3" strand of beads on my sunglass retainer..btw...perfect if you are like me and set your glasses down while taking that great shot. I can't say how many pairs of sunglasses I left behind before finally buying these beads! HMM everyone!!

Downtown Tokyo is not without the nature or, I should say, something like that, as many Japanese gardens are hidden behind concrete buildings rather than being integrated with the cityscape.

Shinjuku Gyoen (新宿御苑) is a typical example, which is a walking distance from neon-lit Kabukichou.

It was originally constructed as a garden attached to the residence of the Naitou (内藤) family that ruled their Han (藩, domain) in the present-day Nagano prefecture from the castle in the Takatoo (高遠) town during the Edo Period.

Local Samurai rulers like the Naitou family are called Daimyou (大名), and the gardens constructed by such people are called Daimyou Teien (庭園 garden). Tokyo has an agglomeration of Daimyou gardens.

The reason for a Daimyo to have a residence in Edo (Tokyo) was a regulation forced by the Tokugawa Shogunate (government); Daimyo's spouse and children were forced to live in Edo as hostage, and Daimyo had to ply between their Han and Edo periodically.

Thanks to this ruling system, Daimyou's family members and retainers learned to speak the Edo dialect, which contributed later to establish the Edo dialect as the standard Japanese.

(or Winter upon us! Tegg, a first year theater student says

I have always been touched by the tragic story of the Romanovs and fascinated by the history of the Czars. The Romanov family reigned from 1613 to 1917.

Listen ♪ Russian Orthodox choir

On the southern shore of Loch Assynt, visible from the castle, is the roofless ruin of Calda House, the 18th-century residence of the MacKenzie chiefs of Assynt. When Kenneth MacKenzie II of Assynt brought his new wife Frances to Ardvreck, she, not unnaturally, found the castle a cheerless, uncomfortable place to live. In 1726 MacKenzie began building a more comfortable modern house within sight of the castle.

Unfortunately, the expense of the house construction, and Frances' extravagant living style, plunged the family into debt, and they were forced to sell to their bitter enemy, the Earl of Sutherland. Local MacKenzie retainers, determined not to let a Sutherland live at Assynt, burned down the house in 1737.

Text source: www.britainexpress.com/scotland/Highlands/Sutherland/Ardv...

In Greek mythology, Serifos is where Danaë and her infant son Perseus washed ashore after her father Acrisius, in response to an oracle that his own grandson would kill him, set them adrift at sea in a wooden chest. When Perseus returned to Serifos with the head of the Gorgon Medusa, he turned Polydektes, the king of Serifos, and his retainers into stone as punishment for the king's attempt to marry his mother by force.

Lincoln Castle - a very worthwhile afternoon spent here.

From www.britainexpress.com/counties/lincs/castles/Lincoln-Cas... :-

"The original wooden 'castle' on the motte was rebuilt in stone in 1136. This stone tower is named the Lucy Tower, after Lucy de Tailebois, Sheriff of Lincoln, who in 1110 built a roughly circular stronghold for herself and her retainers.

The castle was seized by Lucy's son, Ranulf, during the Civil War between Stephen and Maud, and held against King Stephen. The king's army besieged the castle, with archers firing from the west front of the cathedral. The king's army was in turn attacked by a force under Earl Robert of Gloucester, and the king captured. See The Joust of Lincoln for more details."

Clan Campbell Society.

Kilchurn Castle is the original castle of the Glenurchy and Breadalbane Campbells.

The castle stands upon a low plateau of rock at the end of a level spit of marshy land which intrudes into the northeastern end of Lochawe. On the northwest side of the spit, the River Orchy enters the loch. The water level of the loch was originally higher, flooding the spit and forming an island upon which the castle stood.

The plan of the castle is roughly rectangular with the width running southwest to northeast and with the southern corner cut of on a diagonal. The earliest surviving part is the keep or Tower House, the main part of which was built between 1440 and 1460 when the plateau was probably enclosed with a barmkin wall of which only the southern diagonal portion remains.

The tower stands in the eastern corner of the courtyard. The entrance was through the vaulted ground floor of the tower. Above was the Great Hall which had a wooden ceiling which would not have been as ornate as the later ceilings at Carnassarie. Above the hall were two more stories of rooms and a garret which gave onto a parapet walk.

Towards the turn of the 15th to 16th centuries a Laich Hall or large dining hall was built along the inside of the south diagonal wall of the courtyard with one end near the tower, no doubt because the Hall in the tower was too small for the retainers and guests of the family. About a century later a second storey was added to this hall. However, little now remains of the Laich Hall.

During the third quarter of the sixteenth century the tower parapet and roof-house were remodeled and circular corner turrets added. A further addition was made to the north side of the tower, evidently private chambers, but of this later work nothing identifiable remains. In 1616 the newly heightened Laich Hall was joined to the Tower House by a new range containing two vaulted cellars over which were a chapel and attic.

