投稿者: athellomeno

Ninna-ji

Ninna-ji

Overview: Emperor Uda established this temple in 888, and after retiring from his throne, Emperor Uda, became the first Monzeki, or aristocratic priest, of Ninna-ji. From then on until the end of the Edo period, the temple saw a succession of head priests of imperial lineage. The temple is famous for unique cherry variety, Omuro Sakura which are one of the latest blooming cherries in the whole of Kyoto. Thanks to its short trunk, we can enjoy blossom at eye-level.It is part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Name: Ninna-ji
Place:33 Ōuchi Omuro, Ukyō-ku, Kyoto
Admission JPY 800
Foundation: 888
School: Shingon
Principal Image: Amida Nyorai (Amitābha)
Founded by: Emperor Uda
Festival: Flower festival (mid March -beginning May)
Flowers: Cherry, Azarea

Official website: https://ninnaji.jp/en/

Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ninna-ji

Shitennoji temple

Shitennoji temple

Overview: The temple is regarded as one of the first Buddhist and oldest officially-administered temple in Japan, although the temple complex and buildings have been rebuilt over the centuries. Shitenno means “Four Heavenly Kings” who live and guard Cardinal Directions north, south east and west. Prince Shōtoku was known for his profound Buddhist faith when Buddhism was not widespread during the 6th century. In order to popularize Buddhism, Prince Shōtoku lead a massive national project to promote Buddhism and also known as founder of Horyuji temple, the oldest wooden building, in Nara.

Name: Shitenno-ji
Place: 1-1-18 Shitennō-ji, Tennōji-ku, Osaka
Admission JPY 500
Foundation: 593
School: Wa-shū
Principal Image: Kannon (Avalokiteśvara Bodhisattva)
Founded by: Prince Shōtoku
Festival: Doyadoya Festival 14 January

Official website: https://www.shitennoji.or.jp/ (Japanese only)

Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shitenn%C5%8D-ji

Kiyomizu temple

Kiyomizu temple

Overview: The main hall, which together with the wooden stage 13 meters above the hillside below, was built without the use of nails. Temple’s name from the Otowa waterfall, which runs off the nearby Mt. Otowa at the base of main hall. Kiyomizu means clear water, or pure water.This temple was registered on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List as one of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto.

Name: Kiyomizu-dera
Place: 1 Chome-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto
Admission JPY 400
Foundation: 778
School: Kita-Hossō
Principal Image: Kannnon Bodhisattva
Founded by: Sakanoue no Tamuramaro
Festival: Seiryu-e Dragon Festival, 14-15 March, 3 April, 14-15 September

Official website: https://www.kiyomizudera.or.jp/en/

Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kiyomizu-dera

Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion)

Kinkakuji

Overview: Shōgun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu purchased a villa from an aristocrat and transformed into a complex centered the Golden Pavilion, three storied pagoda, shariden, with the first floor reminiscent of the residential style imperial aristocracy of the 11th century, the second floor, built in the style of warrior aristocrats and the third floor is built in traditional Chinese zen style typology. After Ashikaga Yoshimitsu’s passed away, the villa was converted into a Zen temple by his son, according to his wishes. The present pavilion was rebuilt 1955 after burned down by a 22-year-old novice monk in 1950, although the original building was maintained by that time. The temple was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994.

Name: Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) (officially named Rokuon-ji)
Place: 1 Kinkakuji-chō, Kita-ku, Kyōto, Kyoto Prefecture
Admission JPY 400
Foundation: 1397
School: Rinzai sect, Shōkoku-ji school
Principal Image: Kannon Bosatsu (Avalokiteśvara)
Founded by: Ashikaga Yoshimitsu

Official website: https://www.shokoku-ji.jp/en/kinkakuji/
Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kinkaku-ji

Odawara Castle

Odawara Castle

After the Uesugi Zenshū Revolt of 1416, Odawara came under the control of the Omori clan of Suruga. They were in turn defeated by Ise Moritoki of Izu, founder of the Odawara Hōjō clan in 1495. Five generations of the Odawara Hōjō clan improved and expanded on the fortifications of Odawara Castle as the center of their domains, which encompassed most of the Kantō region.
After the Battle of Odawara in 1590, Toyotomi Hideyoshi forced the surrender of the Odawara Hōjō, he awarded the holdings of the Odawara Hōjō to his leading general Tokugawa Ieyasu.
Under the control of the Tokugawa Shogunate, during the Edo period, several daimyo, including the Tenryo,directly controlled by the Tokugawa family, and Inaba, and Okubo clans, who were feudalized as lords.
Odawara Castle had very strong defenses, as it was situated on a hill, surrounded by moats with water on the low side, and dry ditches on the hill side, with banks, walls and cliffs located all around the castle.

