that the spring has two effects. First, that water might have a spiritual effect on eye disease and second, that water makes tasty sake.




Local sake brewers believe that spring water in the precinct of the shrines make tasty sake. They organized a group, and dedicated representative brands to the shrines. The group of sake brewers holds two festivals a year. One is to pray for the abundant product in October. Another festival is to reward the abundant product in May.

My obsession with DOORS and GATES

I’ve realized recently through my travels around Japan that I’ve developed an obsession with doors and gates. If you look through my collection of photos from places I’ve been you're bound to find a shot of one somewhere. I don’t know why!?! They just fascinate me!!!

Guardians of the Shrines

At most shrines in Japan, you'll see a pair of Shishi (lion-dogs; also called Koma-inu) traditionally standing guard outside the gates. In contrast, Buddhist temples are typically guarded by the Nio Protectors (Their fierce and threatening appearance wards off evil spirits and keeps the temple ground free of demons and thieves.), although it is not uncommon to find Shishi guarding temples as well. Furthermore, on the eaves of both shrine and temple roofs, one can frequently find carvings of this mythical beast.

Kamishinmichi

OFFERINGS OF LIGHT
in Japanese 灯明供養
（とうみょうくよう）The many stone lanterns are often used in lighting ceremonies associated with the deceased.

Kamishinmichi, where stone lanterns are located in a line.

Tokugawa's Grave

Ieyasu Tokugawa was born in the warring states period. He survived the chaos, and unified the entire country of Japan.
"Enshrine my dead body in Mt. Kuno (His hometown in Shizuoka prefecture) for the first year of the death. (Omission) And build a small shrine in Nikko and enshrine me as the God. I will be the guardian of Japan."
Ieyasu was dead on April 17th, 1616, when he was 75 years old. Ieyasu aimed to be the guardian of Japan. Nikko is located on the north of Edo. The north was considered as the taboo direction, where demons come into. Therefore, he wanted to place himself in the taboo direction in order to protect Japan from the evil things. He hoped long life of Tokugawa government and the eternal peace.

The shrines here were set in a grove of magnificent ancient Japanese cedars planted over a 20-year period during the 1600s by a feudal lord named Matsudaira Masatsuna. Some 13,000 of the original trees are still standing, adding a sense of dignity to the mausoleums and the shrines.
There are two trees near the Okusha-houtou, and these are called Kanousugi and Fu. The Kanousugi is believed that it makes your wish comes true.

They are such dorks!!!

Why??? Why do I still like Jun and his group Arashi???

Maybe b/c they annoy everyone else?
Maybe I just like dorks?

Anyways...their new song and music video is out:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=5Z7D7j3rdIs&search=arashi

If you can watch the whole thing W/O laughing....Good for U!!

b/c I can't!

Wonderland

Toshogu Shrine is like a wonderland.

**Hermit Kinkou rides on the carp

The name of the Yomeimon came from one of the twelve gates in the Imperial court in Kyoto. That one also was called Yomeimon. Techniques of crafts and decoration such as coloring, metal fitting and sculpture, were gathered in the Yomeimon. People are not tired of looking at the gate all day long because of its excellence.
Especially, sculptures are remarkable. The number of the sculptures is over 500. Frame of "Tosho-daigongen" is put on the arched gable. Also, sculptures of dragon and Iki are put under the frame of "Tosho-daigongen." Iki has tusk, but no whiskers. Also, the Iki has nostril on the upper lip.
There are 5173 sculptures in Toshogu Shrine totally. Honsha shrine has 2468 sculptures (Honden-1439, Haiden-940 and Ishinoma-89). In addition to that, Karamon (611 sculptures), Yomeimon (508 sculptures) follow the Honsha. There are 400 sculptures of small flower in the Karamon. Each flower is 7cm x 9cm. Theme of the sculpture is divided into the following categories such as human being, animals, imaginary animals, flower, birds and patterns. It is told that there is a law for each arrangement. For example, sculptures of human being are limited to be put in only the Yomeimon Gate and the Karamon Gate. Spiritual animals and Chinese Lions are arranged only in the Yomeimon Gate.



There are 194 sculptures of imaginary animals, which are called Reiju (Holy, or spiritual animals)





The calligraphy was one of four plays that the leader should handle. Other plays are painting, playing the harp, and so on.

"Shukou Chouso" (Saint Zhou handles suit with washing his hair)