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.

This morning I'm dreaming of Japan

Okunoin Cemetary Japan

Okunoin is the site of the mausoleum of Kobo Daishi (also known as Kukai), the founder of Shingon Buddhism and one of the most revered persons in the religious history of Japan. Not sure if I can make it here in August but for sure next time. Very eery to say the least.



http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4901.html