johnliddlephotography

January 24, 2015
by johnliddlephotography 8 Comments

Meiji Jingu Shrine

A short walk from Harajuku Station, one passes through a magnificent Torii gate (pics 1 and 2) marking the entrance to the Meiji Jingu Shrine – Tokyo’s most significant Shinto shrine. Flanked by impressive Cypress Pines, one then enjoys a pleasant walk crossing a small stream via an arched pedestrian bridge (pic 3) and passing through two more large torii on the way to the main shrine complex (pic 4) cocooned within a forested area of 175 acres.

By this time the concrete, steel and glass environs of the Tokyo metropolis is out of mind and mostly out of sight. One’s attention is drawn to the classic form and the elemental materials used in the construction of the main shrine building (pic 5), arguably enhanced by the appearance through the misty rain of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office building in nearby Shinjuku. This is a leviathan of a building, yet the old and new form symmetry so often found in Japan.

Meiji Jingu was established in 1920 to deify the spirits of Emperor Meiji and his consort, Empress Shoken. During the Meiji era of 1868 to 1912, the modern Japan was born, with a focus on building international relationships and improving the prosperity and peace of the nation. Whilst it is somewhat natural to think of this period in terms of modernization and westernization, it is worth remembering that Empress Shoken is recognised as the model of the modern Japanese woman.

Sadly the original shrine building was destroyed by allied bombings in 1945, with rebuilding completed in 1958, largely through public donations, with such support demonstrating the importance of Meiji Jingu to the Japanese people.

For non-Japanese it can be difficult to gain an appreciation of shrines, especially compared to Japanese temples where the buildings and grounds are often more inviting, though it must be said that shrines are often found within temple complexes. In my experience, shrines are best appreciated during ceremonies or periods such as in early January when people flock to Meiji Jingu to worship and buy good-luck charms for the year ahead. As in all cultures, ceremony and the associated emotions speak their own language.

The accompanying photographs were taken around the main shrine building at different times on dry and rainy days. Those who have visited Japan will be familiar with the Ema Plaques (pic 10); small wooden tablets that can be purchased at most shrines and left hanging with one’s prayers or wishes. I have also taken the opportunity to share a few more shots of a Shinto Wedding party (pics 12 to 14) taken on an unfortunately wet day. However, the weather did not detract from their spirits and as can be seen from pics 15 and 16, all one needs is a good umbrella.

In conclusion, there is a question I cannot resist posing. Meiji Jingu is one of several large forested parks one finds around Tokyo that provide welcome respite and serve as green lungs within the metropolis. One wonders if today’s city planners around the world would be generous enough and brave enough to deny developers’ pressures to create similar green lungs.

(Please click on any of the following images for an enlarged view.)

Torii at entrance – pic 1

Torii at entrance – pic 2

Bridge over stream

Final Torii

Old and New

Inner view – pic 1

Inner view – pic 2

Inner view of Heian Shrine

Lantern

Ema Plaques

Shrine official

Shinto wedding – pic 1

Shinto wedding – pic 2

Shinto wedding – pic 3

Keeping Dry

Walking in the rain

December 31, 2014
by johnliddlephotography 6 Comments

2014 Favourites

As 2014 draws to an end, it is natural to become somewhat reflective and for my final blog for this year, I thought I would select my favourite shot from each month’s posts.

This was more difficult than I had thought. Each photo is a memory and some months had several favourites. However, changing the rules on New Year’s Eve does not bode well for 2015 resolutions, so I stuck to the task and made my selections.

There is no theme. They are simply my selections for a variety of reasons and no further commentary will be made, except to say they are shown in chronological order (January to December) should anyone wish to visit the original posts.

I would like to thank everyone who has supported my blog this year and I hope the photos and stories have brought you as much pleasure as they have brought me.

I wish you all a safe and happy New Year and my best wishes for the year ahead.

(Please click on any of the following images for an enlarged view.)

Fushimi Inari – pathway to tranquility (IMG_7865)

Tenryu-ji Temple – view to Sogen-chi Pond – pic 1

Nikko – Ishidorii

Young girl on bridge

Loving care

Geisha on way to appointment

Ginza Crossing – Exit A3

Ringing the Peace Bell

Floating Torii at low tide – pic 1

Rakan Statues – pic 2

Himeji Castle Keep – pic 1

Contemplation

December 23, 2014
by johnliddlephotography 4 Comments

Kennin-ji Temple

Being located in Kyoto’s Higashiyama district and close to Gion, the Kennin-ji Temple is easily accessible if visiting Kyoto. Unfortunately, much of the temple was closed for renovation and refurbishment during my visit, thus I am able to present merely a glimpse of the temple’s range and splendour.

