Zojoji Temple is a mere shadow of the complex that once stood on the present day site in Tokyo, Japan. In past centuries, 3,000 priests lived there, working and praying in more than 48 temples and 150 schools. Zojoji Temple is, however, still home to the mausoleums of six Tokugawa Shoguns and their family members. … Read more
The Five-storied Pagoda on Miyajima Island, near Hiroshima, Japan, was built in 1407. It is dedicated to the Buddha of Medicine, and originally held images of the deity and some lesser saints. Unfortunately, the images were removed around the beginning of the 20th century, when Japan was emerging from its feudal society. Although the building … Read more
“Hey look at that! The taxi driver opened his door while he was driving down the street toward a passenger.” Matt, the 16-year old son of my traveling companions, Leanne and Tony Argyle, pointed out what turned out to be a neat bit of technology. In Japan, taxi drivers push a button to automatically open … Read more
A waxing tide floods the massive wooden legs of Torii Gate on Miyajima Island. The entire island, located across the bay from Hiroshima, Japan, is a spiritual wonderland. Designated as one of the top three most beautiful sites in Japan, it is covered in shrines, the most famous of which is Itsukushima Shrine. Standing offshore, … Read more
Lovely Shukkei-en Garden in Hiroshima, Japan, was created in 1620 by Ueda Soko, a renowned master of the tea ceremony. Located near the hypocenter of the Atomic Bomb blast, the gardens were extensively damaged during WWII. In the months following the bombing, the gardens were closed to the public and used as a refuge for … Read more