The final phase of construction was carried out by the first Earl of Breadalbane. Round towers were added to the north, south and west corners of the heightened barmkin wall and a range of barracks built along the northwest side and linked to the tower by an angle at the northeastern end. A new stair tower was added to provide more gracious access to the southwest side of the Tower House.

The castle seems to have been little used after it was garrisoned in the 1745 Jacobite rising. Evidently the tower was struck with lightening in the early 1770s after which no repairs were carried out to the roof and the fabric rapidly deteriorated. Some masonry repairs were crudely done after 1887 but these unfortunately destroyed or obliterated some original features. The masonry of the whole structure was re-pointed in recent years.

After knocking off 50 retainers used to come down from Duo, H801 continues south along Big Clear Creek enroute to Rainelle, seen here at the south end of Gumm Siding.

Although Unrinji has been a Rinzai Zen temple for over 400 years, it is now widely known as Neko-dera, or “Cat Temple.” It was once a sub-temple of Tenjuin, the temple that enshrines daimyo Mōri Terumoto (1553–1625), who led the move of the domain’s headquarters from Hiroshima to Hagi. After Terumoto’s death in 1625, his retainer Nagai Motofusa (d. 1625) committed ritual suicide. Motofusa’s cat is said to have bit through its tongue and died from grief over its owner’s death.

Its main building contains a huge variety of cat-themed artwork, clippings from newspapers and magazines, and other items. Most of the wooden cats that can be seen throughout the temple are the work of Yamaguchi-based chainsaw artist Takao Hayashi. Famous illustrators from Japan’s anime and manga studios have also donated cat-themed artwork.

Although Unrinji has been a Rinzai Zen temple for over 400 years, it is now widely known as Neko-dera, or “Cat Temple.” It was once a sub-temple of Tenjuin, the temple that enshrines daimyo Mōri Terumoto (1553–1625), who led the move of the domain’s headquarters from Hiroshima to Hagi. After Terumoto’s death in 1625, his retainer Nagai Motofusa (d. 1625) committed ritual suicide. Motofusa’s cat is said to have bit through its tongue and died from grief over its owner’s death.

Its main building contains a huge variety of cat-themed artwork, clippings from newspapers and magazines, and other items. Most of the wooden cats that can be seen throughout the temple are the work of Yamaguchi-based chainsaw artist Takao Hayashi. Famous illustrators from Japan’s anime and manga studios have also donated cat-themed artwork.

Although Unrinji has been a Rinzai Zen temple for over 400 years, it is now widely known as Neko-dera, or “Cat Temple.” It was once a sub-temple of Tenjuin, the temple that enshrines daimyo Mōri Terumoto (1553–1625), who led the move of the domain’s headquarters from Hiroshima to Hagi. After Terumoto’s death in 1625, his retainer Nagai Motofusa (d. 1625) committed ritual suicide. Motofusa’s cat is said to have bit through its tongue and died from grief over its owner’s death.

Its main building contains a huge variety of cat-themed artwork, clippings from newspapers and magazines, and other items. Most of the wooden cats that can be seen throughout the temple are the work of Yamaguchi-based chainsaw artist Takao Hayashi. Famous illustrators from Japan’s anime and manga studios have also donated cat-themed artwork.

Although Unrinji has been a Rinzai Zen temple for over 400 years, it is now widely known as Neko-dera, or “Cat Temple.” It was once a sub-temple of Tenjuin, the temple that enshrines daimyo Mōri Terumoto (1553–1625), who led the move of the domain’s headquarters from Hiroshima to Hagi. After Terumoto’s death in 1625, his retainer Nagai Motofusa (d. 1625) committed ritual suicide. Motofusa’s cat is said to have bit through its tongue and died from grief over its owner’s death.

Its main building contains a huge variety of cat-themed artwork, clippings from newspapers and magazines, and other items. Most of the wooden cats that can be seen throughout the temple are the work of Yamaguchi-based chainsaw artist Takao Hayashi. Famous illustrators from Japan’s anime and manga studios have also donated cat-themed artwork.

For historical reasons, this 16th century Grade II-listed packhorse bridge over the River Lynher near Pillaton in the south-east of Cornwall is marked on the OS map as "Clapper Bridge".

According to British Listed Buildings, "Clapper Bridge was recorded at this location in 1480 when, during the War of the Roses, Richard Edgcumbe of Cotehele complained that Richard Willoughby, later Lord Broke of Callington, with his retainers 'contrewayted him at Pilyton and at Klaper Brygge so that he might nought pass no care for jupertye of his life'. It was called Clayper Bridge by Norden in 1584 and by this time the bridge has probably been rebuilt from its simple clapper stone construction. The bridge was partly rebuilt, possibly in the C19, when an additional flood arch was constructed. There are C19 County plaques installed to the parapet wall by the County Surveyor. The original clapper bridge, built from large slabs of stone, may still be contained within the structure of the present bridge."

Two NS units lead a Minntac ore load (U789 but East Loader) past Highland Lake as the train slows for a crew change and to set retainers for the drop down into Two Harbors. A beautiful calm morning.

