Capital City: Tokyo Main Cities: Osaka, Nagoya, Kyoto, Nara
Population: 125,422,000   Area [sq.km]: 377,800
Currency: 1 Yen, Languages: Japanese, Religions: Shinto, Buddhist, Christian
Honshu means main state in Japanese and is the biggest island.
Kyoto, Walk around Japan Beauty Recommendable and Valuable ! 2005/10/21
Ginkakuji Temple was the mountain villa, opened by the general Yoshimasa Ashikaga in 1482 originally. After Yoshimasa died, it became the Buddhist temple of Rinzai Zen sect. Name of Ginkakuji or Silver Temple came from against the name of Kinkakuji or Gold Temple of his grandfather Yoshimitsu construction. Nanzen-ji Temple was opened in 1291 by Emperor Kameyama. Three-gate was contributed and constructed by Takatora Todo in 1628. The lecture hall, which was contributed by Hideyori Toyotomi, was burnt down in 1895, and the present one was built in 1909. Mt. Otowa, Kiyomizu Temple was opened in 778. The waterfall in Otowa is called golden water and the life prolongment water from Mr Otowa since several ten million years ago ,and given to the first on the list of ten large great water in Japan. It is the reason why the name of the temple is called "Temple of Clear Water. General Ieyasu Tokugawa built Nijo Castle in 1603 as protection of Kyoto Imperial Palace and a hostel@in Kyoto for the general. Afterwards, it completed by moving the relic in the Fushimi castle by the third General Iemitsu Tokugawa in 1626. Chion-in Temple started at Kyoto Higashiyama Hill where the originator of the Jodo sect of Buddhism, Saint Honen had been teaching the prayer for 30 years. Apprentice's Saint Genchi built the cathedral in 1234. A present outlook has been made by Tokugawa family in Edo period Daitoku-ji Temple is headquarters of Daitoku-ji Buddhist sect. Originally built in 1315. Hideyoshi Toyotomi managed Nobunaga Oda's funeral in the Momoyama age. Dry landscape garden. Buddha hall was constructed in 1665 by the contribution of the wealthy merchant Nawa.
Ginkakuji Nanzenji Kiyomizu Nijojo Chion-in Daitokuji
Creation is assumed to be in 656. Having started praying to the shrine god in 869 is Gion Festival. The god in Gion gathered the reverence of the people's beliefs deeply widely, not only from the Kyoto citizens but also from the whole nation. The Shinto shrines where this god is enshrined reach 3,000 or more now. The Shrine god is the 50th emperor Kanmu. He was born in 737 as emperor Mitsuhito's prince and ascended the throne as 50th emperor in 781. He moved to the new capital in 794 and it was called Heian-kyo or Peace capital. Since then Kyoto has prospered as a capital in Japan for 1,000 years or more. It is called Sanjusangen-do Temple so that there are 33 spaces, One spacee is pillar to pillar. It is the Buddhist temple of the Tendai sect of the name of King Lotus Temple officially. Retired Emperor Goshirakawa ordered to make it to Kiyomori Taira in 1164. The main temple that remains now was rebuilt in 1266. Toji is a head temple of Toji Shingon Buddhism. Created east of the Rajo castle to guard the nation 2 years later than Heian capital construction of 794. It was given to Kukai (Kobodaishi) in 823. Iemitsu Tokugawa rebuilt five-storied pagoda. Registered in the world cultural heritage in 1994. Nishi-Hongan-ji is head temple of Honganji faction. Daughter of founder constructed the mausoleum hall in Kyoto in 1272. It is officially named as Honganji by the third saint Kakujo. Hideyoshi Toyotomi contributed ground and moved at the present place. Registered in the World Heritage in 1994 SEIRYO-JI TEMPLE, belongs to the Jodo Sect of Buddhism, was originally built as a country villa by Toru Minamoto, but later it was converted into a temple. The construction was begun by Saint Chonen in 987. The present main hall was rebuilt by the 5th Tokugawa shogunate Tsunayoshi in 1701.
Yasaka Shrine Heian Shrine 33-Gendo Toji Pagoda Honganji Seiryoji
Autumn leaves, Kyoto, Sagano dye prencincts into real red Recommendable and Valuable ! 2006/11/24
Kinkaku (Golden Pavilion) is a popular name for one of the main buildings of this temple, which is properly called Rokuon-ji Temple. Yoshimitsu, the 3rd Shogun of Ashikaga began to build Kitayamaden in 1397. After Yoshimitsu's death, Kitayamaden was made into a Zen temple in accordance with his will. Autumn color from the Kiyomizu stage is rather open tint and the main temple surrounded with autumn leaves appears to be seen different scenery. The autumn tint of Nison-in Temple is splendid. Especially, the dye of the autumn color sideward of a long approach to a shrine both to red, and walking in that is rather mysterious. According to the history of the temple, the reason why this temple was constructed in this place is that Saint Kobo opened the Buddha temple to bury exposed remains to nature in the ground. Afterwards, it became Saint Hounen's eternal prayer gym, and called Nenbutsu-ji Temple. Shin'en is the Garden of Heian Jingu Shrine. it consists of four gardens, south, west, middle and east. With a total area of approx. 33,000 square meters, these go-round style landscape gardens are designated a a national scenic spot representative of the fine gardens laid out during the Meiji period (1868-1912). It is assumed as late fall or spring good to search for the historic site in Sagano, Kyoto. Guio-ji Temple is a small tea hut surrounded by the Mt. Ogura-san mountain foot, the bamboo, and the maple.
