ⓒRebecca Bugge, All Rights Reserved

Do not use without permission.

Three-storied pagoda at the Buddhist temple Gōtokuji.

For most tourists this temple is quite a bit off compared to other famous sites in Tokyo - but it is still quite popular. After all they maintain the story of being the place that invented the beckoning cat - said to be inspired by a story of a monk's cat which saved the daimyo Ii Naotaka from being hit by lightning by beckoning him into the temple.

But this temple is worth a visit for more than that (and I am saying this as a great cat lover). It is the largest historical site in Tokyo (according to the sign at the entrance - and I have no reason to doubt it). A temple has stood here since 1480, and Gōtokuji dates to 1655, with many of its existing buildings actually dating from the 17th century. The grounds are extensive and includes a cemetery for the Ii-family with traditional tombs.

Matsumoto Castle is one of Japan's premier historic castles. The building is also known as the "Crow Castle" due to its black exterior. It was the seat of the Matsumoto domain. It is located in the city of Matsumoto, in Nagano Prefecture and is within easy reach of Tokyo by road or rail.

The keep (tenshukaku), which was completed in the late sixteenth century, maintains its original wooden interiors and external stonework. It is listed as a National Treasure of Japan.

Matsumoto Castle is a flatland castle (hirajiro) because it is not built on a hilltop or amid rivers, but on a plain. Its complete defences would have included an extensive system of inter-connecting walls, moats, and gatehouses.

The castle's origins go back to the Sengoku period. At that time Shimadachi Sadanaga of the Ogasawara clan built a fort on this site in 1504, which originally was called Fukashi Castle. In 1550 it came under the rule of the Takeda clan and then Tokugawa Ieyasu.

When Toyotomi Hideyoshi transferred Ieyasu to the Kantō region, he placed Ishikawa Norimasa in charge of Matsumoto. Norimasa and his son Yasunaga built the tower and other parts of the castle, including the three towers: the keep and the small tower in the northwest, both begun in 1590, and the Watari Tower; the residence; the drum gate; the black gate, the Tsukimi Yagura, the moat, the innermost bailey, the second bailey, the third bailey, and the sub-floors in the castle, much as they are today. They also were instrumental in laying out the castle town and its infrastructure. It is believed much of the castle was completed by 1593–94.

During the Edo period, the Tokugawa shogunate established the Matsumoto Domain, of which the Matsudaira, Mizuno, and others were the daimyo.

For the next 280 years until the abolition of the feudal system in the Meiji Restoration, the castle was ruled by the 23 lords of Matsumoto representing six different daimyo families. In this period the stronghold was also known as Crow Castle because its black walls and roofs looked like spreading wings.

ⓒRebecca Bugge, All Rights Reserved

Do not use without permission.

The Bodhisattva Kannon surrounded by manekineko (the Japanese beckoning cat - a lucky charm to invite good luck, most common to either your home or your business).

At the Buddhist temple Gōtokuji.

For most tourists this temple is quite a bit off compared to other famous sites in Tokyo - but it is still quite popular. After all they maintain the story of being the place that invented the beckoning cat - said to be inspired by a story of a monk's cat which saved the daimyo Ii Naotaka from being hit by lightning by beckoning him into the temple. And now you can find tons upon tons of them by a little side-temple on the grounds.

But this temple is worth a visit for more than that (and I am saying this as a great cat lover). It is the largest historical site in Tokyo (according to the sign at the entrance - and I have no reason to doubt it). A temple has stood here since 1480, and Gōtokuji dates to 1655, with many of its existing buildings actually dating from the 17th century. The grounds are extensive and includes a cemetery for the Ii-family with traditional tombs.

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.

Warlord of his own domain

location : Nanzenji Temple Tenjyuan ,Kyoto city ,Kyoto Prefecture,Japan

南禅寺　天授庵

Tenjyuan :

Tenjyuan is one of the most historically important temple of the Nanzenji. It was built as a dedication of the founder of the Nanzenji , Daiminkokushi Mukanfumon .

In 1267 the Emperpor Kameyama,enchanted with the natural beauty of the spot,elected a villa on the site where where the Nanzenji Temple now stands. Around 1288 the emperor was vexed by the appearance of a ghost and asked for help from Daiminkokushi ,the third Chief Priest of the Tofukuji Temple.

The priest rid Emperor Kameyama of the gost by merely performing Zazen meditations without reciting a single sutra.