Canadian Pacific's westbound hot double stack train got put on ice for a bit as they crossed the 137 hotbox detector and got hit for a hot wheel 150 axles back. Turns out someone tampered with the retainer valve and set it to high pressure. I was at Walton road for a photo and got one, but then the detector forced an inspection, so naturally I went to Bobolonk rd bridge. After this photo, we caught him again at Maiden Lane and Tamarack. as Amtrak's westbound Empire Builder was now in the picture. Four sets in about five miles (fifteen miles by road), that's not too shabby I guess.

CP Train 199

CP 7011, DPU CP 8752

Reeseville, WI.

November 1, 2021

Abondamment répandu dans le continent du paléarctic occidental, ici au repos sur notre retenue en plumage nuptial.

Abundantly distributed in the Western Palearctic continent, here at rest on our retainer in breeding plumage.

Supported by the NF&G’s 1926 100 lb rail, a fresh “First Meadow Creek Shifter” crew starts to drag their 75 Clearco’s (and 50 retainers) over the hump at Duo before starting down the steep 3.15% decline toward Anjean.

Rainelle Mine Run H801-04 holds back 75 loads from Clearco with 50 retainers as they cross Big Clear Creek above Anjean, West Virginia.

Shot at the sim of my friend Liandra, whose help with this is genuinely appreciated.

I saw when I visited Enchantment that there was a photo contest with a King Arthur theme. I have since been doing Knight pix. This is the first of three I have finished.

In the King Arthur legend, Arthur condemns Guinevere to be burned alive for her adultery with Lancelot. Lancelot and his retainers rode to the rescue:

[a]nd who that stood against them, there were they slain; there might none withstand Sir Launcelot [sic], so all that bare arms and withstood them, there were they slain, full many a noble knight.

Mort d'Arthur, Chapter VIII

Yes I made this very difficult for myself by inserting into the final three different pictures of me in different costumes.

This was the first of three King Arthur pictures I did. I eventually decided to submit the other two. Although I thought the picture was very dark I thought it had a certain energy I liked and posted it anyway.

I researched all the story bits that tried to depict including reading parts the very wordy Malory. English was a very different language when he was writing!

I did run across a wonderful song about Guinevere. I am linking it here:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=aT9EKqXDl68

Crosby, Stills and Nash, Guinnevere.

"Stokesay Castle is a remarkable survival, a fortified manor house which has hardly altered since the late 13th century. The house was built by Lawrence Ludlow, a leading wool merchant of his day, who created a comfortable residence combining an aesthetically pleasing design with some defensive capabilities. In doing so, he took advantage of the newly established peace on the Welsh border following Edward I's defeat of the Welsh prince Llywelyn the Last. This enabled him to build a large hall, comfortable solar, or private apartment, with windows on the outside world, without fear of attack.

Despite its name, Stokesay was not called a castle before the 16th century and is really a fortified manor house, more domestic in character than military. As with many early manor houses, the church and castle are now isolated, the village of which they were once the focal point having either moved or disappeared. The first records of Stokesay date from the period immediately following the Norman Conquest. William the Conqueror installed Roger Montgomery as earl of Shrewsbury, and he in turn granted Stokesay to one of his retainers,"

Roger de Lacy.Julian Munby, English Heritage guidebook

With retainers set, the Hood River Railroad passes through Pine Grove as they bring two loaded cars slowly down the hill into the Columbia River Gorge.

The pile of old ties on the left are part of an extensive upgrade the line appears to be getting from its new owners.

After a hard climb from Orizaba up línea SC, a Tehuacán grain train (running with symbol DVCTH) is slowly negotiating the horseshoe curve at Cañada Morelos, Pue, where Ferrosur's líneas EA and SC connect. The crew has set retainers on the train, which is now facing a 2.4-3.7%, 20-kilometer downgrade. Ferrosur runs these heavy trains with a unique 2-1-1-1 configuration of distributed power. In the background is the mighty Pico de Orizaba, the highest mountain in Mexico and third in North America, which towers 18,491 ft above sea level. Can you spot the observatory?

Regno Unito, Wiltshire, Old Wardour Castle, Autunno 2018

Il castello di Wardour si trova a Wardour, nella contea inglese del Wiltshire. Il castello fu costruito nel 1390 e parzialmente distrutto nel 1643 e nel 1644 durante la guerra civile inglese. Quando le forze parlamentari assediarono il castello Lady Blanche Arundell e 25 guardiani difesero il vecchio castello di Wardour per 5 giorni, si arresero solo quando due mine esplosero sotto le mura. I seguaci di Cromwell imprigionarono e poi giustiziarono Lady Blanche. Il danno subito dal castello fu così grave che il castello non fu mai riparato. Abbandonato nel 1700, le sue rovine sono state incorporate nei terreni della vicina New Wardour House. Lady Blanche non si è arresa; il suo fantasma non ha abbandonato il castello. Al crepuscolo appare sulle pareti, infesta i giardini e scende al lago. Il castello è stato lo sfondo in diversi film e in particolare è apparso nel film di Kevin Costner del 1991 Robin Hood: il principe dei ladri come le rovine del "Castello dei Locksley", la residenza della famiglia di Robin. La copertina dell'album Ten Summoner's Tales di Sting è stata fotografata all'interno del castello.

