Fushima Tunari
Amazing first torri gate leading to the shrine
Shrine
Walking path
Amazing hike
messenger foxes
Can't stop taking pictures
Going back downhill
Nanzen-Ji Temple
Grounds of the Nanzen-Ji Temple
Nanzen-Ji Temple
Philosopher's Walk
Nijo Castle
Full day in Kyoto today. Kyoto is much more of a traditional feel than Tokyo. Temples, shrines, castles, a lot less congestion, quiet ---- a really good detour from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo.
Fushima Tunari-Taisha Shrine
This shrine is an important Shinto Shrine in southern Kyoto. It's famous for its thousands of orange-colored torii gates, which straddle a network of trails that lead into the wooded forest of the sacred Mount Inari. Fushimi Inari is the most important of several shrines dedicated to Inari - the Shinto god of rice. Foxes are thought to be Inari's messengers, resulting in many fox statues across the shrine grounds.
This shrine was one of the most unique areas I've ever visited in all my travels. The long hiking path up Mt. Inari was truly amazing - as the path winded through the amazing orange-clad torii gates. This is a very special place.
Nanzen-ji Temple
This temple is a Zen Buddhist temple that was established in 1291 by Emporer Kameyama on the site of his previous detached palace.
Walking around the temple complex was extremely peaceful. It is set in a hillside of a relatively remote area of Kyoto. One can see how this would be a place of worship and reflection.
Philosopher's Path
The Philosopher's Path is a winding stone path through the northern part of Kyoto's Higashiyama district. The path follows a canal which is lined by hundreds of cherry trees. Usually in early April these trees explode with color, making this one of the city's most popular viewing spots. Approximately two kilometers long, the path begins around Ginkakujo (Silver Pavilion) and ends in the neighborhood of the Nanzen-ji Temple. The path gets its name due to Nishida Kitaro, one of Japan's most famous philosophers, who was said to practice meditation while walking this route on his daily commute to Kyoto University.
This path was lined with some nice restaurants and shops. Today was a bit warm for an afternoon stroll, but its easy to see how this place is amazing during the cherry blossom season.
Nijo Castle
The castle consists of two concentric rings of fortifications, the Ninomaru Palace, the ruins of the Honmaru Palace, various support buildings and several gardens.
The last stop of the day was the Nijo Castle. We weren't able to go inside today, as tours end pretty early - around 4:30pm. We were able to walk some of the exterior and get some pictures of the fortified walls and the palace.
We've been hitting it hard the past few days. Exhaustion and tired legs have set in. We decided to call it an early night after a quick bite to eat at the Kyoto Train Station.
Tomorrow - Hiroshima ----- a name that brings back some memories from the past.
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