Nagoya's Temple and Shrines

Entrance Gate to Todanji Temple





I visit many shrines and temples. I find them irresistable. Many of the famous ones are quite old, extending back several centuries. Toganji Temple was on my list of 'to do' in Nagoya and it took me two trips to nail it down. I heard there was a giant Buddha and I was not disapointed. It was my favorite temple in Nagoya, of all the many that I did visit. I enjoyed it's haunting tranquility, peculiar for the fact that it was smack in the middle of Nagoya city in a thriving and happening part of the city.















along the winding path, there are many sights to be seen......
















pet cemetary? shrine with offerings. more animal statues next by, take my word on it.



The little windy path made it's way to several different shrine like areas, including a pet section, which I of course adored. I am assuming, of course, that it was a pet section from the fact that there were many animal statues around. However, I did not verify with a specialist, so I could be making a fool of myself and I am willing to be stand corrected and have a good chuckle.
Eventually, the path led to the Buddha and I found it spectacular. The moment was quite special as few people were around. I crossed paths with a South Asian couple and we exchanged Buddhist foreigner's greetings (a nod and a smile). I took my time to gaze at the many statues surrounding the Buddha that created a busy scene.

Towering statue of Buddha

A very large Buddha hand - one can sit in it.

Staris to Shiroyama Shrine Entrance Gate to Shiroyama Shrine

After Toganji Temple, I hit Shiroyama Shrine and bought an amulet for a dear friend, special request for a scwhine hundt, from a priest. There were many stairs leading to the shrine, a typical feature that I have noticed, flanked by lanterns. I encountered a priest, once again I am assuming, but I felt quite strongly that it was so, perhaps the bald head, who was running up and down the stairs of the shrine. Penance or a cheap form of the stairmaster? I will never know. I was intrigued though.

Dragon trough at the neighbouring shrine

I came across another shrine as I left Shiroyama Shrine and had to walk through it. I found some great dragons by the water trough that I ritualize as pruification. This shrine was very low key, but from posters nearby, it looked like it might be having a festival soon.