 Most viewed - MIE 三重県 |
Stone marker for Ueno Castle located in Ueno Park. Officially called Ueno Castle and nicknamed Hakuho Castle or Iga-Ueno Castle. Noted for cherry blossoms in April and the highest castle walls in Japan.91 views
|
|
Iga-Ueno Castle and cherry blossoms, Mie Prefecture.91 views
|
|
91 views
|
|
The wall has a notch in the middle for the horse to leap up and over. Inabe Shrine's Ageuma ceremony is older than Tado Shrine's. The festival was started in 1192 by the local castle lord and shrine priest to strengthen the spirit of the youth.91 views
|
|
Horse riding ground (baba). It looks like 500 meters or so.91 views
|
|
Uji Bridge showing its 20-year age.91 views
|
|
Iga-Ueno Castle's donjon or tenshu tower was reconstructed in 1935 by Kawasaki Katsu, a local politician, using his own funds.90 views
|
|
90 views
|
|
Haisei-den and wisteria in bloom. The Basho Matsuri Festival is a poetry reading held here on Oct. 12.90 views
|
|
90 views
|
|
And there he is.90 views
|
|
This is one end of the riding course. 90 views
|
|
He tosses the baton.90 views
|
|
This is the steps leading to the new Naiku shrine that will be completed this fall 2013. The shrine buildings are already close to completion, but they are covered up.90 views
|
|
Stone wall in the Honmaru89 views
|
|
89 views
|
|
89 views
|
|
89 views
|
|
89 views
|
|
And he's off, going at full speed. It takes only 10-15 sec. for him to run up to the incline.89 views
|
|
The horse approaches the steep wall.89 views
|
|
The next rider is prepared. He sits in a sacred compartment, gets his hanagasa hat adjusted, and waits for his horse to arrive. He was stern-faced. There's a 15-20 min. break between each Ageuma run.89 views
|
|
We could easily proceed from Uji Bridge to this Daini (Second) torii. So far so good.89 views
|
|
The people who went up the right edge of the steps didn't go through the torii and could only pray at a temporary, off-center position under the slim roof seen here on the right of the thatched-roof gate. 89 views
|
|
88 views
|
|
Inside the Haisei-den is a ceramic statue of Basho.88 views
|
|
88 views
|
|
Small door to the kitchen. People must have been pretty short then.88 views
|
|
In 1203, the steep embankment was built and the Ageuma and yabusame ceremonies were held. Along the short galloping course up to the steep incline, makeshift bleachers for spectators are built for the festival.88 views
|
|
This horse was the most successful of the day. It made a clean leap in one try.88 views
|
|
|
The horse makes a nice leap up.88 views
|
|
This is what the top of the incline looks like. A bunch of people wait for the horse to come up.88 views
|
|
Riders make a "victory lap" within the shrine grounds.88 views
|
|
One rider waves around his baton before tossing it. This lucky little girl got one.88 views
|
|
88 views
|
|
He waves it around before tossing it.88 views
|
|
Naiku torii at the top of the steps.88 views
|
|
Small offertory box.88 views
|
|
Right outside the entrance Naiku is a long shopping street called Oharai-machi, mainly food stalls. it leads to a parking lot. Very crowded on New Year's Day.88 views
|
|
Todo Takatora was originally from Omi or neighboring Shiga Prefecture.87 views
|
|
View from atop Iga-Ueno Castle, looking toward Ueno-shi Station.87 views
|
|
You could jump off into the moat below. No fences, so watch your kids.87 views
|
|
Urinal87 views
|
|
Shrine priest87 views
|
|
87 views
|
|
Statue of Lord Honda Tadakatsu at Kyuka Park, site of his Kuwana Castle.87 views
|
|
We didn't get to go through the torii, but it wasn't worth the wait. They never explained the difference between staying in the middle of the steps and going up on the right edge.87 views
