I really enjoy some of the many thousands of shrines and temples around Japan. One of the favourite of all locations is Yanaka - an older area of Tokyo north of the Palace that was largely untouched during the war and thus remains in many ways as it was before then. It is famous for its extensive graveyards that include some of the imperial families as well as a huge number of specific shrines and various other landmarks. It also has a thriving sub-culture of arty shops and galleries that makes it simply a great place to wander around.
A couple of weeks ago I took my trusty Hasselblad 500CM, one lens and a film back loaded with Black and White film along with my trust Sekonic light meter to Yanaka for a relaxed afternoon loking at the details. Let me know what you think…..
The best of the temples has this rather large Buddha statue in the grounds. Fuji ACROS 100 film.
This is the most common sight, the rope is attached to a bell that you ring to get the attention of the God the shrine is dedictaed to. Once you ahve the attention, you can make your request. Fuji ACROS 100.
The box is to colelct donations. Usually in the shape of a single coin. Fuji ACROS 100.
Not all have donation boxes. Fuji ACROS 100.
Teh shrines are almost all made of wooden pieces - easier to re-construct after an earthquake. Fuji ACROS 100.
There is always intersting stone work around the grounds. Kodak TMAX 400.
Note the cat. They are the most common occupant of temples in Yanaka. Kodak TMAX 400.
Soon these will be those wonderful autumn colours. Kodak TMAX 400.
River stones - they have come a long way to be here. Kodak TMAX 400.
Roofing tiles usually have great details. Kodak TMAX 400.
No, Harry wasn’t here. Every graveyard is equipped to sweep the graves. Methinks this scene hasn’t changed for a very long time. Kodak TMAX 400.