Kyoto walking---Shrine, Temple and Festival or Event

Awata matsuri (Festival)

2011-10-31T13:43:00.000+09:00

It is the festival of Awata jinja (Shrine) and held on Oct. every year. Some pike poles and portable shrine parade the street. This festival has been continued more than 1,000 years, and it is said that pike poles parade is the original of the Gion matsuri festival. The pole is 7 to 8m long and 40 to 60kg weight, and paraded standing and holding with ringing a bell by skilled person. Portable shrine follows their parade.

Ryoanji (Temple)

2011-10-13T11:07:00.000+09:00

This temple is well known by the rock garden. The garden is enclosed in three ways by earthen wall, and the area is about 2,500 square meters, 25m x 10m size, it's smaller than expectation.
There are 15 rocks in white sand, and they represent islands or animals in the water (sea).
How to feel and image this garden, is depending on people. it's no right answer.
When the garden was made, by whom, what intention,...... these are all unclear yet.

Nison-in (Temple)

2011-10-04T15:26:00.000+09:00

This temple was originated between 834 and 848yr. But all temples were destroyed by fire, then they were re-built between 1504 and 1521yr.
It is fine view of the approach to a temple, especially in colored leaves season. ( Photo in summer time)

Nonomiya jinja (Shrine)

2011-09-19T15:08:00.000+09:00

This shrine torii (gateway at the entrance) is black color wooden made, it is remarkable.
This locate in famous sightseeing spot, Arashiyama, and there are always many yang visitors and they pray for good match and be blessed with a child in the future.

Myoshinji (Temple)

2011-09-10T16:25:00.000+09:00

This was initially built in 1337 as Zen Buddhism temple. There are 46 branch temples belong to this Myoshinji. This temple is big and almost same size as Daitokuji. You can take a bicycle in the temple site for looking arround.

Tenryuji (Temple)

2011-09-01T11:59:00.000+09:00

Takauji Ashikaga, who is the first Shogun of Muromachi Shogunate, made this temple with Muso-Soseki who is Zen Buddhist monk in 1345.
This temple houses were lost by a fire 8 times so far, and re-built in Meiji period.

The tempe is located at Arashiyama, kyoto (Famous sightseeing spot) and most of visitors are visiting this temple first.

Matsuri

2011-05-28T15:17:00.000+09:00

This is festival at Shinto shrine, and it's beeing celebrated every year. Each of shrine has their own festival.
Most shrine has "Mikoshi" which is portable shrine and it is vehicle for shrine god.
At the festival, people are carrying "Mikoshi" out from shrine and make god trip to human society.
It's performed one or twice a year.

Yabusame at Shimogamo jinja (Shrine)

2011-05-10T13:17:00.000+09:00

This is horseback archery and pre-ceremony of Aoi matsuri taking place on May.
This ceremony is proceeding at Shimogamo jinja on May 3rd to purify the approach to shrine.
Archer ride horseback is running with high speed for 400m, and shoot an arrow toward the target.
There are three targets which are placed every 100m away.

Haradani en

2011-02-28T15:29:00.000+09:00

In north area of Kyoto city, there is good unknown spot for cherry blossom. It is "Haradani en".
This place is managed by the public farmer and open only spring time. There are , anyway, many cherry trees.

Tadasuno mori (Woodland)

2011-02-20T16:47:00.000+09:00

This woodland is located on the way to Shimogamo jinja(Shrine). We enjoy for walking here under colored leaves.

Kotosaka

2011-02-09T14:45:00.000+09:00

Kotosaka is name of approach for visiting temple, Koshoji" in Uji city.
Spring or autumn time are recommended to visit here because of green or colored leaves.

Kamigamo jinja (Shrine)

2011-01-30T16:14:00.001+09:00

This is famous and big shrine in Kyoto. Aoi matsuri is big event (festival) of this shrine which I show in another page.

Toashiya(at Sanju Sangen dou)

2011-01-17T17:04:00.000+09:00

Toashiya means Japanese archery and it is held at famous temple "Sanju Sangen dou" in middle of Jan.
New 20 years old men and women are competing for shooting to 1m dia. target, 60m away.
Everybody shoot twice ( 2 arrows). Men are shooting in the morning and women are shooting in the afternoon, total about 2,000 people are participated in this big event.
Inside of the temple, another Buddhist service are performed infront of 1,001 wooden statue of "Kannon with a thousand hands".

Kemari hajime

2011-01-10T16:36:00.000+09:00

This is traditional new year (Jan. 4th) event at Shimogamo jinja (shrine).
Kemari means "kick a ball" and it has been come down from China in Nara period, and played among noble people in Heian Period.