Wardour Castle is located at Wardour in the English county of Wiltshire. The castle was built in the 1390s and partially destroyed in 1643 and 1644 during the English Civil War. When Parliamentary forces besieged the castle Lady Blanche Arundell and 25 retainers defended the Old Wardour Castle for 5 days, only surrendering when two mines exploded under the walls. The Roundheads imprisoned and then executed Lady Blanche. The damage sustained by the castle was so great that the castle was never repaired. Abandoned in the 1700s its ruins have since been incorporated in the grounds of nearby New Wardour House. Lady Blanche has not given up; her ghost did not abandon the castle. At twilight she appears on the walls, haunts the grounds and walks down to the lake. The castle has been featured in several films and in particular it appeared in the 1991 Kevin Costner feature Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves for the ruin of ‘Locksley Castle’, Robin’s family home. The cover of Sting's album Ten Summoner's Tales was photographed inside the Castle.

With two lumber loads and a former UP caboose in tow we find Mount Hood Railroad GP9 4101 rolling into Pine Grove, Oregon. After passing me the train stopped for the conductor to turn up the retainers for the decent down the steep grade and switchback into Hood River for interchange to the Union Pacific - March 21, 2023.

We spent a day launching rockets in a big farm field near Helm in the Central Valley of California. Hundreds of high power rockets were launched in daytime. This rocket blew up at launch -- the motor retainer failed, and the thrust pushed the motor up through the body tube. With that, the nosecone shot up, and the motor started to spiral in the air under its thrust.

I processed a balanced and a photographic HDR photo from a RAW exposure, blended them selectively, and carefully adjusted the color balance and curves. I welcome and appreciate constructive comments.

Thank you for visiting - ♡ with gratitude! Fave if you like it, add comments below, like the Facebook page, order beautiful HDR prints at qualityHDR.com.

-- ƒ/7.1, 210 mm, 1/1250 sec, ISO 200, Sony A6000, SEL-55210, HDR, 1 RAW exposure, _DSC1041_hdr1bal1pho1d.jpg

-- CC BY-NC-SA 4.0, © 2023 Peter Thoeny, Quality HDR Photography

A pair of C44-9W's the BNSF 697 and 682, which are apparently still on the BNSF roster, are in charge of 28 loads of Iron Ore as they proceed down the Branch from the Utah Iron Mine down to Union Pacific's Cedar City Branch at Iron Springs.

This outfit takes cuts of 25 to 30 cars down to the junction to avoid having to set retainers.

The early bird gets the worm, and that concept was proven yet again this morning. I like to be in position when the sun hits the rails at daybreak as the best light of the day is the first hour and the last hour of daylight. The railfan gods reward dedication with regularity and they caused CN 384 enough problems coming down Dundas Hill this morning that it didn't get by before daybreak like it should have. The train got into trouble at mile 7 of the Dundas Subdivision due to dynamic brakes cutting out and the hogger having to take a lot of air to keep the speed under control. He said they were up to 33mph where track speed is limited to 35mph and as a result of using the air the train went into emergency. Being on a steep grade this meant using retainers for the rest of the descent as required by the rules. Here in cool, colourful, crystal clear early morning sun, 384 rockets through Bayview (Burlington), Ontario.

BCOL 4605 Dash 8-40CM

GECX 2039 ET44AC

my colleague a medical technologist a friend of mine period...nothing follows hehehe!

Excerpt from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iwakuni_Castle:

Iwakuni Castle (岩国城, Iwakunijō) is a replica castle in Iwakuni, Yamaguchi, Japan. The nearby Kintai Bridge was originally a footbridge over the Nishiki River to the main gate of the castle.

This castle was originally constructed by Kikkawa Hiroie from 1601 to 1608 as his own castle. Kikkawa was a retainer of a vassal of the Shōgun under the Mōri clan. However, this castle was dismantled as per the Ikkoku-ichijo (一国一城, literally, "One Castle Per Province") order established by the Tokugawa Shogunate in 1615.

After the destruction of the castle, Kikkawa used a part of the old castle as his residential office. The Kikkawa clan held this castle and Iwakuni Han, which was assessed at 30,000 (later 60,000) koku.

A replica of the castle tower built in 1962 now stands high on a hill above the Nishiki River and the Kintai Bridge. The castle was selected to be one of the 100 Great Castles of Japan by the Japan Castle Foundation in 2006.

Excerpt from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iwakuni_Castle:

Iwakuni Castle (岩国城, Iwakunijō) is a replica castle in Iwakuni, Yamaguchi, Japan. The nearby Kintai Bridge was originally a footbridge over the Nishiki River to the main gate of the castle.

