JAPAN–Kyoto

Kyoto was the capital of Japan from 794 to 1868. Due to its historic value, the city was spared from the atomic bomb and air raids during World War II. As a result, numerous palaces, shrines and temples survive in the city today.


We are now at the Higashiyama district which is one of the city’s best preserved historic district. The streets here are lined with small shops, cafes and restaurants. The stone pavement and traditional wooden building is the charm of the old capital city.


Kiyomizudera is within walking distance from Higashiyama district. It is one of the most famous temple in Kyoto. Kiyomizu means “pure water”. It is built on the site of Otowa Waterfall where it got its name from.







I tried lifting the iron spear inside the temple but it was too heavy for me.


My beau however managed to lift it up slightly.



Its large wooden terrace overlooking the hill offers a nice view of the numerous cherry trees and maple trees during spring or autumn. The wooden building itself was built without using a single nail.






Kiyomizudera has special evening illuminations during the Hanataro event in mid March and during the autumn leaf season which starts from mid November. I’m sure it’ll be a beautiful sight to behold.


At the base of the temple is the Otowa Waterfall. Its water is separated into three separate streams. Visitors can use cups attached to a long pole to drink it.


Each stream’s water is said to bring different benefit to its drinker, which are longevity, success and love. However, drinking from all three is considered greedy.


Behind Kiyomizudera’s main hall is the Jishu Shrine which is dedicated to the deity of love and matchmaking.


This is the statue of of the said god, Okuninushino Mikoto. The rabbit beside him is a messenger of god.




In front of the shrine, there are two stones which are 18 meters apart. If you successfully find your way from one stone to the other with your eyes closed, then you’ll have good luck in love. You can also have someone guide you but that’ll means that an intermediary will be needed in your love life as well.



Lots of school girls visiting the shrine.


It is customary to wash your hands before entering the temple.




A young and pretty Japanese girl cladded in yukata at the temple.




After leaving Kiyomizudera, I headed back to Higashiyama district to buy some souvenirs.







I bought a paper fan for 1000 yen.






Paper lantern hanging outside a shop.







There are lots of souvenir shops lining the streets.





I really love the atmosphere of old Japan here.




Next, we headed to have lunch.


It is not an uncommon sight to see people clad in traditional Japanese clothes walking on the streets.


The massive Torii Gate near Heian Shrine.




We are now at the Heian Shrine. This shrine dated back to over a hundred years. It was dedicated to the first and last emperors who reigned from the city.


These are sake barrels that are contributed to the shrine.





A miko (shrine maiden) walking on the shrine compound.


The shrine compound is actually quite large.



The shrine’s main building is a partial replica of the original Imperial Palace from Heian Period.



After visiting the Heian Shrine, it’s time to take a bullet train from Kyoto to Hamamatsu.




The bullet train approaching the platform. Japan is renowned for its punctual train service. And the train arrived on the dot.


This is my first time riding a bullet train. True to its name, it took less than half an hour to reach Hamamatsu which is six station away from Kyoto. Clean, comfortable, punctual and fast. How I wish we have this kind of train service in Malaysia.


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