The emperor was deeply moved by this demonstration of the priest's virtue and subsequently became became his disciple,giving himself the name Hoo("Great Priest").He later converted his villa into zen temple and dedicated it to Daiminkokushi.These events took place in Hoo's later years ; the priest died before the coversation of the villa was complete.It was left for a priest named Kiansoen,the successor of Daiminkokushi.to finish the work and inaugurate the zen temple. For this reason little credit for the task is given to Daiminkokushi himself.In 1336 Kokakushiren,the 15th chief priest of Nanzen Ji Temple,asked the retired Emperor Kogon for permission to construct a building commemorating the founding of the temple by Daiminkokushi.Construction on the building was completed in the following year(1337),hence the opening of the Tenjyuan.

Tenjyuan,however ,was destroyed in the Nanzenji conflagration of 1447 .Nor was the temple spared destraction by fire during the Onin War ( 1467-1477). More then 130 years passed before the temple was finally reconstructed.

Many of the temples destroyed by wars were reconstructed in the last quarter of the 16th century,when Japan enjoyed a period of political stability. The priests of Nanzenji agreed that the Tenjyuan be reconstructed by one of the most famous Zen priests of Kyoto,Genporeisan.He appointed Ungakureikei chief priest of the Tenjyuan ,and asked the daimyo Hosokawa Yusei to finance the enterprise.Thanks to generous contribution of Hosokawa,the reconstruction of the Main Hall,the Main Gate,and the old study was completed in August ,1602.These are the Tenjyuan buildings that stand today.

The garden consists of the front ,or eastern,garden of the Main Hall, and the southern garden near the Study.

The eastern garden is a rock garden. A geometrically designed stone footpath embedded in white sand and moss connects the Main Hall with the Maingate. This footpath was made 1338 after the original construction of the Tenjyuan.

The other ,shorter stone footpath leading to Yusai's mausoleum was made after Yusai's death in1610.

The layout of the southern garden clearly illustrates the characteristics of late 14th century landscaping.The two central islands in particular epitomize this style. A long penninsula extending from the study and a smaller penninsula extending from the other side meet to form a curling clasp,creating an eastern and western pond.The shorelines of the two ponds so divided are thus varied.

The eastern pond is smaller than the other and has a slopping bank.In addition to this landscaping technique,the arrangement of rocks near the waterfall indicates that the garden was made around the time of the construction of the Tenjyuan in 1337.

- Tenjyuan

ƒ/7.1 70.0 mm 1/125sec ISO 100

ⓒmaco-nonch★R, All Rights Reserved

Please do not use without permission.

All and every non permitted use, replication,

or duplication is subject to punishment by copyright law.

ⓒRebecca Bugge, All Rights Reserved

Do not use without permission.

Manekineko en masse. Manekineko is the famous Japanese beckoning cat - a lucky charm to invite good luck, most common to either your home or your business. In Japanese it is 招き猫, 招き = maneki = beckon, invite in, 猫 = neko = cat.

At the Buddhist temple Gōtokuji.

For most tourists this temple is quite a bit off compared to other famous sites in Tokyo - but it is still quite popular. After all they maintain the story of being the place that invented the beckoning cat - said to be inspired by a story of a monk's cat which saved the daimyo Ii Naotaka from being hit by lightning by beckoning him into the temple. And now you can find tons upon tons of them by a little side-temple on the grounds.

But this temple is worth a visit for more than that (and I am saying this as a great cat lover). It is the largest historical site in Tokyo (according to the sign at the entrance - and I have no reason to doubt it). A temple has stood here since 1480, and Gōtokuji dates to 1655, with many of its existing buildings actually dating from the 17th century. The grounds are extensive and includes a cemetery for the Ii-family with traditional tombs.

ⓒRebecca Bugge, All Rights Reserved

Do not use without permission.

This Japanese Shinto shrine, Ueno Tōshō-gū, is dedicated to the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate, Ieyasu. It was founded in 1627, with the main hall built in 1651 by the third Tokugawa shogun (and Ieyasu's grandson). It has survived the Battle of Ueno (1868), the Kanto earthquake (1923), and the bombings of the Second World War, and is now an Important Cultural Property of Japan, and is a great example of Edo architecture. The main building is covered with gold foil, and saw massive restoration work 2009-2013. That is not the building you can see here, this one seems to still need a loving and light hand.

