You Looking at Me?

Nara, Japan. December 2014.

Walking through Nara, you feel like you are the subject being studied. While most known for being the first permanent capital of Japan and having the world's largest bronze Buddha, both are slowly being overshadowed by these free roaming sika (Japanese spotted) deer. Legend has it that god of thunder Takezikamuchi arrived to Nara on a white deer to protect the newly established capital. Since then, deer have been regarded as sacred, heavenly animals protecting city and country. 

The deer are tagged, accounted for, and approachable. Antlers are shaved down so they are tourist friendly and roam around freely, especially concentrated in Nara Park. Vendors sell food to feed to them so they are well fed and spoiled. Despite being tame, expect to be nudged and followed crossing Nara Park. Do not bother approaching a pack of them without having some senbei (deer crackers) ready. These guys are not messing around. 

Gateway to Enlightenment

Gateway to Enlightenment. Kyoto, Japan. December 2014. 

On a father-daughter excursion to Japan, my father and I visited Kyoto and made it a priority to hike Fushimi Inari Shrine together. Dating back to the 8th century, it is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of rice and sake. We visited on a cold December day, but the air felt very refreshing especially after hours of hiking up stairs and inclines. The torri gates were endless and distractingly beautiful—we just had to chase that orange lined path. The calligraphy you see on the gate is the name of the individual, family, or organization that purchased and sponsors the torii. 

During the uphill climb, my father and I thought we had reached the summit a few times before actually reaching it. The hike up to the top takes about 2-3 hours and while the view from the summit is remarkable, it was the journey through the thousands of torii that made this shrine a beautiful experience. 

The Red Sea

Red Sea. Venice, Italy. September 2015. 

This was an installation created by Japanese artist Chiharu Shiota titled "The Key in Hand" for the Venice Art Biennale in 2015. Housed inside the Japanese Pavilion in the Giardini, it was beautiful, immersive, glowing. When you entered the exhibit, you were surrounded by a web of red yarn with individual keys hanging on each string. You felt as though you were "swimming" in a red sea and every surface inside reflected an electric crimson glow. This boat was a central focal point, however just one piece in the multi-roomed pavilion all interconnected by the yarn and key adorned cielings. I would do a poor job in summarizing Shiota's description of what the boat, red string, keys, and other items signify in the exhibit so I leave her description here for you to explore.

Manga Style

Stacks On Stacks. Kyoto, Japan. December 2014. 

While waiting at the train station in Kyoto, I stepped into a comic book store to kill some time. I could not read any of the titles, but the way the books were stacked jumped out at me, incredibly colorful and bright. I love this Manga style.

Shinto Wedding Procession

Happy Day. Tokyo, Japan. December 2014. 

My father and I visited Meiji Jingu on a Sunday and were fortunate enough to catch a few Shinto wedding processions. The procession is led by a priest, two shrine maidens, followed by the couple and their guests. The bride typically wears a white kimono and hood, while the groom is in a black dress robe. Looks a bit more comfortable than a white gown and penguin suit to me. 

Big Big Buddha

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Great Buddha. Kamakura, Japan. December 2014. 

"...A tourist-show, a legend told,
A rusting bulk of bronze and gold,
So much, and scarce so much, ye hold
 The meaning of Kamakura?

But when the morning prayer is prayed,
Think, ere ye pass to strife and trade,
Is God in human image made
 No nearer than Kamakura?"
- The Five Nations/Buddha at Kamakura by Rudyard Kipling