Japan: Did you mean...?

The Arashiyama Bamboo Forest or "Sacred Grove" is located in Arashiyama, Japan. Arashiyama and the adjoining Sagano area first became popular during the Heian period when courtiers and the imperial family sought privacy and seclusion away...

The Fushimi Inari Shrine near Kyoto (Heiankyo), Japan is the largest and most important shrine dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice and prosperity. The shrine was founded in 711 CE by the Hata clan and moved from its original location...

This sutra case was excavated at Hatogamine in Kyoto, Japan. It is made of gilt bronze and dates to the 1116 CE, which was during the Heian period in Japanese history. (Tokyo National Museum)

This doban or clay tablet is from the Fukuda Shell Mound in what is present-day Ibaraki prefecture, Japan. It dates from the Jomon period, between 1000-400 BCE. Important cultural property. (Tokyo National Museum)

This ancient horn-shaped vessle was excavated at Shishuzuka Tumulus, which is located in Mihamacho, Fukui prefecture, Japan. It dates from the 6th century CE, during the Kofun period. (Tokyo National Museum)

This keg-shaped pot with an opening for pouring was excavated at Enomachi, in Fukuoka prefecture, Japan. It dates from the 6th century CE or during the Kofun period. Note the curious "wave-like" designs, which might function as decor. (Tokyo...

A large silk embroidered wall hanging, worked in long and short silk stitch, with a composite imaginary view of Japan, including shrines, bridges, lakes, forests and flowers, Mount Fuji rising in the distance, within a brocade border. Khalili...

This gilt-bronze horse bit was excavated from Kenzaki Otsuka, which is located in Japan's Gumna prefecture. It dates from the 6th century CE, during the Kofun period. (Tokyo National Museum)

This is a sacred tree at the Agata Shrine in Uji, Japan. This tree is regarded by Shinto believers as being a "yorishiro," meaning that it is capable of attracting spirits called kami. This yorishiro is used to summon the kami to ceremonies...

The Byodoin Temple in Uji, Japan dates from the late-Heian period, and it served as the residence of the influential minister Fujiwara no Michinaga (966-1028 CE). It was originally built in 998 CE. The most famous portion of the temple is...