TravelswithCharie

These three cities in the Kansai region will leave your diary full of memorable entries. Nara Nara is awash with historical temples, shrines and ruins, a legacy from its early influence as the capital of Japan in the 8th century.  Todai -ji Is  the most visited of these temples. It is the home of the seated  Daibutsu  (Great Buddha), one of the largest bronze statues in Japan. It measures an impressive 15 meters in height and and fills the Great Hall (Daibutsuden) with its presence. Two  Bosatsu (Bodhisattva) sit on either side of Buddha.  The  Daibutsuden  is the biggest wooden building in the world though it is much  smaller than the original structure which was razed by fire in 1180 during the Genpei Civil War. Other interesting displays in the Hall are the mock-up model of the temple as it was in the 8th century and gigantic Nio statues. The Nio deities are the traditional guardians of Buddha. They protect the temple from evil spirits and demons. It is a pleasa nt stroll to   Todai

As we continue to stay at home to help flatten the curve on corona virus, I’m finding more ways to make the most of the situation. One of these is catching up with writing travel articles from my trip to Europe last year. Several have been posted on the blog. Please check them out.      On Week 2 of my Travel in the Time of Corona series, I’m sharing images from past travels that remind me why I love traveling so much.    Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kyoto, Japan Kubuswoningen (The Cube Houses), Rotterdam, The Netherlands   Sardines shop, Lisbon, Portugal St. James Church (St. Jacob’s Church), Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany Baybay Beach, Roxas City, Capiz, Philippines   Crossing the runway, Gibraltar, British Overseas Territory Salzberg, Hallstatt, Austria “My home is where my travels begin.”   TravelswithCharie  ***** Images by TravelswithCharie 

Romon Gate Fushimi Inari Taisha is the main Shinto shrine of the thousands of shrines in Japan. It is dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice and sake. With Japan's transformation from an agricultural economy to an industrial state, Inari has come to represent success and prosperity especially for businessmen and companies. Shinto is an ethnic religion that flourished in Japan from the 12th century. References to Shinto practices have been traced as early as the 8th century. Shinto, unlike Christianity, does not recognize one god but rather believes in a multitude of deities (kami) who demonstrate superhuman qualities. About 46% of the Japanese population profess the Shinto faith.* Torii Gates Behind the honden (main hall) is a trail lined with thousands of vermilion torii gates which were donated by individual worshippers and businesses. The cost of a small torii gate is around 400,000 yen. Etched in black on the back of each gate is the name and address of the