Kinkakuji Kiyomizu Nison-in Nenbutsu Heian Shrine Gioji
The Daikakuji temple was originally the detached palace of Emperor Saga. In 876 he designated that it was converted to a Shingon Buddhist Temple as an expression of his devotion to the Shingon teachings and to the founder of the Sect, St. Kobo Daishi. You will find many famous Fusuma paintings of the Momoyama period.
Daikakuji
Nara, Ancient capital Recommendable and Valuable ! 2005/10/22
Horyuji Temple is the oldest wooden building in the world. Empress Suiko and Prince Shotoku succeeded Emperor Yomei's wish, and constructed Horyuji Temple in 607. National treasures and important cultural assets exceed 2300. Registered in world heritage, 1st time in Japan in 1993. Todaiji is a Buddhist temple of Nara and headquarters of Kegon sect. Rushana Buddha, Buddha of the sun, is assumed to be a principal image known as "Great image of Buddha of Nara." Pavilion is the world's largest timber building. It governed whole provincial temples in Japan. Toshodai-ji is a buddhist temple of Ganjin in Nara. The temple where monk Ganjin, coming from China in Tang Dynasty, spent later years, and a lot of cultural assets including the auditorium and the lecture hall of the Nara era construction are possessed. Created in 759. Besides, Yakushiji has the Buddhist temple of this name in everywhere in Japan though Yakushiji, headquarters of a Hasso Buddhist sect in Nara is famous. The principal image is pharmacist Buddha, and the founder is Emperor Tenmu. Registered World Heritage in 1998. Kofuku-ji is a Buddhist temple, headquarters of Hasso sect in Nara, Fujiwara's family temple and boasted of powerful power from ancient times to the Middle Ages. Nanendo, or South circular hall is the ninth note place in the 33 places in west countries. Registered in World Heritage. Kasugataisha is a Shinto shrine in Nara. It was created to protect Heijokyo capital. It is Fujiwara Family's Guardian god. The deer is said to be the god messenger. Created in 768 (Depend on the Shrine history). Architectural style of main shrine: Kasuga style.
Horyuji Todaiji Toshodaiji Yakushiji Kofukuji Kasuga Shrine
Kurashiki, Okayama castle, Korakuen garden Good! 2006/05/07
Kurashiki BIKAN historical quarter, Edo shogunate town, white wall, lattice windows Kurashiki BIKAN historical quarter, Edo shogunate town, white wall, lattice windows Okayama Castle built in 1597, nicknamed Crow Castle, stemming from black exterior Donjon. Okayama Castle was built in 1597, nicknamed gUjoh (Crow Castle), stemming from the black exterior of the Donjon. Korakuen garden has 300-year history and 130,000 m2 area. One of 3 noted Japanese gardens Korakuen garden has 300-year history and 130,000 m2 area. One of 3 noted Japanese gardens
Izumo Shrine, Matsue castle, Adachi Museum Good! 2006/05/05
Grand Shrine of Izumo is god of marriage. Today sanctuary was built in 1959 Grand Shrine of Izumo is god of marriage. Today sanctuary was built in 1959 Matsue Castle was built in 1611. One of 12 castle towers, remains in Japan Okayama Castle was built in 1597. Nicknamed Crow Castle from black exterior of Donjon Adachi Museum has 130 pics of Taikan Yokoyama & Japan garden is said to be No.1 in Japan Adachi Museum has 130 pics of Taikan Yokoyama & Japan garden is said to be No.1 in Japan
"All the town is the museum", Hagi in Yamaguchi Prefecture. Recommendable and Valuable ! 2004/08/15
Hagi Castle Town. The scenery of this area is preserved as country specification historic site The white wall and houses at that time remains and they create good castle town atmosphere. Kikuya, big merchant in Hagi clan invited imperial household, is the main of "Hagi castle town." Long black and white check wall is given to the storehouse part. Tokoji is a family temple of Mori Clan. Main shrine was built in 1698. There is a grave yard of feudal lord Mori, 500 stone lanterns queue up. The view of thousands of lantern at night is fantastic. Shoka Cram School is a small lodge of 50 square meter. It became the mainspring of Meiji Restoration, Shoin Yoshida brought up a lot of men of exceptional talent though it was only two-year. Daishoin Temple : To make a family temple for founder feudal lord Hideyori, his son Tsunahiro re-built Daishoin temple in 1654 - 1656. In the grave yard, there are are 603 stone lanterns. Artificial Aiba river flows into Hagi city. Excavated in 1717 and enlarged to navigate small river boat. Transportation, domestic use, fire prevention and agricultural water.
