This is a modern shrine completed in 1895 and is certainly brash. One approaches through the giant torii, seen here on the left spanning the main road and looking stunning against a blue winter sky. The shrine has a Chinese Tang dynasty feel and contains a great hidden garden with a host of pleasures including a stepping-stone pond and picturesque bridge. The spacious courtyard accessed through a lively mon (gate) is photogenic and inspiring. Take a look at the photos below...
Set in the hills on the North-east side of the city, GInkaku-ji or
Jisho-ji comprises a simple wooden pavilion set in a garden of great
beauty. The hillside location affords some great views and is
deservedly popular. It can get very crowded so take your time looking
around and don't be disappointed that the building is not actually
silver! It should have been, but the shogun ran out of money after
waging a particularly expensive war. Although never completed, the
mountain retreat of shogun Yoshimasa became renowned as the place where
the tea ceremony, ink painting, ikebana
or flower
arrangement, and Noh theatre were developed to grand extremes. It is
therefore of supreme cultural significance. I enjoyed it very much but
many are left slightly underwhelmed. What do you think?
In contrast to the Silver Pavilion, this one is actually gold-coloured!
Constructed on the opposite side of town by a shogun-turned-priest as a
swanky retirement home, and a place to further his religious duties, it
only became a temple on his death. What you see is actually a modern
replica after the original was destroyed by an arsonist in 1950. This
fact does not detract from the beauty of the building, which is first
viewed reflected in the still waters of a small lake. The position
ensures uninterrupted views despite its popularity. All who visit Kyoto
make their way here and can't fail to be impressed and moved by the
exquisite proportions of the pavilion. The stroll garden in which
Kinkaku-ji is located is of interest in its own right, with the central
pond and garden being
set against a backdrop of Mount Kinugasa.
The thousand-year old temple of Kiyomizu (Pure water) is set on a hillside overlooking Kyoto and is reached by a climb up steep streets. Pilgrims and tourists will find a main building elevated on heavy wooden stilts with panoramic balcony views. In spring and autumn the temple is a riot of colour and attracts thousands of camera-toting sightseers. The main hall is spectacular, but also of interest are the sacred spring from which one can drink after waiting in line, and a wonderful Shinto shrine for lovers. Make sure you explore well because the view changes as you walk around and there are many surprises. After a visit to Kyomizu, many will descend the paved streets into Gion to continue a thoroughly rewarding stroll and pick up some souvenirs.
Toji temple is not so glamorous as some of its fellow temples and shrines, but it is of great historical importance and is very old, being founded in 796. There is a 55m tall pagoda which is the tallest in the country, and many ancient carved wooden statues of important enlightened beings such as the the cosmic Buddha and the healing Buddha. It's a charming place with its own atmosphere and of interest to those who want more than a simple photo opportunity.
.
.
Daitoku-ji is a place of peace and contemplation. There are many sub-temples which appear to be worlds of their own and were important in the development of the tea ceremony and also centres of Zen Buddhist practices. Each sub-temple offers a different perspective but the most famous and popular is Daisen-in. Here is a wonderful rock and gravel garden surrounding the abbot's quarters. The garden is perfect in its design and execution and represents man's connection and place in the universe. It is a kind of three-dimensional combination of art and Buddhist beliefs in which we can discern real features such as the great ocean and inland sea, and also mythological features such as Mount Horat. Certain rocks represent earth, heaven, a treasure ship and a turtle. It is truly a masterpiece.
Located down the hill from The Golden Pavilion and founded in 1450, Ryoan-ji is famous for its large dry rock garden. The garden is sheltered by a wall which is a marvel itself, its weathered and rustic appearance perfectly complimenting the timeless simplicity of the rock arrangement. There is an old myth that one cannot see all fifteen rocks at the same time but I suggest you try for yourself. As a Zen garden, a visitor should spend quiet moments meditating while admiring the masterly arrangement of stones. I found this place to be very powerful despite the number of tourists, and I left feeling a real connection with the past. It's impossible to forget this garden, it lives inside you.
Gion is Kyoto's most famous old entertainment district and still
retains some of its previous charm. Unfortunately for foreign visitors
and most Japanese, the real pleasures of Gion's teahouses and Geisha
are off-limits. Most of us can simply try to get glimpses of those
secret worlds. Even so, Gion is a delightful area to stroll and soak up
the atmosphere. There are some incredibly photogenic buildings and you
may even see a working geiko or maiko going to an engagement. However,
be careful as you may have spotted a tourist dressed up as geisha for
the purpose of taking souvenir photos! Come both during the day and
after dark to appreciate the change in mood. The development of the
area was gradual over a long period, with stalls turning into
teahouses, then kabuki theatre moving in, along with other
establishments offering a wide range of pleasures. The result was a
paradise for men that lasted for centuries but is now sadly in decline.
Wander and enjoy!
