Gion Kyoto

One thing I really wanted to do was walk around Gion, which is the famous geisha district. Our taxi driver told us to arrive between 5:30pm and 6:30pm to catch a glimpse of a geiko (geisha) or a maiko (geiko apprentice). We strolled along the narrow streets lined with restaurants, shops, and ochaya (teahouse). We were alone down an alley when Yasu spotted one! I felt like we spotted a celebrity. He was able to take a few photos but unfortunately not of her face. It was still exhilarating. 

Kyoto Love part 2

The Bamboo Forest in Kyoto

 

Rub this stone and make a wish. It will come true within a year.

 

 Arashiyama is a district located just outside of Kyoto. This area is more rural and less touristy. This great rickshaw driver gave us a ride around. He plays American style football so this is part of his training. In the immense heat he never tired. When I asked what he ate to keep up with this rigorous job he replied "not much". He was so polite, funny, and happy! 

 Kinkaku-ji is a Japanese Zen Buddhist Temple that dates back to 1397. In 1950 the villa was burned down by a 22 year old monk who attempted suicide behind the building. When this was rebuilt, gold was used to purify any negative thoughts and feelings towards death.

I Love Kyoto Part 1

Kyoto is everything you would imagine old Japan to be like. It was truly beautiful and magical. This was the only major city that was spared from the bombs of World War II. 

We took the Shinkansen bullet train, which took about 2.5 hours. This train travels around 198 miles per hour. I really couldn't tell because it was such a smooth and quiet ride.

Sanjusangendo Hall

by Zdzichooo 

Sanjusangendo is one of the most amazing temple's I've ever seen. The photos do not do it justice. As we entered the 120 meter long hall, 1,001 wooden statues stand the entire length. In front of these statues are 28 guardian deities, which are National Treasures. You will be in complete awe of this sight.

Resting from the heat

Kiyomizu Temple

Founded in 798, this temple's main hall was constructed over a cliff. Walking up the narrow road you will notice many little shops and food stores. The view from the hall is breathtaking.  There was a time during the Edo period that if you jumped off the the stage and survived the 13m jump, your wish would be granted. This is now unfortunately prohibited.

 

 

You could say it was a little warm hence the sweat rolling down.

Tokyo Day 2

Tokyo Day 2

Today Yasu spent the day with his grandparents so his mother and other grandmother gave me a tour of the city. They rented a tour taxi with an english speaking driver. The driver use to be a journalist for sports and politics who has traveled around the world. I asked which country was his favorite and he said Afghanistan before the war because of its beauty. His photographer and him were arrested there because they took some photographs they weren't suppose to. His knowledge of Japanese history helped me understand and appreciate so much of what I was seeing.

 Meiji Jungu Shrine

This Shinto shrine opened in 1920. On New Year's Eve more than 2 million people come here to usher in the new year.  The entry gate of the shrine is built of cypress more than 1,700 years old. 

We were able to witness a wedding ceremony taking place here. Mind you the weather was unbearably hot and humid. 

 

Sky Tree

The Sky Tree is a broadcasting and observation tower that is earthquake resistant. In 2010 it became the 2nd tallest structure in the world. If you wondering about that gold blob, that is the Asahi Beer Hall. The locals call it the golden turd when it's actually suppose to represent the burning heart of Asahi Beer.

Photo shoot

It is tradition for a couple getting married to have professional photos taken prior to the wedding. Since we got married last February, my husband's mother and grandmother wanted us to have these photos taken. When I arrived I chose 2 kimonos and 1 western style wedding dress to wear. My hair and makeup was done for me also. The makeup was so thick and heavy I almost didn't recognize myself. Being a little shy this process was uncomfortable for me but I had to set all those feelings aside. This was a big deal for them as we were the first to be married in the family.

The ladies thought I looked like Ariel from The Little Mermaid because of my red hair.

I believe I was wearing almost 10 layers to look "fat". I never imagined I would ever wear such a beautiful kimono. My waist was cinched so tight I could barely breath and felt a little lightheaded. I was imagining women wearing this everyday and how difficult it must have been. This kimono was so elegant and so much fun to wear.

More photos from our photo shoot will be posted as soon as we get the prints.

My Japanese family

Traveling with my husband who is from Japan has made this trip so much more easier. Not being able to speak much Japanese has been challenging for me. I wish I would have studied harder prior to this trip. I highly recommend learning conversational Japanese before traveling to this country because not many people speak English.

While in Tokyo we are staying with my mother in law and grandmother. They live in Nakano which is a district of Tokyo. They have been so unbelievably generous and kind to me.

Hello from Japan!

Unfortunately there is no WiFi in Tokyo where we are staying so I'll be posting all the photos and stories soon. Stories such as being dressed up in a Kimono and ladies saying I look like Ariel from the movie The Little Mermaid.

We arrived in Kyoto today and our hotel thankfully has internet. It's so beautiful here and extremely hot! Tomorrow we will be on a bus tour going around Kyoto.

Japan is so wonderful in so many ways. The people are so polite and friendly. I love attempting to speak Japanese and probably embarrassing myself.

More to come!

Packing Skills

Leaving for 10 days to Japan. All packed and ready!