The copper lantern (one of the total of 50 at this shrine) are offerings from feudal lords, daimyos, from all over Japan and are not just there to offer lights at night but to offer sacred, purifying fires when lit.

I put on my new and beautiful bra and bottom in R2 fashion and equip my feet with my new weapon, a SAC MP18. Prepare for battle with the airborne landing base.

R2Fashion's newest creation, Rappa, is inspired by the ninja. Sorry, the legs don't show much. It is available at NEOJAPAN.

NEOJAPAN product✨

R2 K/E/N Rappa Bra[Silver]Maitreya

R2 K/E/N Rappa Crotch - Maitreya

R2 K/E/N Rappa Bottom[Silver]Maitreya

SAC MP18 FLUCS Pistol

ZEROICHI FLB backdrop

Other Products✨

tram L0325 hair3

R2 K/E/N Kaina L[Black]

Pose SAC

[sau]Hachi[Daimyo]RARE

History is written by the winners

ⓒRebecca Bugge, All Rights Reserved

Do not use without permission.

Temple bell hidden behind the greenery at the Buddhist temple Gōtokuji.

For most tourists this temple is quite a bit off compared to other famous sites in Tokyo - but it is still quite popular. After all they maintain the story of being the place that invented the beckoning cat - said to be inspired by a story of a monk's cat which saved the daimyo Ii Naotaka from being hit by lightning by beckoning him into the temple.

But this temple is worth a visit for more than that (and I am saying this as a great cat lover). It is the largest historical site in Tokyo (according to the sign at the entrance - and I have no reason to doubt it). A temple has stood here since 1480, and Gōtokuji dates to 1655, with many of its existing buildings actually dating from the 17th century. The grounds are extensive and includes a cemetery for the Ii-family with traditional tombs.

I will not have you without the darkness that hides within you. I will not let you have me. If our demons cannot dance, neither can we.

featuring Meg

ⓒRebecca Bugge, All Rights Reserved

Do not use without permission.

One, of a set of two, lion-dogs (komainu in Japanese, 狛犬) - guardians of Japenese Shinto shrines. In this case the 17th century Ueno Tōshō-gū, dedicated to the first Tokugawa shogun, Ieyasu.

The copper lanterns (a few of the total of 50 at this shrine) are offerings from feudal lords, daimyos, from all over Japan and are not just there to offer lights at night but to offer sacred, purifying fires when lit.

ⓒRebecca Bugge, All Rights Reserved

Do not use without permission.

For most tourists this temple is quite a bit off compared to other famous sites in Tokyo - but it is still quite popular. After all they maintain the story of being the place that invented the beckoning cat - said to be inspired by a story of a monk's cat which saved the daimyo Ii Naotaka from being hit by lightning by beckoning him into the temple.

But this temple is worth a visit for more than that (and I am saying this as a great cat lover). It is the largest historical site in Tokyo (according to the sign at the entrance - and I have no reason to doubt it). A temple has stood here since 1480, and Gōtokuji dates to 1655, with many of its existing buildings actually dating from the 17th century. The grounds are extensive and includes a cemetery for the Ii-family with traditional tombs.

And if you are wondering what the thing in the photo is: it's an enormous incense burner. But probably more modern than the 17th century....

Construction of Koishikawa Kouraku'en garden (小石川後楽園) started in 1629 in the Edo residence of the Tokugawa family based in Mito (水戸) in present-day Ibaraki prefecture (茨城県). They are one of the three major branches of the Tokugawa clan that ruled Japan for 265 years from 1603 to 1868. Like other Daimyou (local Samurai rulers), they had a residence in Mito where they had their domain called Han (藩), and another one in Edo, present-day Tokyo.

It was a fashion among Daimyous in Edo Period to built Japanese gardens in their residences, and they competed with each other for sophistication in gardening and landscaping techniques. These gardens are called Daimyou Teien (大名庭園).

After the Meiji Restoration in 1868, the property was taken over by the Meiji government, and only the garden survives to this day. Tokyo Dome, formerly called Korakuen Stadium, is a ballpark built on the former site of Tokugawa family's residence. The UFO-like dome is seen well from the garden having spoiled tens of thousands of otherwise nice shots.

Tokyo Dome has provided venues for large scale concerts. It has a capacity of up to 55,000, and having performed at Tokyo Dome seems to be the qualification as big-name artist.

