Japanese Kunouzan Tokugawa Ieyasu Tousougu Shinto Shrine
Emily and I make our monthly trip to the historic Tousougu Shinto shrine located atop Mt. Kunouzan in Shizuoka, Japan. This shrine is dedicated to the deified spirit of Tokugawa Ieyasu who unified Japan in 1600 and ushered in the long and peaceful Edo period. We travel to this shrine in order to purchase Shinto religious items such as omamori and ofuda which are carried in our on-line store. The shrine may be approached via ropeway or by climbing an especially steep and precarious stone stairway which begins near the edge of the sea.
The Moment - Pref. Shizuoka Official Video for Tourist
Introducing 'The Moment - SHIZUOKA', full of Japanese spirit and nature!
Suruga Bay, The Deepest Sea in Japan
Mt. Fuji, The Highest Mountain in Japan
Green Tea, The Best Quality in Japan
and More!
SHOT LIST:
Mt. Fuji Shizuoka Airport
Yaizu Fish Market
Hakuin Zen Shoinji Temple
Osezaki Cape
Izusan Shrine
Mishima Taisha Shrine
YAMAHA STADIUM
GOTEMBA PREMIUM OUTLETS
Suyama Sengenjinja Shrine
Statue of Tokugawa Ieyasu
Arai Ryokan
Nirayama Reverberatory Furnace
Okuni Shrine
Kakitagawa River
Ayutsubo Falls
Kawazu Seven Falls
Ryuuguukutsu
Old Grand Hotel Kashiba-ya
Omaezaki Lighthouse
Izu Chohachi Museum
Higashiguchi Fujisengenjinja Shrine
Kuroda Residence
Fujisan Hongu Sengentaisha Shrine
Dogashima
Fuji River
Sunset over Nishiizu
Ogasayama Sports Park ECOPA
Izu Velodrome
Atagawa Tropical & Alligator Garden
Okuirozaki Coast
Jogasaki Coast
Horai Bridge
Okuoi Kojo Station of the Southern Alps Abt Line
Koyama Castle
Enshu Yokosuka Old Street
Jyukkokutoge
Lake Hamana
Bentenjima
Arai Checkpoint Sekisyo Museum
Miho-no-Matsubara
*Watch the full collection of 'A DAY IN SHIZUOKA'
Morning:
Day - Relax:
Day - Active:
Night:
SHIZUOKA GUIDE HP:
Nikko Tokugawa Ieyasu's tomb
This is perhaps the single most important figure in Japanese history, being most responsible for uniting the country under one ruler.
Stairs to Mt Kunouzan Tokugawa Ieyasu Tousougu Shinto Shrine
This is a follow-up to the video titled Japanese Kunouzan Tokugawa Ieyasu Tousougu Shinto Shrine. After posting the earlier video I received email asking about the stone stairway leading to the top of the mountain. This video is a double-time trip from the bottom of the mountain to the top via the stairs. I do apologize for the shaky camera work and otherwise poor video quality.
Nikko Toshogun Shrine Tokugawa Shogunate burial site
via YouTube Capture
Japanese Countryside Shrine - Konpiragu Shrine Fujieda
In the countryside town of Fujieda in Shizuoka Prefecture I visited a hilltop shrine in the shadow of Mt. Fuji. It's a Konpiragu Shrine also known as Kotohira-gu which originates from Shikoku and the main deity is Omononushi-no-Mikoto a patron deity of sailors, travelers, and maritime businessmen. It's a picturesque shrine with interesting legends of the area about giant snakes and glowing Buddhist statues in the sea.
The shrine was built in the late 12th Century at the end of the Heian Period and the beginning of the Kamakura Period. It was burned down during the civil war period of the Sengoku Era in 1578 possibly in the time when Tokugawa Ieyasu was attacking nearby Tanaka Castle which was held by the Takeda clan. The shrine was later rebuilt in 1613.
The shrine sets behind the house of jvloggers Mully&Tomoko of Warmoth Strat and their dog Opie. Thanks to Tomoko for translating the signs!
A Tokugawa Scholar's Private Museum
Rebecca and I spent Silver Week in the mountains of Shizuoka, in a small town known as Shimada. We stayed with one Mr. Kurosawa, a man who devoted his life to studying Buddhist Scriptures and the life of Tokugawa Ieyasu. Our gracious host allowed us to tour his own personal museum, a traditional Japanese home surrounded by tea terraces, which he calls his hideaway.
