Image search results - "shin"
001-IMG_0563.jpg
Established in 1617, Tsukiji Hongwanji temple is the Tokyo headquarters of the Nishi Hongwanji Jodo Shinshu sect. The present temple, based on Indian architecture, was built in the 1930s.The temple is the only one in Japan which is under the direct control of the sect. Its head priest is the Monshu Abbot himself. April 8 is observed as Buddha's birthday, called Hana Matsuri ("Flower Festival) in Japan.
001-img_6762.jpg
Nose Myokenzan Betsuin at a street corner. In Feb., priests at this small temple splash cold water on themselves for 30 min. Near Honjo-Azumabashi Station on the Toei Asakusa Line or JR Kinshicho Station on the Sobu Line.
001_8139.jpg
"Hana no Kai" Dance by Kagurazaka geishaThe "Hana no Kai" geisha dance is held annually by geisha in Kagurazaka, one of Tokyo's major geisha districts. "Hana" means livley or gaudy. And "Kai" can mean gathering or party.

They held two shows on the same day. This was the second show starting at 3 pm on April 16, 2005. It lasted till about 4:45 pm.
002-IMG_0561.jpg
Tsukiji Hongwanji temple gate with wisteria crest.The emblem is a wisteria flower and symbol of the Jodo Shinshu sect.
002-img_6852.jpg
Shrine hall
002_8115.jpg
"Blue Ocean Waves" (青海波)They performed four numbers. This first one was called "Blue Ocean Waves" performed by five geisha.
002_898-23.jpg
Park in front of Kofu Station.
003-IMG_0553.jpg
Temple gate and flag
003-img_6766.jpg
Barrels of cold water in front of shrine
003_8123.jpg
Notice that the kimono design shows waves.
003_898-30.jpg
Statue of Takeda Shingen.
004-IMG_0474.jpg
Play room for kids on Hanamatsuri
004-img_6804.jpg
Barrels of cold water
004_8164.jpg
005-IMG_0385.jpg
Hanamatsuri altar
005-img_6767.jpg
The congregation gather on the steps and beat fan-shaped drums.
005_8086.jpg
Rear view
006-IMG_0458.jpg
Pouring sweet tea over the BuddhaWhen the Buddha was born in Lumbini Garden in Nepal, sweet rain is said to have fallen. Thus, sweet tea is poured over the baby Buddha statue in the Hanamatsuri altar.
006-img_6768.jpg
Priests appear
006_8086.jpg
Shimada hairstyleStandard hairstyle for geisha. This a wig.
007-IMG_0549.jpg
Hanamatsuri celebrates the Buddha's birthday on April 8. This is Tsukiji Honganji in Tokyo.The flowers symbolize Lumbini Garden where the Buddha was born in present-day Nepal.
007-img_6809.jpg
007_8053.jpg
Music and singing accompanimentAll numbers was accompanied by live music and singing.
008-IMG_0550.jpg
Baby Buddha statueLadles are provided for pouring the sweet tea over the Buddha. Sweet tea is also provided to worshippers. It symbolizes the sweet rain that fell when the Buddha was born.
008-img_6813.jpg
008_8224.jpg
Eight Views of Tatsumi (巽八景)The second number was about the Tatsumi and Monzen-nakacho (Fukagawa) district in Koto Ward, Tokyo. The dance reflects the chic and bravado of the area (in the old days) which was one of Tokyo's gay quarters with geisha as well.
009-IMG_0382.jpg
Children dressed for the chigo parade, Tsukiji Hongwanji, TokyoIt took a long time before they could get all the kids to settle down for the picture and to get all the mothers out of the picture.
009-img_6790.jpg
009_8196.jpg
010-IMG_0379.jpg
Children dressed for the chigo parade (photo session), Tsukiji Hongwanji, Tokyo
010-IMG_0663.jpg
Belonging to the Buzan School of the Shingon Sect of Buddhism, Gokokuji Temple was built by the mother of Shogun Tokugawa Tsunayoshi in 1682. The Gekkoden Hall was moved here from Miidera temple in Otsu, Shiga Pref. The Tahoto Pagoda was modeled after the Tahoto at Ishiyamadera in Otsu, Shiga. Okuma Shigenobu, founder of Waseda Univ., is also buried here. This is the entrance to Gokokuji Temple, Niomon Gate. It's right next to Gokokuji Station on the Yurakucho subway line. 仁王門
010-IMG_1018.jpg
Nagahama Hachimangu Shrine torii on New Year's Day. Nagahama's most popular shrine for New Year's worship (hatsumode). MAP
010-IMG_4332.jpg
Several groups perform along the main road on the east side of JR Shinjuku Station. This is in front of Isetan Dept. Store.