|
|
86 views
|
|
86 views
|
|
The bleacher seats are sold by auction to the highest bidder. Those next to the steep incline are the most expensive, costing 200,000 yen or higher for one compartment fitting several people. I was in a compartment costing 7,000 yen.86 views
|
|
And there he goes up on the incline.86 views
|
|
Rider with hat bearing an iris flower prepares to mount.86 views
|
|
86 views
|
|
The other end of the riding course. 86 views
|
|
Next to the Waki-Honjin was the Honjin whose site is now occupied by this building.86 views
|
|
Map of Kyuka Park on the site of Kuwana Castle.86 views
|
|
Crossing Uji Bridge, a little over 100 meters long. 宇治橋86 views
|
|
Dried fish.86 views
|
|
85 views
|
|
Toilets and bath85 views
|
|
85 views
|
|
There he goes.85 views
|
|
85 views
|
|
85 views
|
|
85 views
|
|
The jockeys galloped through the course several times.85 views
|
|
This event is called yabusame. Although they wear arrows on their backs, they do not shoot any arrows while riding. They just gallop straight along the course.85 views
|
|
They kept riding back and forth until twilight. Toward the end, they tossed these batons to people.85 views
|
|
This rider I will never forget.85 views
|
|
Noted for cherry blossoms, Kyuka Park is on the site of Kuwana Castle which was occupied by Honda Tadakatsu. 85 views
|
|
Building on the site of Kuwana-juku's Waki-Honjin. It is a ryokan inn.85 views
|
|
Horse stable.85 views
|
|
Bamboo strips protect the trees.85 views
|
|
Kaguraden hall for sacred dances and prayers. 内宮神楽殿85 views
|
|
My video of Ise Jingu Naiku on Jan. 1, 2013.85 views
|
|
84 views
|
|
84 views
|
|
Edge of castle wall.84 views
|
|
84 views
|
|
The building was designed by architect Ito Chota (1867-1954) (伊東 忠太) who designed numerous shrine and temple buildings in the 1920s and '30s, including Tsukiji Hongwanji temple in Tokyo.84 views
|
|
The Haisei-den was designed to look like Basho in travel clothing. The top roof resembles a hat, and the lower roof resembles his straw raincoat. Cherry blossoms were in bloom.84 views
|
|
84 views
|
|
Kitchen stoves84 views
|
|
This is definitely one of the more unique and exciting festivals I have seen in Japan. I have to give much credit to these young and brave lads.84 views
|
|
Inabe Shrine's statue of a sacred horse near the horse riding ground.84 views
|
|
Rider and his hat.84 views
|
|
On SUnday, the second half of the festival is a procession from Inabe Shrine to a horse riding ground nearby at 3 pm. The yabusame horseback riding is then held at 3:30 pm.84 views
|
|
84 views
|
|
And so all these people are waving their arms shouting, "Toss it to me!" Also see my YouTube video here.84 views
|
|
The other end of Uji Bridge also has a torii gate.84 views
|
|
Naiku's bottleneck. These people took at least an hour to climb up the steps to go through this little torii. So it must've taken them at least 2 hours to get here from Uji Bridge. Normally it's a 10-15 min. walk.84 views
|
|
84 views
|
|
The only castle wall remaining at Toba Castle.84 views
|
|
83 views
|
|
The procession crosses the river and heads for the horse riding ground. 神霊渡御83 views
|
|
83 views
|
|
83 views
|
|
One of the riders.83 views
|
|
83 views
|
|
It must be fun to ride that fast.83 views
|
|
Colorful bus at Ise.83 views
|
|
Uji Bridge goes over Isuzu River. 五十鈴川83 views
|
|
Another place to purify yourself on the banks of Isuzu River at this place called the Mitarashi. 五十鈴川と御手洗場83 views
|
|
After going through the torii, they could pray at this center position under this thatched-roof gate in front of the shrine.83 views
|
|
Sanshuden rest house83 views
|
|
Lucky bags.83 views
