National Treasures of Yamato - East Tower (Yakushiji)
Kofukuji Temple (興福寺), Nara City, Japan
西国観音巡礼 第 ９ 番 南円堂 興福寺
Kofukuji Temple, also sometimes known as Nan-en-do, is a temple located in Nara City. It is one of the temples, technically outside the Nara Park, closer to the JR Nara Station, hence one of the first temples you will encounter on the way to Nara Park.
Kofukuji Temple boasts a majestic five storied pagoda and a sprawling temple precincts. One of the main halls was under remodeling when I visited there, but I was able to video most of the items in the precincts.
Kofukuji is temple #9 in the Saikoku 33 Kannon Pilgrimage circuit of Western Japan.
Hope you enjoy!!!
Sennyuji Temple From Thatched Hermitage to Mitera!
Sennyu-ji (temple of flowing fountain) is located at the foot of Mt. Tsukinowa in the Higashiyama area in Kyoto. It is the main temple of the Sennyu-ji School, Shingon sect.
Sennyuji temple is located at the foot of Mt. Tsukinowa in the Higashiyama area in Kyoto. The origin of this temple, which is familiar to citizens by the name Mitera, can be traced back to the Tencho era (824-834) when Priest Kobo founded a small temple in the place. That small temple, which was first called by the name, Horinji, and later, Sen' yu-ji, was remarkably enlarged by Priest Tsukinowa Shunjo in 1218. Large temple buildings were built in the contemporary Chinese style of the Song dynasty, and the temple was renamed after the clear water which began to flow from its precinct-Sennyuji (temple of flowing fountain).
Priest Shunjo entered the priesthood as a young man. He went to China during the Song dynasty to study Buddhist thoughts. After returning to Japan, he turned Sennyuji into a prosperous temple, by covering four schools of Buddhism in the temple: Shingon esoteric Buddhism. The temple was supported by the Imperial family, who were pious Buddhists. Since the burial of the Emperor Shijo in this temple in 1242, the mausoleum of several succeeding emperors were built in this area, with this temple playing the role of a mourning temple of the Imperial family. The scenic temple precinct includes the Butsu-den (Buddha's hall), the Shari-den (relic's hall), the Reimei-den for the repose of the late emperors, and other building.
Reimei-den: Today's building of the Reimei-den was reconstructed by the order of the Emperor Meiji in 1884. Roofs are covered with cypress-barks and structured in the Irimoya-zukuri (hipped and gabled) style. The building is designed in the Shinden palace style. The building consists of the Naijin, Chujin, and Gejin sections: the naijin section was made as a palace with five rooms. This Reimei-den has a close relationship to the Imperial family, and several succeeding emperors, starting from the Emperor Tenji, are enshrined in it. The interior decorations have been donated by the Imperial family since the Meiji period.
Butsu-den ＆ Shari-den: Today's building of the Reimei-den was reconstructed by the order of the Emperor Meiji in 1884. Roofs are covered with cypress-barks and structured in the Irimoya-zukuri (hipped and gabled) style. The building is designed in the Shinden palace style. The building consists of the Naijin, Chujin, and Gejin sections: the naijin section was made as a palace with five rooms. This Reimei-den has a close relationship to the Imperial family, and several succeeding emperors, starting from the Emperor Tenji, are enshrined in it. The interior decorations have been donated by the Imperial family since the Meiji period.
Yokihi Kannon-do Hall: (杨贵妃观音堂)
Empress Yang-Avalokitesvara: Empress Yang is known as a wife of the Emperor Xuan Zong of the Tang dynasty and also as a exquisite beauty of the history. When she died, the Emperor missed her very much and had her sculpture made in an image of Avalokitesvara, which was brought to this temple by Priest Tankai in 1255. The beauty and holiness of the statue has been attracting worshippers.
Gozasho: The building of today's Gozasho was originally one of the building of the Imperial Palace, which was moved into the temple precinct by the order of the Emperor Meiji when the Reimei-den of the temple was reconstructed. Six rooms are in the western section of this building by the porch. The room in the south-east was an Emperor's room, and the one in the north-east was used for empress's childbirth. The floor of the emperor's room is higher than those of other rooms, and a characteristic shelf is equipped. The Emperor Kokaku's mulberry-wood desk is placed in the center of the room.
Kaie-do: The building of the Kaie-do was also moved from the Imperial Place. Personal tutelary icons of several emperors and other imperial family members are enshrined here. AS those images were made by skillful sculptors, they are all excellent art objects.
Home Of The Fujiwara Clan: Tanzan Jinja in Nara-ken!
