The Hokan-ji temple in Kyōto, Japan is also called Yasaka pagoda. It is a 46 meters high pagoda with inclined levels in an ancient part of Kyōto. It was built in 589 by prince Shotoku who saw it in a dream. Continue reading “Hokan-ji”
Hokan-ji
Kiyomizu-dera
The Kiyomizu-dera is an impressive Buddhist temple in the east of Kyōto, Japan. It is located on a hill and offers wonderful views. Since 1994 it is a UNESCO world heritage site. The temple dates back to the year 798, the current wooden buildings are from 1633. Continue reading “Kiyomizu-dera”
Ryōan-ji
Ryōan-ji is a Zen temple in Kyōto, Japan, dating back to 1499. It is well known because of its wonderful Zen garden – you can sit on a wooden platform and look at 15 stones in a 30 x 10 meters small garden. It is surrounded on three sides by a wall. Continue reading “Ryōan-ji”
Electric shocks and three seniors watching TV at the sauna
I like Japanese baths and therefore took the long trip to Funaoka Onsen located in a remote residential area of Kyōto, Japan. I got a towel and managed to find the right way to the men’s locker room and changed my cloth. In the shower I found the first big cultural difference: people sitting on small plastic benches produces soap foam until they are covered in large white clouds. Continue reading “Electric shocks and three seniors watching TV at the sauna”
Kyōto Gosho
The imperial palace in Kyōto, Japan was for the longest time in the history of Japan the residence of the rulers. This began in the Heian period when to seat shifted from Nara and ended with the Meiji restauration when it went to Edo, todays Tōkyō. Continue reading “Kyōto Gosho”
Kinkaku-ji
There is no information or advertisement about Kyōto, Japan without an image of Kinkaku-ji – the golden pavilion. It is a Buddhist temple officially named Rokuon-ji; but because of the upper levels of the relicts hall covered in gold it is most often named Kinkaku. Continue reading “Kinkaku-ji”
Sentō Gosho
The Sentō palace is part of the imperial palace (Kyōto Gosho) in Kyōto, Japan. It is the residence for the former emperor or his wife after death of the emporer. People usually get here for the wonderful garden attached to it. This classic Japanese garden was created in 1630. Continue reading “Sentō Gosho”
Fushimi Inari-Taisha
The Fushimi Inari-Taisha is one of the most visited Shintō shrines in Kyōto, Japan. The locals get here yearly at the day of the horse – since 708 the Hatsu-uma-matsuri festival is held at that day here.
Continue reading “Fushimi Inari-Taisha”Gion
Gion is the oldest district in the city center of Kyōto, Japan. It dates back to the Middle Ages and is nowadays partially preserved as a national monument. The area consists of narrow streets and wooden houses. Continue reading “Gion”
Yasaka-jinja
The Yasaka-jinja (formerly Gion-jinja) is a Shintō shrine in the Gion district of Kyōto, Japan. It was built in the year 656 and is a modern shrine that is seen as one of the biggest in Japan. Continue reading “Yasaka-jinja”