Enjoy!
Japan Mountain trail Jizo 日本マウンテントレイル地蔵 - Abandoned Japan 日本の廃墟
Welcome to Abandoned Japan. My name is Kurt Bell and I am delighted that you have taken some time to share a little of Japan's lost and forgotten places with me. I'm available on social media at the links below and can be reached via email at dinnerbytheriver@gmail.com.
Follow me on Twitter:
Find me on Facebook:
On Google+
Instagram:
LinkedIn:
My blog:
----
THE PATH OF WILDNESS
The Path of Wildness is easy to find
The course of a stream
Leaves blown in the wind
A beast's track through the brush
And the direction of our first inclination
The Path of Wildness is an answer and response to a prescribed way of life which may leave some individuals with a sense that their living is little more than a series of pre-determined, step-like episodes between birth and death. The stages of living between these events: childhood, adolescence, adulthood, parenthood and senior are themselves natural and in accord with the needs of the species and most individuals. Many find their satisfaction in living this course and to these individuals I have little or nothing to say. Others though long for something more; something innate, genetic and seemingly calling. Adventure and change can give a degree of satisfaction and relief yet even these may seem too tame. To those who feel drawn to something beyond the entertainment and stimulation of senses I offer a walk along The Path of Wildness. Don't bother penciling the event in your schedule, preparing a pack with goodies and supplies or even inviting a friend along, for this experience is along the course of your first inclination and you must surely always go alone.
Learn more about The Path of Wildness here:
====
CHANNEL CREDITS
Japanese Falls image is by the artist Lane Brown. See more of Mr. Brown's work at the following URL:
Channel Theme Music Song For Kurt used with permission by Nowherians. Discover more about the artist and their music at the URL below.
Ieyasu and teamLab: Night Sumpu Castle Ruins and Tower of Floating Light beta ver.
108個の浮遊する光の球体（直径2m）により構築された、空中に浮遊するピラミッド形状（33m×24m×17m）のインタラクティブインスタレーション作品。
家康公は駿府の地を愛し、終の住処として、圧倒的な美しさでそびえる富士山を借景に駿府城を築城した。光輝いていたとされる駿府城の天守や、その借景の富士山を見立てて、駿府城天守跡に、浮遊する光のピラミッドを創った。
その光のピラミッドによって、家康公の生涯をモチーフにした光と音楽のショーを展開する。また、ピラミッドの中には、球体が浮遊しており、その球体は、人が叩くと、光の色を変化させ、色特有の音色を響かせる。そして、そのまわりの球体は呼応し、同じ光の色に変化し音色を響かせる。さらに、次々にまわりの球体が連続していき、ピラミッド全体の色が変わっていく。
This interactive installation consists of a pyramid (33 x 24 x 17 meters) floating in midair constructed from 108 globes of light (2 meters in diameter).
Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu loved the land of Sunpu; he built a castle there, against the backdrop of the majesty of Mount Fuji, to be his final abode. As an allusion to the shining towers of Sunpu Castle and the beauty of Fuji, we have created in the ruins of Sunpu’s towers a floating pyramid of light.
In this pyramid of light unfolds a show of light and sound themed on Lord Ieyasu’s life. Within the pyramid float spheres that change color when tapped and emit a noise unique to that color. The surrounding globes then resonate to emit the same colors and sounds, sparking a chain reaction that changes the entire color of the pyramid.
Old Japan Temple Altar Bell - Wooden Buddhist Mokugyo
Description
Vintage Japanese wooden bell used for altar service within a Buddhist temple. Such bells are called mokugyo in Japan where they are used by Buddhist priests during the performance of religious services. The bell is struck over and over in quick succession producing a steady cadence which helps the priest keep time during ritual chants. This wooden bell has seen previous service and the wood is somewhat worn on both sides where the striker (included) has been used. The bell is otherwise in fine condition, though there is a very small crack in the wood at one end of the sound hole (noted in detail photo below). The crack does not, however, appear serious nor does it seem to affect the quality of the sound produced. There is another crack on the bell body which appears firm but which may grow if the bell is much used. We therefore recommmend this bell as a display item suitable for demonstration use only. The bell includes a wooden striker which came with the bell but may not be original to the piece. The striker is in very good condition. This bell produces a very clear and distinct sound. This lovely wooden temple bell dates from the mid Japanese Showa period (1926-1989) or earlier and was acquired in the historic city of Shizuoka, Japan near the foot of Mt. Fuji.