This castle was originally constructed by Kikkawa Hiroie from 1601 to 1608 as his own castle. Kikkawa was a retainer of a vassal of the Shōgun under the Mōri clan. However, this castle was dismantled as per the Ikkoku-ichijo (一国一城, literally, "One Castle Per Province") order established by the Tokugawa Shogunate in 1615.

After the destruction of the castle, Kikkawa used a part of the old castle as his residential office. The Kikkawa clan held this castle and Iwakuni Han, which was assessed at 30,000 (later 60,000) koku.

A replica of the castle tower built in 1962 now stands high on a hill above the Nishiki River and the Kintai Bridge. The castle was selected to be one of the 100 Great Castles of Japan by the Japan Castle Foundation in 2006.

Built for Sir Robert Shirley between 1653 and 1655 in Gothic style, the Chapel of Holy Trinity is the estate church at Staunton Harold, where the Shirleys, their retainers and estate workers lived for generations. It is one of the few churches built between the outbreak of the English Civil War and the Restoration period

[explore #256]

I got a permanent retainer today. It already broke once.

location : Rakuhoku Renge-ji temple Kyoto city,Kyoto prefecture,Japan

京都　洛北 蓮華寺

Rakuhoku Renge-ji temple :

This temple belongs to the Tendai sect of Buddhism cowned with the mountain name of Kinyozan.

Shigenao imaeda( 今枝重直),a retainer of the Maeda Clan in Kaga,present Ishikawa pref.,entered the priesthood around period from 1661 to 1673. He built a residence here and spent his later years associating with such people as Jozan Ishikawa 石川丈山and Tanyu Kano狩野探幽.His groundson Chikayoshi今枝民部近義,who admire the virtuous Shigenao, transfered a temple from Hachijo-Shiokoji(元西八条塩小路附近)to this place in order to pray for the repose of his grandfather.　He made it as a sub-temple of the Enryakuji Jitsuzobo Temple延暦寺実蔵坊.

The principal statue enshrined in main hall is of Shakamuni Tothagata.Unique Rengeji temple-style tone lanterns with hexagonal shades and a monument commemorating Shigenao inscribed Tehsho-style calligraphy written by Jozan Ishikawa on top and passage composed by Jun-an Kinoshita are found on the grounds beautifully covered with moss.

The garden woth crane stone and turtle islands in the lake,an excellent example from Edo period(1603-1867)　　-Kyoto city

以下パンフレットより抜粋

蓮華寺は、元西八条塩小路附近（今の京都駅附近）にあった浄土教系の古寺で、応仁の乱後荒廃していたのを１６６２年（寛文2年）加賀前田家の老臣今枝民部近義が祖父今枝重直の菩提の為に、この地に移し再興したものである。(蓮華寺造営記、帰命山寺記）

再興の際に、石川丈山、狩野探幽、木下順庵、黄檗の隠元禅師木庵禅師等の著名文化人が協力している。（諸堂の様式碑文、什物等）

尚、本堂、鐘楼堂、井戸屋形、庭園は創建当時のままであり、小規模であるあがいずれも文人の残した貴重な文化遺産である。

ƒ/11.0 11.0 mm 1/100sec ISO1000

BLU T59 pauses at the top of the Balsam grade to set retainers for the run to Sylva. It's hard to believe that Knight's Store has been closed as long as I've been alive. The general store in Balsam, NC closed in 1979. Imagine the stories it could tell....

What a difference 42 years makes.

www.pinterest.com/pin/336221928417190535/

Excerpt from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikk%C5%8D_T%C5%8Dsh%C5%8D-g%C5%AB:

Nikkō Tōshō-gū (日光東照宮) is a Tōshō-gū Shinto shrine located in Nikkō, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan.

Together with Futarasan Shrine and Rinnō-ji, it forms the Shrines and Temples of Nikkō UNESCO World Heritage Site, with 42 structures of the shrine included in the nomination. Five of them are designated as National Treasures of Japan, and three more as Important Cultural Properties.

Tōshō-gū is dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate. It was initially built in 1617, during the Edo period, while Ieyasu's son Hidetada was shōgun. It was enlarged during the time of the third shōgun, Iemitsu. Ieyasu is enshrined there, where his remains are also entombed. This shrine was built by Tokugawa retainer Tōdō Takatora.

During the Edo period, the Tokugawa shogunate carried out stately processions from Edo to the Nikkō Tōshō-gū along the Nikkō Kaidō. The shrine's annual spring and autumn festivals reenact these occasions, and are known as "processions of a thousand warriors". Cedar trees line the roadway, termed the Cedar Avenue of Nikkō.

Five structures at Nikkō Tōshō-gū are categorized as National Treasures of Japan, and three more as Important Cultural Properties. Additionally, two swords in the possession of the shrine are National Treasures, and many other objects are Important Cultural Properties. Famous buildings at the Tōshō-gū include the richly decorated Yōmeimon (陽明門), a gate that is also known as "higurashi-no-mon". The latter name means that one could look at it until sundown, and not tire of seeing it. Carvings in deep relief, painted in rich colors, decorate the surface of the structure. The next gate is the karamon decorated with white ornaments. Located nearby is a woodcarving of a sleepy cat, "Nemuri-neko", attributed to Hidari Jingorō.

