Kyoto

Kiyomizudera Temple-

This temple is up in the mountains and has a wonderful view of Kyoto, it's one of the most famous spots to view Kyoto, as well as on the top ten places to see in Kyoto. There is a little spot at the top that has two love rocks, and they say if you can walk from one to the other with your eyes closed you will meet your soul mate. There were a group of school boys at the top who were holding each other's shoulders walking from one rock to the other. Behind the line of boys were two other boys, who we couldn't understand, but got the gist of what they were saying. They began to start the walk, and then stopped shook their heads and seemed to say "no, no we don't need to be in love", and then started laughing and making fun of the other boys. It was very funny!!

Kinkakuji/Golden Palace-

Perhaps the most famous spot in Kyoto. It was rebuilt, I believe in 1955, but was originally constructed in 1397 by Ashikaga Yoshimitsu who was part of the shogun (basically old Japanese government) It was then converted to a Zen temple after his death. His grandson attempted to build a silver palace, but the silver was never actually put on the outside. It's not known if it was lack of money or interest why it was never finished.

Chris, Lola and I in front of the Golden Palace

The second day in Kyoto we went to dress up as Samurai and Geisha. Well technically I dressed up as a Meiko, which is a woman training to be a Geisha. I could not believe how heavy the outfit was, and how many layers it took.

This was the outcome. We had professional pictures done as well, but they allowed us to go outside for ten minutes to take our own pictures. They did a fabulous job!!!

Adam,Me, Lola and Chris

I thought this was a beautiful street. It was located behind on the street behind our hotel.

This was the entrance to one of the Shinto shrines. Not anything specific I just like the picture.




Kyoto was a wonderful trip, and the one place I really wanted to visit in Japan. It's the old capital of Japan and there is so much history and culture to experience there. These are a few of the pictures, but there were many more. The other pictures do not do the city or places justice, and the most amazing places we saw we could not take pictures of. In case anyone wants to look them up on the internet here are some of the wonderful places to see in Kyoto

Nijo Castle-one of my favorites. In order to warn the shogun and his guards of people entering, when the floor is walked on it sounds like birds chirping. It is impossible to walk across the floor without it making a sound. The temple itself was built by the founder of Edo Shogunate in 1603, and the original structures still stand. The artwork from the period can also be viewed on the walls and doors.

Sanjusangendo-I think my second favorite temple. Inside the temple are 1,001 statues of Kannon (the goddess of mercy). The statues are absolutely breathtaking. Here is a link to the history of it, as well as pictures. We could not take pictures inside, and these of course do it no justice!!Take note of when the statues were built!!
http://www.taleofgenji.org/sanjusangendo.html

Ryoanji: is a Zen temple near the golden palace. The famous rock garden was very peaceful. I could have sat there for hours, and can see why philosophers do. We have a picture but again it does it no justice and just looks like dirt!

We went to Gion Corner which is a complete tourist trap, but we had the opportunity to see 5-10 minute shows of the most popular entertainments from old Japan. We got the opportunity to listen to gagaku, see Ikebana made, take part in a very very simple and short tea ceremony, watch No(a play) and watch traditional dances and puppet plays. It was definitely worth going to!!