Images

These ornaments were placed on horses during the Kofun period in Japanese history. They are made from various types of metals, and they would have projected the power of the rider. They date from the 5th and 6th century CE. (Tokyo National...

This horse is a "haniwa" or a terracotta tomb object. It was excavated at Kamishiba Tumulus in Gunma prefecture, Japan. It dates from the Kofun period or around the 6th century CE. (Tokyo National Museum)

These beads come from Japan and date from the Kofun period (250-538 CE) in Japanese history. In the Kofun Period beads of various shapes and materials were worn as fashion accessories, used in rituals, and buried in tombs. They include, for...

Statues of the Japanese Tanuki (or Japanese raccoon dog) are found all over Japan, especially around shrines and taverns. The Japanese have many legends about the tanuki, but they are generally believed to be playful and foolish creatures...

These jizo statues are located at the Chosenji Temple in Tokyo's Shibuya ward. The jizo are Bodhisattvas and thus the protectors of the weak, injured, travelers, women, and unborn children. A large number of jizo statues commemorate children...

The Hetsunomiya Shrine is one of several ancient shrines located on the island of Enoshima, which is just offshore from Kamakura, Japan. It was founded by Minamoto no Sanetomo in 1206 CE. Here, visitors pay their respect to the Buddhist goddess...

Much to the surprise of many, the Great Buddha of Kamakura is hollow. Visitors can venture inside and explore for themselves.

Completed in 1252 CE, the Great Buddha of Kamakura has survived countless earthquakes, including the devastating 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake, and a tsunami in 1498 CE. Since that tsunami, the statue has remained outside and has never been...

The Great Buddha of Kamakura was completed in 1252 CE and was made of bronze. One can, however, still see traces of the gold leaf that was applied to the statue in medieval times.

One of the cultural icons of Japan, the Great Buddha of Kamakura was completed in 1252 CE and is made of bronze.