Japan May/June 2005 Kyoto

Kyoto is my 1st stop in Japan. I arrive in Osaka airport and took a train up to Kyoto. When i arrive in the morning, it was raining, so the 1st thing i bought for myself in Japan, is a yellow Umbrella. Kyoto was Japan's capital and the emperor's residence from 794 until 1868, It is now the country's seventh largest city

I had to take a bus to my accomodation and this is my 1st encounter with asking for directions is english and terrible spoken Japanese. Luckily for me, i managed to find my accomodation, which is a very small family inn used as backpackers home. the pictures may seems very small but this is the BEST accommodation i had in Japan, with my own toilet and bathtub.



Below are the places which i managed to cover in 1 day in Kyoto:

1. Sanju-sangen-do Temple - a temple in eastern Kyotowhich is famous for its 1001 statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. The temple was founded in 1164 and its present structures date from 1266. Unfortunately, no cameras is allowed in the hall of the temple.





2. Kiyomizu Temple aka Pure Water Temple is one of the most celebrated temples of Japan. It was founded in 780 and remains associated with the Hosso sect, one of the oldest sects within Japanese Buddhism.





3. Jishu Shrine . Behind Kyomizudera's main hall stands Jishu Shrine, a shrine dedicated to the deity of love. In front of the shrine are two rocks, placed several meters apart from each other. Successfully walking from one to the other rock with your eyes closed is said to bring luck in your love live.



Jinshu Shrine Love Rabbit

4. Kyoto_tower (waste of money, please don't ever go)


5. Kyoto_imperial_palace (the next morning)

Kyoto Imperial Palace used to be the residence of Japan's Imperial Family until 1868, when the emperor and capital were moved from Kyoto to Tokyo. It is located in the spacious Kyoto Imperial Park. The palace burnt down and was moved around the city several times over the centuries