It is a coincidence that Daimyo literally means big-name.

ⓒRebecca Bugge, All Rights Reserved

Do not use without permission.

At the Shinto shrine Suitengū (水天宮). If you just translate the name it would mean water-sky-shrine, which doesn't make that much sense. But what does is if you take into account that Suiten is a name: the Japanese name of the Hindu god Varuna. Several Hindu gods and goddess came to Japan through Buddhism. With the 19th century official splitting of Buddhism and Shinto in Japan, Suiten was identified with the Japanese kami Amenominakanushi, and thus the worship of Suiten became a part of Shinto religion.

The shrine was founded by a daimyō of the Arima family in 1818 (in another spot, but when the family moved to Tokyo, the shrine came with them). The current shrine dates to 2016 - so the building was just 2 years old when I visited here in 2018. But the chief priest of the shrine is still a member of the Arima family (it's actually the 17th family head).

The shrine is dedicated to conception and safe childbirth, which makes it very popular (as can be seen by this lunch time rush). And it is very, very easy to find. You just have to get to the Suitengumae station ('mae' means 'in front of' - so the name of the station is literally 'in front of the Suiten shrine').

ⓒRebecca Bugge, All Rights Reserved

Do not use without permission.

Stone lantern at the Buddhist temple Gōtokuji, Tokyo. The stone lantern is called a tōrō (灯籠). This particular style of pedestal lantern is known as a kasuga-dōrō (春日灯籠), and is one of the most common types found in Japan.

For most tourists Gōtokuji is quite a bit off compared to other famous sites in Tokyo - but it is still quite popular. After all they maintain the story of being the place that invented the beckoning cat - said to be inspired by a story of a monk's cat which saved the daimyo Ii Naotaka (1590-1659) from being hit by lightning by beckoning him into the temple.

But this temple is worth a visit for more than that (and I am saying this as a great cat lover). It is the largest historical site in Tokyo (according to the sign at the entrance - and I have no reason to doubt it). A temple has stood here since 1480, and Gōtokuji dates to 1655, with many of its existing buildings dating from the 17th century. The grounds are extensive and includes a cemetery for the Ii-family with traditional tombs. So that an Ii-family member was saved at this particular temple, according to the legend, might not be so very surprising since they obviously had strong ties to it.

I was dressed in my newly delivered R2 fashion cyber suit.With a SAC MP18 in my right hand and a SAC knife in my left,

I jump off my hoverbike,

spinning my body, releasing the bullets and protecting my landing base.

This is only an image of the work. It does not change my concern for the world peace situation. Please do not misunderstand me.

NEOJAPAN product✨

SAC MP18 FLUCS Pistol

R2 K/E/N Rappa Bra [FP White]

R2 K/E/N Rappa Crotch

R2 K/E/N Rappa Bottom [FP White]

ZEROICHI FLB backdrop text3D

Other Products✨

tram L0325 hair3

R2 K/E/N Kaina R customize Hand only [FP White]

R2 K/E/N Kaina L [FP White]

SAC×R2 K/E/N Rappa Pose

[sau]Hachi[Daimyo]RARE

The Taiwan Pavilion was built in 1927 to commemorate the beginning of the Showa (Enlightened Peace) era.

The building was donated in 1927 by volunteer Japanese residents of Taiwan and designed by Matsunosuke Moriyama. This building is designed in the style of the then predominant architectural styles of Southern China (Fujian) (Minnan architecture). and it is considered a valuable piece of architecture as there are very few authentic Chinese-style buildings in Japan. In 1945, the gardens were almost completely destroyed during an air raid.

Only the Taiwan Pavillion (Goryotei Pavillion) was the only building to survive the bombing. After the war, the garden was opened to the public in 1949.

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is a large park with an eminent garden in Shinjuku and Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan. It was originally a residence of the Naitō family in the Edo period. Afterwards, it became a garden under the management of the Imperial Household Agency of Japan. It is now a park under the jurisdiction of the national Ministry of the Environment.

The shogun bequeathed this land to Lord Naitō (daimyo) of Tsuruga in the Edo period who completed a garden here in 1772. After the Meiji Restoration the house and its grounds were converted into an experimental agricultural centre. It then because a botanical garden before becoming an imperial garden in 1879. The current configuration of the garden was completed in 1906. Most of the garden was destroyed by air raids in 1945, during the later stages of World War II. The garden was rebuilt after the war.