Size:
Height (bottom of bell to top of handle): 4.3 inches (11.0 centimeters)
Width (side to side along handle): 4.7 inches (12.0 centimeters)
Depth: 3.9 inches (10.0 centimeters)
Length of striker: 8.2 inches (21.0 centimeters)
Combined weight: 11.0 ounces (315 grams)
Japanese Buddhist home altars
At the start of the long Japanese Edo period (1600-1868) the Shogun, Tokugawa Ieyasu determined that the country of Nippon (Japan) should be closed to the outside world with the exception of a few ports of trade. This was done in an effort to protect Japan from the colonizing forces of the west and in particular to isolate the Japanese people from the influences of Christianity, which the Shogun viewed as a threat to the principals of Confucianism upon which his rule did depend. Over time this fear of Christianity grew such that laws were eventually passed requiring the Japanese to annually swear devotion to Buddhism. Fearing the threat and penalties of Christian belief, many Japanese families began to erect small Buddhist altars within their home as further proof of their loyalty to Buddhism. These home altars or butsudan as they are called were commonly outfitted with religious implements such as bells, incense burners, candlesticks and statues such that they might resemble Buddhist temples in miniature. Specialist crafts developed for the sole purpose of manufacturing beautiful wooden butsudan and their associated articles of worship. Over time, the practice of maintaining a home altar lost it's original purpose of publicly expressing one's loyalty to Buddhism and instead became an accepted and important household function, particularly with families acting as the head of the household name (usually the home of the first born son). Far from being forgotten as a relic of Japan's past, the butsudan is today an important household fixture which may receive daily attention by family members who consider the altar to symbolically enshrine the spirits and memories of departed ancestors.
item code: R1S3-0005605
category code: (nipponrin) (butsudannomono)
ship code: G6
Travelogue in Japan, Toshogu Shrine, volume 49
Toshogu Shrine (東照宮, Tōshōgū) is the final resting place of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate that ruled Japan for over 250 years until 1868. Ieyasu is enshrined at Toshogu as the deity Tosho Daigongen, Great Deity of the East Shining Light. Initially a relatively simple mausoleum, Toshogu was enlarged into the spectacular complex seen today by Ieyasu's grandson Iemitsu during the first half of the 1600s.
Almost all of the present-day shrine complex was rebuilt in 1636, twenty years after Tokugawa Ieyasu’s enshrinement. Fifty-five buildings, including Yomeimon Gate (designated a National Treasure), were completed in just one year and five months. According to the shrine’s financial records, the cost was equivalent to of ¥40 billion in today’s money. The renovation project was administered by Akimoto Yasutomo, the governor of Tajima Province, and the actual construction and carpentry work was the responsibility of master carpenter Kora Bungo Munehiro.
One of the special features of the shrine complex is the use of paths and stairways that follow the natural topography of the site, allowing the arrangement of the shrine buildings in a pleasing balance to create a solemn, religious atmosphere. The buildings are lacquered and decorated with vibrant colors, and the pillars and other structures are covered in a multitude of carvings. The carvings are not simply design elements; they convey expressions of religious belief as well as scholarship and philosophy.
The shrine complex was registered as a World Heritage site in December 1999.
Thank you for watching, commenting and subscribing!
Hugs, Natasha
Secret Japan Shinto shrine 秘密の日本神社 - Abandoned Japan 日本の廃墟
In early January I was visited by three friends from YouTube who were travelling in Japan and who had contacted me with an interest in experiencing a little of the Japan countryside I feature in many of my videos. Wes, Alex and Mike are American film makers who share a passion for Japan and a curiosity for what might be found beyond the big cities. Over a two day period we explored some of my favorite locations in the rugged mountains between Mt. Fuji and the Japan Southern Alps. On the second day we decided to try and visit a small Shinto shrine hidden amidst the forest on the outskirts of a nearly deserted mountain village. I had seen the shrine gate across the river on a previous hike though at the time was unable to approach the shrine due to high water in the narrow river gorge. On this day we were fortunate in finding the water level low and could cross the water on a narrow wooden footbridge which had been upset by the river. A little bushwhacking was required to reach the shrine which we found in surprisingly good condition though otherwise seemingly abandoned and without regular visitors. Before leaving we took care to reset the footbridge among the river stones in order that future visitors might have easier access.
