Kenchoji Temple

At the back of Kencho-ji's vast grounds, a hill rises up, topped by Kencho-ji's shrine, the Hansobo. Sprinkled over the hill is a collection of karasu-tengu (crow tengu), a kami (god)/yokai (supernatural being) combination creature. Most tengu in Japan, nowadays at least, are depicted as having exceptionally long noses, though the older style have more … Continue reading Kencho-ji Tengu

The Kencho-ji temple complex is huge–it just keeps going and going. As you make your way towards the hills at the back, you'll pass by this rather stunning door.

It's not just the ceiling that deserves a good look in Kencho-ji's Hatto–the whole room is impressive. Kencho-ji's Senju Kannon resides there, too, but somehow she didn't make it into a proper photo. You can just see her crossed legs and some of her arms behind the lantern. I seem to have been more interested … Continue reading The Room with the Dragon

I've said it before, and I'll say it again - when in a house of worship, be it church, temple or shrine (and probably mosque and synagogue, too, but I wouldn't know for sure), take a minute and look up. If you keep your eyes on the floor (as beautiful as it may be), you … Continue reading Ceiling Dragon

The same Jizo from yesterday, but close up. I actually meant to include this in yesterday's post, but forgot, so here it is in its own post. And, as a reminder: The story goes that the site of this temple was once an execution ground, and, as one of Jizo’s tasks is to save the … Continue reading Jizo’s Closeup