Nakaragi no michi (Road)

2010-12-25T16:50:00.000+09:00

It is name of road , about 1km long, which is on the left side bank of Kamo river in Kyoto city.
It is located beside Kyoto botanical garden, and there are many drooping cherry trees.
This is good walking road in Spring time.

Gokonomiya jinja (Shrine)

2010-12-21T15:31:00.000+09:00

There is fine front gate which has been replaced from Fushimi castle. There are also some stones from the same castle.
In shrine yard, there is very clean springwater spot, and local people are put them into PET bottle for their drinking or cooking use.

Chorakuji(Temple)

2010-12-17T15:37:00.001+09:00

This temple is located at the back of Yasaka shrine and Maruyama park in Higashiyama area.
Visiting in cherry blossoms and/or colored leaves seasons is recommendable.

Chishakuin (Temple)

2010-12-13T17:12:00.000+09:00

This temple yard is very large and we can see every seasonal flowers.
Temple house and yard have been finally completed in about 1603yr. This is also study temple for Shingon Sect.

Mimurotoji(Temple)-2

2010-12-07T11:04:00.000+09:00

I showed photos of this temple in another page, but it was photos in Spring through summer time.
This page shows the same temple in Autumn with colored leaves.

Otagi nenbutsuji (Temple)

2010-12-02T13:09:00.000+09:00

This temple was moved to the present site from other place in 1922.
The main temple has been re-built in Kamakura period, and temple gate has been re-built in Edo period.
There are many stone image of Buddha with very unique looks.

Seiryoji (temple)

2010-11-14T20:21:00.000+09:00

This temple has large temple yard, and also big main temple building and gate.
There are famous events in this temple, they are fire festival with torch(firebrand) on March and Kyogen(Noh farce) on April.

Kyokusui-no-en

2010-11-07T16:38:00.000+09:00

This is one of event at Jonangu(shrine) and held twice a year (April and November). It is reproduced Heian Period dynastic event which is enjoyed by tanka poet, writing tanka poem and drinking sake.
Each poet,sitting beside the stream, write a tanka before sake cup float to his(her) position on the stream, then drink it.

Himukai daijingu (Shrine)

2010-11-02T14:35:00.000+09:00

If you visit "Nanzenji"(temple), You may visit this shrine too. It is about 1Km away from "Nanzenji" and located at mountain side in Yamashina. Here is very calm (few visitor ) and good visiting spot for pray under nice colored leaves. It is popular belief that is imitated Ise jingu shrine ,so local people can visit here as alternative one.

Kenkun jinja(Shrine)

2010-10-25T14:09:00.000+09:00

"Takeisao jinja" is formal name of this shrine.
Nobunaga Oda and his oldest son Nobutada are enshrined here.
This shrine is located on the small mountain "Funaoka yama" 112m in height.

Yamashina Bishamondo (Temple)

2010-10-20T20:26:00.001+09:00

This temple is the most recommendable visiting place in Yamashina, there are many maple trees and good view in autumn season. There are 3 ways to go up to temple yard , the most steep steps is formal way to go up there.

Imakumano kannonji (Temple)

2010-10-16T14:39:00.001+09:00

This temple is located on the way to and belong to Sennyuji.
You will be answered and recovered from Headache by pray the Kannon in this temple.

Rurikoin and Yase

2010-10-13T20:31:00.001+09:00

Yase is place-name and located in the foot of mountain "Hiei". In Autumn you enjoy view of colored leaves, red and yellow. There is good unknown spot for colored leaves there. It is Rurikoin(temple) and only opened at limited time.

Yasaka Koshindo (Temple)

2010-10-09T14:24:00.000+09:00

Kongoji is formal temple name, and located in Yasaka.
There are some popular beliefs in this temple. "Kukuri saru" (tied up monkey) is one of them.
Cloth monkey doll is bound hand and foot. It means to control wants and then pray for accomplishment of your object.

Aburakake Jizo (Temple)

2010-10-04T16:11:00.000+09:00

This is very small temple (Jizo) which is niched the stone statue of Buddha.
"Aburakake" means "Pour oil over". We pray for something pouring oil over this stone statue.
It became very greasy but it's okay.

Ryotokuji(Temple)

2010-09-28T15:59:00.000+09:00

Every Dec. 9 - 10th, in this temple all visitor are served well-boiled Japanese radish which cooked in three ovens and large pans.
Every year this temple use about 3,000 Japanese radish for cooking and serve to visitor. It is seasoned with soy sauce.

Rokuohin(Temple)

2010-09-20T15:47:00.000+09:00

The feature of this temple is long approach to temple maingate.
The season of fresh green or colored leaves are good time to visit here.

