Prehistory fish fossils found as new freshwater species

Prehistory fish fossils found as new freshwater species

KANAZWA, Japan - The education board in Hakusan, Ishikawa Prefecture, displays fossils of a new freshwater fish species of the Sinamia family unearthed from a stratum in the first half of the Cretaceous period, or 130 million years ago, in the Sea of Japan city on Oct. 1, 2014. The board has given the scientific name of Sinamia Kukurihime to the fish after the name of a local shrine.

(2)Tokyo Station, Iwate Noh stage proposed as cultural assets

(2)Tokyo Station, Iwate Noh stage proposed as cultural assets

HIRAIZUMI, Japan - The Noh stage at Hakusan Shrine (in file photo) located within Chusonji Temple in Iwate Prefecture was among eight structures proposed April 18 by the Cultural Affairs Agency to be designated as nationally important cultural assets.

900-year-old zelkova trees at Shinto shrine in Tokyo

900-year-old zelkova trees at Shinto shrine in Tokyo

Two giant Japanese zelkova trees said to be 900 years old stand in Nerima Hakusan Shrine in Tokyo on June 22, 2015. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Hydrangeas in full bloom in Japan's rainy season

Hydrangeas in full bloom in Japan's rainy season

Visitors look at hydrangeas at Hakusan Shrine in Tokyo on June 7, 2015. Around 3,000 bushes of the flower are in full bloom during the annual "Hydrangeas Festival" held in June. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Tokyo shrine holds weekly rite to thank old brushes for dental heath

Tokyo shrine holds weekly rite to thank old brushes for dental heath

A young man puts a used toothbrush in a box at Hakusan-jinja shrine in Tokyo's Bunkyo district on June 7, 2015. The Shinto shrine holds a ceremony every Sunday to thank old toothbrushes for dental health. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Hydrangeas in full bloom in Japan's rainy season

Hydrangeas in full bloom in Japan's rainy season

Visitors look at hydrangeas at Hakusan Shrine in Tokyo on June 7, 2015. Around 3,000 bushes of the flower are in full bloom during the annual "Hydrangeas Festival" held in June. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Shrine known for hydrangeas, toothbrush "memorial service"

Shrine known for hydrangeas, toothbrush "memorial service"

A visitor drops an old toothbrush into a box at Hakusan Shrine in Tokyo on June 7, 2015. The shrine, known for its thousands of hydrangeas in all varieties, holds a rare "memorial service" for old toothbrushes every June to respect the tools and wish for the good dental health of their users. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

(2)Tokyo Station, Iwate Noh stage proposed as cultural assets

(2)Tokyo Station, Iwate Noh stage proposed as cultural assets

HIRAIZUMI, Japan - The Noh stage at Hakusan Shrine (in file photo) located within Chusonji Temple in Iwate Prefecture was among eight structures proposed April 18 by the Cultural Affairs Agency to be designated as nationally important cultural assets. (Kyodo)

Prehistory fish fossils found as new freshwater species

Prehistory fish fossils found as new freshwater species

KANAZWA, Japan - The education board in Hakusan, Ishikawa Prefecture, displays fossils of a new freshwater fish species of the Sinamia family unearthed from a stratum in the first half of the Cretaceous period, or 130 million years ago, in the Sea of Japan city on Oct. 1, 2014. The board has given the scientific name of Sinamia Kukurihime to the fish after the name of a local shrine. (Kyodo)

Hello Kitty lucky charms

Hello Kitty lucky charms

Photo taken on Aug. 18, 2018, shows good luck charms featuring feline character Hello Kitty sold at Hakusan Jinja, a Shinto shrine, in Tama, Tokyo. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo