The Five-story pagoda, “Yasaka no To” in Kyoto

Posted on by


Here is the five-story pagoda, known as Yasaka Pagoda, one of landmarks in Kyoto. The official name is Honkan-ji Temple which was founded in Muromachi period (1440). There are famous temples and spots nearby, visited by many sightseers. Together with small shops and Japanese-style bars, the scenery with the pagoda gives us nostalgic feeling.
Kyo-Yaki, pottery and porcelain with overglazed enamel decoration is produced here. Their wide variety of products outnumbers that of other areas.

Other Mike’s Sites
* Online Sake Cup Shop : http://sakeware.net
* Twitter : http://twitter.com/CeramicsJapan

Takehara, “The Little Kyoto of Aki”

Posted on by


Takehara, Hiroshima Prefecture is called as “the Little Kyoto of Aki”. This area was selected as the Special Historical District of old warehouse, one of Japan “100 Most Scenic Towns”. We can still feel a deer air of old Japan on the merchant houses, warehouses and streets.
Occupying a strategic location on the Seto Inland Sea, Takehara became well-known as a port city in the Muromachi ara and flourished as a base of the salt industry.

Other Mike’s Sites
* Online Sake Cup Shop : http://sakeware.net
* Twitter : http://twitter.com/CeramicsJapan

Ancient bronze swords and bells

Posted on by

At “Izumo” area, a large number of bronze swords (358 pcs) were found, which were placed orderly at one spot. Each sword is approx. 50cm (20 in.) long. And Dotaku, Bronze bells smelted from relatively thin bronze and richly decorated, were found nearby. It is said that these remains were used to pray for good harvests in a Yayoi period.
These remains are exhibited in the Shimane Museum of Ancient Izumo next to Izumo Grand Shrine.
In this area, Shimane Prefecture, many potters are making traditional pottery such as Iwami-Yaki, Fujina-Yaki, Setsushu-Yaki and so on.

Other Mike’s Sites
* Online Sake Cup Shop : http://sakeware.net
* Twitter : http://twitter.com/CeramicsJapan