The temple is historically significant as not only one of the Kyoto Gozan (five most important Zen temples of Kyoto), but as Kyoto’s oldest Zen temple founded in 1202. The founding monk (Eisai) is credited with introducing Zen to Japan and is buried within the temple grounds.

Pic 1, somewhat playfully titled “Contemplation”, hints at the temple’s meditative qualities. I say playfully titled because the shot took me at least thirty minutes to capture due to other visitors wandering into and lingering within the frame. Perhaps next year I will start a “ban selfies” movement :). Sadly the light deteriorated over this period, but one must acknowledge that all visitors have equal rights no matter how frustrating it can be when all one wants is a fraction of a second of clear space. Okay, I finally have that off my chest.

The most dominant feature of the main hall is also the newest, namely the Twin Dragons (pics 1 to 4) that look down from above. The work was installed in 2002 to commemorate Kennin-ji’s 800-year anniversary after taking the artist almost two years to complete. Created offsite, the work’s scale is imposing and is equivalent to the size of 108 tatami mats.

Other fine examples of Japanese art may be seen in the study rooms (pics 8 to 11) where various themes and traditional stories are represented in visual form.

Finally, I would have liked to show images from across Kennin-ji’s gardens, but I had access only to Chouontei – the garden of the sound of the tide. As one can observe from pic 12, Chouontei is indeed a relaxing place to spend some quiet reflective time outdoors.

(Please click on any of the following images for an enlarged view.)

Contemplation

Dragons – pic 1

Dragons – pic 2

Dragons – pic 3

Dragons – pic 4

Altars – pic 1

Altars – pic 2

Study Rooms

Unryuzu

Hakuraku

Chinese Boys at Play

Chouentai Gardens

December 4, 2014
by johnliddlephotography 5 Comments

Autumn Remembered

When one has had the pleasure of experiencing autumn in Japan, one’s thoughts tend to return to the splendrous autumn colours at that time each year. Given that my mental images have been filled with autumn colours of late, I thought it appropriate to share a few more autumn images as a way of remembering.

With the exception of the first and last photographs I will let the shots speak for themselves. However, I must admit to pic 1 being a personal favourite. There is something rather poignant about the final leaves hanging on to an early blooming maple not yet ready to say farewell for another year. I also like that the muted shades of autumn form the backdrop to their farewell.

Okay, I admit pic 10 is not reminiscent of Japan’s autumn colours, but this valiant camellia appealed to me every time I walked past it. On an otherwise plain footpath alongside a busy Kyoto road, this lone plant shone as a beacon of beauty. It could not be called grand or majestic or any other magnificent adjective one may conjure, but it was tough and persistent and won my admiration. I hope you are still there little soldier.

(Please click on any of the following images for an

Farewell to Autumn

Okochi Sanjo Teien

Koko En Gardens

Ryoanji – pic 1

Ryoanji – pic 2

Fallen Leaves

Red Maple at Taizo-in

Gardens at Taizo-in

Ginkakuji

Soldier Camellia

view.)

November 18, 2014
by johnliddlephotography 3 Comments

Himeji Castle – a reminder of feudal times

If one could only visit one Japanese castle, it would have to be Himeji. Walking around the inner and outer areas of Himeji Castle is akin to stepping back in time to Japan’s feudal past and it is not difficult for one’s imagination to visualise castle life back through the ages.

In large part, this is due to Himeji Castle remaining relatively unchanged, thus allowing visitors to walk through history. In saying this, I should point out that the castle was a work in progress over several centuries, growing in scale and complexity from its origins in the 14^th century to its final and present form in the early 17^th century.

The castle’s endurance is impressive. Built to be an impregnable fortress, its defences were never tested by invading armies. It has similarly endured bombing at the end of World War 2, whereas much of the surrounding area was flattened. Even earthquakes have failed to impact the castle and although the Great Hanshin earthquake extensively damaged the city of Himeji in 1995, the castle survived.

