Photos | Images of Japan: Nio San Demon, Ninnaji Temple, Kyoto, Japan
This temple guardian can be seen at the gate of Ninnaji Temple in western Kyoto. A pair of these fearsome demi-gods potect the temple from the forces of evil. Nio-san were incorporated into Buddhism from Hinduism and the pair of demi-gods are depicted one with his mouth open and one with it closed to represent life and death.
Photos | Images of Japan: Nio San Demon, Ninnaji Temple, Kyoto, Japan