Niō: The Guardians at the Temple Gates

1. Vajra: a stick-shaped ancient weapon for fighting evil.2. Ten’ne: long flowing ribbon-like robes worn by heavenly beings.3. Mo: a garment worn from the waist down. (© Pixta)

The giant straw sandals at the Niōmon Gate, Hyakusaiji. It is said that Niō take them off at night and stand inside the gate to rest. (© Pixta)