|
|
A well remaining at Toba Castle.83 views
|
|
82 views
|
|
Park area above the castle wall.82 views
|
|
Water well82 views
|
|
82 views
|
|
82 views
|
|
One of the jockeys shoots an arrow toward the river.82 views
|
|
82 views
|
|
Sign explaining Kuwana's Honjin and Waki-Honjin.82 views
|
|
A guard watching over the crowd crossing Uji Bridge.82 views
|
|
Water fountain where you wash your hands and rinse your mouth for purification. 手水舎82 views
|
|
Before praying at the shrine, you're supposed to purify yourself. Wash your hands and rinse your mouth here. Use the ladle to pour water into your hand, then sip the water from your hand. Don't sip the water directly from the ladle. 手水舎82 views
|
|
I could see the heatwaves from the people's bodies. Still inching forward.82 views
|
|
The scene from the top of the steps. People on the right are aiming for the torii. People on the left are shooting up the steps in no time.82 views
|
|
Brand new wooden torii.82 views
|
|
81 views
|
|
81 views
|
|
81 views
|
|
81 views
|
|
81 views
|
|
The group of men sing for the rider.81 views
|
|
Here he comes, ready to toss his baton. Now I was watching this through my camera lens and shooting continuously at 6 frames per sec.81 views
|
|
Place to dispose of old decorations bought from the shrine.81 views
|
|
The first torii or Daiichi torii.81 views
|
|
Dip your hands here in Isuzu River. Auto maker Isuzu was named after this crystal-clear river. 五十鈴川と御手洗場81 views
|
|
Getting closer to the bottom of the steps leading up to the Naiku shrine.81 views
|
|
At the bottom of the steps going up to the shrine.81 views
|
|
81 views
|
|
Kyuka Park cherry blossoms in Kuwana, Mie.80 views
|
|
80 views
|
|
Barrels of sake as offerings.80 views
|
|
Lot of people here, but it's still not as crowded as Meiji Shrine in Tokyo.80 views
|
|
The great thing for them is that they need not provide any guarantee that your hopes, dreams, and prayers will come true for you. No such thing as a product warranty nor money-back guarantee.80 views
|
|
Imagine providing a service or product for which you need not worry about complaints, defects, malfunctions, errors, or failures. And the customer base is guaranteed forever. 80 views
|
|
THe rest house had a view of a Noh stage.80 views
|
|
Uji Bridge on the way back.80 views
|
|
The best part of Kyuka Park is in the Ninomaru area.79 views
|
|
Site of Kuwana-juku's Honjin.79 views
|
|
Bus with motif promoting Ise. Going to worship at Ise Jingu is called "Ise-mairi."79 views
|
|
Still walking at a good pace.79 views
|
|
Inside Sanshuden rest house, a nice warm place to rest.79 views
|
|
Isuzu River as seen from Uji Bridge. Water from this river is used in the shrine's ceremonies and rituals.79 views
|
|
Toba Castle79 views
|
|
Saio princess in a palanquin in Meiwa, Mie Prefecture. The Saio princess was selected from tens of candidates. This was her fourth time to apply for the honor and she was finally selected.79 viewsIt is to promote the town so she was very willing to pose for pictures. The makeup person did a very good job.
|
|
These blossoms were 1 or 2 days before reaching full bloom in early April.78 views
|
|
Bus stop for Naiku Inner Shrine. This is near Ise-shi Station.78 views
|
|
78 views
|
|
There was a money box under both the thatched roof and under the slim roof structure next to it. Either way, you can still pray at the shrine. Not a big deal if you don't go through the torii or don't pray from the center spot under the thatched78 viewsIt really looked like the people going up on the right edge were exiting without praying at the shrine. Not so. They could also pray at the shrine, but at an off-center position.
