CXLIV - Kyoto

O hai.

The pretty ponds in Heian Jingu are inhabited by many different species of fish, amphibians, insects, and turtles. This little fellow seemed to be begging for a morsel of our lunch.

CXLIII - Kyoto

A beautiful moss-covered stone in the gardens of Heian Jingu.

CXLII - Kyoto

Heian Jingu is surrounded by four delightful gardens, which are meticulously tended by an army of gardeners every day of the year. The occasional charming sight of a forgotten bamboo rake reminds us of how the Japanese garden's apparently wild and natural beauty is in fact perfectly planned.

CXLI - Kyoto

A lotus flower decoration on the railings of Heian Jingu.

CXL - Kyoto

A musubi-ki (むすび木, "knot tree") in front of the entrance to Heian Jingu shrine. It's a bare tree where people tie their omikuji when the predicted fortune is negative.

Doesn't it look like a pretty cherry tree covered with blossoms? ❀

A short message

I'm writing a quick note to apologise for the prolonged absence. Things have been very busy in the last year, but I hope to resume posting regularly from now on. 

長い休止を取ってごめんなさい。とても忙しかったですが、これからがんばります。

( ^_^)／ やぁ！

 

CXXXIX - Kyoto

A dragon at Heian Jingu.

CXXXVIII - Kyoto

A pretty white chochin (提灯).

CXXXVII - Kyoto

Can you tell I like photographing details?

Shimenawa (注連縄) is a special plaited rope made of rice straw which is used to mark the presence of holy places in Shinto faith and to ward off evil.

I love how the golden colour of the straw contrasts with the bright red of the shrine in sunny days.

~~~

This is my entry for the10th edition of Show Me Japan. Please check it out!

CXXXVI - Kyoto

A detail of one of the ladles from Heian Jingu's temizu fountain.