Rosewoman:
I read that Kawai-jinja is a shrine where young girls pray for beauty and for a happy future. The cute, hopeful faces painted on these ema signify those wishes.
Rosewoman:
Kawai-jinja's haiden: its hall of worship or oratory. In the background is the reconstructed hut of the literary recluse Kamo no Chomei (1153 or 1155–1216), author of the classic Hōjōki ("An Account of a Ten-Foot-Square Hut").
Rosewoman:
Behind this tamagaki (fence) lies the honden, the sanctuary, not open to the public, where the kami is/are enshrined.
Rosewoman:
The doors to my two rooms on the lower level, originally the main display and current guest rooms of this townhouse. Only a few shoes below the step--everyone is at work.
Rosewoman:
With my back to the Matsui's private area--in effect a separate building--on the left: commode, curtain concealing washing machine and shower stall, and lavatory for brushing teeth. On the right, laundry drying rack. Open to the sky.
Rosewoman:
Nandina berries, garden lantern, rain
Rosewoman:
Leaves, stones, rain
Rosewoman:
Light from the entry passage