Japan
Shisa, Shīsā,
Okinawan: shiisaa
[シーサー]
Is a traditional Ryukyuan decoration, often in pairs, resembling a cross between a lion and a dog, from Okinawa mythology.
Shisas are wards, believed to protect from evil.
When in pairs, the left shisa traditionally has a closed mouth, the right one an open mouth. The open mouth wards off evil spirits, and the closed mouth keeps good spirits in.
Takayama
Tokyo
»Weeping Sakura« in Kyoto
Osaka at Night
Takayama, Gifu Prefecture
Naha City Colours
Tokyo
Kyoto
Snake in Awamori Liquor (Habu Sake) in Naha
Golden Pagoda in Kyoto
Water Buffalo on Taketomi Island
Sanju-no-to Pagoda in Kyoto
Boat on Kabira Bay
Kiyomizudera (清水寺, literally »Pure Water Temple«)
Taketomi Island
Shisa (シーサー Shīsā, Okinawan: shiisaa)
Osaka at night
Kyoto
