Asian, Japanese? painting on silk. Critique and translate signature?

Hi all,
I'm not sure if it is Japanese or Chinese but hoping someone could translate the signature.
It is 18" x 16"

Mikey

 

I have a postcard called "Front view of Yomei-mon Gate" at the Toshogu Shrine (Nikko Japan) in Japan and this looks like the same place. Sorry that I can't read the signature.

 

It does look very close. Especially with those pillars or what ever they are in front. Thanks NewEngland,

 

Definitely Japanese, and really lovely.
Could be another Japanese shrine, built in a similar style. @Chris Mount was in Japan recently, maybe he knows.

 

Thank you A J. I hope a resident translator pops in to read the sig for me.

Mike

 

Our Japanese speakers haven't been sighted for months.

 

Does anyone know a site that can translate Japanese?

 

Howdy might be hard to pinpoint as there are a lot of these types of shrines in japan im no expert but the front of the shrine looks quite like something they would do but the left hand side pagodas look out of place to me. They were usually in a straight line or at the sides of shrines or in areas surrounded by black pines maples etc. Took over 800 photos so will have a look see. There are over 1500 temples in kyoto alone and that' just one city. Leave it with me. In terms of translation have a look at a couple of apps I have tried to use to translate bit they come up with a lot of text based on the characters to yomiwa is one I use as you can draw the text will have a go later. It' an awesome paintinh and actually reminds me of an animated film with the painted background and the cel as the figures would be buying that one if I saw it. Chris

 

Love the painting .. very beautiful, .. Joy.

 

Thank you Chris and Joy.
Boy 800 + pictures that's awesome. I may not be able to identify the shrine. I would like to ID the artist though before I list it for sale.

Mike

 

The "little pagodas" are lanterns, see here: http://www.jaodb.com/db/Images/Asan...cene_of_Kitano_Shrine-00033788-030109-F12.jpg

 

The style of the painting reminds me very much of Shin Hanga woodblock prints, but I cannot help with the signature. The second character is "山", which can be pronounced "zan" or "yama", but I have no idea of the first one...

 

Thanks Mat. Interesting information. Now I'm thinking i should have bought the other painting I saw by the same artist.

Mike