Kyoto - West Japan Tour Part V

We arrived back from our Nara tour a little later than scheduled, but Rodney and I were well-
rested from the relaxing bus ride so we decided to venture out in the famous Gion district of Kyoto for a few hours in the evening. Markus stayed back at the ryokan with mom and Tita Jasmin.

KYOTO is definitely one of my favourite cities in all Japan. I find the city acquires the essence of a truly historic Japan, while it's downtown area bustles in a modern metropolis. Its' amazing attractions are endless both day and night. As a family, this was our second visit to Kyoto and surely, we captured more of the city's beauty this time around. (Click here to check out our first trip to Kyoto when Ritchie and Paul visited in 2006.)

A teahouse, known as an ochaya, located in Gion Corner (photo left)

The notorious Gion district of Kyoto was as vibrant as we expected. While the ohanami season in full effect, Kyoto is known to be a very popular tourist trap. We joined the crowds and gallivanted the streets, then stopped for a latte before heading back to the ryokan.

A maiko (geisha apprentice) hurries to her appointment at an ochaya. The current geisha quarters, ochaya and the theaters are still located exactly where they sprang up on each side of the Kamogawa River since the late 1500's. If you desire to you catch the action, you have to be quick with your camera. You'll never find maiko stopping for photos even if you ask politely. They can be rather swift on their wooden geta sandals. Moving quickly on the getas must be part of their intense training.

Looking up to the illuminated cherry blossom sky, off the main street in Kyoto. Magical!

Enjoying our date night in Kyoto

KIYOMIZU DERA

Located near the middle of the Otowa Mountains is the very popular Buddhist temple, Kiyomizu Dera. The temple originated in 780 AD, but the present buildings date from 1633.

The main entrance to the temple is known as the Nioumon gate (photo right)

The famous three-storied pagoda called the Sanjuunotou

Overlooking the lush cherry blossoms and bright scenery toward the main hall known as Kiyomizo no-butai.

Otowa-no-taki - Drinking from the three water channels that flow from the above, is said to bestow success, health and longevity. Unfortunately, the line-up was too long and we just weren't up to waiting.

The throngs of people crowding through the famous slope walkways near the streets of Kiyomizu Dera. The thriving streets are lined with several trinket and souvenir shops.

My little charmer making PEACE with some locals.

Collecting donations, the statuesque monk stands along side the narrow walking path.

Mom and Tita Jasmin taking a moment at the purifying station

A fine day on April 6th, at one of the most beautiful temples in all Japan - Kiyomizu Dera

"My little feet need a break!"

"Ok, I'm ready to roll again."

Throughout all the walking, Markus was a trooper!

We taxied it west of Kyoto to Arisugawa Station then took a streetcar to Tenryuji Temple. After a quick walk through the sacred grounds we made our way to the Path of Bamboo in Kitasaga.

A view of our relaxing walk through the shaded bamboo grove, while admiring the tall stems stretching straight up into the sky.

Bamboo is very useful in Japan. It plays an important part in the tea ceremony. It's used to create some of the tools such as stir-sticks, teaspoons, vases, and so on. I find bamboo aesthetically pleasing when used as dividers in landscaping. The hollow stem is lightweight, flexible yet very sturdy. We've also seen bamboo used creatively in traditional Japanese homes accenting walls and ceilings.

Bamboo grows famously in Kyoto, especially in the western part of the city due to its favourable soil and weather conditions.

Several rickshaws could be found transporting people around the narrow streets of Tenryuji Temple. Many stroll through the bamboo groves as well. How romantic!

Our Kyoto adventure ended where we started - back at ultra-modern Kyoto Station. We grabbed lunch at a sandwich shop and did some last minute omiyage (souvenir) shopping while waiting for our last shinkansen ride back to Tokyo. We were thoroughly fascinated by what we saw and learned throughout our West Japan Tour. In the short time we had, we celebrated our last ohanami season visiting the wonderful cities of Hiroshima, Miyajima, Himeji, Nara and finally Kyoto. Altogether, we took thousands of photos to capture the moments we'll cherish forever. Sugoii tanoshikatta!