Month: April 2013

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Todaiji Temple in Nara

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  Todaiji (“Great Eastern Temple”) is one of Japan’s most famous and historically significant temples and a landmark of Nara. It is located in the northern part of Nara Park. In Nara Park, you can see a lot of tame deer. They are believed to have been messengers of the God of Kasuga Shrine that is also located in Nara park. The temple was constructed in 752 as the head temple of all provincial　Buddhist temples of Japan. Todaiji is a cluster of smaller temple buildings, including the “Daibutsuden”, the “Hokkedo” (also known as “Sangatsudo”) and the “Nigatsudo”. Todaiji’s main hall, the … Continue reading Todaiji Temple in Nara

Arts, Japan, Japanese Excellent, Travel2 Comments

Toshodaiji Temple in Nara

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Toshodaiji Temple was founded in 759 by a high-ranked Chinese Buddhism priest Gainjin Wajo.  He was invited by Emperor Shomu to teach the Chinese Buddhist precepts in Japan.   Toshodaiji is regarded as the head temple of Japan’s Ritsu-shu denomination of Buddhist teachings, and is designated as UNESCO’s World Heritage Site.   I like Toshodaiji, because of its architectural beauty that captures people’s hearts. It is simple but dynamic, as well. The “Kodo”, the  Lecture Hall, was built in 8th Century. At that time Buddhist temples were not only places for religious training. It was used as an assembly and lecture hall … Continue reading Toshodaiji Temple in Nara

Arts, Japan, Japanese Excellent, Travel2 Comments

Horyu-ji Temple in Nara

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It seems that it has been nearly 20 years since I visited there, I traveled to Nara. First I visited Horyuji Temple, in the south of Nara. The temple is one of Japan’s oldest temples and is Japan’s first World Heritage site. Horyu-ji houses the oldest wooden buildings in the world. The temple was founded in 607 AD by Prince Shotoku, long before Kyoto was capital of Japan to introduce and spread Buddhism among people of Japan, I think for many Japanese people, including me, Horyu-ji temple is like a spiritual home. I was almost in tears when I saw the Five Story … Continue reading Horyu-ji Temple in Nara

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Some of my “Bizen-yaki” (Bizen Pottery) collection

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As I mentioned about “Bizen” Pottery in my previous post of “Cherry blossom viewing and cultural event“, I would like to show you some of my ”Bizen-yaki” collection. These are the photos of my Bizen-yaki collection at home. All of those artworks were made by Yokohama Bizen Master, late Mr Takao Kimura. Bizen Pottery has a history of more than 1000 years and is one of six remaining kilns of medieval Japan. Bizen ware is created with earth and fire without using glaze or ceramic painting. I like Bizen pottery because of its true beauty. I also like it because … Continue reading Some of my “Bizen-yaki” (Bizen Pottery) collection

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“Hana-Matsuri” (Flower Festival), the Buddha’s birthday festival

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In Japan, today, April 8 is the Buddha’s birthday and is celebrated as the “Hana Matsuri” (Flower Festival) at almost all of Buddhist temples. A small (miniature) hall called the hanamido (flower hall) is set up in front of its main building, and the small hall is decorated with beautiful seasonal flowers. A statue of the small Buddha at birth is placed in the middle, and people who visit the temples pour sweet tea (“amacha” or hydrangea tea) on the head of the statue.   When I walked around Hase area in Kamakura, I happened to have the opportunity to see a beautiful … Continue reading “Hana-Matsuri” (Flower Festival), the Buddha’s birthday festival

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“Shishi Odoshi” or a bamboo deer scarer at Ryugeji-Temple

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In a previous post I showed you a temple called “Ryuge-ji” which was filled with seasonal flowers. At the same time I took another photo and a short video of a “Shishi Odoshi” or a bamboo deer scarer/water fountain.     I would like to explain a little bit about it. It consists of a segmented bamboo tube, a long bamboo tube to collect water, and running water. When water comes into the upper end of the segmented tube, the tube accumulates water, and eventually it goes down as its balance changes. The tube rotates and dumps out the water. You … Continue reading “Shishi Odoshi” or a bamboo deer scarer at Ryugeji-Temple

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Japanese tree peony has come into bloom

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As the season of cherry blossoms is coming to an end, larger and more gorgeous flowers start to bloom. I went for a walk to Ryuge-ji Temple today. This Shingon-sect Buddhism temple, about 10 minutes walk from my house, is said to be established in 15th Century by Japan’s first Shogun Minamoto-no-Yoritomo. Now the temple is known as a temple of seasonal flowers. “Botan” (Japanese tree peony)  “Sakura” (cherry blossom) “Omuro-zakura” and “Yae-zakura (eight-petaled cherry) “are in bloom at the end of the cherry season. This flower is  “Shiro-Yamabuki”, or Rhodotypos scandens. The Ryuge-ji Temple building Continue reading Japanese tree peony has come into bloom