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.