Finally, the rain over Tokyo stopped and the forecast for the next day was blue sky and clear view. We decided to take a JR train from Shinjuku on the Shonan Shinjuku Line to Kamakura, which is about 50 kilometres south-west of Tokyo (the train takes about 50 minutes). Kamakura is a small city but… Continue reading Kamakura: Engakuji Temple
Tag: Temple
Takayama: Ryokan and Temple
We stayed two nights in Takayama, as we had plans to explore the town and its surrounding area. So we stayed in a Ryokan, which is called Koto No Yume. It is not a traditional one, as it has about 18 rooms and is aimed at Western tourists - it provided the right mix of… Continue reading Takayama: Ryokan and Temple
Kyoto: Nishi Honganji Temple
After our amazing visit to the Fushimi Inari Shrine we went back to the area surrounding Kyoto Station to visit Nishi Honganji (sometimes written as Hongwanji too). It's next to Higashi Honganji, but as there are still renovation works going on, we decided to visit only Nishi Honganji, which is the temple to the West.… Continue reading Kyoto: Nishi Honganji Temple
Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Shrine
This is the most amazing shrine I've visited in Japan so far, it is very beautiful with fox statues and thousands of red torii gates lining the hills. It is one of the oldest (founded in 711 AD) and most revered Shinto shrines, and dedicated to Inari, the god of rice, sake, and prosperity. While… Continue reading Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Shrine
Kyoto: Gioji Temple in Arashiyama
This is a very unusual temple - it is more like a secret garden. It is a little bit tucked away and might not be THE temple to visit according to your guide book, but it is very unusual with the moss garden, quiet and peaceful. The temple is named for Gio, a dancer from… Continue reading Kyoto: Gioji Temple in Arashiyama
Kyoto: Jojakkoji Temple in Arashiyama
Arashiyama is known for its large numbers of shrines and temples and one can probably spend days exploring those. So we had to limit ourselves and just select a few to visit. After the Tenrujii Temple we decided to go and see a quieter temple, the Jojakkoji Temple. It's mostly known for its view over… Continue reading Kyoto: Jojakkoji Temple in Arashiyama
Kyoto: Arashiyama and the Tenryuji Temple
Arashiyama is a district on the western outskirts of Kyoto and it really is worth a visit. We took a train from the central Kyoto station to get there and in just three short stops we arrived in Arashiyama, which is known for its bridge, several temples and a famous bamboo groves. First, we walked… Continue reading Kyoto: Arashiyama and the Tenryuji Temple
Kyoto: Yasaka Shrine
On our way back to our hotel in Southern Higashiyama we walked passed the Yasaka Shrine, which is located between the Gion District and Higashiyama District. It is considered the guardian shrine of Gion. The present buildings are from 1654. The granite toori was erected in 1666 and stands 9.5m high, making it one of… Continue reading Kyoto: Yasaka Shrine
Kyoto: Chionin Temple
We had great hopes of the Chionin temple, it was described as one of the must see sights to us. We walked through the massive Sanmon Gate to enter the grounds. Standing 24 meters tall and 50 meters wide, it is the largest wooden gate in Japan and dates back to the early 1600s. Behind… Continue reading Kyoto: Chionin Temple
Kyoto: Kodaiji Temple
After our stroll through the Higashiyama district we visit Kodaiji, which is a temple that was established in 1605 in memory of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, one of Japan's greatest historical figures, by Hideyoshi's wife Nene, who is also enshrined at the temple. Kodaiji is a Buddhism temple. Its main buildings were constructed in the lavish style of… Continue reading Kyoto: Kodaiji Temple
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