Ginkakuji(Temple)

2010-09-16T10:21:00.000+09:00

This is Zen Buddhist temple and big sightseeing spot , it is the same as Kinkakuji.

Hoshakuji(Temple)

2010-09-07T17:18:00.000+09:00

This temple is located in mountain(hill) side, and on the way to the top of Mt. Tennnozan, 270.3m in height.
It takes about 15 minutes by walk from JR station "Yamazaki" or Hankyu line station "Ooyamazaki.
Here Yamazaki is very famous area as histric battlefield which was fighting with Hideyoshi and Mitsuhide in 1582yr.

Kinkakuji(Temple)

2010-09-03T17:11:00.000+09:00

It was burned down in 1950, and rebuilt in 1955yr.
In 1987, gold leaf was re-covered and now you see very nice view of Kinkaku.
Kinkakuji is Zen Buddhist temple, but it's rather sightseeing spot.

Shakkei teien (Garden)

2010-08-27T14:42:00.000+09:00

There are some kinds of Japanese Gardens.
Shakkkei garden is one of them and they are in some temples. This garden is used something view in behind of the garden, example Mt. Hiei which locate between Kyoto and Shiga pref.
Mt. Hiei is famous for Buddhism in Japan, that's why some temple in Kyoto use this mountain as their background of the gardens. I show them for example at two temples. One is Entsuji and another one is Shodenji.

Komyoji (Temple)

2010-08-22T13:49:00.000+09:00

You see very nice view of colored leaves in this temple yard. There is wide slope steps and matching to colored leaves. This temple yard is overspread by red and yellow colored leaves in autumn.

Enkoji(Temple)

2010-08-14T16:59:00.000+09:00

The origin of this temple is school for Buddhist monk. It was built by order of Ieyasu Tokugawa in 1601.
The temple finally moved to current site in 1667, and now they are one of Nanzenji group.
The temple garden is very good view point especially in the season of fresh green and colored leaves.

Sekihoji(Temple)

2010-08-09T09:40:00.000+09:00

In bamboo grove at the back of this temple, there are many stone image of Buddha. There were made in Edo period and now they are weathered as time passes. It is recommendable to visit them sooner.

Honkokuji(Temple)

2010-08-03T20:26:00.000+09:00

This temple has been built by the founder of a religious sect "Nichiren" at Kamakura in 1253yr. then moved to Kyoto in 1345yr. Again it moved to the current site (Yamashina in Kyoto) in 1971yr.
In this temple, there are many golden oblects, it may be placed golden leaf. Showing them in pictures.
Please do not shave off a piece of gold.

Gion matsuri (Festival)

2010-07-24T15:11:00.000+09:00

This is big festival event in Kyoto also in Japan. This Gion matsuri Float parade was assigned as World Intagible Cultural Heritage in this year. This festival is very historical event and cotinued long time since Heian period with reforming.

Rokkakudo(Temple)

2010-07-21T14:48:00.000+09:00

This temple is known as Rokkakudo, but the official name of this temple is Chohoji.
"Rokkaku" means hexagon, the main temple is shaped hexagon.
There is " Navel stone" in the temple yard, this point shows center of the city (Kyoto).

Shoseien (temple garden)

2010-07-12T16:12:00.000+09:00

This garden is belong to Higashi Honganji (Temple) and located at east side approx. 200-300m away from the temple. It is about 35,000 m2 area and there are two lake (small and big) and some buildings.

Tanukiyamadani-fudoin (Temple)

2010-07-06T21:30:00.000+09:00

This temple is located at the mountain side, there is 250 steps up to the temple. It is good exercise course.
This temple yard etc were maintenanced and built in 1947.

Heian jingu (Shrine)

2010-06-29T21:19:00.000+09:00

This shrine was built in 1895 and main building was re-constructed in 1979.
The first and last emperor in the Heian period are shrined here. Buildings are imitative and reduced size of them in Heian-kyo city.

Shoren in ( Temple )

2010-06-22T14:53:00.000+09:00

The current topic of this temple is not about the temple but camphor-tree in front of the temple gate.

It's too big and the branches are crossing the public road, it's becoming hazard point. You look up not down when you are visiting this temple. Both the temple and city have headache and discussing about treatment of this historical and typical tree, not cutting down.

Go-oh jinja (Shrine)

2010-06-18T16:51:00.000+09:00

This shrine is located near to Kyoto Gosho (Imperial Palace), and people pray and believe that god protect their back and legs to keep good condition.
There are one pair of stone guardian dogs in Shinto shrine, but here is not dogs but wild boars.
Not after but before you pain your back or legs, visit this shrine.