One can only marvel at the engineering and construction methods that have given the castle such longevity and I gained some appreciation of the structural strength during my visit. As those who have visited in recent years will know, the castle has been undergoing significant renovations and is due to reopen fully in early 2015. In the meantime, it is possible to view some of the renovation work being undertaken using materials and methods true to the originals. During my visit, I observed craftsmen carefully removing roofing tiles dating back several centuries. What was most amazing was the number of damaged tiles that had to be replaced, which, from memory, was less than 5%.

My images must, therefore, present an incomplete photo-story of Himeji Castle. It would have been wonderful to include some wide external shots, but scaffolding and shrouding are not very interesting.

My enduring vision of the visit is probably the internal shots (pics 1 to 3) taken within the castle keep – a fortified area within the castle able to house the castle residents during ties of attack. The white plaster and heavy wooden beams are stereotypically Japanese, but it is worth noting that the white plaster used throughout the castle was chosen for its fire retardant properties, in keeping with building strong defendable positions. Standing in these rooms and walking the corridors on boards polished smooth over the years, one wonders how many have walked those corridors and what stories they could tell.

The castle sits atop a modest hill that nevertheless meets the desire of castle builders the world over to occupy the high ground. In pic 4, one can see the city of Himeji below, as well as gaining a sense of the castle’s snaking walls, intentionally designed to confuse and impede invaders. Pics 5 and 6 give some impression of the structure’s majesty, with pic 7 showing defensive loopholes in the shape of circles, squares and triangles. Approximately 1,000 of these loopholes remain in the castle, which were considered to form an advanced defensive system in their day. From these positions, archers and riflemen could fire with limited exposure; with the square and circular loopholes incorporating angled chutes for dropping stones or pouring boiling oil onto attackers.

Another integral element of the castle’s defences was a system of 84 gates, 21 of which have been retained. As can be seen from pics 8 and 9, the gates were strategically located and of solid construction.

As mentioned earlier, the castle was a work in progress over several hundred years, with successive feudal lords adding progressively to the structure. Signs of these contributions are evident throughout the castle in the form of family crests, such as those shown at pic 10. In this case, the objects depicted are the circular end caps on roof tiles.

The final pics (11 and 12) show the impressive dry stone inner and outer walls, with the moat looking quite the opposite of foreboding on a lovely autumn day.

(Please click on any of the following images for an enlarged view.)

Himeji Castle Keep – pic 1

Himeji Castle Keep – pic 2

Himeji Castle Keep – pic 3

View from the top

Himeji Castle – External – pic 1

Himeji Castle – External – pic 2

Himeji Castle – battlestations

Himeji Castle – defence – pic 1

Himeji Castle – defence – pic 2

Feudal crests remembered

Himeji Castle – Inner Wall

Himeji Castle – Outer Wall and Moat

November 3, 2014
by johnliddlephotography 8 Comments

Kintaikyo Bridge – beauty and function

Have you ever seen a photograph of a place that made you want to see it with your own eyes? I think most people have had this experience and seeing photographs of the Kintaikyo Bridge was all it took to put the bridge on my list of places to visit.

Kintai-kyo translates to “brocade sash”, with the bridge’s unique five span structure giving it a rippling appearance and ensuring its place among Japan’s most significant bridges. Originally built in 1639, the bridge was restricted to use by successive feudal lords and their vassals until 1868, since which time it has been used by the general public.

The site was initially chosen for its strategic value as a means to connect the township of Iwakuni with a castle built around the same period by Hiroie Kikkawa – the first feudal lord of the Iwakuni Domain. By building the castle on a mountain bound by a U-bend along the Nishiki River, the river effectively became a moat.

The current bridge is the fourth structure, with previous bridges destroyed by heavy flooding and typhoons. However, recent history attests to the current bridge’s resilience and ability to withstand extreme conditions. In 2005, Typhoon 14 generated the heaviest recorded rainfall in Japanese history, thus causing flooding and river flow volumes greater than the bridge’s design capability. Nevertheless, despite losing two piers, the bridge’s superstructure remained intact.

Throughout its history, floods have posed a greater threat than earthquakes, several of which have been survived without damage. For example, most recently, the October 2000 Geryo Earthquake (6.4 on the Richter scale) was reported to have caused the bridge to sway massively, as well as causing extensive damage to other structures in the region. Kintaikyo Bridge, however, emerged free of deformation, which was attributed to the shock absorbent capabilities of its more than 20,000 members.

