Torii

A torii or gate is a symbol of Shinto shrines all over Japan. The torii pictured above was taken at the Itsukushima Shrine in the island of Itsukushima, popularly known as Miyajima, off the coast of Hiroshima.

This torii is one of Japan's most popular tourist attractions, and is one of Japan's three scenic views.

Sakura

At this time of the year, sakura or cherry blossoms bloom all over Japan. Flower-viewing festivals or hanami are held all over the country where people take time out to enjoy the sight.

Delicious

The practice of having barbecue grills in the middle of the table is said to have originated in Korea, but it is also very common in Japan. In these settings, people gather around the table and grill the food themselves while eating, promoting better communion with their companions.

This picture was taken at a hotel in Okinawa, Japan during a school trip I was part of. We grilled meat, seafood, and vegetables, and dipped them in different types of sauces afterward. It was awesome!

Kazaridaru

Shinto shrines in Japan need sake or rice wine for their ceremonies and festivals. Sake brewers in Japan then donate wines to shrines for this purpose. It is a mutually beneficial arrangement. The brewers provide the wine, and the shrines pray for the brewers' prosperity.

At major shrines in the country, barrels of sake are displayed in stacks outside, as shown in the picture above taken at the Meiji Jingu or Meiji Shrine in Shibuya, Tokyo. These barrels are called kazaridaru or "decoration barrels." Although they are empty, they symbolize the relationship between the shrine and the sake brewers.

Sensō-ji

Sensō-ji, also known as the Asakusa Kannon Temple, is the oldest temple in Tokyo. It was supposed to have been founded in 628 AD, although the current temple was only built in 1958. It is dedicated to Bodhisattva Kannon, otherwise known as Guan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy. It's one of Tokyo's most important tourist spots.

Leading up to the temple is Nakamise-dōri, an alleyway packed with shops selling traditional Japanese items such as dolls, toys, combs, sembei (rice crackers), umbrellas, paper wallets, fans, and other omiyage (souvenirs).

Pretty

Meme Entry - Pink Fridays

Pink bougainvillea flowers in Okinawa, Japan.

This picture was taken on a bright afternoon at the Gyokusendo Kingdom Village, a theme park which is a must-see if you are in Okinawa. The park features traditional Okinawan arts, crafts, and performances, as well as nature exhibits and historical buildings. It's a great place to experience the ancient Ryukyuan culture of Okinawa.

Wish

"For all of those that suffer from pain, hunger, and disease let them know peace and let them know love," goes one prayer at this "wishing wall" found at the Kaikōzan Jishōin Hase-dera, where visitors can write their prayers to the gods on blocks of wood to be hung on a wall.

The Kaikōzan Jishōin Hase-dera is one of the most popular Buddhist temples located in Kamakura, Japan.

Majestic

The Great Buddha of Kamakura is a huge, bronze statue of the Amitābha Buddha at the Kōtoku-in Temple complex in Kamakura, Japan. It was said to have been built in 1252. The statue stands approximately 13.35m tall and weighs approximately 93 tons. It is hollow inside. It has withstood various natural calamities, including a tsunami in 1498 that wiped out its surrounding temple, and numerous earthquakes. In the 1960s, its neck was reinforced to protect it from future damage.

Kamakura is located in the prefecture of Kanagawa, about 50 kilometers south west of Tokyo.

Tranquil

A foot spa at an onsen in Hakone, Japan.

Onsen is the Japanese term for "hot springs." The term, however, is often used to refer to the bathing facilities and ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) surrounding the springs.

Hakone is a resort town in Japan famous for its hot springs. It is located in Kanagawa Prefecture, south west of Yokohama.

Dazzling

A beautiful sunset taken from Enoshima, Japan.

Enoshima is a small island off the coast of Japan. It is part of Fujisawa City in Kanagawa Prefecture, south west of Yokohama.

Just a little to the west of the mountains in this picture (not included) is Mt. Fuji.

Sale

Shellfish for sale at a market in Enoshima, Japan.