The bright red Togetsu Bridge connects Oshima Island (sometimes referred to as Ojima Island) to the town of Matsushima in Miyagi Prefecture.  After crossing the short but stunning red bridge take some time explore the small island’s rocky terrain along winding paths that take you past more than fifty caves carved into the rock containing old weather-worn Buddhist statues and others that sit stoically amid the islands greenery. 

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.

Hello there! If you are new here, you might want to subscribe to the RSS feed for updates.

Join JapanSoc Today!
The #1 social bookmarking site for Japan-related blogs, news and people.