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.
Naha City Colours
»Weeping Sakura« in Kyoto
Kyoto
Tokyo
Osaka at Night
Snake in Awamori Liquor (Habu Sake) in Naha
Kiyomizudera (清水寺, literally »Pure Water Temple«)
Golden Pagoda in Kyoto
Osaka at night
Sanju-no-to Pagoda in Kyoto
Water Buffalo on Taketomi Island
Taketomi Island
Takayama, Gifu Prefecture
Shisa (シーサー Shīsā, Okinawan: shiisaa)
Takayama
Boat on Kabira Bay
Tokyo
Kyoto