010-IMG_4653.jpg
People coming to Takahata Fudoson temple on Feb. 3, Setsubun day.
010-IMG_6388.jpg
Belonging to the Shingon Sect's Buzan school, this is one of Tokyo's major temples. The real name is Sojiji (總持寺), but everyone calls it Nishi-Arai Daishi.The temple grounds feature many flowering trees and plants including an unusual species of cherry blossoms which bloom in winter. Daishi-mae Station. Much larger station than I expected. Probably for the New Year's crowds. 大師前駅
010-img_6819.jpg
Chanting prayers
010_8229.jpg
011-IMG_0388.jpg
Going to the chigo parade's starting point
011-IMG_0670.jpg
After you pass through the Niomon Gate, this is what you see.
011-IMG_4283.jpg
Takahata Fudoson temple entrance 高幡不動尊
011-IMG_4353.jpg
A large crowd watches as the crowd-pleasing drummers bring a bit of Okinawa to central Tokyo.
011-IMG_6392.jpg
Daishi-mae Station 大師前駅. Nishi-Arai Daishi Temple was said have been founded by Priest Kobo Daishi in 826. One of the Kanto Region's Big Three Daishi Temples.
011-img_6827.jpg
011-IMG_9858.jpg
Tagata Shrine torii and entrance 田縣神社
011_8211.jpg
012-IMG_0391.jpg
White elephant to anchor the parade. Notice the Buddha altar riding on the top. Before she gave birth to the Buddha, Queen Maya dreamed of a white elephant.
012-IMG_0673.jpg
Well
012-IMG_0967.jpg
Path to shrine with stone lanterns, and cars.
012-IMG_4345.jpg
The setsubun bean-throwing starts with a memorial service, then a procession of the bean throwers and priests.
012-IMG_4361.jpg
Many women drummers also perform. Shinjuku Eisa Matsuri, Tokyo
012-IMG_6400.jpg
The main path to the temple is lined with the usual shops, but it is not aligned with the train station. The path from the train station takes a different route.
012-img_6831.jpg
012-IMG_9825.jpg
Tagata Shrine stone marker
012_8266.jpg
Her big round eyes makes her look like a real doll.
012_8888.jpg
Unlike geisha dances in Kyoto which have elaborate backgrounds, the background here is quite plain, making us focus on the geisha which were enough eye candy. The background really didn't matter. The dances were very aesthetic and pleasing to the eyes and ears.
013-IMG_0397.jpg
Start of the Hanamatsuri parade which also promotes traffic safety.The starting point was a nearby park.
013-IMG_0852.jpg
Well
013-IMG_0965.jpg
Stone lanterns
013-IMG_4371.jpg
013-IMG_4477.jpg
Priests in setsubun procession within the temple grounds.
013-IMG_6401.jpg
Main path to temple
013-img_6833.jpg
013-IMG_9856.jpg
Mikuji paper fortunes for love and romance, marriage, and childbirth.
013_8238.jpg
014-IMG_0399.jpg
Parade starts...
014-IMG_0669.jpg
Map of temple grounds. Belonging to the Buzan School of the Shingon Sect of Buddhism, Gokokuji temple was built by the mother of Shogun Tokugawa Tsunayoshi in 1682.
014-IMG_0968.jpg
014-IMG_4373.jpg
Shinjuku Eisa Matsuri, Tokyo
014-IMG_4478.jpg
Priests in setsubun procession within the temple grounds.
014-IMG_6406.jpg
Sanmon Gate, the main gate. 山門
014-img_6834.jpg
Priests splash cold water over themselves at the Nose Myokenzan Betsuin in Sumida-ku, Tokyo
014-IMG_9830.jpg
Tagata Shrine Honden main hall. Komaki, Aichi Pref.
014_8286.jpg
015-IMG_0401.jpg
Baton-twirling club from the Chiyoda Jogakuin Junior/Senior High School followed by the elephant千代田女学院
015-IMG_0675.jpg
Steps going up to an inner gate called Furomon 不老門
015-IMG_0989.jpg
The shrine grounds was filled with cars on New Year's Day. Apparently, the shrine has no parking lot.
015-IMG_4346.jpg
Priests in setsubun procession coming through Niomon Gate
015-IMG_4377.jpg
Also see the video at YouTube.
