Japan, Day 4: Kyoto

On our fourth day in Japan, we headed from our home base of Osaka to Kyoto.  With all there is to see in Kyoto (there are 17 World Heritage Sites in Kyoto, and many many more non-World Heritage Sites), we planned to spend two days in the city (still not nearly enough time).  We didn't see a whole lot, but this is what we saw:  First, we went to Ginkaku-ji, aka the temple of the silver pavilion.  While it's not actually silver, it is (according to my mom) the most popular with Japanese people, as it is in a more traditional Japanese style compared with Kinkaku-ji.  Kinkaku-ji, aka the temple of the golden pavilion, is actually golden.  This, as you may imagine, is quite a sight, and very popular among international travelers.  I believe I saw this temple about 16 years ago while on a trip with my parents and sister, but we just didn't have the time to see it on this trip.  Another site to put on our list for our next trip!

Ginkaku-ji was beautiful. The gardens were lush and mossy, and incorporated some impressive sand garden.  How does the sand hold its form?  I'm going to guess hairspray (I think I've heard that they use that in sandcastle-building contests, but I could be making that up).

Sand garden

This is supposed to represent Mt. Fuji...I'm not completely convinced, but it's still pretty neat.

Craig in front of the main pavilion

After our walk down the hill from Ginkaku-ji, we stopped at a little stand to get some green tea flavored treats!  No, the cold won't stop us from having a little ice cream while on our vacation!

Green tea ice cream puff

Green tea cream puff...a little less cold than the ice cream!

Our walk south down the Philosopher's Path led us to several temples and shrines.  Honen-in temple was the biggest one we encountered.  It was beautiful with the fall colors in the trees (in December!), and very serene.

Honen-in temple

Honen-in temple

Honen-in temple

There were also smaller shrines like this...This one seemed to be dedicated to mice and dogs...
whatever the meaning, I'm not completely sure at this point, but it was pretty neat.

Finally, the last stop of the day was Kiyomizu-dera temple.  This place has a great view of the city, and fortunately, we got there just before sunset with some pretty dramatic clouds hanging around.

Kiyomizu-dera temple entrance

Kiyomizu-dera temple entrance

Pagoda at Kiyomizu-dera temple

The back deck of Kiyomizu-dera temple

Japan, Day 3: Nara *part 2*

Also seen in Nara: 

5-Story Pagoda

Prayers

Lots of ginko leaves!

We got hungry with all of the walking around and had some yakisoba

...and okonomiyaki;)

Japan, Day 3: Nara *part 1*

After another night in Osaka (after our day trip to Koyasan), we headed to Nara, most famous for Todaiji Temple, which is (smaller than the original) the world's largest wooden building and also houses Japan's largest Buddha.  I really didn't expect to be as awestruck with the Buddha as I was.  Looking at the pictures, it's impossible to grasp just how big the statue is.  Not only is it big, but it's pretty ornate.  The other thing Nara is well known for is the abundance of deer.  These deer roam the surrounding park area looking for unsuspecting tourists and visitors with extra food.  The selling of "deer biscuits" along the walking paths only encourage these animals, but as they're considered "messengers of the Gods", I think most people look past this.  I was not completely excited to have a bite taken out of my map and having a slobbery nibble of my jacket, but it was a great opportunity to get pictures of the deer:)

Fair warning

Making friends with the messengers:)

Outside the gate to Todaiji Temple

 

 

Todaiji Temple

The immense Buddha.  SO big!!

Side view of the Buddha--see the petals surrounding the statue?  See the pictures below for scaling!

The hubs taking pictures of the ornate etchings on the petals that surround the large Buddha statue. 

The etchings on these lotus petals are identical to those on the pedestal of the Great Buddha, and were originally carved in the 8th century.

Other statues within the Temple...

Sorry for the blurry picture--this is a popular attraction (especially those who are more petite).  The hole at the base of this pillar within the temple is the same size as the Great Buddha's nostril.  It is said that if one can squeeze through the hole, they will be granted enlightenment in their next life.

Hubs getting his fortune from the monks.

It's good!

This is the statue of Pindohla, one of Buddha's disciples.  It is said that if you touch him and then a part on your body that ails you, your ailments will be cured!

Because this post is so picture heavy, I will be posting the rest from this day in a different post. As always, please see my husband's pictures HERE.