The small wooden Daruma pictured above were found on the grounds of the Zuiganji Temple in Matsushima, Miyagi Prefecture.  Look closely and you will notice that each one is hand painted and carries a unique facial expression.

Daruma come in many forms, but the most common ones are bright red in color, made of paper mache and sold with the pupils left blank.  When you get one you should make a wish and draw in one of the pupils (usually the right) and when your wish comes true it is time to draw in the other pupil.  Daruma come in other colors as well with red symbolizing good luck, white representing purification and new birth and blue representing the vitality of the spirit.

The fact the that these Daruma have both eyes painted is symbolic of the persistence and dedication required by those who achieved their wishes and left their dolls at the temple in thanks.

Matsushima is considered one of the three most scenic spots in Japan and is located in the Tohoku region of Japan.  The Zuiganji Temple was built in 1609 and is one of Japan’s national treasures.

This and other great images of Japan can be found in The Nihon Sun Japan Photo Gallery.

One such statue is Jizo, the Buddhist divinity known as patron saint of expectant mothers, children, firemen, travelers and pilgrims.  In Japan Jizo is also considered the guardian of unborn, aborted, miscarried, and stillborn babies. 

A common sight at temples around Japan, somber and pensive statues of Jizo are often adorned with a bright red bib and hat that fades to orange over time and exposure to the elements.    On many occasions I have witnessed people pausing for a moment of prayer in front of Jizo and leaving a few Yen at his feet or placed upon his body – I often wonder if they have lost a child and silently say a little prayer of my own wishing them peace.

Matsushima is considered on of the three most scenic spots in Japan and is located in the Tohoku region of Japan.  Visit Miyagi Tourist online search to find our how to visit Oshima Island.

This and other great images of Japan can be found in The Nihon Sun Japan Photo Gallery.

Looking for more casual fare?  Look no further that the street food vendors that can be found on almost every street along Matsushima Bay.

Grilled corn on the cob, ebi (shrimp), ika (squid), hotate (scallop),tsubu (whelk in the spiral shell) and, yes, kaki (oysters) were standard fare at almost every street food stall that I came across and the prices were very reasonable.  The ebi was the most expensive at Y750 (approximately USD 7.50), the ika ,Y500, and the cheapest was the tsubu for only Y100.

Tasty street food in Japan – what could be better?

This and other great images of Japan can be found in The Nihon Sun Japan Photo Gallery.

Image Credit:  Personal Collection

Matsushima

Located in the Tohoku region of Japan, over 260 small islands dot the coastline of this seaside town about 30 minutes outside of Sendai, the capital of Miyagi Prefecture and the largest city in the region.

The beauty of Matsushima is hard to describe but even on a hazy day with hundreds of tourists milling about it is a peaceful place. A short walk from Matsushima Kaigan Station on the Senseki Line from Sendai takes you to a seaside promenade that meanders along a craggy coastline with amazing views of the the small islands and lush greenery as far as the eye can see.

Three small islands are connected to the promenade by distinctive red bridges.  Oshima Island features Buddhist relief sculptures carved into the rock faces and statuary tucked into cave-like nooks and crannies that have been created by the sea.   Godaido features a temple that enshrines five Buddhist deities in a hall that is only open to the public once every thirty-three years.  Lastly, Fukuurajim Island, a prefectural park, is accessed by a footbridge that is 252 meters long and is home to lovely pathways offering views of Matsushima Bay.

Leaving the coastline behind, a short walk will take you a number of ancient shrines and temples including Zuiganji Temple that was originally built in 828 and houses a stunning art collection featuring shoji door panels aglow with gold leaf and intricate carvings.

The sights of Matsushima can easily be seen on a day trip from Sendai.

Miyajima

Located in the Chugoku region of Japan, the island of Miyajima is located in the southwestern part of Hiroshima prefecture and is one of the UNESO World Heritage Sites in Japan.

The iconic red Otorii (gate) of Itsukushima Shrine floats in ocean and the shrine itself dates back to 593, with the present vermilion shrine pavilions built over four hundred years later in 1168.  Take a ropeway up or climb Mt. Misen to enjoy a beautiful views of the islands of the Seto Inland Sea or explore the other parks on the island.

Miyajima can be accessed in a little over and hour from Fukuoka, Osaka or Kyoto.

Amanohashidate

Located in the Kansai region of Japan, in the northern part of Kyoto Prefecture, Amanohashidate is a three kilometers long sand bar that stretches into Miyazu Bay.

The sand bar was crated by an accumulation of sand resulting from ocean currents and wind.  Over 8,000 Japanese pine trees grow on Amanohashidate  also knows as “Hakusha-Seisho,” which means “white sand and green trees”.  Japanese legend has it that Amanohashidate is the fallen ladder used by a God to climb up to heaven.

Amanohashidate is  located approximately two hours from either Kyoto or Osaka.

Image Credit: Flickr, Home of the deadly killer moskitoes, O-Torii Gate at Miyajima’s Itsukushima Shrine & Summer08 ‘Amanohashidate’