015-IMG_6408.jpg
Sanmon Gate
015-img_6842.jpg
015-IMG_9832.jpg
Tagata Shrine Honden main hall which worships shrine worships a deity called Tamahime-no-Mikoto who was a daughter of a powerful local lord from the 5th century.
015_8257.jpg
016-IMG_0405.jpg
Chigo children
016-IMG_0677.jpg
Furomon Gate (Ageless Gate) 不老門
016-IMG_0970.jpg
Another entrance to the shrine
016-IMG_3280.jpg
Hachimangu Shrine torii
016-IMG_4347.jpg
Priest blowing a conch shell
016-IMG_4369.jpg
016-IMG_6420.jpg
Food stalls lead you to the main worship hall.
016-img_6843.jpg
016-IMG_9835.jpg
Torii to Oku-no-miya Shrine, next to the Honden main hall.
016_8289.jpg
Closing curtain
017-IMG_0411.jpg
On the road in front of the temple
017-IMG_0678.jpg
View from Furomon Gate
017-IMG_0972.jpg
017-IMG_3281.jpg
Hachimangu Shrine torii
017-IMG_4348.jpg
Priests in setsubun procession coming through Niomon Gate
017-IMG_4397.jpg
017-IMG_6425.jpg
Dai-Hondo Hall, Nishi-Arai Daishi, Tokyo 大本堂According to legend, when prayers were offered to save villagers from an epidemic, pure water gushed out of a hitherto dried-up well and got rid of the plague. Since the well was on the west side of the temple hall, this area came to be called "Nishi-Arai" (New Well in the West). The temple is famous for warding off fire and misfortune.
017-img_6846.jpg
017-IMG_9837.jpg
Stones and Oku-no-miya Shrine
017_8290.jpg
IntermissionThis Ushigome-Tansu Kumin Hall can hold almost 400 people. Both shows were sold out. Tickets are sold about a month in advance. They sold out within 2 weeks. I was sitting in the middle of the hall (non-reserved seating). Tickets cost only 2,000 yen.
018-IMG_0416.jpg
Baton-twirling club, Tsukiji Hongwanji, Tokyo 千代田女学院 バトン部千代田女学院
018-IMG_0679.jpg
018-IMG_0973.jpg
018-IMG_3282.jpg
Hachimangu Shrine
018-IMG_4352.jpg
Festival beauties included.
018-IMG_4405.jpg
Hand drum
018-IMG_6552.jpg
Incense burner
018-img_6855.jpg
018_8292.jpg
Chestnut Rice Cakes (栗餅)The third number was called "Chestnut Mochi." Mochi is rice cake. They pound sticky rice to make it. Performed by two geisha. The one in blue is a male role.
019-IMG_0414.jpg
Female schoolmates of the baton twirlers block the cameras of unrelated photographers when the baton twirlers passed. カメラ小僧を妨害するバトン部の先輩たち。This was the first time for me in Japan to see people blocking photographers from taking pictures at a festival. They did it to me as well. If they don't want to be photographed, why do they appear in this public festival??

妨害しても無駄だと思いますが。撮られるのがいやでしたら、まつりに出ない方がいいですよ。
019-IMG_0689.jpg
019-IMG_0984.jpg
Haiden hall 拝殿
019-IMG_3283.jpg
Hachimangu Shrine. Do not climb on the horse.
019-IMG_4356.jpg
Temple priest
019-IMG_4413.jpg
019-IMG_4725.jpg
Sanmon Gate 山門
019-IMG_5128.jpg
019-IMG_6555.jpg
Lantern
019-img_6850.jpg
Filled with a water hose
019-IMG_9784.jpg
This is what you see inside Oku-no-miya Shrine. A giant wooden phallus offering.
019_8315.jpg
020-20011115e-027YamashinaStation.jpg
JR Yamashina Station
020-IMG_0418.jpg
Band from the Chiyoda Jogakuin Girls Junior/Senior High SchoolNo problem photographing them.
020-IMG_0690.jpg
020-IMG_0976.jpg
Ice sculpture of two rats. 2008 is the year of the rat.
020-IMG_2404.jpg
The cherry blossoms lining Sotobori Moat also look stunning from the road, Sotobori-dori in front of Kagurazaka.
020-IMG_3371.jpg
JR Gotanda Station, east entrance 五反田駅
020-IMG_4304.jpg
Names of the bean throwers.
020-IMG_4428.jpg
Infectious Okinawan beat. Shinjuku Eisa Matsuri, Tokyo
020-IMG_4633.jpg
Nagahama's most famous temple belongs to the Jodo Shinshu sect, Otani school. Omotesando path to Daitsuji.