Hirano Jinja ( Shrine)

2010-06-14T17:03:00.000+09:00

This Shinto Shrine is very special building style in Japan, so call " Hirano construction ".
In the shrine yard, there are many cherry trees. It is said that more than 50 kinds and 500 trees there.
In April, many visitors are coming to this shrine to pray and see Sakura in day and night time. You can enjoy with eating and drinking at temporary diner under the tree of Sakura blossom.

Senbonshakado (Temple)

2010-06-07T12:01:00.000+09:00

The main building of this temple has been built in 1227yr and now it is the oldest structure in Kyoto city.
The building is not a tile roof but it is hinoki skin roof.
There is a big drooping cherry tree in the temple yard, and it is well matching view to the building.
There are some stories about this temple building; Master builder made mistake to arrange pillar for building, he cut short one of pillar, and be in trouble. But it was treated well by his wife's idea and suggestion. Her name was "Okame", and she was worry for leak out to society about that, and thought it would be shamed her husband. Finally she killed herself. There is her grave in the temple yard.

Konkaikomyoji (Temple)

2010-06-01T21:23:00.000+09:00

There is magnificent temple gate which was re-built in 1860, and wide steps to temple yard.
Main temple was re-built in 1944 and located on the temple yard. There is also good shape pine tree beside of the temple, and named "Yoroikake no matsu" ( Armor hanging pine tree). One Samurai was hanging on his armor on the tree and become a buddhist monk at this temple.

Mifune matsuri(Festival) at Arashiyama

2010-05-27T15:15:00.000+09:00

In Heian period, "Tanka poetry", "Chinese poem" and "String music" etc have been competed their talent and performance among court noble riding on a boat.
Mifune matsuri is annual( on May) festival of Kurumazaki jinja(Shrine), and reproduced the above mentioned historical event on the river at Arashiyama area ( Hozugawa or Oigawa).

Ujikami-jinnja(Shrine)

2010-05-21T17:06:00.000+09:00

There are two World Cultural Heritage Site in Uji city, Kyoto.
One is Byodoin (temple) and another one is this Ujikami-jinja (shrine). There are 3 shrines in this Ujikami-jinja site and they are the oldest construction in Japan. You can see them through lattice in front of the cover structure. In 1994, this shrine has been resistered as World Cultural Heritage Site.

Koshoji(Temple) in Uji-city, kyoto

2010-05-17T16:26:00.000+09:00

This is Zen buddhism temple which was reconstructed in 1648yr.
The approach to temple is nice view especially in spring and autumn time. name of the approach is "Koto-zaka(saka)". Koto is japanese string instrument and Zaka(saka) means slope.

This approach(slope) seems to be Koto body and stream at both side of slope seems to be Koto string.

Cherry blossom along the railroad (Randen) in kyoto

2010-05-12T15:06:00.000+09:00

Randen is electric train , rather tram or streetcar in kyoto city.

In spring, the railroad will be between cherry blossom with 200m long.

Bamboo road in Muko-city near to Kyoto (5 Photos)

2010-05-11T11:29:00.000+09:00

Gion shirakawa

2010-05-07T15:01:00.000+09:00

This place is one of famous spot for Sakura season in Kyoto city.
Some photo society are visiting this place with Maiko for taking photograph.

Japanese Sake brewery & cellar in Fushimi, Kyoto (Outside view)

2010-04-18T14:55:00.001+09:00

Cherry blossom at Temple or Shrine in Kyoto (16 photos)

2010-04-11T15:51:00.000+09:00

Honenin(Temple)

2010-04-01T14:41:00.000+09:00

This temple yard is not so big, but it's very nice view.
First of all, there is temple gate with thatched roof, it's nice scene from outside and also inside of the yard.
Next, there are formative white sand platform on both sides after the gate.
The foreward garden ground is covered by beautiful moss.

Ninnaji(Temple)

2010-03-25T21:38:00.000+09:00

This temple was prospering as Imperial temple for long time.
After the temple gate, there is very wide approach to temple.
In this temple yard, there are many Sakura ( cherry blossom) trees, but they are all low height, it call "Omuro Sakura". Many visitors are taking photo the five story pagoda over these cherry blossom. It is standard photo form.

Genko-an(Temple)

2010-03-22T15:25:00.000+09:00

In this temple, there are two big features. One is windows and another one is ceiling of the temple house.

There are two different shaped windows, round and square one.
Round shape means enlightenment of Zen buddhism and express big space. Square shape means wavered heart and express suffering.

Look up, ceiling boards are stained by human blood, they are Fushimi castle boards. They are floor boards in the castle, and many lost Samurai did Harakiri ( suicide) there.
There are more two temples which are used these floor boards at the ceiling.