Today the bridge is understandably a major tourist attraction and my main regret is that my visit did not coincide with any of the festivals involving the bridge. One can imagine how regal the bridge would present during festivals and how its history would come alive in the presence of participants in traditional costumes. I guess this means Kintaikyo Bridge is still on my list of places to visit.

The accompanying photographs are self-explanatory and show various views of the bridge. Like many Japanese structures, it presents some physical challenge to negotiate the five arches, though the children returning from school (pics 8 and 9) seem to delight in their twice-daily exercise.

(Please click on any of the following images for an enlarged view.)

Kintaikyo Bridge – pic 1

Kintaikyo Bridge – pic 2

Kintaikyo Bridge – pic 3

Kintaikyo Bridge – pic 4

Kintaikyo Bridge – pic 5

Kintaikyo Bridge – pic 6

Kintaikyo Bridge – pic 7

Kintaikyo Bridge – pic 8

Kintaikyo Bridge – pic 9

Kintaikyo Bridge – pic 10

October 20, 2014
by johnliddlephotography 8 Comments

Miyajima Walks – part 2

For a small island, there is much to see on Miyajima and unfortunately I was barely able to scratch the surface. As with many places in Japan, one leaves knowing there is still much to see on future visits. For this final post on Miyajima, I would like to focus on two of the island’s many interesting sites, namely the Reikado Hall and the Daisho-in Temple.

Kieza-no Reikado Hall is home to an eternal flame that has burned continuously since the lighting of the holy fire in the year 806 by Kobo Daishi, the founder of the Shingon sect. It is said that Kobo Daishi, during his visit to Miyajima, performed “Gumonji” for 100 days – a meditative practice involving a fire ceremony. Since that time, the flame has continued burning and in 1964 was used as the pilot light for the Peace Flame of Hiroshima’s Peace Park. Such a link could not have been foreseen when the flame was first lit, yet one hopes that one day the Peace Flame will be extinguished to mark the destruction of all nuclear weapons.

Reikado Hall (pic 1) is a relatively small building near the summit of Mount Misen, where the eternal flame is an irresistible attraction despite the smoke filled interior not being the most pleasant of environments. Pics 2 and 3 give some idea of the smoke-filled interior and show a large pot of water being heated above the flame. It is believed that drinking the heated water has curative power and perhaps the couple in pic 3 will enjoy the benefits. The Hall is also renowned as a “lover’s sanctuary” with the flame being akin to the eternal fire of love. There is a legend that those dedicating votive tablets (pic 4) at least three times will be granted their wish.

At the base of Mount Misen, one finds Daisho-in, an impressive complex and one of the most important temples of Shingon Buddhism. Unfortunately my visit was too short to properly view and appreciate the variety of buildings and artifacts within the complex, thereby limiting my ability to share. However, I enjoyed my all too brief visit and as I hope the selected images will show, I left Daisho-in with a feeling of light-heartedness.

The temple grounds are sloping, even a tad hilly, yet they manage to evoke a feeling of relaxation. Kannon-do Hall, seen in the background of pic 6 is probably the dominant building and pic 6 is also a good example of how buildings, Buddhist deities and gardens are integrated within an inviting environment.

A recurring theme around Daisho-in and indeed elsewhere on Miyajima is the use of multiple statues, such as the Rakan statues (pics 7 and 8) lining the steps to the temple. Altogether, there are 500 statues, each with a different facial expression. However, I couldn’t help but be taken by the personality added by crowning each with woolen beanies, which reminded me of football team colours.

Other multiples were found in the form of the 1000 Fudo images (pic 9) donated by worshippers to commemorate the succession of the current (77^th) head priest and the seven happy deities in their lovely garden setting at pics 11 and 12.

In conclusion I would like to comment briefly on pics 10 and 13, which depict representations of Jizo – one of the most beloved of Japanese divinities. Although Jizo have many guises, they are invariably presented as friendly, comforting figures as in pic 10, or even as cute manifestations in more contemporary form as in pic 13.

As I said in the introduction, Miyajima has much to offer for such a small island and I hope this and the two preceding posts has provided a glimpse of the island’s significance.

(Please click on any of the following images for an enlarged view.)

