A “torii” is a traditional Japanese gate most commonly found at the entrance of or within a Shinto shrine, where it symbolically marks the transition from the mundane to sacred. Image circa 1985.
We will now transition from Japan to other places in the world ……
Shinto Gate
In Japan, spring is an occasion for social outings, serene walks in nature, and plenty of selfies taken next to cherry trees coated in candy-pink blossoms. Sakura matsuri, or cherry blossom festival, is recognized all over Japan in April — but with such a short bloom period, locals must make the most of the splendid show for as long as they can. Image circa 1985.
Japanese Cherry Blossoms
A sense of balance in a Japanese garden with uneven stepping-stones to cross the water. Image from 1985 converted from slide to digital format.
Steps in the Garden
Japanese architecture has traditionally been typified by wooden structures, elevated slightly off the ground, with tiled or thatched roofs. Sliding doors were used in place of walls, allowing the internal configuration of a space to be customized for different occasions. People usually sat on cushions or otherwise on the floor, traditionally; chairs and high tables were not widely used until the 20th century.
Image circa 1985.
Traditional Japanese Architecture
Buddhist temples are, together with Shinto shrines, considered to be among the most numerous, famous, and important religious buildings in Japan.
The architecture and features of Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples have melted together over the centuries. There are several construction styles, most of which show (Buddhist) influences from the Asian mainland.
Images circa 1985.
Although covered with gold leaf and known as the Golden Pavilion (Kyoto, Japan), I converted this slide image (circa 1985) to monochrome.
Kyoto Golden Pavilion in Monochrome
Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion) is a Zen temple in northern Kyoto, Japan whose top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf. Formally known as Rokuonji, the temple was the retirement villa of the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, and according to his will became a Zen temple of the Rinzai sect after his death in 1408. Image circa 1985.
Golden Pavilion Kyoto
Nikko showcases some of Japan’s most splendid – even gaudy – high culture in a serene and evocative mountain wilderness, and offers a unique combination of natural quietude and cultural opulence. Image circa 1985.
Golden Decor at Nikko
Nikko, which means “sunlight” in Japanese, was founded in the 8th century by the Buddhist priest Shodo and is an extant showcase of the wealth and power of the Tokugawa clan. Nikko is famous for Toshogu, the mausoleum of the Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, and an outstanding cultural legacy of Japan’s Edo era. Image circa 1985.
Tribute to a Shogun
Nikko is a small city in Japan’s Tochigi Prefecture, in the mountains north of Tokyo. It’s the site of Toshogu, the famed Shinto shrine established in 1617 as a lavish memorial for Tokugawa Ieyasu, founding ruler of the Tokugawa shogunate, or Edo Period.
Continuing my conversion of slides to digital images from Nikko, Japan, circa 1985.
Intricate Designs at Nikko
A Japanese street vendor selling wares to a customer. Circa 1985.
Shopping on the Street in Japan
A formal portrait of a Japanese wedding party. Circa 1985.
Japanese Wedding Group
A newly married Japanese couple dressed in traditional garb. Circa 1985.
Newly Married Japanese Couple
A cute face and colorful kimono make this young Japanese girl seem like a doll. Circa 1985.
A Japanese Doll
Interesting image of Japanese children dressed in traditional costumes while the parents are in Western clothes. Circa 1985.
Japanese Family
A little Japanese girl dressed in a kimono circa 1985
Japanese Girl
Posting this week slides of Japanese people converted to digital images. A Japanese boy dressed in traditional costume against a backdrop of flowers circa 1985.
Japanese Boy
The serene reflections in a Japanese garden in Tokyo, Japan circa 1985
Japanese Garden Serenity
Impressive gardens at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, Japan circa 1986.
Tokyo Imperial Palace Gardens
A Japanese lantern against a backdrop of Fall colors in Japan circa 1985.
Fall Colors in Japan
Photos by Ravi 