|
|
People still streaming toward Naiku shrine passing through the second torii.78 views
|
|
Much more popular than sake was amazake (sweet sake). This line was too long for me so I skipped it.78 views
|
|
In the end, the Saio princess slowly walked through the palace door that opened for her. Her long, black hair and way of walking were very elegant. After she entered, the doors closed and the festival was over.78 views
|
|
Uji Bridge is also rebuilt every 20 years.77 views
|
|
Side torii gate at Naiku.77 views
|
|
This is all we can see of the main shrine building called the Shoden (正殿), the home of Amaterasu. The design of the shrine buildings are especially beautiful and awe-inspiring. Too bad we can't see it. There are photographs (especially by Yoshio 77 views
|
|
Where the people coming and going converge at Ise Jingu's Naiku.77 views
|
|
76 views
|
|
Way to Honmaru, the central part of the castle.76 views
|
|
76 views
|
|
They served free green tea.76 views
|
|
Taka-no-miya Shrine 多賀宮75 views
|
|
White rocks to be placed at Ise Jingu Shrine for the rebulding.75 views
|
|
After crossing Uji Bridge, it is a gravel path to the shrine.75 views
|
|
Shrine gift shop for amulets etc. Make no doubt, religion in Japan is very big business. They are in the business of selling hopes, dreams, prayers, ceremonies, and amulets. 75 views
|
|
A sip of sake at this booth. I saw no indications of a fee for this sake, but there was a donation tray right there.75 views
|
|
Honmaru of Kuwana Castle. No castle buildings remain. Only moats and turret foundations. A shrine occupies much of the Honmaru area.74 views
|
|
74 views
|
|
74 views
|
|
Site of Tatsumi turret.74 views
|
|
74 views
|
|
Way back.74 views
|
|
Snake souvenirs for sale. Major Shinto shrines make much of their income during New Year's.74 views
|
|
Ibigawa River73 views
|
|
Geku is Ise Jingu's Outer Shrine (officially named "Toyouke Daijingu"). It is one of the two main shrines of Ise Jingu. Geku worships the god Toyouke Omikami, who is responsible for the food of Amaterasu Omikami worshipped at Naiku.73 views
|
|
Saio princess in a palanquin in Meiwa, Mie Prefecture.73 views
|
|
72 views
|
|
72 views
|
|
72 views
|
|
Taka-no-miya Shrine 多賀宮72 views
|
|
Inside the bus going to Naiku from Ise-shi Station.72 views
|
|
Ise Tourist Information across from the Geku entrance. Very helpful.71 views
|
|
This is the Saio princess sitting in a palanquin on wheels. In Saiku, the Saio's palanquin is called Sokaren (葱華輦), meaning "Onion Flower Palanquin" in reference to its onion-shaped giboshi roof ornament.71 viewsThe Saio palanquin bearers are called Kayocho (駕輿丁) who were chosen from the best gentlemen.
|
|
Saio princess in a palanquin in Meiwa, Mie Prefecture. Very photogenic makeup and costume.71 views
|
|
Many red bridges at Kyuka Park.70 views
|
|
70 views
|
|
After praying at Geku, most people also visit three nearby affiliate shrines: Kaze-no-miya, Tsuchi-no-miya, and Taka-no-miya. This is Kaze-no-miya Shrine. 風宮70 views
|
|
Tsuchi-no-miya Shrine 土宮70 views
|
|
70 views
|
|
70 views
|
|
Posing with court ladies called Nyoju (女嬬) who serve in the inner palace (後宮) and take care of the Saio princess' daily living.70 views
|
|
Site of Kanbe turret.69 views
|
|
Before praying at the shrine, you're supposed to purify yourself. Wash your hands and rinse your mouth here. Use the ladle to pour water into your hand, then sip the water from your hand. Don't sip the water directly from the ladle. 手水舎69 views
|
|
Saio princess in a palanquin in Meiwa, Mie Prefecture.69 views
|
|
Posing with court ladies called the Uneme (釆女) chosen from an aristocratic family and who was in charge of food and drink.69 views
|
|
Posing with leading court ladies called the Myobu (命婦), assistants who tend to the immediate needs of the Saio princess.69 views
