japan toy museum china dolls

japan toy museum: china baby dolls

japan toy museum showa era toys

japan toy museum: showa era painted wooden toys

himeji castle

himeji castle, built in the 16th century, is both beautiful and imposing. i was particularly taken by the surprisingly modernist sculptural white plaster walls with round, square and triangular shaped defensive holes perforating them.

marishiten temple

we found this ornate temple on the edge of gion. marishiten, the diety enshrined there, rides a wild boar [inu shishi] thus the temple was filled with sculptures of fine piggies. the offering trays hold konbu.

namikawa museum

i finally visited the namikawa cloissonne museum which is directly across the street from our house. in fact, our landlady is mrs. namikawa. her grandfather-in-law founded the workshop which was famous for its extraordinarily delicate and beautiful work.

pilgrim's senja-fuda at rakako do temple

pilgrims glue these slips of printed paper, called senja-fuda, [almost like calling cards or a polite form of graffiti] to show that they've visited a temple and shrine.

springtime maiko

a springtime maiko in her full finery.

rasta jizos at rokako do temple

stone jizos at rokaku do temple. jizo is the guardian of children and travelers. jizo sculptures are often found along roadsides and are dressed in baby bibs and other gear. love the crocheted rasta hats these guys have.