地蔵盆二条城三条会Kyoto is dotted with mini-temples, often tucked into space between buildings.
The structures house Jizo-san, a bodhisattva worshipped in East Asian Buddhism.
The Jizo is usually depicted as a Buddhist monk, and is believed to protect children.
The small statues are found throughout Japan.
In Kyoto, in particular, these statues are ubiquitous. Following the annual Bon Festival - which celebrates the once a year return of one's departed ancestors in August - Kyoto neighborhoods come alive with Jizobon festivals.
These festival are for children. Games and gifts mix with song and religious undertones.
The Jizo pictured here will be taken out of the temple on that day and set up on a temporary altar that will be the centerpiece of a two-day festival. Once finished, the Jizo is returned to the temple for another year.
What caught our eye were the tiles on the outside of the structure, giving it the feel of the interior of a public bath.
© CycleKyoto.com
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Japan
Touring
Kyoto
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Jizo
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