Ginkaku-ji (銀閣寺 “Temple of the Silver Pavilion”), officially named Jishō-ji (慈照寺 “Temple of Shining Mercy”), is a Zen temple in the Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan. This temple has been known as the Higashiyama-den (Higashiyama Palace) of the eight Ashikaga Shogun Yoshimasa. After his death, it was converted into this temple in accordance with his will. The two-storied Kannon-den (観音殿), is the Continue reading «Ginkaku-ji (銀閣寺) “The Silver Pavilion”!»
After visiting Ryoan-ji temple we made our way to the Ninna-ji temple which is a short 20 minutes walk along a scenic road. You could also take a bus or taxi. Like Ryoan-ji, Ninna-ji is a large compound of which the Nio-mon gate is one of the most impressive structure I have seen. It is huge and is flanked by Continue reading «Ninna-ji (仁和寺) Founded in AD 888 By Emperor Uda!»
Last year during the autumn season, I visited the Ryōan-ji Temple (龍安寺) in the north of Kyoto. The temple is situated along a mountain range and is in walking distance of the Kinkaku-ji temple. This area of Kyoto is very scenic and attracts a lot of visitors from all over. Unlike Kinkaku-ji, Ryoan-ji is more spacious and a more relaxed Continue reading «Temple of the Mandarin Ducks: Ryōan-ji (龍安寺).»
During the Shōgatsu season (new-Year) I visited the Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto! Shōgatsu is an important time of the year for japanese people. As soon as the buddhist temples bells toll for the passing into the new year, thousands of people go to the shrines. Amongst one of the most popular is the Fushimi Inari Taisha as it is Continue reading «Fushimi Inari Taisha During Shōgatsu!»
Yesterday, on the 3rd day of the new year I visited the Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine in Fushimi-ku, Kyoto. While there, a shrine maiden performed the Kagura dance accompanied by an ornately painted tsuri-daiko, a Yamagoto and a Yokobue flute. Kagura is the ancient Shinto ritual dance of shamanic origin. The word “kagura” is thought to be a contracted form of kami no Continue reading «Shrine maiden performing a Kagura Dance, at the Fushimi Inara Taisha in Kyoto!»
Japanese gardens are renowned for their simplicity and beauty and the Oikeniwa garden is one such example. It is a landscape garden and features a spacious pond with it’s strolling pathway around the pond. The front shoreline called Suhama is covered with pebbled stones and a path of large unevenly shaped stepping stones leads down to the water’s edge. Various Continue reading «OikeNiwa Garden at the Kyoto Imperial Palace!»
Ginkaku-ji (銀閣寺 “Temple of the Silver Pavilion”), officially named Jishō-ji (慈照寺 “Temple of Shining Mercy”), is a Zen temple in the Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan. This temple has been known as the Higashiyama-den (Higashiyama Palace) of the eight Ashikaga Shogun Yoshimasa. After his death, it was converted into this temple in accordance with his will. The two-storied Kannon-den (観音殿), is the Continue reading «Ginkaku-ji (銀閣寺) “The Silver Pavilion”!»
The Hokai-ji Temple (法界寺) belongs to the Daigo school of Shingon Buddhism and is also known as Hino Yakushi. The Hokai-ji Temple (法界寺) was founded in 1051 when Sukenari Hino converted the mountain villa of the Hino family into a temple. The Hino family belonged to the powerful Fujiwara Clan who where close to the Imperial Family. Amongst the Hino family members Continue reading «Hokai-ji Temple (法界寺) in Fushimi-ku, Kyoto!»
During the Sakura season we set out to Nara, the ancient capital of Japan, to explore some of the famous world heritage sites and enjoy the blooming Sakura blossoms. We weren’t disappointed in the photo department – the beautiful Sakura trees mingling among the ancient Japanese buildings provided the perfect backdrop for many spectacular photos. You can approach Kofukuji temple Continue reading «Kōfuku-ji Temple in Nara, Japan- A Sakura Delight!»
Yesterday, while driving around along route 4 in the vicinity of Okugaharachō in Nara-ken, I came across this small rural shinto shrine. In front of the shrine is a small river and there are some sakura trees at the entrance. There is something different about the Komainu (狛犬) that are guarding the shrine. The left one has its claw on Continue reading «Tenman jinja (天満神社) in Rural Okugaharachō, Nara-ken!»
Japanese gardens are renowned for their simplicity and beauty and the Oikeniwa garden is one such example. It is a landscape garden and features a spacious pond with it’s strolling pathway around the pond. The front shoreline called Suhama is covered with pebbled stones and a path of large unevenly shaped stepping stones leads down to the water’s edge. Various Continue reading «OikeNiwa Garden at the Kyoto Imperial Palace!»
Today, together with my hiking friends we went to Okawara along the Kizu River in Sōraku-gun, Kyoto prefecture. We went to the Koishidani Shrine (戀志谷神社) and enjoyed the splendid view of the mountain across from us. It was a fine day, we sat in the shade and enjoyed a cool breeze. Outside of that we tasted some sake from Tottori Continue reading «Koishidani Shrine (戀志谷神社) in Minamiyamashiro-mura, Kyoto-fu!»
Read more ›The Hokai-ji Temple (法界寺) belongs to the Daigo school of Shingon Buddhism and is also known as Hino Yakushi. The Hokai-ji Temple (法界寺) was founded in 1051 when Sukenari Hino converted the mountain villa of the Hino family into a temple. The Hino family belonged to the powerful Fujiwara Clan who where close to the Imperial Family. Amongst the Hino family members Continue reading «Hokai-ji Temple (法界寺) in Fushimi-ku, Kyoto!»
Read more ›A few days ago, while visiting the Ginkakuji temple in Sakyō-ku, Kyoto, I noticed a large Torii in a side street. When you leave the Silver Pavillion it’s to your right for about 100 meters. It’s very quit there, there is no-one there and the only sound is the birds chirping. The Hachi Shrine (八神社) is situated on a small Continue reading «Hachi Shrine (八神社) in Sakyō-ku, Kyoto!»
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Welcome to Kyoto and Nara Dream Trips, where you will be able to see a traditional and ancient part of Kyoto and Nara that not many travel guides offer. This is a community to share your experiences in Japan and to learn more about this often elusive culture. Here you will find information on popular tourist sites of Nara and Kyoto and also the not-so-popular sites which are often equally rewarding. You can also find information posted on the wall about famous Japanese peoples' birthdays, famous historical events, and different odd and widely unknown traditions. Discover a side of Japan which you never knew existed, here at Kyoto and Nara Dream Trips!