Reikado Hall – pic 1

Reikado Hall – pic 2

Reikado Hall – pic 3

Reikado Hall – pic 4

Praying Figures

Daisho -in

Rakan Statues – pic 1

Rakan Statues – pic 2

Fudo Images

Deities

Seven Happy Deities – pic 1

Seven Happy Deities – pic 2

Jizo Statue

October 5, 2014
by johnliddlephotography 2 Comments

Miyajima Walks

The best way to explore small islands such as Miyajima is by walking around and in this post I would like to share a selection of photographs taken during my exploration of the island. Some shots were taken around the island’s small town, but most are shots from time spent walking on Mount Misen, an enjoyable and sometimes arduous activity.

The graceful flowing lines of Japanese temple roofs is a sight I never tire of and when the thatched roofing materials can be shown in front of a natural forest (as in pic 1), the blending of man-made and natural structures is quite sublime. Maintaining this natural theme is the island’s houses (pic 2), which typically portray traditional Japanese styles utilizing materials such as wood and stone to great effect. Of course, this is accompanied by modern additions such as satellite dishes.

It is not unusual in Japan to come across small businesses supplying temples and shrines and as shown by pic 3, Miyajima is no exception. I have long admired Japan’s ability to maintain old skills and traditions, often through businesses passed down through many generations and when one consistently finds businesses of this type close to temples and shrines, it suggests a preference to support the work of local artisans.

As a protected site, the island’s deer population (pic 4) can be found everywhere from the peak of Mount Misen to wading through the waters at low tide near the Itsukushima Shrine. Perhaps I was just lucky during my visits, but the Miyajima deer seem to be less mischievous than their Nara counterparts. (Those who have visited Nara will know what I mean.)

The deer certainly handle the slopes of Mount Misen with greater ease than humans and although there are extensive paths to follow, care is often required to safely negotiate one’s climb and descent. Nevertheless, as can be seen from pics 5 to 9, Mount Misen is well worth the effort. When walking in Japan, a frequent sight is that of stone arrangements like those shown at pic 10. I don’t know if there is any special significance to the arrangements, or perhaps people simply like the challenge of creating and/or adding to little ornamental stone arrangements. Whatever its significance, it is an engaging form of communal art and entertainment.

The stone arrangements are again seen at pic 11, where Kannondo Hall in the foreground is said to be where prospective parents can ask for a safe childbirth, despite no births being allowed on the island. The building visible in the background is Monjudo Hall, where one can ask to be endowed with the ability to be a good student.

Further up the mountain, one finds Sankido Hall (pics 12 and 13), where it is believed one’s prayers for household welfare and business prosperity will be answered. On a practical level, Sankido Hall also serves as a welcome rest stop where one can enjoy a relaxing and contemplative break from the comfort of the welcoming Tatami flooring.

On the descent I came across a hall I failed to identify (pics 14 to 16) guarded by a couple of impressive, but fierce looking guardians. If anyone can provide further information about this building, it would be appreciated. I also found the sign made by the guardian’s right hand in pic 16 quite amusing given the penchant of the Japanese for hand signs. Perhaps it is more deeply ingrained in their culture than I realised.

What better way to end a walk around Miyajima than the shot of two young boys waiting for the ferry, looking happy and well stocked from their trip to the island.

(Please click on any of the following images for an enlarged view.)

Rooflines

Typical Island Homes

Temple Supplier

One of many dee

Mt Misen walk – pic 1

Mt Misen walk – pic 2

Mt Misen walk – pic 3

Mt Misen walk – pic 4

Mt Misen walk – pic 5

Public stone arrangements

Kannondo Hall

Sankido Hall – pic 1

Sankido Hall – pic 2

Unknown Hall – downhill approach

Unknown Hall – uphill approach

Hall Guardian

Waiting for the ferry

September 25, 2014
by johnliddlephotography 2 Comments

Floating Torii and Itsukushima Shrine (Miyajima)

A short train journey of approximately 20 kilometres from Hiroshima followed by a ferry ride brings one to Itsukushima Island or, as it is more popularly known, Miyajima.

Even those with little knowledge of, or interest in Japan are likely to have seen photographs of Miyajima’s famous Floating Torii (also known as Otorii or Great Torii), which is acclaimed as one of Japan’s three most scenic views and said to be the most photographed structure in Japan. Now it is my turn to humbly add a few more.

When viewed from Mount Misen (pic 1), the Floating Torii can be seen about 200 metres out to sea in a direct line with the Honden (main hall) of the Itsukushima Shrine, which is similarly built over the water. The decision to build the torii and shrine over the water is testament to the sanctity of the island, which, since ancient times has been revered and worshipped as a sacred place. It was believed that locating the buildings over the water would allow Shinto followers to worship without despoiling the sanctity of the island. Although such beliefs and the strict rules governing access to the island have been relaxed over time, even today no births or deaths are allowed on the island.

