Architecture & Gardens - Kyoto - page 384

Kyoto contains a number of excellent examples of five-storey pagodas, including the
pagoda at Tō-ji ( CLICK HERE ), the best known and the tallest in Japan.
Shrines
Shrines can be called jinja, jingū, gū or taisha . The original Shintō shrine is Izumo Taisha
in Shimane Prefecture, which has the largest shrine hall in Japan. It is said to have been
modelled on the Emperor's residence, and its style, known as taisha-zukuri, was ex-
tremely influential on later shrine design. Shrines tend to use simple, unadorned wood
construction and are built raised above the ground on posts. The roof is gabled, not hipped
as with temple architecture. The entrance is generally from the end, not the side, again
distinguishing it from temple design. The distinctive roof line of shrine architecture is due
to an elaboration of the structural elements of the roof. The criss-cross elements are called
chigi and the horizontal elements are called katsuogi .
Nagare Style
As Buddhism increased its influence over Shintō, it also affected the architecture. The
clean lines of the early shrines were replaced with curving eaves and other ornamental de-
tails. Worshippers were provided with shelter by extending the roof or even building a
separate worship hall. This led to the nagare style, the most common type of shrine archi-
tecture. Excellent examples in Kyoto can be found at Shimogamo-jinja ( CLICK HERE ) and
Kamigamo-jinja ( CLICK HERE ).
BUDDHIST IMAGES
There are dozens of images in the Japanese Buddhist pantheon, varying from temple to temple, depending on
the religious school or period of construction. As you explore the temples of Kyoto, keep your eyes peeled for
the following figures:
» Nyorai (Buddhas) : At the top of the Buddhist cosmic hierarchy, you will find nyorai (Buddhas). The four
most common images are those of Shaka (Sanskrit: Sakyamuni), the Historical Buddha; Amida (Sanskrit: Amit-
abha), the Buddha of the Western Paradise; Miroku (Sanskrit: Maitreya), the Buddha of the Future; and Daini-
chi, the Cosmic Buddha.
» Bosatsu(Bodhisattva) : A bosatsu is a Bodhisattva, a being who puts off entry into nirvana in order to help
all the beings stuck in the corrupt world of time. The most common bosatsu are Kannon (the god - or goddess -
of mercy) and Jizō (the protector of travellers and children). Kannon is often depicted as standing in graceful