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Gallery Home  ›  20061204-Tokyo
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20061204-Tokyo
<p>At least that is what I think this is. It is a protector of the shrine in the background. <br /> </p>
Statue of a Lion
 <p>This one was to the right of the larger central shrine at Asakusa. There are wedding ceremonies performed here. </p>
Another Shinto Shrine
Another Lion Protector Statue
 <p>This is the place where one prays and throws in money. </p>
Prayer Area At Shinto Shrine
Close-Up of Lion Statue
 <p>More protective Lion/Dragons and symbols line the roof of the shrine. </p>
Ornate Roof Gutter on Shrine
 <p>Not sure what type of critters these are other than decorative. </p>
Dragons?
 <p>It says: </p> <p> “Asakusa Shirine </p> <p> The Asakusa Shrine had its origin in the joing enshrinement of Hinokuma no Hamanari, Hinokuma no Takenari, who picked up the image of Kannon, the main idol of the Sensoji Temple, from the Sumida River, and the Haji no Matsuchi, who made the image as the target of the people’s worship. </p> <p> The present shrine building was reconstructed by Tokugawa Iemitsu in December 1649. It is highly rated as the representative building of the Gongen structure of the early Edo Era, and has been designated as an important cultural asset of the nation. The Sanja Festival, held in May every year, is one of the three biggest festivals in Tokyo.” </p>
Sign Outside the Shrine
<p>I found this picture very odd. It was in a display case promoting the shrine as a place to get married as well as baptise (in a Shinto way) babies, but it featured a Japanese man with a Caucasian woman and baby. Not something I expected to see in a culture that (at least used to) promote racial purity. </p>
Marriage Ceremony Advertisement
Yet Another Protector Lion/Dragon
 <p>Or so this pigeon must think. Look at the roof tile design too. </p>
King Of All He Surveys
 <p>You can tell it is a Ginkgo tree by the fan shaped leaves, which are also the symbol of Tokyo. </p>
Ginkgo Tree In Full Bloom
<p>See the next pictures. </p>
Pair of Buddha Sign
 <p>With Ginkgo trees in the background. </p>
Indeed, a Pair of Buddha
Same Buddha Pair, Different Orientation
 <p>I love these Japanese vending machines. These were Coca Cola machines offering a range of sodas, teas, coffes, and water. Better yet, some of these could be served hot too! Note the red labels for heated or warm drinks, and blue for chilled ones. </p>
Oh So Cool (and Hot) Beverage Vending Machines
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