|
The above will search Traveljapanblog.com. Concerts - Landscapes - Sports |
A cat is enjoying the shade of this temple porch in today’s photo.
Yakushido (the three larger characters on the sign, 薬師堂) literally means Hall of the Medicine Teacher. I believe this is in reference to the “Medicine Buddha” of Mahayana Buddhism.
This lovely building can be found in the complex of Gokokuji in Tokyo. Notice the paper stuck to the top of the posts on either side of the door. These are senjafuda (千社札) which I will deal with in more detail in a later entry.
The sign says this is the place to stand to see Mt. Fuji (fujimidai). The photo to the right of these females show you what Fuji San looks like from here on the best of days. These Japanese ladies are trying with all their might to get a glimpse, but Mt. Fuji would not show its hidden face on this day.
If you want to try your luck, head to Kamakura and follow the path behind Kenchoji (建長寺) to Hansobo (半僧坊) to find this location. Your odds of seeing Mt. Fuji are much better at sunrise or sunset. Winter will also increase your chances as the humidity isn’t usually as bad.
On the grounds of the Kitain (喜多院) in Kawagoe, you can find these Buddha statues (Gohyaku Rakan or 500 Nirvana achievers), each with unique expressions on their face. These were carved over 200 years ago.
I have shown you this place before. Chinzanso looks just as good, if not better, at night.
The sign on the window says the udon (うどん) is made by hand. If you don’t believe the sign you need only to peer through the glass for proof.
I took this photo in the giant, underground, shopping complex sort of attached to the Kawasaki Station.
You don’t have to wait until April for flowers in Japan. The cherry blossoms are all the rage in early April, but you don’t want to miss the plum blossoms (ume or 梅) in February and early March. I took this photo at a place called Ikegami Baien (池上梅園) in Tokyo during the first week of March. The weather was great, and it wasn’t that crowded since it wasn’t a weekend or holiday.