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