ShiShi, Guardian Lions, are often found guarding either side of a Shinto Shrine but they are commonly used a decorative elements for homes and businesses as they are believed to protect against or ward of evil. The Guardian Lions are just one way of determining the difference between a temple and a shrine – do […]
A copper statue of the famous Kabuki actor Danjuro Ishikawa the 9th (1838 – 1903) in the costume of Shibaraku, a role he perfected. Shibaraku, "Stop a Moment!" in English, is one of the eighteen great Kabuki plays that was originally performed by the first Danjuro Ichikawa (1660-1704) who pioneered the strong, masculine aragoto (rough […]
Rustic bales of rice straw can be often be spotted stacked at the entrance to traditional Japanese buildings, restaurants and bars but did you know that is has other uses as well? Traditional uses for rice straw in Japan include the making of rope, floor mats, and sandals called waraji. However, today the world produces […]
Yokohama is home to one of the world’s largest Chinatowns with over 500 restaurants and numerous shops selling furniture, spices, ceramics, clothing, trinkets and pretty much anything else you can imagine. You can’t miss the entrance to Yokohama’s Chinatown, there are 10 colorful gates to choose from that are built based on the Chinese horoscope […]
This past fall my husband and I made a day trip to Kawagoe in Saitama Prefecture, about an hour outside of Tokyo. It was a splendid day and a holiday which lent a festive atmosphere to the streets with crowds and special vendors all about. As we wandered through the quaint town, also known as […]
Guest photographer Chris shares this stunning image of Mt. Yari from Mt Washiba in Nagano, located in the Chubu Region of Japan. He’s an avid hiker and mountain climber when he’s not working at a hedge fund in Tokyo. Thanks Chris, it’s a beautiful shot that makes me want to pull out my dusty hiking […]
Stunning Kimonos on young women celebrating Seiji no Hi, coming of age day, this past January 12th at Meiji Jingu Shrine in Tokyo, Japan – another beautiful additional to our gallery from my friend, Jason Collin. Thanks, Jason! In his own words: “I had already been shooting at Meiji Jingu Shrine in Yoyogi for about […]
David Shackelford shares a beautiful shot of Yokohama at night with us today. He’s a San Francisco native, currently studying in Tokyo at Waseda University, who spent his first Christmas in Japan on a platonic date in the trendy Minato Mirai area of Yokohama. In his own words: “This picture of Yokohama’s waterfront was taken […]
You never know what you might find lurking behind a shiso leaf on an appetizing platter of sashimi. Michael Downey shares this great image of flying fish sashimi, known as ‘tobiuo’ in Japan, that was his lunch on a recent trip to the Southern island of Yakushima, famous for its ancient cedar trees and breathtaking […]
A bright red paper umbrella graces the entrance to a lovely shop in Takayama, Japan. Danielle Ruschena captured this image on a recent visit to the area and I am pleased to present it here with her permission. Thanks Danielle! Takayama is located in Gifu Prefecture, one of nine prefectures that make up the Chubu […]
