Also close to Nishiki market is the Nishiki Tenman-gū Shrine. Although the entrance to the shrine is now rather incongruously within a covered shopping street the roots of the shrine go back to the year 1003. Then a temple called Kanki-ji was built, as well as a shrine to Sugawara no Michizane, the god ofContinue reading “Shrine details”
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Nishiki Market
Almost opposite our hotel in Kyoto is Nishiki Market. A sprawling warren of food stalls begging to be explored. Known to locals as “Kyoto’s pantry”, Nishiki Market is one of the best traditional food market in the city. There are plenty of traditional shops to give you a glimpse of what a traditional shotengai (shoppingContinue reading “Nishiki Market”
Tōdaiji Temple
Located in Nara province, Tōdaiji, the “Great Eastern Temple” is one of Japan’s most famous and historically significant temples. The temple was built in 752 as the head temple of all provincial Buddhist temples of Japan. It grew so powerful that the capital was moved from Nara to Nagaoka in 784 to try and reduceContinue reading “Tōdaiji Temple”
Nibbly Nara Deers
We’re off to see some more of Japan’s famed wildlife now with a trip to Nara. Due to its past as the first permanent capital Nara remains full of historic treasures, including some of Japan’s oldest and largest temples. But it’s also famous for its resident deer. Hence these cute little cartoon critters. According toContinue reading “Nibbly Nara Deers”
Food stalls
As we leave another lovely shrine we pass by rows of hot food vendors, all rolling, flipping, steaming and grilling various snacks and street food. I’m not sure what they all are. Below the green and white lumps could be Dango, this is a Japanese dumpling and sweet made from mochiko (rice flour) or itContinue reading “Food stalls”
Tiny lucky charms
Having conquered the Inari mountain and negotiated the endless winding corridors of orange Tori gates we head back into the rest of the Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine complex. There is a fascinating story attached to the origin of the shrine. The legend goes, a rice cake was shot into the air, which turned into aContinue reading “Tiny lucky charms”
Heading for the summit
Here’s a few more snaps from the orange frenzy that is Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine. The shrine sits at the base of a mountain also named Inari which is 233 metres above sea level. Fushimi Inari is the most important of several thousands of shrines dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice. FoxesContinue reading “Heading for the summit”
Fushimi Inari Taisha
Next up on our Kyoto sight seeing hitlist is Fushimi Inari Taisha. This incredible shrine is like nothing we’ve ever seen before and very different from the usual Japanese shrines. Fushimi Inari Taisha (伏見稲荷大社) is the head shrine of Inari, located in Fushimi-ku, Kyoto, Japan. The shrine sits at the base of a mountain also namedContinue reading “Fushimi Inari Taisha”
Colourful clothing and consumerism
As we pass through the streets of Kyoto I stealthily snap away at some of the beautiful, colourful ladies parading in traditional costume. Locals and tourists alike enjoy hiring these elaborate outfits. The women we spot are mainly wearing Yukata. These are inexpensive, informal summer robe for summer that’s popular for cherry blossom viewing parties, festivals andContinue reading “Colourful clothing and consumerism”
Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Kiyomizu-dera Temple is a brightly coloured, busy temple in the heart of Kyoto’s tourist district. It’s one of the most visited temples in the city so prepare for crowds! This orange and green beacon of worship is thronged with visitors who swarm up its steps from the neighbouring shopping streets. Over 1200 years have passedContinue reading “Kiyomizu-dera Temple”