Heian Shrine
Many of Kyoto's temples were originally build many years ago but there is one famous exception: Heian Shrine. I suppose there a bunch of other exceptions that needed to be rebuilt after they were burnt to the ground in battle between fueling warlords. Heian Shrine was built in 1895 to celebrate the 1,100th anniversary of the transfer of Japan's capital to Kyoto. In 794 the Emperor moved Japan's capital from Nara to what is now called Kyoto but was called 'Heian-kyo' or 'the capital of tranquility and peace'. Kyoto remained the capital of Japan until 1869 when it was moved to Tokyo. This was the time of the Imperial Restoration that returned the Emperor as the supreme power when the Tokugawa Shogunate "put his prerogatives at the Emperor's disposal". As with anything in Japan, nothing is that simple so lots of betrayal and battles followed...
Japan's history is complex and fascinating. The fun part about living in a country that still have has an Emperor that lives in a Palace surrounded by a moat is there is a rich and colorful history here to learn about.
Today’s configuration: Leica M6 with various Leica lenses shot on Kodak Ektar film.
I love when we mix old and new 'technologies' together...
I never get to shoot wild life with my M6 so I was pleasantly surprised when this heron stopped in front of me...
This beautiful pond is full of turtles and koi. You can even buy food to feed them!
There are subways everywhere in Japan...
This is why I am constantly confused in Japan... I am not exactly sure what the message is here. All paths lead the same way? You mush choose your own path to enlightenment? or simply don't walk into the bush?
Thanks for stopping by today…
