Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine and Senbon Torii (31 Aug 2017)

This is the Head Shrine of the approximately 30,000 Inari Shrines throughout Japan. The Senbon Torii line the path to give it a tunnel-like approach. Since the Edo period, it has been a custom at this shrine to make Torii offerings as expressions of thankfulness and prayer.  They are coloured vermillion as this colour is believed to ward off evil and disaster.  The Torii typically last 20 years and need to be constantly replaced and reinforced.  On average, around 3 torii are said to be replaced every day.

How to go from Kyoto Station:
Take JR Nara Line to Inari Station
or
Take Keihan Line to Fushimi Inari Station

Admission: Free

Kyoto Temples: Kyomizu-Dera Temple, Kinkaku-Ji Temple

Kyomizu-Dera Temple 31 Aug 2017

How to get to Kyomizu-dera from Kyoto station:

Take bus number 100, 110 or 206 from D1 or D2 bay of the Kyoto Bus Terminal.  Inner-city bus fare is fixed at 230 yen per trip.

Alight at Kiyomizu-michi or Gojo-zaka and you'll see the temple after a 5-min walk. You'll pass the Sannei-zaka (Sannen-zaka), the stone-paved slope lined with shops and cafes.  Kyomizu-zaka, the slope leading to the temple, is also lined with cafes offering traditional snacks and shops selling souvenirs.

No entrance fees to visit the grounds of Kyomizu-dera, but entrance charges may apply for entry into specific Halls.


Niomon Gate
 also called 'Akamon' (Red Gate) is the main gate to Kyomizu-Dera

Looking down from where we walked up...

3-Storey Pagoda

A wishing site for easy childbirth

As the southeasterly direction is said to be prone to fire, a tile in the form of a dragon,

which is believed to be the god of water, is placed at the southeast corner of the roof as protection.

 

    Zuigudo Hall (Jishin-In)

OTOWA Cafe - One of the many cafes lining the approach to Kyomizu-dera

Sannei-zaka

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Kinkaku-Ji (Temple of the Golden Pavilion) 1 Sep 2017

This Kinkaku-Ji visit was made on our trip back from Arashiyama.  As it was still early (around 3pm) when we reached Umahori station, we decided to take the JR train to En-machi station and hopped onto a taxi to Kinkaku-Ji. Taxi fare was 1,100 yen, worth it for 4 of us.

Access from Kyoto station via the city buses (101 or 205) will take about 40 min. Fare is 230 yen per person.

Admission Fee to Kinkaku-Ji : 400 yen (9am to 5pm)
Length of Visit : 1 hour

Once you enter the temple compound, you'll see the iconic Shari-den (Kinkaku) which comprise 3 storeys, the 2nd & 3rd levels which are covered in gold leaf - 200,000 pieces - and which was last replaced in 1987.

A close-up view of the beautiful Shari-den as you walk further from the entrance.  Follow the pathway to see the Kinkaku from various angles.

View of the Golden Pavilion from the top of a hill

Rikushu-no-Matsu : this 600-year old pine tree is said to be one of Kyoto's three greatest pines. The name literally means 'Sailboat Pine' because of its expanding branches which resemble the shape of a sailboat.  The branches have been trimmed to face west, signifying the sailing towards west to the lands of Buddha.