Morning in Ise

This is NAIKU, the inner shrine of Ise. Taken early in the morning. 

The complex consisting of a rope and stones is also a shrine in the very old form on the premises of Ise inner shrine. 

Wisdom of shrine architecture

The space between the beam and the round pillar is intentional. There should be no space when the wood stopped shrinking. At NAIKU inner shrine of Ise. 

Leading to GEKU outer shrine

Once upon a time, dogs were sent to Ise Grand Shrine in case people who were so eager to go couldn't afford to visit the shrine. Also, a ladle was a sign that he or she was on the way to Ise and people living along the route just helped those travelers or happy pilgrims. 

See the dog and the ladle!

Salt making in Futami, Ise

This salt being made in one of the most natural ways is dedicated to GEKU or the outer shrine of the Ise Grand shrine complex. It is made from sea salt. It is on sale too. The lady whose hotel is making and selling this salt insists the body temperature has to be properly warm and then you would be free from sickness. This salt, she says, helps your body temperature rise properly. No worry about higher blood pressure, she adds. 

Taizo-in garden designed by NAKANE

Garden designer NAKANE Kinsaku designed this garden on the premises of Taizo-in temple in Kyoto. Taizo-in is one of the sub-temples of Myoshin-ji temple which boasts large grounds where the grand gate, main hall, lecture hall, and many sub-temples stand. A few of them are open to the public all the year round. Another few are once in a while open on special occasions. Now during the middle of winter, a few which are usually closed can be visited. Taizo-in is open all the year round and this temple has a ganden from the 20th century. Gardener NAKANE was commissioned the work. He did many other great gadens including some at the famed ADACHI Museum. The journal of Japanese gardening has chosen this complex of gardens as the very best with their standard since 2003.

Chichu Garden plants

Along the approach to the entrance to the Chichu Art Museum, many plants, carefully selected by studying those in Monet' garden in  Giverny, grow. Even in the middle of winter in January, small little flowers are in bloom and greenery is beautiful. Here are a some of those.