|
|
68 views
|
|
The 28-km ocean crossing from Miya-juku to Kuwana took about 4 hours. It was often perilous with rough waters. 68 views
|
|
68 views
|
|
Shichiri-no-watashi at Kuwana, Mie. Adjacent to Kyuka Park is the Kuwana-juku post town on the Tokaido Road. The building on the right is on the site of the Waki-Honjin.68 views
|
|
Sando path from Ise-shi Station to Ise Jingu Shrine's Geku Outer Shrine. A short walk. You're supposed to visit Geku before Naiku.68 views
|
|
Water fountain where you wash your hands and rinse your mouth for purification. 手水舎68 views
|
|
68 views
|
|
68 views
|
|
Tsuchi-no-miya Shrine 土宮68 views
|
|
The man on the far right in dark blue is Ise Kokushi (伊勢国司) Governor of Ise Province. Next to him also in blue is the Chobusoshi (長奉送使) director of the Saio procession.68 views
|
|
67 views
|
|
Lookimg like a castle turret is this water sluice gate management building.67 views
|
|
The controversial Nagaragawa Dam. The Nagaragawa River and Ibi River run parallel to each other in this area until they merge as the Ibi River.67 views
|
|
67 views
|
|
Kaze-no-miya Shrine is dedicated to the gods of wind and rain, essential for farming. 風宮67 views
|
|
Ranryo-o court dance dating to the Nara Period (8th century). Chinese warrior Ranryo-o was Prince of Lanling (Gao Changgong), a victorious 6th c. general. (舞樂蘭陵王).67 viewsTo hide his gentle-looking face, Ranryo-o wore a fierce mask in battle. Notice the dragon head mask.
|
|
66 views
|
|
66 views
|
|
66 views
|
|
I noticed that Geku was much less crowded than Naiku and apparently most people visit Naiku only. Lantern along the path to Geku.66 views
|
|
Sando path to Geku.66 views
|
|
Shrine gift shop for amulets etc. Make no doubt, religion in Japan is very big business. They are in the business of selling hopes, dreams, prayers, ceremonies, and amulets. 66 views
|
|
The great thing for them is that they need not provide any guarantee that your hopes, dreams, and prayers will come true for you. No such thing as a product warranty nor money-back guarantee.66 views
|
|
A sip of sake at this booth.66 views
|
|
66 views
|
|
Tsuchi-no-miya Shrine worships the god in charge of the land around Geku. 土宮66 views
|
|
Taka-no-miya Shrine 多賀宮66 views
|
|
Sengu-kan Museum includes a scale model of the Geku shrine as well as a life-size facade of the main shrine building. Don't miss this museum. 66 views
|
|
Outdoor stage at Sengu-kan.66 views
|
|
Path to Geku. 第一鳥居口参道65 views
|
|
The first or Daiichi torii gate.65 views
|
|
Amulets forsale.65 views
|
|
65 views
|
|
65 views
|
|
Geku Outer Shrine65 views
|
|
Long line to pray at Taka-no-miya Shrine. "Taka" literally means "many felicitations." 多賀宮65 views
|
|
Taka-no-miya Shrine, old and new. 多賀宮.65 views
|
|
64 views
|
|
Sakura Matsuri poster64 views
|
|
Shichiri-no-watashi at Kuwana, Mie. This is where travelers arrived by boat after crossing the ocean for four hours from Miya-juku near Atsuta Shrine in Aichi. 七里の渡し64 views
|
|
Old ryokan inn.64 views
|
|
64 views
|
|
64 views
|
|
63 views
|
|
63 views
|
|
Geku entrance. Toyouke Omikami is also the god for food, clothing, and shelter. Geku was founded about 1,500 years ago.63 views
|
|
The shrine is rebuilt every 20 years and 2013 will mark the completion of the new shrine to replace the old one built in 1993. It takes 8 years to rebuild the Naiku shrine. So 12 years from now, they will start the rebuilding process all over again.63 views
|
|
A new museum called Sengu-kan to commemorate the shrine's rebuilding for the 62nd time (since over 1,200 years ago).63 views
|
|
Magatama Pond next to Sengu-kan.63 views
|
|
The second floor is a small exhibition room and small windows.62 views
|
|
The new Geku Outer Shrine to be unveiled in Oct. 2013.62 views
|
|
| 1114 files on 5 page(s) |
2 |  |
|
|