The jurisdiction over the Imperial Palace Outer Garden and the Kyoto imperial garden was transferred to the Ministry of Health and Welfare (now part of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare) in 1947.

On May 21, 1949 the garden became open to the public as "National Park Shinjuku Imperial Gardens". It came under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of the Environment in January 2001 with the official name "Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden".

The Taiwan Pavilion was built in 1927 to commemorate the beginning of the Showa (Enlightened Peace) era.

The building was donated in 1927 by volunteer Japanese residents of Taiwan and designed by Matsunosuke Moriyama. This building is designed in the style of the then predominant architectural styles of Southern China (Fujian) (Minnan architecture). and it is considered a valuable piece of architecture as there are very few authentic Chinese-style buildings in Japan. In 1945, the gardens were almost completely destroyed during an air raid.

Only the Taiwan Pavillion (Goryotei Pavillion) was the only building to survive the bombing. After the war, the garden was opened to the public in 1949.

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is a large park with an eminent garden in Shinjuku and Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan. It was originally a residence of the Naitō family in the Edo period. Afterwards, it became a garden under the management of the Imperial Household Agency of Japan. It is now a park under the jurisdiction of the national Ministry of the Environment.

The shogun bequeathed this land to Lord Naitō (daimyo) of Tsuruga in the Edo period who completed a garden here in 1772. After the Meiji Restoration the house and its grounds were converted into an experimental agricultural centre. It then because a botanical garden before becoming an imperial garden in 1879. The current configuration of the garden was completed in 1906. Most of the garden was destroyed by air raids in 1945, during the later stages of World War II. The garden was rebuilt after the war.

The jurisdiction over the Imperial Palace Outer Garden and the Kyoto imperial garden was transferred to the Ministry of Health and Welfare (now part of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare) in 1947.

On May 21, 1949 the garden became open to the public as "National Park Shinjuku Imperial Gardens". It came under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of the Environment in January 2001 with the official name "Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden".

A tombstone of DAIMYO (Japanese local lord in Edo era). The Ikeda clan's tombstones are standing on stone turtle. Really unique and fun!

Tottori-city, Japan

池田家墓所@鳥取市

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is a large park with an eminent garden in Shinjuku and Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan. It was originally a residence of the Naitō family in the Edo period. Afterwards, it became a garden under the management of the Imperial Household Agency of Japan. It is now a park under the jurisdiction of the national Ministry of the Environment.

The shogun bequeathed this land to Lord Naitō (daimyo) of Tsuruga in the Edo period who completed a garden here in 1772. After the Meiji Restoration the house and its grounds were converted into an experimental agricultural centre. It then because a botanical garden before becoming an imperial garden in 1879. The current configuration of the garden was completed in 1906. Most of the garden was destroyed by air raids in 1945, during the later stages of World War II. The garden was rebuilt after the war.

The jurisdiction over the Imperial Palace Outer Garden and the Kyoto imperial garden was transferred to the Ministry of Health and Welfare (now part of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare) in 1947.

On May 21, 1949 the garden became open to the public as "National Park Shinjuku Imperial Gardens". It came under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of the Environment in January 2001 with the official name "Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden".

~Outfits~

::GB:: : Cross obi tops Red

::GB:: : Leather ring GETA Black

::GB:: : Off tops hakama Black

R2 : K/E/N Tekkou Silver

Zeroichi : Cyber Umbrella Hat (Red)

monso : Mabel Hair

~Accessories~

KENSHO : Glowing Tattoo Cyberpunk

Poseidon : Kunoichi Katana

Zeroichi : faceparts T1(fat4)

Zeroichi : ARM ST01 Orange

~Pose~

B & W : Bento # 192 Pose Ball

~Location~

zeroichi : zero - Backdrop

~other things~

sau : Hachi[Daimyo]RARE

Soy : Vending Machine [Cigarette]

Soy : CSC Vending machine [Drink]

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is a large park with an eminent garden in Shinjuku and Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan. It was originally a residence of the Naitō family in the Edo period. Afterwards, it became a garden under the management of the Imperial Household Agency of Japan. It is now a park under the jurisdiction of the national Ministry of the Environment.