Shisendo(Temple)

2010-03-15T20:53:00.000+09:00

This was originally retirement house of Ishikawa Jozan who was poet ( Chinese poem) and inner circle of Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu. He was living at this place for 30 years until 90 years old. This house became temple in 1966.
There is his designed garden and " Shishi-odoshi" for surprising wild boar which is unique sound system used bamboo and water. Sound like "Kaaa---n" or " Kooo--n", any animal does not come up to this garden located in mountainside.

Adashino-nenbutsuji (Temple)

2010-03-11T17:04:00.000+09:00

In the far past, it was burial ground around here (Adashino). During 810 to 824 yr, Budhist monk " Kukai" opened temple to do memorial service for many foreign buried people around there.
There are over 8,000 stone image of Buddha which were unearthed and gathered by local residents in Meiji period. Summer time memorial service is big event in this temple.

Kyoto gyoen (Park)

2010-03-03T15:32:00.000+09:00

This is Kyoto Imperial Park ( but public park) with perimeter of 4km and area of 65 hectare, it was developed in 1880.
There are some Imperial houses in the park, but not used and no open to public. ( Only Gosho open twice ayear). Before becoming public park, the land was for court noble houses.

Two big festival ( Aoi matsuri and Jidai matsuri) parade start from this park.

Takaraga-ike park

2010-02-22T21:30:00.000+09:00

There is artificial lake " Takaraga-ike" which was made for irrigation in 18 century in this park.
There is also Kyoto international conference hall beside lake.

Jingoji (Temple)

2010-02-16T12:48:00.000+09:00

This temple locate at mountainside ("Takao") with very open sky. From base of the mountain, there is long stone steps to the temple gate. After gate you can see open temple yard.

This mountain and temple are in the northern part of Kyoto city, so it is early to change color of tree leaves in autumn time in Kyoto.

Kyoto Gosho(Imperial Palace)

2010-02-13T14:56:00.000+09:00

Before relocate the capital to Tokyo, Kyoto was the capital city in Japan and there was Imperial Palace, not used now.
They open to public only twice a year, in spring and autumn time.
Palace area is about 294m x 448m. Since Heian period, the Palace was burned and cite was moved offen.
Present Palace was almost arranged by re-building in 1856.

Sanjusangendo ( Temple )

2010-02-09T14:22:00.000+09:00

Tairano Kiyomori (General in late of Heian period) built this temple and gave to the retired emperor Goshirakawa in 1164. Formal name of this temple is " Renge-o-in", but well known by "Sanjusangendo".
This commonly used name came from 33 ("Sanjusan") intervals between pillars in the main temple building.
It's quite long building, 120m long and 17m wide. Inside of the building it's spectacular view, there are 1,001 wooden life-sized statues, "Senju kannon" which is Kannon with a thousand hands.
Middle of January, every year, there is Japanese archery competition event by new 20 years old people ( mostly women).They are competing to shoot an arrow at the target 60m away, 1m diameter.
In Edo period, samurai competed to shoot 120m away target in day and night.

Manpukuji ( Temple)

2010-02-07T14:09:00.000+09:00

There was Zen buddhist Chinese monk " Ingen " (1592- 1673) who was naturalized in Japan. he was given a land in Uji ( Kyoto pref) by fourth Tokugawa Shogun " Ietsuna " in 1660 then he built Ming of China order construction there as Obaku sect Zen temple in 1668.

In temple lake and yard , there are many lotus flowers in summer time.
There is Chinese style vegetarian food ( Fucha food) restaurants just outside of the temple. It is also available to have a that foods in the temple if you order it in advance. " Fucha ryori " in Japanese.

Nagaoka Tenmangu ( Shrine)

2010-02-01T21:26:00.000+09:00

There are many Tenmangu shrines in Japan which are enshrined Sugawarano Michizane who was excellent learned people.
Nagaoka Tenmangu locate in next city (Nagaoka kyo) to Kyoto city.
In front of the shrine, there is a lake which was made for irrigation, and there is traditional Japanese restaurant on the lakeside.

Most recommendable visit season is spring with azalea flowers. It seems to be wrapped with all red colored flowers.

Incline

2010-01-27T16:00:00.000+09:00

It is historic spot which was used for transportation of goods between different altitude rivers, lake Biwa (Shiga pref.) and Kyoto city. It is not used now, but became cherry blossom viewing spot.

Shinnyodo (Temple)

2010-01-24T21:08:00.000+09:00

Attractive steps to approach the temple, it's very wide and gradual slope. On the right hand side, there is three-story pagoda and seeing main temple house in front. There are many maple trees in the temple yard, so many visitors come here in autumn.