Situated deep in the mountains is of one Japan's and Nara's oldest shrines. Founded in the eight century and built by the monk Jo'e (643 -- 666). Jo'e was the oldest son of Fujiwara no Kamatari (614 -- 669), founder of the Fujiwara clan and the seat of the Fujiwara clan. It is a little difficult to reach but when you do there is fantastic scenery to enjoy. Some of its pavilions are very old and bear the mark of old age.
There are two entrances; one a steep stairway of 140 steps to a Shinto shrine, famous for its splendid view during the momiji season. The small balcony of this shrine is lined with lanterns and maple trees all around. The other entrance is less spectacular as far as steps are concerned, but the two pavilions that are at its entrance are well worth the view.
In between these two buildings is a small waterfall that adds to the serenity of the place. Next to these pavilions is a small open area flanked by two more pavilions, one of which has a memorial statue and the other is a small museum with different portraits. At the end of this small open area you will find some steps leading up to another pavilion and what impressed me the most was the view of the majestic 13 story pagoda in bright red vermillion, flanked on all sides by maple trees.
After climbing the steps and turning to the right there are more steps leading up to the main Shinto shrine. This is where the famous balcony with the lanterns is. Inside the hall is a small museum, a fairly large tatami room with artefacts from a bygone era. It's also a comfy place to take a rest and take in the quietness of the mountain and listen to the birds and the sounds of the forest.
On the day I was there a craftsman was replacing the outer mats of the main Hondo. I was lucky to be able to take a photo of these brand new mats. By the entrance of this shrine is a small gift shop for lucky charms.
Nara Prefecture Japan
in the winter of feb'12
Japanese Castles:Shiro
the Second EDIT for Shiro
BGM is pond lily which performed by the member in Peace Moon
Japanese castle projection mapping! Tsuruga Castle, Aizu, Fukushima
Tsuruga Castle Projection Mapping
With a motif of new blossoms in Fukushima as a symbol of recovery, in 2012 a new technique known as illumination mapping turns Tsuruga Castle into a hopeful symbol of a bright future. Projection mapping gained great fame in Japan after shows at Tōkyō Station and other such famous spots, and Tsuruga was the first Japanese castle to host such a show. Well over 10,000 spectators came to watch on March 9th and 10th.
Aizu Picture Candle Festival
This festival in early February each year features the region's traditional picture candles. It was created in 2000 by the Aizu Junior Chamber for this tradition to be more widely known. Continuing after the 2011 earthquake, this year's is now the 14th iteration. 10,000 candles light up Tsuruga Castle in an enchanting scene.
Tōhoku Revival Calendar article:
Kato City in Japan 10th Anniversary 3D Projection Mapping Heat Beat Kato
2016.12.23~24
Venue:Kato city hall, Japan.
Director: Shuhei Hioki
Produccer: Hideki Nagasaki
Production: Takenaka Co,ltd.
Client: Kato city
47 Ronin graves - Sengakuji (泉岳寺) temple Tokyo
Location :
2 Chome-11-1 Takanawa, Minato-ku, Tōkyō-to 108-0074, Japan
Sengakuji temple belongs to the “Soto” Zen school.
Sengakuji was built by Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first Shogun of Edo era, in 1612 near Edo Castle as an establishment of Dogen’s tradition. However, after only 30 years, it was devastated by fire and this led to a reconstruction at the present site.
Perhaps the most famous story of avenge in Japanese history is the Ako Incident which took place between 1701-1703.
Asano Takuminokami, Feudal Lord of Ako, was appointed by the shogunate to entertain the imperial envoys visiting Edo from Kyoto. He was to seek directions from his official advisor, Kira Kozukenosuke. But Kira disliked Asano and treated him with malice and disgraced his honor as a samurai.
Unable to tolerate Kira's insult anymore, Asano drew his sword on him in the Edo Castle at what is known as The Pine Gallery (Corridor) Incident. Asano managed to cut Kira on his forehead and shoulder but failed to kill him.
It was strictly forbidden to draw one's sword within the Edo castle at that time and Asano was immediately arrested. There was also a law termed equal punishment for quarrels which punished both samurais involved in a fight so both Asano and Kira were expected to be punished. However, while Kira received no punishment, Asano was sentenced to death by seppuku (hara-kiri) in a garden of another lord's residence on the very same day without proper investigation. Seppuku outside in a garden was for a felon and inappropriate for someone of Asano's standing. Further, the Asano estate was confiscated and his family line was dethroned from the lordship.
The loyal retainers of Lord of Ako, better known as Ako Gishi, were indignant of this judgment and pleaded for an amendment of the order and the reinstatement of the Asano house. But their requests were dismissed.