Odawara castle
Odawara castle
Odawara castle
Odawara castle
Odawara castle
小田原城
小田原城
小田原城
小田原城
小田原城
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Name: Odawara Castle

Place: Jonai, Odawara, Kanagawa, Odawara Castle Park

Admission JPY 510

Built: 1447, rebuilt 1633, 1706

Owner : Omori clan, Odawara Hōjō clan, Tokugawa Ieyasu, Inaba clan, Okubo clan

Overview:

Link: Odawara city: https://www.city.odawara.kanagawa.jp/kanko/language/english/castle.html

Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Odawara_Castle

Nijo-jo Castle

Nijo-jo Castle

Celebration ceremony of the inauguration of the shogun for Ieyasu was operated in 1603.
Declaration of returning the authority to the Imperial Court by 15th Shogun Yoshinobu, was issued In 1867.
Ninomaru Palace consists of five connected separate buildings. One of the most striking features of the buildings are the “nightingale floors” in the corridors that make a chirping sound when walked upon.
The Ninomaru garden was designed by the landscape architect and tea master Kobori Enshū.

  • 東大手門 Higashi Ote-mon gate (east gate)
  • 二の丸御殿 Ninomaru-goten palace
  • 唐門 Karamon Gate
  • 二の丸庭園 Ninomaru garden
  • 天守跡 The base of the keep tower
  • 清流園 Seiryu-en garden

Name: Nijo-jo Castle

Place: 541 Nijojocho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 

Admission JPY 800

Built: 1601: Building was started by Ieyasu, the founder of the TOKUGAWA shogunate, as a residence in Kyoto in 1601, completed during the reign of 3rd Shogun Iemitsu in 1626.

Owner : TOKUGAWA Ieyasu and TOKUGAWA shoguns

Overview:

Link: https://nijo-jocastle.city.kyoto.lg.jp/service/?lang=en

Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nij%C5%8D_Castle

Imperial Palace Kyoto

Imperial Palace Kyoto

The history of Kyoto Imperial palace started from 794 when Emperor Kanmu (50th emperor) moved the capital to Heian-kyo (Kyoto). Kyoto Imperial palace was residence of the Japanese emperors until 1869 when Emperor Meiji (122th emperor) moved to Tokyo.Even after Emperor Meiji moved to Tokyo, the palace was used for important national ceremonies including enthronement ceremonies for Emperor Taisyo (123th emperor)  and Emperor Showa (124th emperor) .
Akihito Emperor Emeritus (125th emperor ) implemented enthronement ceremonies in Imperial Palace Tokyo as well as Naruhito Emperor (126th and current emperor ) had.
The complex currently standing was completed in 1855, with an attempt at reproducing the Heian period architecture and style of the original buildings of the Heian Palace.

  • 築地塀 Earthen wall
  • 御車寄 Okurumayose, Carriage porch
  • 朱塗りの月華門 Gekkamon, vermilion gate
  • 承明門から見た紫宸殿 Shishinden from Jomeimon gate
  • 紫宸殿 Shishinden, hall for state ceremonies
  • 健春門 Kenshunmon gate
  • 清涼殿への通路 Corridor to Seiryoden
  • 御池庭 欅橋 Keyagibashi bridge Oikeniwa garden
  • 御常御殿 天皇陛下の儀式と生活の場所 Imperial residential Palace, Otsunegoten

Name: Imperial palace Kyoto

Place: 3 Kyotogyoen, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Gyoen National Garden

Admission free

Built: The place of palace had been moved several times when it was damaged or destroyed by fire, the present place was served over 500 years since Emperor Kogen (1st Hokucyo Emperor) was enthroned in 1331.The present structures were reconstructed in 1855.

Owner : Imperial family

Overview:

Link: Imperial household agency

https://sankan.kunaicho.go.jp/english/guide/kyoto.html

Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kyoto_Imperial_Palace

Edo-Tokyo Museum

Edo-Tokyo Museum

Overview:
The museum exhibits the history and culture of Edo-Tokyo and envision the city and life of the future. The permanent exhibition, showcasing original objects and replicas, showing the 400-year history of Edo-Tokyo since Tokugawa Ieyasu entered Edo. In addition to the permanent exhibition, the museum holds special exhibitions five to six times a year. From the exhibitions we can learn real life of common people culture like kabuki theater performances and Ukiyoe paintings and relations with European culture in 19th century. Also we learn modernized culture after Meiji restoration in Tokyo.