Jonangu (Shrine)

2010-01-22T15:11:00.000+09:00

This shrine god is for protection from bad luck and for road safty. In spring and autumn, event of this shrine " Kyokusui-no-en" is held at the garden. It is proceeding according to the ancient custom which was enjoyed with nobleman to write a tanka poem in Heian period. Poets are taking a seat beside of garden stream and they should compose a tanta poem before flowed small sake cup is coming to him or her from up-stream. After write a tanta poem, they have a cup of sake.

In this shrine garden there are many kinds of flowers, Japanese apricot (Ume) flower is very famous, it is drooping type of Ume.

Kitano tenmangu (Shrine)

2010-01-19T14:33:00.000+09:00

It enshrined Sugawarano Michizane (845-903) who was scholar and also stateman, he was shining in wisdum and literrature. In 899 he was succeeded and assigned as minister, and then he was slandered by another minister, then exiled to Kyushu and dead in 903.
There are many visitors with school student to this shrine to pray passing the school examination.

Sennyuji(Temple)

2010-01-16T14:10:00.003+09:00

All temple buildings at this Sennyuji were re-built between 1661 and 1673 yr. There is the imperial mausoleum in this temple yard.
From the temple gate, you look down at the temple houses. It's unusual way and view, the approach to temple houses from the gate is usually upward slope or flat, but here is down slope.

Mimurotoji(Temple)

2010-01-12T21:10:00.000+09:00

This temple is located in Uji city of kyoto pref. and well known as flower temple among Japanese. Through the year you can enjoy season flowers at this temple yard. Photo shows typical flowers, Azalea, Hydrangea and Lotus, from Sping through summer season.
Autumn is also recommendable season to visit and enjoy with colored leaves.

Tofukuji (Temple)

2010-01-06T15:56:00.000+09:00

Started 1235 yr and completed all temple buidings in 1255 yr. This is Zen buddhism temple and the gateway is the oldest buildings still existed now among Zen temples. All other buildings were re-built due to fire.

The temple gate (San mon) is two-story construction with 22m in height.

Most large temples have the same layout which is built on the straight, that is temple gate , small lake, main temple, and living building lined from south to north.

This temple is very famous in autumn and many visitors because there are a lot of maple trees in temple yard.
But photo shows views in spring time.

Fushimiinari taisha(Shrine)

2009-12-30T16:32:00.000+09:00

This is the head shrine of about 30,000 Inari shrines in Japan.There are many visitors all the year round. The most crowded period is in new year, especially 1st to 3rd Jan..Example, yr 2009 Jan. 1 to 3, there are about 2,770,000 visitors in total, I guess big amount money offered in this period.

Behind of shrine, there is small mountain hiking course for pray. There are more than 5,000 red colored Torii ( shrine gateway).
It is about 4km and takes about 2 hours by walk.
The mountain height is 233m, so it's not so tough, everyone can try to do.
From middle of mountain, you can see kyoto city.

Setsubun

2009-12-27T16:28:00.002+09:00

During Feb. 2 to 4th, these days before the beginning of spring (Setsubun), there are annual event in many shrines and temples. One of the events is "Mamemaki" which is scattering of parched beans, and this is done not only at shrines or temples but also in the house. This Mamemaki means to leave out bad luck and get good luck.
At Yasaka jinja (shrine), some Maiko and geisha are invited to dedicate Japanese dance and to scatte beans. Many visitor try to catch the beans with good luck.

Daitokuji(temple)

2009-11-02T13:41:00.004+09:00

Hideyoshi Toyotomi shogun performed funeral of Nobunaga Oda at this temple. After then many related temples were built in this Daitokuji temple yard. There are about 20 related temples now, and almost of all temples have tea ceremony room.
Sen-no-Rikyu who is master for Japanese tea ceremony was devotee to this temple, and he was instructor for Hideyoshi Toyotomi. The main temple gate was re-made by Sen-no-Rikyu, and he placed his own wooden statue at the second story of the gate. This statue, however, had no formal footwear but it made by bamboo skin. Hideyosi or other upper people go through this gate to visit the temple.
Hideyoshi ordered Rikyu to kill oneself (Seppuku) due to Rikyu's insolence.

Kodaiji(temple) and Yasaka pagoda

2009-10-31T13:16:00.003+09:00

To pray for the repose of te dead of Hideyoshi Toyotomi, his wife "Nene" built this temple under supporting by Iemitsu Tokugawa in 1606.
After wife dead, she was also enshrined in this temple.
At the begining, the temple yard was very large, it's now 1/6 area. There are many important cultural properties in this temple including three tea-ceremony room house.
From the parking area, we can see Yasaka pagoda (5-story), and it's nice view for photographer.

