Today we took an English guided tour of several of the many many sites to see in Kyoto. There are 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites just in Kyoto!
We saw loads of ancient shrines and temples and their beautiful gardens.
Nishi-Honganji Shinto Temple. We were allowed to take photos inside which is pretty rare. Our guide told us that most Japanese practice Shinto and Budhist religions at the same time. For example, you would have a Buddhist baptism but a Shinto wedding.
Beautiful garden is Nijo Castle. Nijo castle was built by the same Shogun that built all the shrines in Nikko (where we started our Japan trip). Nijo castle is also home to the famous Nightingale Floor. Specially designed to sing (squeaky boards) when someone walks across the floor, thus no one sould sneak up on the Shogun.
Exterior of Nijo Castle. It is very different from a European style castle with their thick stone walls. There was still a moat and thick outer walls, but most of the protection came from having skilled Samurai warriors at your beck and call.
The Golden Pavilion. Built by a different Shogun in the 1390s. The original structure burned down (as did almost every historical site, usually numerous times). This was a pretty amazing site.
Heian Shrine. Kyoto`s most famous shrine. This is actually one of the dragon towers to help guard against evil spirits.
Beautiful garden at the Heian Shrine. Apparently it was used in the film Memoirs of a Geisha.
Another part of the garden at the Heian Shrine.
We saw not one, but three weddings at the Heian shrine. Apparently it is a popular place to get married and not wonder with the beautiful garden and vermillion colored shrine.
Kiyomizu temple gate and 3 story pagoda. This was a crazy busy place. I think it is one of the most famous sites in all of Japan.
There is a sacred spring where depending on which fountain you drink from you will have a long life, find true love, or have good business prospects. My sis and I missed out on this because the line to drink from the spring was out of control.
View from the temple. Note all the people and the city of Kyoto below.
It all looks beautiful!
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