Monday, 23 February 2015

JAPAN-COUNTRY 54-EXPLORING KYOTO-including the GOLDEN TEMPLE!

We stayed in a beautiful hotel in Kyoto, in a great, central location. I loved the origami birds left on our dressing gowns.



We had a great day visiting the following places. Kyoto is the old capital of Japan and is full of temples and other interesting sites.
1. NIJO CASTLE
I was very excited about going here as it was a SHOGUN Castle, built in the 17th Century. I loved the rooftops of the castle.


The carvings on the gate way were just stunning.








I wasn't able to take photos inside the castle but have been able to find these pictures of the beautiful wall panels which surrounded the meeting rooms and bedrooms (in Google images). Others were decorated with paintings of tigers, trees, rivers, peacocks and other birds.



Google Images

The castle had gorgeous gardens. I loved seeing the Japanese photographing the beautiful blossom trees.



2. TENRYRUJI TEMPLE
We caught the bus then underground train to the next temple. I spotted this poster for 1 DIRECTION (for Suze).





I loved the scrolls on the temple's rooftops.


Beautiful gardens. I loved this bridge.

Bamboo Forest at the temple.



3. DASHIMESHI SET Lunch at OBU Cafe. Lovely spot on the terrace.



4. RYOANJI 'ZEN' TEMPLE-Lovely walk to the temple over this bridge.





5. Next we took the overland train to Ryoanji 'Zen' Temple to see the 'ZEN GARDEN'.


6. Last stop of the day: KINKAKUJI TEMPLE-THE GOLDEN PAVILLION





Then back in Kyoto

6. GEISHA DISTRICT in Kyoto






The Golden Temple was my favourite that day!

What about you?

Sft x


3 comments:

  1. Beautiful! Love the blossoms and the temples. So pretty in Spring time.

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  2. Yes, we loved the blossom. Absolutely gorgeous and so many different types. A bit like the temples. They were so interesting and varied.

    Sft x

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  3. Beautiful pictures. I loved the Golden Temple too. You were very lucky to been able to visit during the cherry blossom season. One day we will make it there.

    www.travelwithkevinandruth.com

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