Today will be spent learning, seeing and experiencing the main
attractions of Kyoto. The Higashiyama
Walk is path way to take to go through Kyoto’s Eastern Hills, known as
Higashiyam; and while walking we will be able to view many other temples and
shrines. We start the walk at
Sanjusangendo, which is a couple minute walk from Kyoto Station. This is a temple found in eastern Kyoto, and is known for its 1001 statutes of Kannon (the goddess of mercy).
The next stop is at Kiyomizudera Temple
(translated to “Pure Water Temple”), which is one of the most celebrated
temples in Japan. Since it’s cherry
blossom season, this temple is in a perfect area to view the blossoms. There are many attractions around
Kiyomizudera, such as the Jishu Shine, found right behind it. This shrine is devoted to the deity of love
and matchmaking (Great place for a couple girls to go to, right?). Near the base of Kiyomizudera is Otowa
Waterfall which is split into three streams.
Knowing Japanese and its use of symbolism, each stream is for a
different purpose. The three seperatly
streams give benefits of longevity, or success at school, or a fortunate love
life. There are long sticked cups given,
where we can dip it easly into the streams to drink our fortune. But you can’t drink from all three streams,
since that’s looked as greedy.
After Kiyomizudera, we’ll head to Yasaka Shrine,
also known as Gion Shrine. Right in
front of the shrine is dance stage with hundreds of lanterns that get lit in
the evening. From Yasaka, we head to
Heian Shrine, which was dedicated to the last emperors in this area. This shrine is surrounded by beautiful
gardens, making it another great place to view the cherry blossoms. The next area to go to is Nanzenji Temple, known for its large Sanom Gate.
A few steps away is Tenjuan Temple, a great area to see
traditional Japanense rock and pond gardens.
Before going to the last location, we’ll take a
stroll down the Phiosopher’s Walk. The
walk is on a stone path following a canal, and lined with hundred of Cherry
Blossom trees. There are a couple of
boutiques and cafe’s here, perfect place to eat a small meal and enjoy the
beautiful view. At the end of the walk,
it will lead us directly to our last attraction Ginkakuji (translated to Silver
Pavilion). This is a Zen Temple, and it
is surrounded by douzens of other temples, moss gardens and beautiful dry sand
gardens.
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| Top Row: Tenjuan Temple rock garden, Sanjusangendo's 1001 Kannon, Kiyomizudera Middle: Yasake Shrine Bottom: Ginkakuji, Nanzenji Temple, Otowa Waterfall |
At the end of this walk, we’ll head back to the
hotel, and give our feet a good long soak! Since we were interested in visiting
the shrines and temples of Japan, this is the best opportunity to see many
different kinds and learn the histories of them in one-day. I feel this trip would be more beneficial if
we took a tour with a guide, but why waste money when we have a map? It also allows us to explore and see the city
on our own, rather than relying on someone else. We can also get a Kyoto city bus card for 1
day, 500 yen or free through the JR pass, if we aren’t up to the huge amount of walking.
Kyoto Source
Images:Google Images
8:15 PM |
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