The shogun bequeathed this land to Lord Naitō (daimyo) of Tsuruga in the Edo period who completed a garden here in 1772. After the Meiji Restoration the house and its grounds were converted into an experimental agricultural centre. It then because a botanical garden before becoming an imperial garden in 1879. The current configuration of the garden was completed in 1906. Most of the garden was destroyed by air raids in 1945, during the later stages of World War II. The garden was rebuilt after the war.

The jurisdiction over the Imperial Palace Outer Garden and the Kyoto imperial garden was transferred to the Ministry of Health and Welfare (now part of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare) in 1947.

On May 21, 1949 the garden became open to the public as "National Park Shinjuku Imperial Gardens". It came under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of the Environment in January 2001 with the official name "Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden".

Matsumoto Castle is one of Japan's premier historic castles. The building is also known as the "Crow Castle" due to its black exterior. It was the seat of the Matsumoto domain. It is located in the city of Matsumoto, in Nagano Prefecture and is within easy reach of Tokyo by road or rail.

The keep (tenshukaku), which was completed in the late sixteenth century, maintains its original wooden interiors and external stonework. It is listed as a National Treasure of Japan.

Matsumoto Castle is a flatland castle (hirajiro) because it is not built on a hilltop or amid rivers, but on a plain. Its complete defences would have included an extensive system of inter-connecting walls, moats, and gatehouses.

The castle's origins go back to the Sengoku period. At that time Shimadachi Sadanaga of the Ogasawara clan built a fort on this site in 1504, which originally was called Fukashi Castle. In 1550 it came under the rule of the Takeda clan and then Tokugawa Ieyasu.

When Toyotomi Hideyoshi transferred Ieyasu to the Kantō region, he placed Ishikawa Norimasa in charge of Matsumoto. Norimasa and his son Yasunaga built the tower and other parts of the castle, including the three towers: the keep and the small tower in the northwest, both begun in 1590, and the Watari Tower; the residence; the drum gate; the black gate, the Tsukimi Yagura, the moat, the innermost bailey, the second bailey, the third bailey, and the sub-floors in the castle, much as they are today. They also were instrumental in laying out the castle town and its infrastructure. It is believed much of the castle was completed by 1593–94.

During the Edo period, the Tokugawa shogunate established the Matsumoto Domain, of which the Matsudaira, Mizuno, and others were the daimyo.

For the next 280 years until the abolition of the feudal system in the Meiji Restoration, the castle was ruled by the 23 lords of Matsumoto representing six different daimyo families. In this period the stronghold was also known as Crow Castle because its black walls and roofs looked like spreading wings.

ⓒRebecca Bugge, All Rights Reserved

Do not use without permission.

At the Shinto shrine Suitengū (水天宮). If you just translate the name it would mean water-sky-shrine, which doesn't make that much sense. But what does is if you take into account thay Suiten is a name, the Japanese name of the Hindu god Varuna. Several Hindu gods and goddess came to Japan through Buddhism. With the 19th century official splitting of Buddhism and Shinto in Japan, Suiten was identified with the Japanese kami Amenominakanushi, and thus the worship of Suiten became a part of Shinto religion.

The shrine was founded by a daimyō of the Arima family in 1818 (in another spot, but when the family moved to Tokyo, the shrine came with them). The current shrine dates to 2016, but the chief priest of the shrine is still a member of the Arima family (it's actually the 17th family head).

The shrine is dedicated to conception and safe childbirth, which makes it very popular (as can be seen by this lunch time rush). And it is very, very easy to find. You just have to get to the Suitengumae station ('mae' means 'in front of' - so the name of the station is literally 'in front of the Suiten shrine').

The little dressed up girl to the far left was there with her family to celebrate the festival of Shichi-go-san - and they weren't alone either.

~Outfits~

R2 : Ryusei Silver

R2 : Tekkou Silver

KENSHO : Glowing Tattoo Cyberpunk

Ayashi : Sombra Hair

~Accessories~

SAC : 1911 PLUS pistol Silver & Black

Zeroichi : AC Helmet Cyan

Zeroichi : ARM ST01 Cyan

~Others~

SAU : Hachi Daimyo

~Pose~

SAC : 1911FTPose 07F

~Location~

Zeroichi : Shatter Alleys backdrop

Matsumoto Castle is one of Japan's premier historic castles. The building is also known as the "Crow Castle" due to its black exterior. It was the seat of the Matsumoto domain. It is located in the city of Matsumoto, in Nagano Prefecture and is within easy reach of Tokyo by road or rail.

