Kyoto’s famed Kinkakuji was burned to the ground by a young Buddhist acolyte 75 years ago this month, shocking Japanese society and inspiring Yukio Mishima’s novel “The Temple of the Golden Pavilion.” https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/07/05/japan/history/kinkakuji-destroyed-okinawa-expo-1925-1950-1975-2000/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #japan #history #hakone #infrastructure #kyoto #kinkakuji #arson #okinawa #europe #europeanunion
Dan Gillmor
boosted
Furin (wind chimes🎐) are recognized as a symbol of summer in Japan.
At Heian Jingu Shrine in Kyoto ⛩️, around 1,000 wind chimes are now displayed along the vermilion-painted corridors until late August.
Visitors can buy a strip of paper to write a wish on.
#photography #kyoto #japan #summer #travel #shrine
As “dark sky” experiences — or “noctourism” — gain traction among travelers in no small part due to climate change, cities such as Tokyo are increasingly positioning themselves to capitalize on the new trend. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/07/04/japan/society/tokyo-noctourism-survey/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #japan #society #tokyo #kyoto #tourism #nightlife
Japan's rainy season ended at the earliest date on record in the western regions as climate change makes global weather patterns less predictable. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/06/27/japan/rainy-season-ends-in-western-japan/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #japan #rainyseason #meteorologicalagency #kyoto #kyushu
A regional trading house in Kyoto has been working to help preserve local traditional crafts by incorporating them into building materials and home decor. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/06/27/japan/kyoto-trading-firm-preserves-traditional-crafts/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #japan #kyotoamplitude #kyoto #japanesecrafts #kyotochuoshinkinbank
jaz :twt: :wales_flag:
boosted
Maples and moss, vibrant in the rain.
Sagano's famous 'bamboo road'.
The mossy garden of Gio-ji.
A vibrant green canopy covers Jojakko-ji's rustic gate.
Maple leaves are famously celebrated at the end of their short life, when they bow out in spectacular yellows and reds...but their appearance in Kyōto is also cause for cheer.
Shinryoku (新緑 'new green') describes this period of dazzling fresh leaves (and is not limited to maple trees).
Young maple leaves at Gio-ji.
Irises bloom at Ota-jinja.
A heron hides amongst the startling fresh leaves at Eikan-do.
Wearing a green kimono, Atsuko-san all but vanishes amongst bamboo.
fresh new leaves-
the cat and the crow
quarrel
若葉して猫と烏と喧嘩哉
-Kobayashi Issa (小林一茶), 1821.
Trans. David G. Lanoue.
Jōjakkō-ji (常寂光寺) is the realm of Kurobee (くろべえ), a gorgeous black cat that lives in the ticket hut.
Kurobee, Jojakko-ji's black cat that works part time in the ticket office.
Looking down at Jojakko-ji's rustic gate through verdant leaves.
Kurobee, Jojakko-ji's black cat that works part time in the ticket office.
Kurobee, Jojakko-ji's black cat that works part time in the ticket office.
The rain goes by many names at this time of year...
🌧️Saikau (催花雨) = spring rain that hastens the blooming of flowers
🌧️Kokū (穀雨 April 20ish) = "grain rain"
🌧️Zuiu (瑞雨) = rain that helps grain crops sprout
🌧️Kanu (甘雨) = rain that falls at the right time to moisten plants
Walking up to Jojakko-ji's rustic gate. After the rain the greens are particularly vibrant.
Maple leaves are famously celebrated at the end of their short life, when they bow out in spectacular yellows and reds...but their appearance in Kyōto is also cause for cheer.
Shinryoku (新緑 'new green') describes this period of dazzling fresh leaves (and is not limited to maple trees).
Young maple leaves at Gio-ji.
Irises bloom at Ota-jinja.
A heron hides amongst the startling fresh leaves at Eikan-do.
Wearing a green kimono, Atsuko-san all but vanishes amongst bamboo.