The stable of the shrine's sacred horses bears a carving of the three wise monkeys, who hear, speak and see no evil, a traditional symbol in Japanese culture that is derived from a quote in the Analects.

The original five-storey pagoda was donated by a daimyō in 1650, but it was burned down during a fire, and was rebuilt in 1818. Each storey represents an element–earth, water, fire, wind and aether (or void)–in ascending order. Inside the pagoda, a central shinbashira pillar hangs from chains[3] to minimize damage from earthquakes.

Hundreds of stone steps lead through the cryptomeria forest up to the grave of Ieyasu. A torii at the top bears calligraphy attributed to Emperor Go-Mizunoo. A bronze urn contains the remains of Tokugawa Ieyasu.

In 2008, Yuri Kawasaki became the first female Shinto priest ever to serve at Nikkō Tōshō-gū.

Excerpt from the plaque:

This place was the residence of the Iwami Yoshikawa clan, who served as the chief retainer, and the remains of a long-distance building built in the mid-Edo period remain, but due to deterioration, it was demolished in 2011.

As I walked around the marina I passed a raised flower bed and was fascinated by the railway sleepers that had been used as a wall retainer. Each and every one displayed varied patterns, indelibly imprinted.

Excerpt from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shukkei-en:

Shukkei-en (縮景園) is a historic Japanese garden in the city of Hiroshima, Japan. The Hiroshima Prefectural Art Museum is located adjacent to the garden.

Construction began in 1620 during the Edo period at the order of Asano Nagaakira, daimyō of the Hiroshima han. Shukkei-en was constructed by Ueda Sōko, who served lord Asano as chief retainer (karō) of the domain and as a tea master.

Since the Meiji period, the garden served as the villa of the Asano family. When under Emperor Meiji the Imperial General Headquarters were relocated to Hiroshima, the emperor briefly lodged at the villa. The gardens were opened to the public, and in 1940 the Asano family donated them to Hiroshima Prefecture. Being a short walk from ground zero of the nuclear attack on Hiroshima, Shukkei-en suffered extensive damage, and then became a refuge for victims of the war. After renovations, it reopened in 1951.

Excerpt from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikk%C5%8D_T%C5%8Dsh%C5%8D-g%C5%AB:

Nikkō Tōshō-gū (日光東照宮) is a Tōshō-gū Shinto shrine located in Nikkō, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan.

Together with Futarasan Shrine and Rinnō-ji, it forms the Shrines and Temples of Nikkō UNESCO World Heritage Site, with 42 structures of the shrine included in the nomination. Five of them are designated as National Treasures of Japan, and three more as Important Cultural Properties.

Tōshō-gū is dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate. It was initially built in 1617, during the Edo period, while Ieyasu's son Hidetada was shōgun. It was enlarged during the time of the third shōgun, Iemitsu. Ieyasu is enshrined there, where his remains are also entombed. This shrine was built by Tokugawa retainer Tōdō Takatora.

During the Edo period, the Tokugawa shogunate carried out stately processions from Edo to the Nikkō Tōshō-gū along the Nikkō Kaidō. The shrine's annual spring and autumn festivals reenact these occasions, and are known as "processions of a thousand warriors". Cedar trees line the roadway, termed the Cedar Avenue of Nikkō.

Five structures at Nikkō Tōshō-gū are categorized as National Treasures of Japan, and three more as Important Cultural Properties. Additionally, two swords in the possession of the shrine are National Treasures, and many other objects are Important Cultural Properties. Famous buildings at the Tōshō-gū include the richly decorated Yōmeimon (陽明門), a gate that is also known as "higurashi-no-mon". The latter name means that one could look at it until sundown, and not tire of seeing it. Carvings in deep relief, painted in rich colors, decorate the surface of the structure. The next gate is the karamon decorated with white ornaments. Located nearby is a woodcarving of a sleepy cat, "Nemuri-neko", attributed to Hidari Jingorō.

The stable of the shrine's sacred horses bears a carving of the three wise monkeys, who hear, speak and see no evil, a traditional symbol in Japanese culture that is derived from a quote in the Analects.

The original five-storey pagoda was donated by a daimyō in 1650, but it was burned down during a fire, and was rebuilt in 1818. Each storey represents an element–earth, water, fire, wind and aether (or void)–in ascending order. Inside the pagoda, a central shinbashira pillar hangs from chains[3] to minimize damage from earthquakes.

Hundreds of stone steps lead through the cryptomeria forest up to the grave of Ieyasu. A torii at the top bears calligraphy attributed to Emperor Go-Mizunoo. A bronze urn contains the remains of Tokugawa Ieyasu.

