Shrines

Some Japanese shrines look so amazing. Then, you find out how many centuries some have stood. These structures made of huge cuts of timber have survived battles and fires, unlike those lost to history.

Shrine In Nara

Shrine With A Pond

Lanterns

I call these lanterns, but I do not know what they actually are. Anyone?

Writing

The writing ends up artistic on its own. I do not know what this represents nor what it states, but I found this slate pictureworthy.

Black Roofs

The signature black roofs of Japanese shrines comes from the control of copper oxidation, firing clay with specific coatings or staining woods with certain oils to reach the dark coloring.

Close Up

Whole Shrine

Colorful Temple

In Kyoto there’s a small temple, Yasaka Koshin-do, famous for the brightly-colored cloth balls hanging in strands. People write their wishes on the balls and tie them to the temple. If the person gives up one worldly desire, the gods will grant the wish up to a similar level.

Small Temple Entrance

Making A Wish

Shrine Deities