Hagi Castle Town Kikuya, big merchant Tokoji Temple Shoka Cram School Daishoin Temple Artificial Aback river
Hagi station is a train museum and also a station with no station staff. Town of Hagi locates in the delta. Stations including Hagi are outside delta. Hagi castle ruin, Shigetsu park: Hagi castle was built in 1604 on Shigetsu hill. All the buildings were dismantled in 1874, 200,000 square meter. 600 Prunus yedoensis are in full bloom in spring. Dango Rock Hill is a birth place of Shoin Yoshida. Tombs of Yoshida and Takasugi are there. Hirofumi Ito's old house was built in 1907 and moved here from Tokyo. Beauty of Five-Storied Pagoda impresses with deep green. Built in 1442. 31.2 m high. Cypress skin roof inclination is not steep. Counted as one of 3 famous pagodas in Japan. Toshunji Temple is Motonari Mori's family temple. Gateway to the Temple was built in 1404. Main temple was burnt down in Edo period and rebuilt. A structural technique shows Zen style. Hofu Tenmangu Shrine is thought as the oldest, constructed in 904. The Mori garden of scenic beauty is admired as the top of Japanese garden at that time. 84,000 square meters.
Hagi station is train museum Hagi castle ruin Danger Rock Hill Five-storied Pagoda Toshunji Temple Hofu Tenmangu Shrine
Tsuwano in Shimane Prefecture is called "West Small Kyoto". Good! 2004/08/12
Traditional town Tsuwano is called "West Small Kyoto". Traditional town Tsuwano is called "West Small Kyoto". White wall, canal and carps are with the Clan school, Yoro-kan several hundreds years ago in the old town. Yasaka Shinto Shrine becomes the stage of Heron Dance. Yasaka Shinto shrine in Tsuwano is just out of the lord town. It becomes the stage of "Heron Dance" dedicated to Gion Matsuri Festival. It seems to impersonate to two herons and flutter gracefully. Yomeiji temple is the family temple of lord of Tuwano. Yomei-ji is the family temple in successive lord of the Tsuwano castle. Deep green and bitter brown become the mind harmony and quietness. Continued since the Muromachi age (1338-1573) .
Shimonoseki city, Journey to the straits Good!
Akama Shinto Shrine is vivid red.
05/05/15		 Vivid red color Shrine, Akama, has 820 years story. Senteisai festival with gorgeous dress. 06/05/03 Late Emperor festival to commemorate Antoku. It dresses up by twelve layers kiimono, and visits the shrine like living in the Heian era of Japan. Panoramic view from Kanmon Dream Tower
04/05/23		 Shimonoseki City is westernmost part of Honshu Mainland. This gallery displays panoramic photo in center, the view from Channel Dream Tower built on Kanmon Straits between Honshu Mainland and Kyushu Island. Castle town, Chofu
06/05/02		 Castle town, Chofu of Shimonoseki has alleys temples and Shogun Mori's redidence.
Himeji Castle of the national treasure was registered in the World Heritage of UNESCO in 1993. It has 400-year history. It is called White Heron Castle from its style. 2005/10/21 Himeji castle was built 400 years ago.
Recommendable and Valuable !		 Hamamatsu castle was built by Ieyasu Tokugawa. He lived there for 17 years from 1570 to 1586. Entered at the age of 29. He was a founder of 300-year Tokugawa Shogunate. 2004/11/06 Hamamatsu castle of Ieyasu Tokugawa of 300-year Tokugawa clan.
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Hideyoshi founded Osaka castle in 1583 to guard western Japan. He unified Japan and brought an end to the Age of Provincial Wars. He lavished time and money to "tea ceremony" and created a culture. 2006/11/23 Hideyoshi created Osakajo castle in 1583.
Good!		 Takeshima Island in central Japan has warm temperate forest with 238 kinds of plants and assigned as natural monument in 1930. Yaotomi Shrine, which means plenty of wealth, was founded in 1181. 2003/10/24 Takeshima is an island of central Japan.
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Welsh Corgi, our dog, Hari. Welsh Corgi is active sheep dog which does not have tail. He runs in our garden. He was born in January of 1999. It is said Corgi origin has started 10th century at least. 2001/07/01 Welsh Cogi, My name is Hari.
Recommendable and Valuable !		 Kitano in Kobe is the area of former residences of early foreign settlers. Most buildings were built in Meiji era or 100 years ago and fashionable and attracting at that time. 2001/12/01 Kitano in Kobe are former residences of early foreign settlers.
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Clouds and blue sky taken from windows of airplane in 2001-2002. To kill time, tried to trace clouds and blue sky. Most of the times, same kind of cloud sea, but sometime interesting clouds. 2003/10/01 Cloud and blue sky from airplane window
Recommendable and Valuable !		 Odawara Castle is bases for Hojo Clan in Southern Kanto area for five generations since 1518. 2007/10/19 Kitano in Kobe are former residences of early foreign settlers.
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