Daikakuji(temple)

2009-10-26T21:06:00.008+09:00

This temple was originally another palace for Emperor Saga in Heian period. That's why the structures does not seem to the temple. There are famous paintings on the wall or sliding doors in rooms.
Hand-copying of a sutra for prayer is also famous in this temple. You try to do it.
There are some unique view of breezeway, its call "shower hallway"(pillars as rain) or "thunder lightning hallway"(bend hallway).
On mid-autumn, full moon festival is holding at pond located in east side of temple.
"Saga chrysanthemum" is also famous flower and there is exhibition on Nov.

Toji(temple)

2009-10-24T14:59:00.007+09:00

At the begining of Heian period, two major temples were built as protection against disaster in the capital city(Heian-kyo). They were Toji(East temple) and Saiji(West temple), but Saiji has been burned down in the middle of Heian period, and no reconstructed. Toji was given to Priest Kukai by the emperor in 823. March 21st is anniversary of his death, so every month 21st is flea market day in the temple yard. Especially Jan. and Dec. 21st are most crowded days.
There is heighest 5-story Pagoda here, the total height is 55m, and this is 5th construction(burned 4 times in past).
Every trees in the temple yard are controled the height by cut back because of Pagoda view.

Nanzennji(temple)

2009-10-17T19:29:00.007+09:00

Nanzennji is one of famous Zen temple in kyoto. On the way to this temple, there are some Tofu restaurant(boild bean curd). It's nice view at second floor of the temple gate.
Arched type water-way is located in the temple yard, it is one of branch water-way from lake Biwa to kyoto city. This arched construction strangely matches well with the temple yard.
Near to this temple, there is Tetsugaku-no-michi (philosophic road) is extended to northern direction to Ginkakuji (temple), and this road runs along the river.
it's nice view on cherry blossom season as well as Nanzenji.

Kiyomizudera(temple) and around there

2009-10-16T16:19:00.006+09:00

This is one of most popular tourist site in kyoto. There are many sightseeing spots in the base of Higasiyama mountain. On the way to Kiyomizudera, there are some slopes, and many souvenir shops on both sides of the lopes.
Be careful if you take some slope like Ninen-zaka(Two years slope) or Sannen-zaka(Three years slope), it say that people will die within 2 or 3 years if they fall down on these slopes.
Big view point at kiyomizudera is temple balcony which is 13m height and made by woods, no nail used. Many years ago, there were some people suicide by fall down from this balcony into the ground, so temple put stake fence around the balcony at that time. There are no fence now.
Near to Kiyomizudera, anothere famous temple is there, it call Kodaiji, which was built by wife of Hideyoshi Toyotomi to pray for the souls of his death.
Recommendable visit season around there is Spring or Fall.

Kamigamojinja/Shimogamojinja(shrine) and Aoi matsuri(festival)

2009-10-14T20:00:00.008+09:00

kamigamo/Shimogamo jinja are called Kamo sha which were guardian shrines for Heian kyo. Ieyasu Tokugawa also believed in this shrine due to his house symbol was originated from Kamo sha symbol ( Futaba aoi).
One of big festival in kyoto is Aoi matsuri of Kamo sha. It's held on May and traditional parade are from Imperial Palace to Shimogamo jinja and then to Kamigamo jinja. All people in parade put on Futaba Aoi plant leaves, totally 500 people and 1Km length. This festival origin was to pray of rich cereal.

Nijojo (Castle)

2009-10-12T20:02:00.002+09:00

It was built by Ieyasu Tokugawa shogun on 1603 for protection of the Imperial Palace and also for accommodation of Shogun come to Kyoto.There was 5-story castle tower, but it was burned by thunderbolt, so no existed now.
This castle was mainly used for ceremony of Shogunate, and the restoration of Imperial Rule by Tokugawa last shogun Yoshinobu.
Recently the castle allowed to hold a wedding ceremony. Some couple are dressing with formal wear in Heian period in the ceremony. It's very unique wedding.
There are many visitors not only Japanese but also foreigner to this big castle, the total area is 275K square meter, and there are many seeing points like tatami and other rooms, gardens, pictures on sliding doors or walls.