In 2008, Yuri Kawasaki became the first female Shinto priest ever to serve at Nikkō Tōshō-gū.

location : Rakuhoku Renge-ji temple Kyoto city,Kyoto prefecture,Japan

京都　洛北 蓮華寺

Rakuhoku Renge-ji temple :

This temple belongs to the Tendai sect of Buddhism cowned with the mountain name of Kinyozan.

Shigenao imaeda( 今枝重直),a retainer of the Maeda Clan in Kaga,present Ishikawa pref.,entered the priesthood around period from 1661 to 1673. He built a residence here and spent his later years associating with such people as Jozan Ishikawa 石川丈山and Tanyu Kano狩野探幽.His groundson Chikayoshi今枝民部近義,who admire the virtuous Shigenao, transfered a temple from Hachijo-Shiokoji(元西八条塩小路附近)to this place in order to pray for the repose of his grandfather.　He made it as a sub-temple of the Enryakuji Jitsuzobo Temple延暦寺実蔵坊.

The principal statue enshrined in main hall is of Shakamuni Tothagata.Unique Rengeji temple-style tone lanterns with hexagonal shades and a monument commemorating Shigenao inscribed Tehsho-style calligraphy written by Jozan Ishikawa on top and passage composed by Jun-an Kinoshita are found on the grounds beautifully covered with moss.

The garden woth crane stone and turtle islands in the lake,an excellent example from Edo period(1603-1867)　　-Kyoto city

以下パンフレットより抜粋

蓮華寺は、元西八条塩小路附近（今の京都駅附近）にあった浄土教系の古寺で、応仁の乱後荒廃していたのを１６６２年（寛文2年）加賀前田家の老臣今枝民部近義が祖父今枝重直の菩提の為に、この地に移し再興したものである。(蓮華寺造営記、帰命山寺記）

再興の際に、石川丈山、狩野探幽、木下順庵、黄檗の隠元禅師木庵禅師等の著名文化人が協力している。（諸堂の様式碑文、什物等）

尚、本堂、鐘楼堂、井戸屋形、庭園は創建当時のままであり、小規模であるあがいずれも文人の残した貴重な文化遺産である。

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額縁庭園- 構図と露出を決めてからピントを合わせシャッターを切るまでにいつも3分くらいかかります。

その間の快い緊張感がとても好きです。

ƒ/8.0 14.0 mm 1/80sec ISO800

Excerpt from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikk%C5%8D_T%C5%8Dsh%C5%8D-g%C5%AB:

Nikkō Tōshō-gū (日光東照宮) is a Tōshō-gū Shinto shrine located in Nikkō, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan.

Together with Futarasan Shrine and Rinnō-ji, it forms the Shrines and Temples of Nikkō UNESCO World Heritage Site, with 42 structures of the shrine included in the nomination. Five of them are designated as National Treasures of Japan, and three more as Important Cultural Properties.

Tōshō-gū is dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate. It was initially built in 1617, during the Edo period, while Ieyasu's son Hidetada was shōgun. It was enlarged during the time of the third shōgun, Iemitsu. Ieyasu is enshrined there, where his remains are also entombed. This shrine was built by Tokugawa retainer Tōdō Takatora.

During the Edo period, the Tokugawa shogunate carried out stately processions from Edo to the Nikkō Tōshō-gū along the Nikkō Kaidō. The shrine's annual spring and autumn festivals reenact these occasions, and are known as "processions of a thousand warriors". Cedar trees line the roadway, termed the Cedar Avenue of Nikkō.

Five structures at Nikkō Tōshō-gū are categorized as National Treasures of Japan, and three more as Important Cultural Properties. Additionally, two swords in the possession of the shrine are National Treasures, and many other objects are Important Cultural Properties. Famous buildings at the Tōshō-gū include the richly decorated Yōmeimon (陽明門), a gate that is also known as "higurashi-no-mon". The latter name means that one could look at it until sundown, and not tire of seeing it. Carvings in deep relief, painted in rich colors, decorate the surface of the structure. The next gate is the karamon decorated with white ornaments. Located nearby is a woodcarving of a sleepy cat, "Nemuri-neko", attributed to Hidari Jingorō.

The stable of the shrine's sacred horses bears a carving of the three wise monkeys, who hear, speak and see no evil, a traditional symbol in Japanese culture that is derived from a quote in the Analects.

The original five-storey pagoda was donated by a daimyō in 1650, but it was burned down during a fire, and was rebuilt in 1818. Each storey represents an element–earth, water, fire, wind and aether (or void)–in ascending order. Inside the pagoda, a central shinbashira pillar hangs from chains[3] to minimize damage from earthquakes.

Hundreds of stone steps lead through the cryptomeria forest up to the grave of Ieyasu. A torii at the top bears calligraphy attributed to Emperor Go-Mizunoo. A bronze urn contains the remains of Tokugawa Ieyasu.

In 2008, Yuri Kawasaki became the first female Shinto priest ever to serve at Nikkō Tōshō-gū.