----
Welcome to Abandoned Japan. My name is Kurt Bell and I am delighted that you have taken some time to share a little of Japan's lost and forgotten places with me. I'm available on social media at the links below and can be reached via email at dinnerbytheriver@gmail.com.
Follow me on Twitter:
Find me on Facebook:
On Google+
Instagram:
LinkedIn:
My blog:
----
THE PATH OF WILDNESS
The Path of Wildness is easy to find
The course of a stream
Leaves blown in the wind
A beast's track through the brush
And the direction of our first inclination
The Path of Wildness is an answer and response to a prescribed way of life which may leave some individuals with a sense that their living is little more than a series of pre-determined, step-like episodes between birth and death. The stages of living between these events: childhood, adolescence, adulthood, parenthood and senior are themselves natural and in accord with the needs of the species and most individuals. Many find their satisfaction in living this course and to these individuals I have little or nothing to say. Others though long for something more; something innate, genetic and seemingly calling. Adventure and change can give a degree of satisfaction and relief yet even these may seem too tame. To those who feel drawn to something beyond the entertainment and stimulation of senses I offer a walk along The Path of Wildness. Don't bother penciling the event in your schedule, preparing a pack with goodies and supplies or even inviting a friend along, for this experience is along the course of your first inclination and you must surely always go alone.
Learn more about The Path of Wildness here:
====
CHANNEL CREDITS
Japanese Falls image is by the artist Lane Brown. See more of Mr. Brown's work at the following URL:
Channel Theme Music Song For Kurt used with permission by Nowherians. Discover more about the artist and their music at the URL below.
Tosho gu - yokohama - toshogu grand spring festival
Tōshō-gū shrines are found throughout Japan. The most famous Tōshō-gū is located in Nikkō in Tochigi Prefecture. It is one of Japan's most popular destinations for tourists.
Ieyasu's son, the second shogun Hidetada, ordered the construction of the Nikkō Tōshō-gū. Later, the third shogun Iemitsu had the shrine greatly enlarged and lavishly decorated.
yokohama
toshogu grand spring festival in nikko
toshogu shrine renovation
nikkō tōshō-gū
tokugawa ieyasu grave
Old Buddhist Altar Incense Holder - Butsudan Senkoutate
Description
Specialized containers such as the item listed here are called senkoutate in Japan where they are used to hold sticks of incense for use with Buddhist temple and home altars. This high quality bronze incense holder is in good condition with only small marks, scratches and wear as evidence of past use. This very special and authentic Buddhist altar tool is less than 40 years old and was acquired in the beautiful and historic city of Shizuoka, Japan near the foot of Mt. Fuji. Please click here to see more items for the butsudan altar!
Size:
Height: 4.2 inches (10.7 centimeters)
Weight: 8.5 ounces (242 grams)
More about Japanese Buddhist home altars
At the start of the long Japanese Edo period (1600-1868) the Shogun, Tokugawa Ieyasu determined that the country of Nippon (Japan) should be closed to the outside world with the exception of a few ports of trade. This was done in an effort to protect Japan from the colonizing forces of the west and in particular to isolate the Japanese people from the influences of Christianity, which the Shogun viewed as a threat to the principals of Confucianism upon which his rule did depend. Over time this ruler's fear of Christianity grew such that laws were eventually passed requiring the Japanese to annually swear devotion to Buddhism. Fearing the threat and penalties of Christian belief, many Japanese families began to erect small Buddhist altars within their home as further proof of their loyalty to Buddhism. These home altars or butsudan were commonly outfitted with religious implements such as bells, incense burners, candlesticks and statues such that they might resemble Buddhist temples in miniature. Specialist crafts developed for the sole purpose of manufacturing beautiful wooden butsudan and their associated articles of worship. Over time, the practice of maintaining a home altar lost it's original purpose of publicly expressing one's loyalty to Buddhism and instead became an accepted and important household function, particularly with families acting as the head of the household name (usually the first born son's household). Far from being forgotten as a relic of Japan's past, the butsudan is today an important household fixture which may receive daily attention by family members who consider the altar to symbolically enshrine the spirits and memories of departed ancestors.