Chionin(Temple)

2009-10-10T13:10:00.005+09:00

The largest temple gate and big bell are in Chionin. Two-story temple gate was built in 1619 with24m height and 50m width. It is still well condition due to good timbering.
After passing through the gate, there is steep steps so call "Otokozaka"(male slope).
people who has no confident in foot go up another slope which located right hand side which is more gentle slope so call "Onnazaka"(Female slope).
The main temple building is on the hill, and big belfry is in the back side. The bell size is 3.3m height, 2.8m diameter and 68tons weight, it's one of big three bells in Japan. The others are Hokoji and Todaiji temple bell. The wooden hammer has been renewed on 2006 and it's made by Taiwanese wood.
It is episode that Dr.Einstein came to Japan on 1922 and visit Chionin belfry. He moved to just under the bell and let monk toll, then no bell sound at his standing position, you believe or not.
In front of temple gate, go to south, then there is Maruyama park which is very crowded with many people seeing cherry blossom in the night. (Rather eating and drinking). There are also some performer in this park.

Yasaka jinja(shrine) and Gion matsuri(festival)

2009-10-09T13:11:00.007+09:00

Gion matsuri has two festivals, one is carrying three portable shrines (Mikoshi) of Yasaka jinja and another one is well-known as Gion matsuri that is parade of 32 floats on city road. Yasaka jinja festival started Heian period (8th c.) and that is for noble people in Imperial Court etc. And after 14th c., town people started another Gion matsuri to parade with floats. Both festival intended and pray to escape from bad sickness during raining season. Every floats are decorating beautifully with high valued ornament, this is due to call and collect evry bad sickness around town. All sickness will be disappeared by rapid brake up of the floats after parade. It's not used any nail but only lope. Float parade on July 17th, but other various event will be held as Gion matsuri during July 1st untill 31st, one month.

Heian jingu(shrine) and Jidai matsuri(festival)

2009-10-08T15:12:00.011+09:00

Heian jingu(shrine) was built in 1895(Meiji period) which was 1100 years after from relocation of the capital to Kyoto (Heiankyo). Two emperors are enshrined, one is Kanmu who is the first emperor and another one is Komei who is the last emperor in Heiankyo. After heiankyo the capital relocated to Tokyo in 1869.Main festival of Heian jingu is "Jidai matsuri" which is costume parade. People act famous historical person and put on high valued costume of each period. About 2000 people with 70 beast participate in this 2km long parade. You see yearly costume in parade from Meiji and back. It's held on Oct.22nd every year and parade start from old Imperial Palace (Kyoto gosho)then proceed to Heian jingu.In front of red torii (Gateway to shrine), there is artificial river and it's very beautiful view in cherry blossom season as well as shrine garden's one.

Kuramadera(Temple)

2009-10-07T15:43:00.000+09:00

At Kurama terminal of private railroad,you see big red face mask (Tengu). Tengu is one of mountain god and also one of ghost, rather goblin(?).After Tengu you see big temple gate,then climb mountain abot 20Min. you reach to Kuramadera.The famous event is "Takekirieshiki" which is to compete cutting time of bamboo by two groups (See picture).This bamboo means big snake and be exterminated by cutting 5 parts.
Many many years ago, there were evil male snake came out around here and was exterminated by god. After then female snake come but she was doing well so enshrined as water god. Cutting bamboo is male snake and not female.

Byoudouin(Temple)

2009-10-06T20:13:00.000+09:00

Byoudouin is in the southern nearest Uji city to kyoto. This temple is well known by Japanese coin. You can see it on the coin.

Almost all temples face to south or east directions. This byoudouin looks to east and there is small window just in front of Buddha's face. In the morning the sun light up Buddha face through the windou and it is very heavenly time.

It is also nice view that temple reflected in the pond.

On April or May, you will see very nice flower, it is Fuji(wisteria) and colored light purple.

Please do not forget to bring your camera.

Matsuo taisha (shrine)

2009-10-06T16:48:00.000+09:00

Matsuo taisha is located in the end of (west side) 4th street of kyoto city. East side end is "Yasaka jinja"(shrine). Japanese sake is enshrined to a god , picture shows 100 sake wood offered. Good season to visit this shrine is April and many golden colored flower "Yamabuki"(Japanese rose) welcome you.

If you like Japanese sake, please visit this shrine.

Daigoji (Temple)

2009-10-06T13:55:00.000+09:00

Daigoji is located in south of Kyoto city. Five-story pagoda (shown in picture) was built in 951 yr and and it is the oldest construction in kyoto pref. Total height is 38m and pole (sorin) over th top roof shared 30% (13m).
Daigoji has two locations, one is in the top of mountain (450m height) and another is in under the mountain. Usually we see temples in under the mountain. The famous events in this temple are "Godairiki ..." on Feb. and "Houtaikou hanami gyouretsu" on Apr. The first event is to compete how long time can be hold up and keep two big heavy rice cakes. 150kg for man and 80kg for woman. There are some entries who can not move the cakes at all. Another event is a parade with peoples act as Hideyosi Toyotomi and others in cherry blossom season.
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