Me ringing a gong at a Japanese shrine. Ring, then bow, then clap, then pray...prayer for good luck and great success in the New Year, part of Shinto practice.
Tokyo: Japan’s Epicenter for New Year Celebration January 3rd 2007 Much before a good portion of the world was to welcome in the new year, Japan rang in 2007—literally: striking an enormous bell 108 times outside of temples, with Buddhist monk chants providing the background sound.
This New Year’s Eve brought me to Tokyo—the culmination of a sweeping Japan trip—where the city’s grand temples/shrines, treasures among the skyscrapers, provided the venue ... read more
Asia » Japan » Tokyo In 1603, a Tokugawa shogunate (military dictatorship) ushered in a long period of isolation from foreign influence in order to secure its power. For 250 years this policy enabled Japan to enjoy stability and a flowering of its indigenous culture. Fol... ... read more
I'm a wandering soul with a lust for adventure. Got a "real job" these days taking photos for the U.S. Navy, but the job allows me to be who I want to be--a globe trotter.
My home base is Japan these days, which is a spot that offers one of the most amazing vantage points to view some truly unique culture. Each trip, each festival seems to give me a little more respect for the Japanese, both as people and their heritage, and just makes me appreciate this thinig called culture a little more.
Most of the time when ships set sail here, I go with them (camera in tow). With finger on the shut... full info