Ancient Japanese Cultural Structures : From Past to Present

[Aepsilons]

This thread will aim to illustrate the ancient temples, bridges, castles, and population centers of Japan that have survived the ravages of time. And a glimpse of the soul of Japan.

Enjoy.

 

[Aepsilons]

Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine (Fukuoka): Established in 905 to deify the god of scholarship, this immensely popular shrine has a festive atmosphere and is popular with students wishing to pass school exams. The road leading to the shrine is lined with souvenir and craft shops; the Kyushu National Museum is an escalator ride away.

 

[Aepsilons]

More on Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine:

 

[Aepsilons]

Kotohiragu Shrine (Kotohira, on Shikoku): One of Japan's oldest and most popular shrines beckons at the top of 785 granite steps on the Yashima Plateau with great views of the Seto Inland Sea, but for most Japanese, it's the "I made it!" that counts.

 

[IsaacNewton]

You can definitely feel a Chinese influence in Japanese architecture, yet you can also feel the difference between Chinese and Japanese architecture. Not an art expert but I feel Japanese architecture is more in tune with nature while Chinese architecture has a more show-off feeling, meant to display the grand wealth of the imperial power.

 

[Aepsilons]

Itsukushima Shrine (Miyajima): The huge red torii (the traditional entry gate of a shrine), standing in the waters of the Seto Inland Sea, is one of the most photographed landmarks in Japan and signals the approach to this shrine. Built over the tidal flats on a gem of an island called Miyajima, it's considered one of Japan's most scenic spots. At night, the shrine is illuminated.

 

[Water Car Engineer]

Much of Japanese, East Asian architecture is wood based, so there's really not many old examples.

 

[Aepsilons]

Itsukushima, religious dance performance

Much of Japanese, East Asian architecture is wood based, so there's really not many old examples.

On the contrary, the shrines that i have posted above are the original. The first two are over 1200 years old.

 

[Water Car Engineer]

On the contrary, the shrines that i have posted above are the original. The first two are over 1200 years old.

That's not thhhaat old. But are you sure through out the years it wasn't remodeled over and over again? Wooden structures have problems with long endurance.(centuries)

 

[Aepsilons]

Myoryuji Temple (Kanazawa): This is a temple of a different kind, popularly known as Ninja-dera and fun to visit because of its hidden stairways, trick doors, traps, secret chambers, and other Feudal-Era devices meant to thwart enemy intruders.

 

[Aepsilons]

Ise Grand Shrines (Ise): Although there's not much to see, these shrines are the most venerated Shinto shrines in all of Japan, and pilgrims have been flocking here for centuries. Amazingly, the Inner Shrine, which contains the Sacred Mirror, is razed and reconstructed on a new site every 20 years in accordance with strict rules governing purification in the Shinto religion. Follow the age-old route of former pilgrims after you visit the shrines, and stop for a meal in the nearby Okage Yokocho District.

Worshippers pay homage to the Sun Goddess, Amaterasu Omikami....

 

[Gufi]

On a side note, could you make a thread on Samurai and their ways, and also famous wars and tactics used by generals of the time. Also as you are discussing structures, historical relevance would be appreciated, such as did any of these place have warrior monks which fought in wars etc.....

 

[Aepsilons]

On a side note, could you make a thread on Samurai and their ways, and also famous wars and tactics used by generals of the time. Also as you are discussing structures, historical relevance would be appreciated, such as did any of these place have warrior monks which fought in wars etc.....

I would be more than happy to do that, my friend.