Today I will tell you a story about the stone statues at Josenji Temple in Yamato City and how incredibly cute they are. Josenji is a well-known temple in Yamato City, famous as the "Temple of Flowers." Its trees and blossoms soothe the mind throughout the seasons, making it a peaceful retreat. Scattered across Josenji’s grounds are rakan statues and kappa. Each one wears a vivid expression that sparks all kinds of imagination: "What are they thinking?" "They look so close and heartwarming," "They seem to be having fun together." Perhaps they, too, enjoy watching the visitors who come to the temple. These lively stone figures are truly full of personality and utterly charming. Temple of Flowers Josenji 2176 Fukuda, Yamato City, Kanagawa Prefecture http://www.jousenji.com//

Photographed 3/1/25. This is Hanachozu of Chuin.

Photographed 3/1/25. It is a weeping Ume plum from Naritayama Kawagoe Betsuin. It's stunning. 🌸

Photographed 3/1/25. It is Hanachozu of Naritasan Kawagoe Betsuin. There is a little chick. 🎎

Photographed 3/1/25. It is Hanachozu of Naritasan Kawagoe Betsuin.

Temple on a snowy day

It was a snowfall that happened once a year #Kyoto City #Toji Temple #Five-story pagoda

【❄️Introducing Photos Submitted for Winter Gokase 2025 — Part 6❄️】 Although days have warmed noticeably, mornings and evenings remain bitterly cold in Gokase Town 🥶 We’re grateful that entries for the “#Winter Gokase 2025” campaign on the Gokase Tourism Association’s Instagram have been accumulating, so here are some of the submissions 🙌✨ @donguri223103 @xitiannaiyang4 @goto0619 @irnoarkoa @yamabico_san @satoshi.misaki @thusandleavis @fowafuwarin5 (in no particular order) While many winter scenes come from the Kuraoka area, this time we received a snow photo of Josenji Temple in the Sanko area as well 👏✨ Even within snowy landscapes, the lively atmosphere of the ski resort, the calm winter mood of Kuraoka, and the sacred, quiet presence of Josenji each have their own charm — they’re all wonderful ☺️💫 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- There’s only a short time left before this campaign closes ✨ Please feel free to enter with any small winter photo — we’d love to see your submissions 🤗🎶 How to enter (deadline: Friday, February 28, 2025) Follow Gokase Tourism Association on Instagram (@gokase_kanko) and post with the hashtags “#Winter Gokase 2025” and “#photo location (for example: #Unoko Falls)” 📸 Gokase Tourism Association Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gokase_kanko/... ※Snow accumulation and icy roads can be dangerous. Please prioritize safety and take care to avoid accidents when photographing⚠️

Photographed on 2/24/25. This is Hanachozu of Chuin.

Photographed on 2/24/25. It is a white Ume plum in the middle of the hospital.

Photographed 2/17/25. It is Hanachozu of Naritasan Kawagoe Betsuin. I took it from a different angle.

Photographed 2/17/25. It is Hanachozu of Naritasan Kawagoe Betsuin. It is a Hanachozu that seems to be Spring. 🌸

A radiant smile graces her face as she experiences the joy of wearing a kimono for the first time, posing gracefully in front of Sensoji, one of Tokyo's most iconic tourist destinations. The vibrant colors and intricate patterns of her kimono contrast beautifully with the lush greenery and ornate architecture surrounding the temple. Sensoji evokes a unique blend of emotions; it is a place steeped in rich traditions, where the scent of incense wafts through the air, inviting visitors to partake in centuries-old customs. At the same time, the area buzzes with contemporary energy, filled with trendy shops and lively street vendors, creating a remarkable fusion of the old and the new that captivates both locals and travelers alike.

When I visited a wooden joinery in Oita Prefecture, I received a kumiko set. Kumiko can be incorporated without using a single nail. It has existed since the Asuka period and is said to be used in shrine architecture. I'm just amazed at Japan's technology (laughs).

Photographed on February 8, 25. It is Hanachozu of Naritasan Kawagoe Betsuin. Today is Valentine's Day. 🌹🍫💖

Photographed 2/11/25. It is Hanachozu of Naritasan Kawagoe Betsuin. It was about 7 o'clock in the morning.

Ryōgenji, founded as the family temple of Honda Tadakatsu, was established in 1595 (Bunroku 4) when Ryōgaku Shōnin from Tōzenji in Kogane, Shimōsa, was invited to open the temple. It was originally called Ryōshinji, but during Masatomo’s time it was renamed Ryōgenji, taking Tadakatsu’s posthumous Buddhist name. The temple also contains the graves of Honda Tadakatsu, his wife, and Tadachō. Tadakatsu and Tadachō had their bones divided and interred here, which led to the establishment of this grave site.

Photographed 1/28/25. It is Hanachozu of Naritasan Kawagoe Betsuin.

Photographed 2/1/25. This is Hanachozu of Chuin.

Photographed 1/25/25. This is Hanachozu of Chuin.

Photographed 1/19/25. This is Hanachozu of Chuin.

This work is the Gifu Great Buddha Located in Gifu Park, Gifu Prefecture It is a work that combines the front, right side, and left side with a kaleidoscope lens

This work is the Great Buddha Hall Located in Gifu Park, Gifu Prefecture This is a composite photo of the front, right side, and left side

Photographed on January 3, 25. It is Daruma City in Kitain.

Photographed on January 11, 25. This is Hanachozu of Chuin. I saw it for the first time in a long yellowtail.

Photographed 1/1/25. It is Hanachozu of Naritasan Kawagoe Betsuin.

Photographed 1/1/25. It is Hanachozu of Naritasan Kawagoe Betsuin. I took it from a different angle.

Photographed 1/1/25. It is Hanachozu of Naritasan Kawagoe Betsuin. It is a New Year's specification. 🎍

Katsuoji Temple in Osaka. Lots of fantastic ponds and cute darumas.

Photographed 12/21/24. It is Hanachozu of Naritasan Kawagoe Betsuin. It is a Christmas specification. 🎄