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Japanese traditional architecture, Hogyo-yane

Sat, November 9, 2013, by Muza-chan

Shaped like a pyramid, Hogyo-yane is one of the types of roofs used in the Japanese traditional architecture, especially for the Buddhist constructions. When used for religious purposes, it has on top a parallelepipedic object called roban, with a double role, decorative and spiritual.

One of the most beautiful examples I have seen so far is the one in the photo, taken at the Okunoin Mao-den on Mount Kurama, Kyoto, a beautiful miniature building constructed in the middle of the magical forest, where the roban is topped by a sacred gem (houju) with the power to ward off evil spirits.

Click on photo for higher resolution:
Okunoin Mao-den, Mount Kurama, Kyoto
Okunoin Mao-den, Mount Kurama, Kyoto
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EXIF Info:

Nikon D700
Lens: 24-70mm F/2.8G
Focal Length: 42mm
Aperture: F/2.8
Shutter Speed: 1/60s
ISO Sensitivity: ISO 640
Tokyo Shinjuku, street scene after sunset
Yesterday’s Japan Photo:

Tokyo Shinjuku, street scene after sunset



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    • # Sakura, cherry blossoms

    • # Kyoto travel

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    • # Modern Japanese architecture

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    • # The 12 surviving Japanese castles

    • # Japanese manhole covers

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    • # Castles in Japan

    • # Traditional Japanese house

    • # Trains in Japan

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    • # Night time photos from Japan

    • # Zen gardens

    • # The 12 surviving Japanese castles

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