Fudōmyō-Ō
A small vermilion shrine housing a statue of the Buddhist deity Fudomyo-O, or the Immovable Wisdom King. Although located within the grounds of Ryuge-ji Temple in Yokohama, Japan, the shrine’s architecture closely mirrors that of traditional Shinto hokora, blending the two traditions of Buddhism and Shintoism in a peaceful garden setting.
Sanmon Gate
A peaceful view of a stone-paved path bordered by a white wall with traditional roof tiles, leading to a large wooden sanmon gate with a gabled tiled roof. Here, visitors and worshipers pass from the secular world into the serene, sacred grounds of the Buddhist temple.
Susaki Shrine
A peaceful view of a small urban Shinto shrine in Kanazawa, Yokohama, Japan. A stone torii gate, lion-dog guardians, and shimenawa rope welcome visitors along a clean path leading to the wooden worship hall. Surrounded by trees and soft winter evening light, the serene courtyard invites quiet prayer and reflection.
Komainu
A stone lion-dog (komainu) stands guard in the quiet courtyard of a traditional Shinto shrine in urban Japan. Its powerful mane, sharp claws, and fierce expression embody protection and strength, while the small cub beneath its paw symbolizes care. A moss-covered tree, the wooden exterior of the shrine, and a straw shimenawa rope evoke a sense of history and reverence, all beneath the soft light of a chilly winter evening during blue hour.