The keep (tenshukaku), which was completed in the late sixteenth century, maintains its original wooden interiors and external stonework. It is listed as a National Treasure of Japan.

Matsumoto Castle is a flatland castle (hirajiro) because it is not built on a hilltop or amid rivers, but on a plain. Its complete defences would have included an extensive system of inter-connecting walls, moats, and gatehouses.

The castle's origins go back to the Sengoku period. At that time Shimadachi Sadanaga of the Ogasawara clan built a fort on this site in 1504, which originally was called Fukashi Castle. In 1550 it came under the rule of the Takeda clan and then Tokugawa Ieyasu.

When Toyotomi Hideyoshi transferred Ieyasu to the Kantō region, he placed Ishikawa Norimasa in charge of Matsumoto. Norimasa and his son Yasunaga built the tower and other parts of the castle, including the three towers: the keep and the small tower in the northwest, both begun in 1590, and the Watari Tower; the residence; the drum gate; the black gate, the Tsukimi Yagura, the moat, the innermost bailey, the second bailey, the third bailey, and the sub-floors in the castle, much as they are today. They also were instrumental in laying out the castle town and its infrastructure. It is believed much of the castle was completed by 1593–94.

During the Edo period, the Tokugawa shogunate established the Matsumoto Domain, of which the Matsudaira, Mizuno, and others were the daimyo.

For the next 280 years until the abolition of the feudal system in the Meiji Restoration, the castle was ruled by the 23 lords of Matsumoto representing six different daimyo families. In this period the stronghold was also known as Crow Castle because its black walls and roofs looked like spreading wings.

~Outfits~

Native : Nora Set Top

Native : Nora Set Shorts

Addams : Zoe Combat Platform Short Boots

R2 : K/E/N Tekkou [Black]

NeurolaB Inc. : GX-08 GLOVES

KENSHO : Glowing Tattoo Cyberpunk

monso : Mabel Hair

~accessories~

SOLE : SA - Proof E-insert

zero ichi : faceparts T1(fat4)

zero ichi : Ultimate Gas mask Helmet Belt

zero ichi : Ultimate Gas mask Helmet(for waist belt)

~Other~

sau : Hachi[Daimyo]

~Location~

zeroichi : GENSOUKO

　　　　(Mainframe event 1/20 12:00(SLT) Start)

Cloud covered Mt. Iwaki is in the background.

—from Wikipedia

Hirosaki Castle (弘前城, Hirosaki-jō) is a hirayama-style Japanese castle constructed in 1611. It was the seat of the Tsugaru clan, a 47,000 koku tozama daimyō clan who ruled over Hirosaki Domain, Mutsu Province, in what is now central Hirosaki, Aomori Prefecture, Japan. It was also referred to as Takaoka Castle (鷹岡城 or 高岡城, Takaoka-jō).

Hirosaki Castle measures 612 meters east-west and 947 meters north-south. Its grounds are divided into six concentric baileys, which were formerly walled and separated by moats. It is unusual in that its Edo period tenshu and most of its outline remains intact. Noted historian and author Shiba Ryōtarō praised it as one of the "Seven Famous Castles of Japan" in his travel essay series Kaidō wo Yuku.

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.

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is a large park with an eminent garden in Shinjuku and Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan. It was originally a residence of the Naitō family in the Edo period. Afterwards, it became a garden under the management of the Imperial Household Agency of Japan. It is now a park under the jurisdiction of the national Ministry of the Environment.

The shogun bequeathed this land to Lord Naitō (daimyo) of Tsuruga in the Edo period who completed a garden here in 1772. After the Meiji Restoration the house and its grounds were converted into an experimental agricultural centre. It then because a botanical garden before becoming an imperial garden in 1879. The current configuration of the garden was completed in 1906. Most of the garden was destroyed by air raids in 1945, during the later stages of World War II. The garden was rebuilt after the war.

The jurisdiction over the Imperial Palace Outer Garden and the Kyoto imperial garden was transferred to the Ministry of Health and Welfare (now part of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare) in 1947.

On May 21, 1949 the garden became open to the public as "National Park Shinjuku Imperial Gardens". It came under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of the Environment in January 2001 with the official name "Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden".

The disgraced ronin knew he would need to ride in secret to spirit the princess away from the angry Daimyo...

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His Kimono by Tomoto

Her Kimono by Noble Creations

Katana by The Forge

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.