020-IMG_4729.jpg
Hosenji temple in Nakano-ku, Tokyo. Belongs to the Shingon-shu Sect, Buzan School. 宝仙寺
020-IMG_5131.jpg
Trout fishing ponds for customers in warmer months.
020-IMG_6466.jpg
Dai-Hondo Hall 大本堂
020-img_6848.jpg
020-IMG_9785.jpg
Oku-no-miya Shrine also has many other phallic objects presented as offerings. There even one which you can touch...
020_8409.jpg
Lively Colors of Kagurazaka(神楽坂華の彩)The final number, called Lively Colors of Kagurazaka (Kagurazaka Hana no Irodori) actually consisted of seven dances. This was the first one performed by three geisha. (ひと里)
021-IMG_0422.jpg
The elephant follows the band.
021-IMG_0481.jpg
Start of setsubun bean throwing (mamemaki) by minor celebrities. 豆まき
021-IMG_0698.jpg
Buddha statue with Tahoto Pagoda in background
021-IMG_0982.jpg
021-IMG_2409.jpg
People in a long line waiting to enter Canal Cafe to either dine or rent a rowboat.
021-IMG_3370.jpg
021-IMG_4435.jpg
021-IMG_4635.jpg
Omotesando is lined with shops.
021-IMG_4735.jpg
Hondo hall 本堂
021-IMG_5133.jpg
Riverside fishing ponds
021-IMG_6462.jpg
Altar inside Dai-Hondo Hall 大本堂
021-img_6856.jpg
021-IMG_9425.jpg
Apparently it can become erect too. (Compare with previous photo.)
021-P1070564.jpg
Keihan Yamashina Station is right next to JR Yamashina Station on the right.
021_8400.jpg
Kagurazaka geisha dance
022-IMG_0427.jpg
Entering the temple gate
022-IMG_0681.jpg
Kannon-do main worship hall 観音堂(本堂)Gokokuji Temple has held large funerals for some famous people like singer Yutaka Ozaki in 1992.
022-IMG_0980.jpg
Honden Hall 本殿
022-IMG_2416.jpg
Canal Cafe is right below the cherries. But notice empty tables despite the long line.
022-IMG_3374.jpg
JR Gotanda Station, east entrance 五反田駅
022-IMG_4361.jpg
Miss Nippon
022-IMG_4437.jpg
022-IMG_4637.jpg
Red paper umbrellas decorate the path.
022-IMG_4739.jpg
Hondo hall 本堂
022-IMG_6470.jpg
View from Dai-Hondo Hall
022-IMG_9426.jpg
Phallic objects
022_8401.jpg
Kagurazaka geisha dance
023-IMG_0437.jpg
Final performance
023-IMG_0720.jpg
Kannon-do main worship hall 観音堂(本堂)
023-IMG_0978.jpg
New Year's prayers amid snow.
023-IMG_2420.jpg
Empty rowboats too.
023-IMG_3357.jpg
JR Gotanda Station as seen from Keihin Kyuko Gotanda Station.
023-IMG_4372.jpg
Miss Nippon throw beans, but not very far.
023-IMG_4438.jpg
023-IMG_4645.jpg
023-IMG_4742.jpg
Kobo Daishi statue
023-IMG_6439.jpg
Winter-flowering cherry blossoms
023-IMG_9781.jpg
Note that the phallus is not the object of worship. It is an offering to the god.
023_8427.jpg
024-87APR5.jpg
Cherry trees along the Sotobori Moat. Formerly a moat of Edo Castle, this canal stretching from Iidabashi Station to Ichigaya Station along the Chuo Line.
024-IMG_0444.jpg
The parade was over after 30 min. (11:30 - 12 pm).
024-IMG_0685.jpg
Daibutsu Buddha statue
024-IMG_0958.jpg
Buying omikuji fortune paper
024-IMG_3361.jpg
JR Gotanda Station, east side
024-IMG_4381.jpg
Kimono beauties and beans do mix well.
024-IMG_4455.jpg
024-IMG_4643.jpg
024-IMG_4750.jpg
Inside Hondo hall 本堂
024-IMG_6509.jpg
Winter-flowering cherry blossoms and Dai-Hondo Hall
024-IMG_9780.jpg
024_8438.jpg
引けや引け引け
025-IMG_0449.jpg
Chigo kids enter the temple
025-IMG_0684.jpg
Daibutsu Buddha statue
025-IMG_0962.jpg
Shrine souvenirs
025-IMG_2427.jpg
025-IMG_3362.jpg
JR Gotanda Station, east side
025-IMG_4394.jpg
Women in kimono is a must on Setsubun day.
