Home again--with presents!

Munch a bunch...

Still More Temples, Each a Unique Marvel

Our time in Kyoto--indeed our time in Japan--is nearing an end, but we'll pack it as full as we can! There is SO much to see!

Today we walk the Philospher's Path, a haven of calm within the city. Quiet residential areas, occasional shops, and temples line the route, which is pretty much level or gently downhill. 

The Path begins as Ginkakuji, the mate of Kinkakuji, the Golden Temple from a few days ago. Interestingly, this temple is a Japanese favorite, while the Golden Temple is the favorite of Westerners.  The Golden Temple is, to my opinion, more photogenic, while the grounds of Ginkakuji are the main attraction.

The gravel here is more than raked, it is shaped into rows and furrows as well, not to mention a depiction of Mount Fuji!

But the grounds are not a desert, there is water as well--

 

A group of school girls were enjoying their time--

This gardener was sweeping stray leaves and twigs from the moss with a twig broom--

We came across this little shrine along the way__

The rope rings a gong/bell, and the upper box receives offerings.

It's a pretty great place, Ginkakuji!

Then back to the Philosopher's Path

There are some shops along the way, small and unique. This man paints jeans, among other crafts he sells. There is a pair hanging behind him as well as the pair he's wearing--

Pretty amazing!

Another small shrine is up in the trees dedicated to the sign of the Asian 'zodiac' represented by the Rat. It was charming, unfortunately it didn't photograph well.

Next up: Eikando Temple

Where is housed a Buddha looking back urging his follower Eikan to follow him. No photos were allowed of the statue, but this is the elaborate building housing it:

Nanzenji is the terminus of the Walk, and what a marvel it is! There are many screens and painted walls within the several buildings; naturally photographs are not permitted inside, but the grounds are exquisite, with large and small gardens around every corner--

Notice the elaborately raked gravel.

These fellows, which I think are probably end caps of a roof, were lying on the ground awaiting something--

Our final shrine was Heian Jingu. Brilliantly-colored buildings and an amazing garden are its treasures! So many of these temples are favorites, all for different reasons.

Sam was feeding the carp.

Our final temple view--

Thank you for joining me on this trip; it has been a marvel!

Himeji Castle in a Downpour

Sunshine in Kyoto, BUT we went to Himeji to see the most magnificent castle in all of Japan! Even the pounding rain didn't diminish the awesome sight!

Mostly the rain was LOUD, as it pounded on our umbrellas. Plus we had only two when we arrived at Himeji, so we bought one more--no sharing in THIS! Then we replaced the other two!!

This is near the station as people listened to a speaker, probably someone running for office. We saw the same scene without the umbrellas in Nara.

We climbed staircases almost as steep as ladders all the way to the top, where there was a shrine--

I took pictures through the narrow windows on the way up--

Yes, that's a fish, for protection against fire--because a fish lives in water, right?

More from outside when the rain stopped for a while--

Part of the castle is undergoing restoration, including this fish, which seemed to be almost as tall as I!

Looking back after walking down the long hill--

Wandering back to the station, we saw this store window display for the perfect wedding, with both kimono and Western dress--

Finally from the station, the view we thought we'd have when we arrived--

Oops! Here's our train-- a Shinkansen, or bullet train--

En route to Kyoto, this very common sight, rice growing wherever space can be found.