High Time for Photos

I believe that every reputable blog has at least several entries involving photos of some sort that are not copied from websites, but actually attained from real life experiences. This is my weary attempt to conform, and also to battle the restlessness that is standing between sleep and I. Sleep: my clandestine lover, return to me and I shall be faithful. These are a few shots of Japan, my first Asian experience, but hopefully not my last. Japan moved me in so many ways. I can only hope that these few pictures can show you a tiny bit of the magic that was felt there. It was like being transported to another world.

These are the sake barrels at the Mejii Shrine. They were supposedly for the gods to enjoy. So many! And so colorful!


The "Big Buddha"




The Jihzu statues, thought to be animistic spirits that protected the woods


The famous Inari gates in Kyoto. Absolutely breathtaking.


Hiroshima: Heart-wrenching in every way. proof that the past should never be forgotten. Proof that nuclear weapons should be done away with.



Samurai Castle



Mizukashi Shrine



Personal welcome cat beckoning us strangers into her midst.



Japan: A Beautiful and Mysterious Land