Part 2
The Namba Yasakan Shrine is a somewhat idiosyncratic Shinto shrine.
Particularly striking is the Shishiden (Lion Hall), which is shaped like a giant lion’s head. It is used as a stage for the dedication of Kagura, Shishimai, and Iaido.

It is said that the lion’s large mouth swallows evil spirits, and many worshippers visit the shrine to pray for academic improvement, job offers, and success in examinations.

Also the ceiling is pretty impressive!

#japan #osaka #travel #shinto #shrine

The Namba Yasakan Shrine is a somewhat idiosyncratic Shinto shrine.
Particularly striking is the Shishiden (Lion Hall), which is shaped like a giant lion’s head. It is used as a stage for the dedication of Kagura, Shishimai, and Iaido.

It is said that the lion’s large mouth swallows evil spirits, and many worshippers visit the shrine to pray for academic improvement, job offers, and success in examinations.

https://nambayasaka.jp/

https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Namba_Yasaka-Schrein

#japan #osaka #travel #shinto #shrine

Select spots in north-central Kyōto: the Buddhist temple Chōtokuji (長得寺) with its unusual okame zakura (オカメ桜) cherry blossoms, the World Heritage Shintō shrine Shimogamo Jinja (下賀茂神社) with lingering plum blossoms, and the Kyōto Imperial Palace (京都大宮御所) with its spectacular early-blossoming weeping or hanging sakura (枝垂れ桜) cherry blossoms. Several varieties of sakura at different stages converge for a brief moment as spring begins.

Open access publications on Japan: https://japanned.hcommons.org/japanology

#Buddhism #Buddhist #temple #Shinto #shrine #Japan #Kyoto #sakura #cherry #blossoms #nature #culture #hiking #Imperial #Palace #sightseeing #travel #photography #photos