Innumerable lights of the high-rise office buildings are winking as dusk gathers in the heart of Tokyo. Marunouchi area is Tokyo's major commercial district whose avenues are lined with headquarter buildings of Japan's major banks and corporations. The illuminated three-story building of red brick is Tokyo Station which is 335 meters deep. Historic architecture which was inaugurated in 1914 was designated as a national important cultural property. I could enjoy this beautiful cityscape for the first time since construction work of the new square in front of the station was finally completed in December 2017 and maintenance of the observatory deck was finished in February 2018. Heavy machineries and materials for construction work do not disturb the night view anymore.

It is really hard to believe that Marunouchi area once was an inlet some 400 years ago when Ieyasu Tokugawa (1543 -1616) settled the government in Edo, his own territory, after taking office as shogun (literally, "great general who subdues the barbarians").

Edo which is called Tokyo today was just a sleepy fishing village in those days. Retainers of Ieyasu made a proposal to abandon this place and return to his former stronghold, but he did not give up his urban planning and ordered to continue filling up the inlet to build a city which became the very foundation of today's Tokyo. One of its reasons is that he knew the geopolitical advantage of this land very well, however, what will he say if he saw this cityscape of Marunouchi which is located in front of his castle?

Excerpt from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikk%C5%8D_T%C5%8Dsh%C5%8D-g%C5%AB:

Nikkō Tōshō-gū (日光東照宮) is a Tōshō-gū Shinto shrine located in Nikkō, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan.

Together with Futarasan Shrine and Rinnō-ji, it forms the Shrines and Temples of Nikkō UNESCO World Heritage Site, with 42 structures of the shrine included in the nomination. Five of them are designated as National Treasures of Japan, and three more as Important Cultural Properties.

Tōshō-gū is dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate. It was initially built in 1617, during the Edo period, while Ieyasu's son Hidetada was shōgun. It was enlarged during the time of the third shōgun, Iemitsu. Ieyasu is enshrined there, where his remains are also entombed. This shrine was built by Tokugawa retainer Tōdō Takatora.

During the Edo period, the Tokugawa shogunate carried out stately processions from Edo to the Nikkō Tōshō-gū along the Nikkō Kaidō. The shrine's annual spring and autumn festivals reenact these occasions, and are known as "processions of a thousand warriors". Cedar trees line the roadway, termed the Cedar Avenue of Nikkō.

Five structures at Nikkō Tōshō-gū are categorized as National Treasures of Japan, and three more as Important Cultural Properties. Additionally, two swords in the possession of the shrine are National Treasures, and many other objects are Important Cultural Properties. Famous buildings at the Tōshō-gū include the richly decorated Yōmeimon (陽明門), a gate that is also known as "higurashi-no-mon". The latter name means that one could look at it until sundown, and not tire of seeing it. Carvings in deep relief, painted in rich colors, decorate the surface of the structure. The next gate is the karamon decorated with white ornaments. Located nearby is a woodcarving of a sleepy cat, "Nemuri-neko", attributed to Hidari Jingorō.

The stable of the shrine's sacred horses bears a carving of the three wise monkeys, who hear, speak and see no evil, a traditional symbol in Japanese culture that is derived from a quote in the Analects.

The original five-storey pagoda was donated by a daimyō in 1650, but it was burned down during a fire, and was rebuilt in 1818. Each storey represents an element–earth, water, fire, wind and aether (or void)–in ascending order. Inside the pagoda, a central shinbashira pillar hangs from chains[3] to minimize damage from earthquakes.

Hundreds of stone steps lead through the cryptomeria forest up to the grave of Ieyasu. A torii at the top bears calligraphy attributed to Emperor Go-Mizunoo. A bronze urn contains the remains of Tokugawa Ieyasu.

In 2008, Yuri Kawasaki became the first female Shinto priest ever to serve at Nikkō Tōshō-gū.

今回は酒吞童子と茨木童子をイメージしたメイクを作ってみました。最強の鬼として有名な酒吞童子。茨木童子との関係は家来だったり師弟だったり夫婦だったり様々な説があるようです。

二人にもこんな時間があったかも‥？ｗ🌸👹👹🍶🌸

This time, I created a makeup inspired by Shuten-douji and Ibaraki-douji. Shuten-douji is famous as the strongest demon. There are various theories about his relationship with Ibaraki-doji, such as retainer, master and disciple, or husband and wife.

Perhaps the two of them had such a time back then.

skin and makeup : violetta.

Hair : booN

clothing : ::GB::

osake : andika

Thanks for the photo help, AN! ;)

Built for Sir Robert Shirley between 1653 and 1655 in Gothic style, the Chapel of Holy Trinity is the estate church at Staunton Harold, where the Shirleys, their retainers and estate workers lived for generations. It is one of the few churches built between the outbreak of the English Civil War and the Restoration period.

Over the past few years, the National Trust has undertaken essential building and repair works at the church to ensure this place of reflection can be enjoyed for many years to come.