025-IMG_4474.jpg
Dancing in front of JR Shinjuku Station, East side
025-IMG_4646.jpg
Sandal store
025-IMG_4751.jpg
Inside Hondo hall 本堂
025-IMG_6442.jpg
025-IMG_9428.jpg
Votice tablets written with people's wishes for love, sex, and babies.
025_8441.jpg
026-IMG_0451.jpg
Hanamatsuri service inside the templeNotice the Hanamatsuri altar at the center.
026-IMG_0705.jpg
Tahoto Pagoda at Gokokuji temple in Bunkyo, Tokyo. Built in 1938 modeled after the original Tahoto Pagoda at Ishiyama-dera temple in Otsu, Shiga Prefecture. 多宝塔
026-IMG_1008.jpg
Votive tablet
026-IMG_2433.jpg
026-IMG_3368.jpg
JR Gotanda Station, east side
026-IMG_4360.jpg
Minor female idols also on hand to throw beans.
026-IMG_4478.jpg
026-IMG_4625.jpg
Statue of Hijikata Toshizo from Shinsengumi. 土方歳三像
026-IMG_4647.jpg
Getting closer to the Sanmon Gate
026-IMG_4738.jpg
Three-story pagoda 三重塔
026-IMG_6494.jpg
Winter-flowering cherry blossoms, Nishi-Arai Daishi, Tokyo 寒桜
026-IMG_9764.jpg
Place to rub the sacred balls. 珍宝窟
026_8462.jpg
Mt. Fuji and Mt. Asama(富士や浅間). Solo dance by a geisha named Mari(万り).
027-IMG_0452.jpg
Hanamatsuri service inside the Tsukiji Hongwanji temple
027-IMG_0709.jpg
The original Tahoto Pagoda in Otsu is more aesthetic (and a National Treasure).
027-IMG_0963.jpg
027-IMG_2436.jpg
Rowboats and low-hanging cherries.
027-IMG_3366.jpg
JR Gotanda Station, east side
027-IMG_4373.jpg
節分会に吉井怜、三津谷葉子、福下恵美が豆まく
027-IMG_4490.jpg
027-IMG_4642.jpg
Statue of Hijikata Toshizo. 土方歳三像
027-IMG_4654.jpg
Omotesando as seen from Sanmon Gate.
027-IMG_4745.jpg
Goeido Hall housing Kobo Daishi image. 御影堂
027-IMG_6488.jpg
027-IMG_9761.jpg
027_8492.jpg
The Word Called Love (恋と云う字)
028-IMG_0453.jpg
Hanami-do housing a statue of the baby Buddha on which sweet tea is poured. When the Buddha was born in Lumbini Garden, flowers bloomed.
028-IMG_0712.jpg
028-IMG_0986.jpg
028-IMG_2439.jpg
The end of the moat is also a good viewpoint.
028-IMG_3385.jpg
Route 1 in Higashi-Gotanda
028-IMG_4375.jpg
Bikini idols Yoshii Rei, Mitsuya Yoko, and Fukushita Megumi throwing beans on Setsubun
028-IMG_4508.jpg
028-IMG_4631.jpg
Rear view of Hijikata Toshizo statue
028-IMG_4650.jpg
Daitsuji temple Sanmon Gate 山門
028-IMG_4754.jpg
Temple grounds as seen from the Hondo Hall
028-IMG_6478.jpg
Winter-flowering cherry blossoms 寒桜
028-IMG_9762.jpg
028a-IMG_4628.jpg
Shinsengumi monument 新選組両雄の碑
028_8515.jpg
029-IMG_0455.jpg
Praying to the Hanamatsuri altar
029-IMG_0510.jpg
After the first bean-throwing session.
029-IMG_0710.jpg
029-IMG_0996.jpg
Torii to Benzaiten Shrine
029-IMG_2452.jpg
The end of the moat is also a good viewpoint.
029-IMG_3365.jpg
JR Gotanda Station, east side
029-IMG_4509.jpg
Smoking dragon dance
029-IMG_4656.jpg
2006 NHK Taiga Drama "Komyo ga Tsuji" Exhibition banner and gate entrance.
029-IMG_4731.jpg
Pagoda and pile of setsubun boxes
029-IMG_6482.jpg
029-IMG_9845.jpg
Rub the two balls.
5103 files on 21 page(s) 1