Plum blossoms near Waseda University
法輪寺の梅
It won’t be long now before the plum blossoms begin to hit Japan (January and February for the most part). Today’s photo is from Horinji, a Buddhist temple near Waseda University in the center of Tokyo.
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Mizu Inari Jinja (水稲荷神社)
水稲荷神社
The white paper on this Shinto shrine is called gohei (御幣). The bells are rung to summon the gods. The kanji written on the bell pulls say Asukai (飛鳥井). I’m not sure of the significance.
This shrine dates back to 941, but, like many shrines in post-WW2 Japan, 水稲荷神社 has been moved from its original location. Mizu Inari Jinja has been in its current location (between Waseda University and Kansenen Park) since 1963.
Tsukiji styrofoam
Mountains of styrofoam behind Tsukiji Fish Market - Tokyo, Japan
More than two metric tons of seafood are sold at Tsukiji every day. So it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the packing material (mostly styrofoam) that brings all the fish, etc. to the market each day creates a huge pile.
The first time I went to Tsukiji the mountain of styrofoam was about twice this high. Unfortunately, the SD card in my camera that day went bad and I lost all those photos.
Monkey God (Sarugami at Hie Jinja)
日枝神社の猿神像
When I first saw this statue I thought it was a legendary kappa. However, on closer inspection, I found it to be a monkey wearing a Shinto priest’s hat. A little research turned up the fact that sarugami, also known as masaru, is the patron god of the Hie shrines all over Japan. I took today’s photo at the one in Tokyo.
The Peaceful Forest Temple (Heirinji or 平林寺)
Heirinji (平林寺)
If you are in Tokyo and want to visit a Zen temple not too far away then Heirinji should be on your itinerary. Avoid weekends and holidays and you may be the only one wandering through this oasis.
Directions: Heirinji is about a mile walk from the Niiza Train Station (新座駅) or you can take a bus that will take you right there. Niiza is about 30 minutes and 450 yen (by train) from Ikebukuro in Tokyo.
Waseda University in late November
Shigenobu Okuma Statue stands among the Ginkgo Trees (銀杏) during autumn on the Waseda University campus in Tokyo
The fall colors have come and gone on my home campus in Southern Oregon, but they are still going strong in Tokyo.