In my wife's (Japanese) parent's home a large butsudan can be found in the central family room. My wife's parents are very traditional Japanese and each morning and evening the butsudan receives a ceremonial offering of fresh water and the first scoop of rice from the rice cooker. The offering is prepared in the kitchen by my mother-in-law and delivered to the altar by my father-in-law who also rings the altar bell and offers a prayer upon delivering the water and rice. This practice is still quite common in Japan (particularly with the older generation) and represents an interesting example of how the butsudan retains an important function in Japanese life. My wife's family also makes similar daily offerings to a Shinto (native Japanese religion) shrine situated in their kitchen. The latter offering is to the kitchen god who protects the home from fire.
item code: R1S4-0005665
category code: (butsudannomono)
ship code: L1650
Buddhist Altar Incense Burner - Japanese Butsudan Koro
Description
Small solid bronze Japanese Buddhist altar incense burner (koro). This type of incense burner is used with Buddhist home altars called Butsudan (please read below to learn more about Butsudan). The burner has seen previous use and has a few scratches and marks as evidence of its past service. This wonderful artifact of Japanese Buddhism dates from the mid to late Showa period (1926-1989) and was acquired in the historic city of Shizuoka, Japan near the foot of Mt. Fuji. Please click here for packages of ash to use with your incense burner or here to see more items for the butsudan altar!
Size:
Height: 2.3 inches (6.0 centimeters)
Diameter of body: 3.4 inches (8.8 centimeters)
Weight: 7.1 ounces (203 grams)
More about Japanese Buddhist home altars
At the start of the long Japanese Edo period (1600-1868) the Shogun, Tokugawa Ieyasu determined that the country of Nippon (Japan) should be closed to the outside world with the exception of a few ports of trade. This was done in an effort to protect Japan from the colonizing forces of the west and in particular to isolate the Japanese people from the influences of Christianity, which the Shogun viewed as a threat to the principals of Confucianism upon which his rule did depend. Over time this ruler's fear of Christianity grew such that laws were eventually passed requiring the Japanese to annually swear devotion to Buddhism. Fearing the threat and penalties of Christian belief, many Japanese families began to erect small Buddhist altars within their home as further proof of their loyalty to Buddhism. These home altars or butsudan were commonly outfitted with religious implements such as bells, incense burners, candlesticks and statues such that they might resemble Buddhist temples in miniature. Specialist crafts developed for the sole purpose of manufacturing beautiful wooden butsudan and their associated articles of worship. Over time, the practice of maintaining a home altar lost it's original purpose of publicly expressing one's loyalty to Buddhism and instead became an accepted and important household function, particularly with families acting as the head of the household name (usually the first born son's household). Far from being forgotten as a relic of Japan's past, the butsudan is today an important household fixture which may receive daily attention by family members who consider the altar to symbolically enshrine the spirits and memories of departed ancestors.
In my wife's (Japanese) parent's home a large butsudan can be found in the central family room. My wife's parents are very traditional Japanese and each morning and evening the butsudan receives a ceremonial offering of fresh water and the first scoop of rice from the rice cooker. The offering is prepared in the kitchen by my mother-in-law and delivered to the altar by my father-in-law who also rings the altar bell and offers a prayer upon delivering the water and rice. This practice is still quite common in Japan (particularly with the older generation) and represents an interesting example of how the butsudan retains an important function in Japanese life. My wife's family also makes similar daily offerings to a Shinto (native Japanese religion) shrine situated in their kitchen. The latter offering is to the kitchen god who protects the home from fire.
item code: R1S3-0005626
category code: (butsudannomono)
ship code: L1650
Buddhist Altar Incense Burner Meiji Japan Butsudan Koro
Description
Small porcelain Japanese Buddhist altar incense burner (koro). This type of incense burner is used with Buddhist home altars called Butsudan (please read below to learn more about Butsudan). The burner has seen previous use is a bit dusty with incense ash at the bottom. The incense burner does have some cracks which someone attempted to strengthen and reinforce through the application of a glaze-like coating. The repair job appears to have been successful as the koro is firm and solid and the repair seams though visible are not too distracting. The cracks are noted in the detail photos below. In addition to the repaired cracks the koro also has some scratches and marks as evidence of its past service. This wonderful artifact of Japanese Buddhism dates from the Japanese Meiji period (1868-1912) and was acquired in the historic city of Shizuoka, Japan near the foot of Mt. Fuji. Please click here for packages of ash to use with your incense burner or here to see more items for the butsudan altar!
