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