More glimpses of unfamiliar Japan

A huge stack of sakedaru (sake barrels) at Matsuo Shrine near Kyoto. Matsuo is the home of the patron kami of sake brewers. Sake when offere...

...at least according to these critters! They are Kamemushi ( Turtle Bug), and this fall there has been a much larger number of them invadin...

It's only been quite recently that I have begun to appreciate the aesthetics of traditional Japanese houses. This one seemed a little li...

Not sure what these species are. There was an interesting article in last week's Japan Times about the invasion of Nomura jellyfish, the...

This pair of Phoenix's stand in the grounds of the Kongo Kan (New Treasure House) across the road from Kosan-Ji Temple. The Museum house...

Stopped by an unusual Inari Shrine near Fukuyama on Saturday and there was a Shichi-Go-San ceremony going on. The song the priest is singing...

I had to go up to Izumo on Monday so I dropped by Gakuen-Ji on my way back. The fall colors were only just starting, and it was cloudy, so i...

Kosan-Ji temple on Ikuchijima is probably the most unique and unusual temple in Japan. The temple complex is composed of many "copies...

Shamanic dance in Japan From 6:30p.m. yesterday evening until 5:30a.m. this morning I visited the Omoto kagura Matsuri in the village of En...

There is something deeply satisfying and fulfilling bringing back barrowloads of food from the garden. I am led to believe that shopping is ...