Size:
Height: 1.6 inches (4.0 centimeters)
Diameter of body: 3.3 inches (8.5 centimeters)
Weight: 3.5 ounces (101 grams)
More about Japanese Buddhist home altars
At the start of the long Japanese Edo period (1600-1868) the Shogun, Tokugawa Ieyasu determined that the country of Nippon (Japan) should be closed to the outside world with the exception of a few ports of trade. This was done in an effort to protect Japan from the colonizing forces of the west and in particular to isolate the Japanese people from the influences of Christianity, which the Shogun viewed as a threat to the principals of Confucianism upon which his rule did depend. Over time this ruler's fear of Christianity grew such that laws were eventually passed requiring the Japanese to annually swear devotion to Buddhism. Fearing the threat and penalties of Christian belief, many Japanese families began to erect small Buddhist altars within their home as further proof of their loyalty to Buddhism. These home altars or butsudan were commonly outfitted with religious implements such as bells, incense burners, candlesticks and statues such that they might resemble Buddhist temples in miniature. Specialist crafts developed for the sole purpose of manufacturing beautiful wooden butsudan and their associated articles of worship. Over time, the practice of maintaining a home altar lost it's original purpose of publicly expressing one's loyalty to Buddhism and instead became an accepted and important household function, particularly with families acting as the head of the household name (usually the first born son's household). Far from being forgotten as a relic of Japan's past, the butsudan is today an important household fixture which may receive daily attention by family members who consider the altar to symbolically enshrine the spirits and memories of departed ancestors.
In my wife's (Japanese) parent's home a large butsudan can be found in the central family room. My wife's parents are very traditional Japanese and each morning and evening the butsudan receives a ceremonial offering of fresh water and the first scoop of rice from the rice cooker. The offering is prepared in the kitchen by my mother-in-law and delivered to the altar by my father-in-law who also rings the altar bell and offers a prayer upon delivering the water and rice. This practice is still quite common in Japan (particularly with the older generation) and represents an interesting example of how the butsudan retains an important function in Japanese life. My wife's family also makes similar daily offerings to a Shinto (native Japanese religion) shrine situated in their kitchen. The latter offering is to the kitchen god who protects the home from fire.
item code: R1S6-0002918
category code: (butsudannomono)
ship code: L1650
【日本櫪木縣Vlog#4】世界遺產日光東照宮一日遊-日本幕府德川家康墓地 2（English subtitles 日本語字幕）
世界遺產日光東照宮一日遊-日本幕府德川家康墓地 2（English subtitles 日本語字幕）
觀看上集點擊這裡：
日光東照宮維基百科：
東照宮網址：
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帶你玩日本系列：
帶你玩菲律賓系列：
帶你玩中國（大陸）系列：
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拍攝設備：
Gopro hero 7 black, osmo pocket, iphone x, samsung galaxy s9
Music:
#德川家康 #日光東照宮 #日本旅遊 #世界遺產
Youmeimon gate,Toshogu shrine,Nikko
Gorgeous
Buddhist Altar Incense Burner - Japanese Butsudan Koro
Description
Small, glazed porcelain Japanese Buddhist altar incense burner (koro). This type of incense burner is used with Buddhist home altars called Butsudan (please read below to learn more about Butsudan). The burner has seen previous use and has a few scratches and marks as evidence of its past service. This wonderful artifact of Japanese Buddhism dates from the mid to late Showa period (1926-1989) and was acquired in the historic city of Shizuoka, Japan near the foot of Mt. Fuji. Please click here for packages of ash to use with your incense burner or here to see more items for the butsudan altar!
Size:
Height: 2.1 inches (5.3 centimeters)
Diameter of body: 2.9 inches (7.5 centimeters)
Weight: 2.9 ounces (82 grams)
More about Japanese Buddhist home altars
At the start of the long Japanese Edo period (1600-1868) the Shogun, Tokugawa Ieyasu determined that the country of Nippon (Japan) should be closed to the outside world with the exception of a few ports of trade. This was done in an effort to protect Japan from the colonizing forces of the west and in particular to isolate the Japanese people from the influences of Christianity, which the Shogun viewed as a threat to the principals of Confucianism upon which his rule did depend. Over time this ruler's fear of Christianity grew such that laws were eventually passed requiring the Japanese to annually swear devotion to Buddhism. Fearing the threat and penalties of Christian belief, many Japanese families began to erect small Buddhist altars within their home as further proof of their loyalty to Buddhism. These home altars or butsudan were commonly outfitted with religious implements such as bells, incense burners, candlesticks and statues such that they might resemble Buddhist temples in miniature. Specialist crafts developed for the sole purpose of manufacturing beautiful wooden butsudan and their associated articles of worship. Over time, the practice of maintaining a home altar lost it's original purpose of publicly expressing one's loyalty to Buddhism and instead became an accepted and important household function, particularly with families acting as the head of the household name (usually the first born son's household). Far from being forgotten as a relic of Japan's past, the butsudan is today an important household fixture which may receive daily attention by family members who consider the altar to symbolically enshrine the spirits and memories of departed ancestors.
