More glimpses of unfamiliar Japan

The main shrine in Kagoshima City is Terukuni Shrine, marked with a huge torii. Perhaps its most distinguishing feature is the tree...

Raked Gravel and Rock Considered quintessentially Japanese, gardens with raked gravel and rock are ubiquitous in Japan. Generally called...

I struggled to find a photo of a rat for this years new year post, so this will have to do. I have always presumed it was a statue depic...

Heading down the busy main road to Kagoshima that runs between the bay and the mountains, at one point the road splits and on the "...

While on my recent trip to Yamaguchi searching out the autumn colors I came across another unusual Fudo Myo. This statue is at the base ...

Left-handed Fudo Myo Fudo MyoO, one of my favorite deities, is usually portrayed holding a rope in his left hand and a sword, named Kuri...

Last week  I visited the mountain temple of Hozanji in Ikoma, when I arrived at the main torii there were preparations underway to insta...

Monday, July 29th 2013, the 29th day of my walk around Kyushu on the 108 temple Shingon Pilgrimage. I leave Hayato and head south to rea...

Next day we visited Ryosokuiji Temple, a small rural temple in an out of the way valley. However, it has grounds extensively planted wit...

For the second part of my search for the Fall colors this year we headed to Yamaguchi. First stop was Chomonkyo, a pretty gorge in the m...