Edo tokyo museum
Edo tokyo museum
Edo tokyo museum
Edo tokyo museum
Edo tokyo museum
Edo tokyo museum
Facade of Nakamura-za Kabuki theater (1/1 model) Edo-tokyo musium
江戸東京博物館
江戸東京博物館
江戸東京博物館
江戸東京博物館
江戸東京博物館
江戸東京博物館
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Name: Edo-Tokyo Museum
Place: 1-4-1 Yokoami, Sumida-city, Tokyo
Admission: Adults JPY 600 (Permanent Exhibition) clossed until 2025 under renovation
Established: 1993


Official website: https://www.edo-tokyo-museum.or.jp/en/

Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edo-Tokyo_Museum

Imperial Palace Tokyo (Former Edo castle)

Overview: Basic structure of the castle was built by OTA Dokan, a famous samurai warrior and buddhist monk.TOKUGAWA Ieyasu made Edo Castle his base after he was offered eight eastern provinces (Kanto Plain) by Toyotomi Hideyoshi. After Ieyasu received the title of Sei-i Taishōgun in 1603, Edo became the center of Tokugawa’s administration.
It was the residence of the shōgun and location of the shogunate, and also functioned as the military capital during the Edo period of Japanese history. After the resignation of the shōgun and the Meiji Restoration, it became the Tokyo Imperial Palace since 1869. Before that, the Imperial Palace in Kyoto was residence of Emperors almost 1,100 years.
Some moats, walls and ramparts of the castle survive to this day. Current East gardens was the place for main administrative buildings including former Honmaru (literally the main circle) and Ninomaru (the second circle) and the main keep or tower (known as the tenshudai) areas of Edo Castle. The keep and its multiple roofs were constructed in 1607 and ornamented with gold. It was destroyed in the 1657 Fire of Meireki and not reconstructed. The foundations of the keep are all that is left. After the fire of Nishinomaru Palace (formerly the shōgun’s residence) in 1873, the new imperial Palace Castle was constructed on the site in 1888.
After some reconstruction, current the Imperial Palace and the headquarters of the Imperial Household Agency are located in the former Nishinomaru enceinte (West Citadel) of the Edo Castle. Admission: free, entering to the area of the Imperial Palace (Nishinomaru area) is allowed only by guided tour (reservation in advance recommended) and entering the East gardens is free (no reservation).

  • 長和殿東庭 the east plaza in front of Chowaden Hall
  • 伏見櫓 Fushimi yagura (keep)
  • 富士見櫓とビル群 Fushimi yagura with buildings
  • 石垣と土塁の組み合わせの深い堀の上に京都の伏見城から移築されたと伝えられる伏見櫓 Fushimi yagura (keep) is said relocated from Fushimi castle in Kyoto, standing on combination of stone walls and soil mound against deep moat.
  • 正門鉄橋(二重橋)から見た正門石橋 the Stone bridge from the Iron bridge of main gate
  • 宮内庁庁舎 Imperial household agency
  • 旧枢密院 the former Privy Council
  • 桔梗門 kikyoumon gate
  • 緻密な石垣 Stone wall by fine work
  • 大名の印のある石 Stone with feudal lord's mark
  • 富士見櫓 Fushimi yagura (keep)

Name: Imperial palace (Former Edo castle)

Place: 1-1 Chiyoda Chiyoda Tokyo

Admission free

Built: 1457, Imperial palace from 1869

Owner : OTA Dokan, TOKUGAWA Ieyasu and TOKUGAWA shoguns, Meiji Emperor and later Emperors

Link:

guided tour of the Imperial Palace: https://sankan.kunaicho.go.jp/english/guide/koukyo.html

opening hours: the East gardens https://www.kunaicho.go.jp/e-event/higashigyoen02.html

map of the Imperial Palace https://sankan.kunaicho.go.jp/english/guide/access_map_kokyo.html

Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tokyo_Imperial_Palace

Nihon-ji

Nihon-ji

Overview: Nihon-ji is a Buddhist temple in the city of Kyonan, Chiba Prefecture, Japan. The temple is located on the acute slopes of Mount Nokogiri having the characteristic sawtoothed profile of a Japanese saw.  The temple is considered to be the sole temple built by order of the emperor in the Nara period in Kanto area. It is famous of two Daibutsu sculptures – a huge seated carving of Yakushi Nyorai that at 31.05 metres tall is the largest pre-modern, stone-carved Daibutsu in Japan and the “Hundred-shaku Kannon (30.3m)”, a tall relief image of Kannon Bodhisattva, Goddess of Mercy, into one of the quarry walls – as well as 1500 hand-carved arhat sculptures.

stone-carved Daibutsu, Yakushi Nyorai, Bhaiṣajyaguru
Nihon-ji temple
Nihon-ji temple
Nihon-ji temple
Nihon-ji temple
Nihon-ji temple
Nihon-ji temple
Nihon-ji temple
日本寺 大仏
日本寺
日本寺
日本寺
日本寺
日本寺
日本寺
日本寺
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Name: Kenkon zan Nihon-ji
Place: Nokogiriyama, Kyonan, Chiba
Admission JPY 700
Foundation: 725
School: Soto Zen (established as Hossō then transferred to Tendai sect (857) and transferred to Soto Zen (1647)
Principal Image: Yakushi Nyorai, Bhaiṣajyaguru (Bhaiṣajya-guru-vaiḍūrya-prabhā-rāja)
Founded by: Priest Gyoki
Flowers: Narcissus (January), Red spider lily (September)


Official website: http://www.nihonji.jp/index.html (Only Japanese)

Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nihon-ji

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