Since I’ve been in Japan for almost 6 months, I have a handful of adventures and sight seeing done in that country. Now, I share to you my adventure in Kyoto, Japan.
Kyoto is the storehouse of Japan’s traditional culture and the stage on which much of Japanese history was played out. With 17 Unesco World Heritage sites, more than 1600 Buddhist temples and over 400 Shintō shrines, Kyoto is also one of the world’s most culturally rich cities. Indeed, it is fair to say that Kyoto ranks with Paris, London and Rome as one of those cities that everyone should see at least once in their lives. And, needless to say, it should rank near the top of any Japan itinerary. — by The Lonely Planet
I went to Kyoto twice, the same time I went to visit the country. The first visit was almost Summer and the second one was in Spring. I must say, Spring season is the best time to visit Kyoto better yet Sakura Season or Cherry Blossoms Season. You would appreciate the beauty of the place plus the charm of the sakura flowers.
I’ve always dream to see Cherry Blossoms since “Sailor Moon” days. Hahaha! These flowers differ from one place to another. I thought that they all look the same but if you closely check the petals you’ll be able to see the difference. Also, I learned that there are different colors of sakura, not just pink. Here are two of my favorite sakura flowers I saw in Japan. I even made an article in my previous employer’s newsletter. You can check it here: TINIG entry for the month of April.
You’ll see a lot of temples in Kyoto! You won’t be able to visit everything in one day. Thus, you have to select which temples you want to see. The following are the temples I was able to check out:
Byodoin Temple
The Byodoin Temple is a Buddhist temple in the city of Uji in Kyoto Prefecture, Japan. It is jointly a temple of the Jodo Shu (Pure Land) and Tendai sects. — by Wikipedia
Daigoji Temple
The Daigoji Temple is a Shingon Buddhist temple in Fushimi-ku, Kyoto, Japan. Its main devotion (honzon) is Yakushi. Daigo, literally “ghee,” is used figuratively to mean “crème de la crème” and is a metaphor of the most profound part of Buddhist thoughts. — by Wikipedia
This is one of the best temples I’ve seen during the Spring season. If you notice, even the locals are there to visit the place because of the wonderful view and display of the sakura trees. I had a lot of pictures taken from that temple since it was huge and it requires a long walk to see the whole area.
This five story pagoda is said to be one of Japan’s National Treasure.
As mentioned, a number of different sakura trees are found inside the temple vicinity.
Nijo Castle
The Nijo Castle is a flatland castle located in Kyoto, Japan. The castle consists of two concentric rings of fortifications, the Ninomaru Palace, the ruins of the Honmaru Palace, various support buildings and several gardens. — by Wikipedia
The Nijo Castle lights up at night and has a spectacular view of a wide range of Sakura trees. A lot of people, locals and tourists go to this place since it displays a dramatic view of the trees because of the spotlights.
They also displayed a number of “Teru Teru Bozu” as you go inside the temple. This doll is supposed to bring good weather and prevents rainy days. If Filipinos have the “Sun Dance“, the Japanese have these dolls for stopping the rainfall.
There are other sightings of Sakura trees while exploring Kyoto in Spring:
I forgot what temple we went to where we saw these Maiko-san! I’m not sure if they are authentic Maikos since it is also popular in Japan that women dress as Geishas and have a photo shoot afterwards. I believe that this kind of package is quite pricey, around 30,000 Yen so it’s equivalent to Php 15,000! Woah!
The next temples were visited during the Summer season so you won’t be able to see Cherry Blossoms in the pictures.
Ryoanji Temple
The Ryoanji Temple is a Zen temple located in northwest Kyoto, Japan. Belonging to the Myoshin-ji school of the Rinzai branch of Zen Buddhism, the temple and karesansui garden is one of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. — by Wikipedia
Ginkakuji Temple
The Ginkakuji Temple is the “Temple of the Silver Pavilion,” is a Zen temple in the Sakyo ward of Kyoto, Japan. It is one of the construction that represents the Higashiyama Culture of Muromachi period. — by Wikipedia
Kinkakuji Temple
The Kinkakuji Temple, also known as Rokuon-ji, is a Zen Buddhist temple in Kyoto, Japan. The garden complex is an excellent example of Muromachi period garden design. — by Wikipedia
This is commonly known as The Golden Pavilion. If you see posters of Travel Agencies encouraging tourists to visit Japan, most often than not, this picture is always displayed on their posters or brochures. True enough, it really looks exactly how you see it in pictures! However, you can’t go inside the temple. Maybe to preserve its beauty, they don’t allow tourists to go inside the temple.
So there! Want to go visit Japan now?! Hahaha! I recommend that you really put Kyoto in your IT list if you plan to go to Japan! I assure you, it’s worth it. ^_^
Dozo Yoroshiku Onegaishimasu!
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