In my wife's (Japanese) parent's home a large butsudan can be found in the central family room. My wife's parents are very traditional Japanese and each morning and evening the butsudan receives a ceremonial offering of fresh water and the first scoop of rice from the rice cooker. The offering is prepared in the kitchen by my mother-in-law and delivered to the altar by my father-in-law who also rings the altar bell and offers a prayer upon delivering the water and rice. This practice is still quite common in Japan (particularly with the older generation) and represents an interesting example of how the butsudan retains an important function in Japanese life. My wife's family also makes similar daily offerings to a Shinto (native Japanese religion) shrine situated in their kitchen. The latter offering is to the kitchen god who protects the home from fire.
item code: R1S3-0005637
category code: (butsudannomono)
ship code: L1650
Buddhist Altar Incense Burner - Japanese Butsudan Koro
Description
Small ceramic Japanese Buddhist altar incense burner (koro). This type of incense burner is used with Buddhist home altars called Butsudan (please read below to learn more about Butsudan). The burner has seen previous use and has some scratches and marks as evidence of its past service. There are also two areas where the vessel did appear to touch it's neighboring vessel while in the kiln. This contact did leave two large marks where the glaze if flattended against the side of the koro (visible and noted in detail listing photos). This wonderful artifact of Japanese Buddhism dates from the mid to late Showa period (1926-1989) and was acquired in the historic city of Shizuoka, Japan near the foot of Mt. Fuji. Please click here for packages of ash to use with your incense burner or here to see more items for the butsudan altar!
Size:
Height: 1.6 inches (4.2 centimeters)
Diameter of body: 2.3 inches (5.8 centimeters)
Weight: 3.4 ounces (96 grams)
More about Japanese Buddhist home altars
At the start of the long Japanese Edo period (1600-1868) the Shogun, Tokugawa Ieyasu determined that the country of Nippon (Japan) should be closed to the outside world with the exception of a few ports of trade. This was done in an effort to protect Japan from the colonizing forces of the west and in particular to isolate the Japanese people from the influences of Christianity, which the Shogun viewed as a threat to the principals of Confucianism upon which his rule did depend. Over time this ruler's fear of Christianity grew such that laws were eventually passed requiring the Japanese to annually swear devotion to Buddhism. Fearing the threat and penalties of Christian belief, many Japanese families began to erect small Buddhist altars within their home as further proof of their loyalty to Buddhism. These home altars or butsudan were commonly outfitted with religious implements such as bells, incense burners, candlesticks and statues such that they might resemble Buddhist temples in miniature. Specialist crafts developed for the sole purpose of manufacturing beautiful wooden butsudan and their associated articles of worship. Over time, the practice of maintaining a home altar lost it's original purpose of publicly expressing one's loyalty to Buddhism and instead became an accepted and important household function, particularly with families acting as the head of the household name (usually the first born son's household). Far from being forgotten as a relic of Japan's past, the butsudan is today an important household fixture which may receive daily attention by family members who consider the altar to symbolically enshrine the spirits and memories of departed ancestors.
In my wife's (Japanese) parent's home a large butsudan can be found in the central family room. My wife's parents are very traditional Japanese and each morning and evening the butsudan receives a ceremonial offering of fresh water and the first scoop of rice from the rice cooker. The offering is prepared in the kitchen by my mother-in-law and delivered to the altar by my father-in-law who also rings the altar bell and offers a prayer upon delivering the water and rice. This practice is still quite common in Japan (particularly with the older generation) and represents an interesting example of how the butsudan retains an important function in Japanese life. My wife's family also makes similar daily offerings to a Shinto (native Japanese religion) shrine situated in their kitchen. The latter offering is to the kitchen god who protects the home from fire.
item code: R1S5-0005679
category code: (butsudannomono)
ship code: L1650