The first Floating Torii was built in the 12^th Century and the current structure dates back to 1875. To refer to it as “floating” is somewhat misleading in that Otorii rests on the seabed, where its solid structure and weight of some 60 tons provides ample stability. Included in the overall weight are seven tons of (fist sized) stones filling the box shaped upper section of the torii.

Prior to visiting Miyajima I had seen many brilliant photographs of the Floating Torii, yet when on site I found myself more interested in the torii’s relationship to its environment as shown at pics 2 to 5. I recall the thrill on my first visit of seeing the Floating Torii in the distance from the ferry terminal and watching it grow in stature as the ferry approached the island – an experience shared by many over the centuries. Similarly, when viewed from the island, one is drawn to thinking of how the mainland has changed over Otorii’s lifetime. In turn, one wonders how it will change in the centuries to come and it is comforting to think that a nexus will continue to exist between the ever-changing world on the mainland and the traditional past represented on the island.

Itsukushima Shrine stands in a protected cove, with all the shrine’s wooden buildings rising out of the sea, as can be appreciated from pic 6. At high tide, the entire shrine complex appears to float and at low tide, visitors and the island’s resident deer population can stroll on the sand between the buildings.

The accompanying photographs give some idea of this unique place, which includes the only Noh stage in Japan (pics 7 and 8) that rests upon the sea. I particularly like the way the stage blends with the beach and the surrounding hills (pic 8) to create a contemplative scene, hopefully being enjoyed by the lone person on the shore.

As with all shrines, they are functional places and during my visit a ceremony (pic 9) was underway. Connecting the mainland to the shrine is Sori-bashi (arched bridge) shown at pic 10, an imposing structure that is believed to have served as access for imperial messengers on important festive occasions. The bridge was first built around 1240, with the current bridge dating back to 1557.

Adjoining Sori-bashi is the Tenjin Shrine (pics 11 and 12) dedicated to a deity of education and intelligence. This building was constructed in 1556 and served as a venue for monthly Renga poetry ceremonies through to the middle of the Meiji period. To distinguish its later build, this building and the Noh Stage are not coated in the vermillion lacquer used predominantly across the Itsukushima Shrine buildings, but have been left untreated. This has allowed the timber to age naturally, which I found quite in keeping with the shrine’s exposure to the elements.

Whilst I did not visit the five-storey pagoda (pic 13), it is a prominent landmark built on a bluff overlooking the Itsukushima Shrine, first constructed in 1407. Finally, I end with a couple of shots (pics 14 and 15) of Otorii at low tide where it has sat majestically for centuries.

(Please click on any of the following images for an enlarged view.)

View from Mount Misen

Floating Torii – pic 1

Floating Torii – pic 2

Floating Torii – pic 3

Floating Torii – pic 4

Arriving by ferry

The Noh Stage – pic 1

The Noh Stage – pic 2

Priest in Main Shrine

Arched Bridge

Tenjin Shrine – pic 1

Tenjin Shrine – pic 2

Five Storey Pagoda

Floating Torii at low tide – pic 2

Floating Torii at low tide – pic 1

August 30, 2014
by johnliddlephotography 4 Comments

Shukkeien Gardens (Hiroshima)

This is the fourth and final post of my Hiroshima series. I realise that the subject matter has often been confronting, but I believe we must sometimes confront the horrors of the past to focus on a brighter future.

I am happy to end the series with a selection of photographs taken during a visit to Hiroshima’s Shukkeien Gardens. One may view the photographs as “pretty pictures” and that is essentially what they are. However, I ask that viewers consider the following facts about the Shukkeien Gardens.

Commissioned in 1620.
First opened to the public in 1940.
Demolished by the A-bomb on August 6, 1945.
Approximately 1.4 kilometres from the bomb’s hypocentre.
Victims took refuge in the gardens. Most died and their remains are interred there.

When viewed in this light, I see the gardens as a symbol of regeneration and a place that has once again become a happy place for residents of and visitors to Hiroshima. Even the high-rise buildings that overlook and somewhat diminish the ambience of the gardens can be viewed as a sign of a city moving forward.

To those who have viewed this series – thank you!

(Please click on any of the following images for an enlarged view.)