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Wednesday, July 29, 2009

"The traveler sees what he sees."

"The traveler sees what he sees." (by martian cat)


"The traveler sees what he sees."
~ G.K. Chesterton



A view along the coastline of Nagasaki (Japan).



more later...

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine - Kamakura (Japan)

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine - Kamakura (Japan)

The last gate at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine - Kamakura (Japan)

This is the gate to the Shinto Shrine which was founded in 1180.

This gate is 60 meters high.



A 1000 year old Ginkgo Tree

A 1000 year old Ginkgo Tree

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine - Kamakura (Japan)

This tree is 30.5 meters high and the root is over 1.5 meters in diameter. This tree is located next to the 61 steps to the main Shinto Shrine.



The Main Hall at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine

The Main Hall at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine - Kamakura (Japan)

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine - Kamakura (Japan)


There are 61 stone steps to climb to the main buildings of the Shrine.

These photos were taken at New Year's time. This is a very traditional time to visit a Shrine or Temple in Japan.

Once you arrive at the main building, there is a traditional manner to pray at the Shinto shrines. You are to toss a coin or bill into the offertory box, bow twice, clap hands twice and bow once again. There is no minimum or maximum amount for the offering.



The last gate to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine

The last gate to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine - Kamakura (Japan)

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine - Kamakura (Japan)

A view looking back down the 61 stone stairs towards the last of three gates which are the approach towards the Shrine.

The path towards the Shrine is 1.5 kilometers. In Spring time, the walkway is lined with lovely blooming cherry trees.

At New Year's time, during the first few days, there are over 2 million people who visit this Shrine and walk these stairs.

This Shrine harmonizes the two religions in Japan: Buddhism and Shinto. The name encompasses both names in the title with it being officially called "The Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine Temple".




A pond at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine


A pond at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine - Kamakura (Japan)

A pond at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine - Kamakura (Japan)

There is a long history of this Shinto Shrine. This pond is one of two ponds at the Shrine's grounds.




more later...

Thursday, July 09, 2009

"We can learn a lot from trees..."

"We can learn a lot from trees..." (by martian cat)


"We can learn a lot from trees: they're always grounded
but never stop reaching heavenward."

~ Everett Mámor



A memory from visiting a lovely garden in Milwaukee, Wisconsin (USA).



more later...

Saturday, July 04, 2009

Happy 4th of July! ~ Let's Celebrate!

Happy 4th of July! ~ Let's Celebrate!


"memories, memories, memories..."
~ a friend



Created from my my original photo and a little imagination using picnik.