Kaminari Mon

Kaminari Mon was one of the more interesting entry ways to a temple that I witnessed in Japan. It stands for "Thunder gate" and the passage way is flanked by two gigantic stone guardians. The God on the right is the God of Thunder, note the drums around his head. The God on the left is the God of Wind, note the windbag around his shoulders. This gate leads to the Nakamise shopping arcade and eventually to the Sensoji Temple. The interesting thing with Japanese archetecture is how these old temples are surrounded by tall industrial and residential buildings. They seem to just blend in together, yet contrast so much in style and composition.