Monday, October 12, 2009

A Quick Stroll Through Kyoto

 (Fushimi-Inari-Taisha - amazing temple site South of Kyoto with 4 km of walkways lined with orange/red archways.  This was one of my favorite spots, wandering the trails of torii.)

 (Another random, inspiring temple...one of hundreds in the city.  Our hotel sat next to two large temples, though that can probably be said of most hotels in the city.)

 (Tenryu-ji - scenic temple, gardens and Arashiyama bamboo forest nearby.  Approx 1 hr 20 minute bus ride from Kyoto train station, but the bamboo forest is certainly worth it.)

 (Ryoan-ji - Famous rock garden.  Good for tranquility, not so good for greenery.)

 (Kinkaku-ji - Golden Temple - one of the most popular temples in a beautiful setting, but be prepared to push some people around to get this picture as there are usually big crowds here....still worth it, though.)

 (Ginkaku-ji - Silver Temple.  Nice garden in the back, manicured rock garden and scenic temple.  Well worth a visit...sadly, you can't walk across that little stone bridge.)

 (A higher view of the Silver Temple from the top of the adjacent garden, looking back down towards Kyoto.)

 (I believe this is Chion-in?  There were so many beautiful temples that I may have lost count, each one well-manicured and elegant.  Not quite like me, especially when backpacking around a country.)

 (Looks like another amazing temple...)

 (Kodai-ji - lit up at night for an amazing display.)

 (Lit bamboo forest in Kodai-ji.)

(Arashiyama Bamboo Forest...not always this empty, but an amazing spot...this path leads up about half a mile lined with thick bamboo.  This could possibly be the road to enlightenment...you'll have to go visit to find out.)

0 comments:

Copyright © Derek's Travels | Published By Blogger Templates20

Design by Anders Noren | Theme by NewBloggerThemes.com