Almost two years after the fateful incident, 47 samurais of Ako assembled under the former chief retainer, Oishi Kuranosuke, to avenge their lord's death and the injustice imposed by the shogunate. On December 14th, 1702, they attacked and killed Kira at his residence. They then marched to Sengakuji to present Kira's head to Asano's grave and reported their accomplishment to their late lord.
The Gishi turned themselves in to the shogunate right away and were sentenced to seppuku the following year on February 4th.
The avenge of the Ako Gishi has been made into various plays and is now commonly called “Chu-shin-gura”(The Story of the Loyal Retainers). It is a popular tale and one that still touches the Japanese heart even after 300 years. The chivalry of the loyal retainers and the themes of “Gi” (justice;義) and “Chu” (loyalty;忠) are still highly esteemed by the Japanese.
Sennyuji Temple: The Flowing Fountain Temple!
Sennyuji Temple is called Mitera or honorable temple because of its close connection with the Imperial Family. There are mausoleums of Emperors and Empresses in its precinct.
According to the temple history, the temple originated from a thatched hermitage established by the high priest Kobo Daishi in the Heian period (794-1192). The high priest Gachirin Diashi Shunyo completed the temple buildings after returning from Sung (China) in 1218. At that time, a new fountain gushed out in the precinct. After this event, the temple was renamed Sennyuji or flowing fountain temple. Since then, the temple has been deeply revered by successive Emperors and their families. Since Emperor Shijo's demise in 1242 and his mausoleum's construction on the temple grounds, it has flourished as the temple of the Imperial Family.
Dozens of buildings are located in the spacious precinct. Among them are the Buddha Hall (Important Cultural Asset) enshrining the three statues of Buddha, Sakyamuni, Amitabha, and Miroku, which were reportedly crafted by an artist named Unkei, and the Shari hall enshrining the tooth of the founder of Buddhism, Shaka. The temple owns numerous valuable cultural assets as its treasures, such as the Sennyuji Kanenso or Recommendation for Increasing Funding (designated a National Treasure) written by the high priest Gachirin and the Statue of Sho Kannon (Important Cultural Asset) situated int he Yokihi (Yang Guifei) Kannon hall.
In sub-temples within the temple grounds, the seven deities of good luck, Shichifukujin, are enshrined.
Yamabe District. Nara Prefecture.
Whether you are on foot, on bike, or whatever your mode, this area has some great scenery. Map location - (vicinity).
Cherry blossoms in Nara
This cherry blossom-covered pathway in a residential neighborhood just beyond Yakushiji in Nara was a nice bonus on a previous trip.
Sometimes straying off the beaten path does pay off.
Ishikiri Tsurugiya Shrine
People walking 100 times round the front of Ishikiri Tsurugiya Shrine praying for recovery from bad health.
[3D Projection Mapping] Osaka Castle / Osaka, Japan
3D Projection Mapping 'Osaka Castle'
Clint ; Huis Ten Bosch
Place ; Osaka, Japan
2014. 12. 13 - 2015. 03. 01
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Voyage au Japon - jour 7 - Kyoto - Tôfuku-ji part 1/2
Septième jour de mon voyage au Japon. Première partie de la visite du temple zen avec ballades dans les rues traditionnelles.
Nara Hasedera Temple (長谷寺）, Sakurai City, Nara Prefecture
In Japan, there are multiple temples with the name of Hasedera. This Hasedera temple （長谷寺） is located in Sakurai City in Nara Prefecture. This temple was established in 686 AD as a dedication to then Japanese Emperor.
This temple is #8 in the Saikoku 33 Kannon Pilgrimage of Western Japan.
西国観音巡礼 第 ８ 番 長谷寺
予告！ paper nano PN-05 金閣寺 を作れ！
今回は予告です！
Japan. Mountain Hiei. Enryaku-ji Temple
Trip To Nara Park, Osaka, Japan
#narapark #jepang #bestpic #travelling #osaka #yakushiJitemple
Nara Park (奈良公園 Nara Kōen) is a public park located in the city of Nara, Japan, at the foot of Mount Wakakusa, established in 1300s and one of the oldest parks in Japan. Administratively, the park is under the control of Nara Prefecture. The park is one of the Places of Scenic Beauty designated by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT). Over 1,200 wild sika deer (シカ or 鹿 shika) freely roaming around in the park are also under designation of MEXT, classified as natural treasure. While the official size of the park is about 502 hectares (1,240 acres), the area including the grounds of Tōdai-ji, Kōfuku-ji, and Kasuga Shrine, which are either on the edge or surrounded by Nara Park, is as large as 660 hectares (1,600 acres).