Temples and Shrines in Japan

Temples and shrines are amazing places to see traditional Japanese art and architecture. During my 3-week stay in Japan, I went to over 10 different temples and shrines.

Miyajima is an island that has always been considered holy to the Japanese. Only somewhat recently have people begun living on the island and made it into a tourist destination. The shrine is still untouched, however, and is also home to the most famous tori (gate) in Japan.

Horyuji is a very large temple near Kyoto. Sadly, we were only able to see a small part of it.

Todaiji is another temple outside Kyoto.

Kiyomizu is a temple high up on a hill that looks down on Kyoto. It is very striking how the nature surrounding the temple contrasts with the city down below.

Budda's Footprints

When people are faced with a touch decision, they will often jump off the cliff here. The survival rate is 80%, and it is said that once they land, the right decision comes to them.

Kiyomizu is especially known for its holy water, which you drink, and are promised health, wealth, or intellect.

The St. Olaf Band got to participate in a tea ceremony, where we were traditionally served freshly brewed green tea.

The Golden Pavilion is covered in flakes of pure gold, which make it especially beautiful. A golden phoenix stands on top.

The Meiji Shrine is the largest shrine in Tokyo.

Asakusa is a temple in Tokyo.

In the Owakudani valley, the Komagatake Ropeway brings you up a mountain to a small mountaintop shrine.

Nikko, Japan

Nikko is a town in the mountains a couple hours outside Tokyo by train. I went up with a group of 6 exchange students living in Tokyo and Yokohama, and got to explore a number of temples and shrines in the snow. These were definitely the prettiest shrines and temples I saw, except for perhaps the Golden Pavilion.

The day we went was a special ceremony, so we got to watch a procession of people blowing horns, and dressed in traditional Japanese dress.

Guard, meant to keep bad spirits from entering.

A guard, meant to keep bad spirits from entering.

Valentine Wishes?

Mori Tower, Tokyo, Japan

The Mori Tower, in the Roppongi District in Tokyo is probably one of the best tower views in Tokyo. For 1000 Yen (Approx $10), you can ride the elevator to a floor near the top of the building with cafes, restaurants, and an art museum. For 300 more yen (~$3), you can go up to the helicopter pad on the top of the building. Chris and I went up at sunset and it was one of the most beautiful sights I have ever seen.

Home

Today, I ran to the museum to quickly grab the metadata files so I could work on them later. I told the receptionist I just needed to grab the digital files so I could "do my work from home." It felt very weird to say. NHS feels more like a home to me than a work, and my "home," aka school, feels much more like work.