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