Kyoto - Arashiyama

Arashiyama is a pleasant, touristy district in the western outskirts of Kyoto. The area has been a popular destination since the Heian Period (794-1185), when nobles would enjoy its natural setting. Arashiyama is particularly popular during the cherry blossom and fall color seasons.

We visited on a beautiful clear day with the autumn colours at their peak.  It was lovely

Ranked among Kyoto's five great Zen temples, Tenryuji is the largest and most impressive temple in Arashiyama. The temple was established in 1339, at the beginning of the Muromachi Period(1338-1573), and like many other temples burnt down several times over its history. The current buildings date from the Meiji Period.

Muso Soseki, the temple's founding abbot and famous garden designer, created Tenryuji's landscape garden which, unlike the temple buildings, survived the many fires and is considered one of the oldest of its kind.Tenryuji has been designated a UNESCO world heritage site in 1995.

The Saga Romantic Train runs seven kilometers from Arashiyama to nearby Kameoka, mostly alongside the pretty Hozu River. The trains travel at a maximum speeds of about 25 km/h during its 25 minute journey, so passengers can enjoy the scenery without it rushing by too quickly.

Hannah thought it was too noisy when the train went through tunnels so she asked Baba to cover her ears.

The Togetsukyo Bridge is Arashiyama's well known, central landmark. Many small shops, restaurants and other attractions are found nearby, including Tenryuji Temple, Arashiyama's famous bamboo groves and pleasure boats that are available for rent on the river.

Kyoto Imperial Palace

Kyoto Imperial Palace (Kyoto Gosho) used to be the residence of Japan's Imperial Family until 1868, when the emperor and capital were moved from Kyoto to Tokyo. It is located in the spacious Kyoto Imperial Park.

This is Rika doing her impression of Kondo Isami outside the Imperial Palace.

Granny, Granddad and baba outside the tradesman's entrance

The palace burnt down and was moved around the city several times over the centuries. The present reconstruction dates from 1855. The palace complex is enclosed by a long wall and consists of several gates, halls and gardens. The enthronement ceremonies of Emperors Taisho and Showa were still held in the palace's main hall, but the present Emperor's ceremony took place at the Tokyo Imperial Palace.

Hannah took these photos while I carried here in the Deuter.

Rika and autumn colour

Granny and Grandad

Granddad and Baba

Kyoto - Takao

Takao is a thinly populated, mountainous region of Kyoto that lies to the north of the Arashiyamadistrict. Takao offers visitors scenic natural landscapes, and is known throughout Japan as a site for viewing the autumn leaves. The best time to see the colored leaves is usually around mid November.

In addition to its fall colors, Takao is popular for its temples. Kozanji Temple dates back to 774 and is recognized as a World Heritage Site. Inside Kozanji, visitors can see Japan's first manga. On display in the Sekisui-in building, a former emperor's study hall, the scrolls depict caricatures of animals which satirize the courtly life of the Heian Period.

In another first, Kozanji claims to be the original site of tea cultivation in Japan. The founder of Japanese Zen Buddhism, Eisai, is believed to have imported the tea plants along with religious teachings from China. The original tea plantation has recently been restored for visitors to see.

Saimyoji Temple was originally built as a detached temple of Jingoji. The vermilion covered Shigetsukyo Bridge, which leads over a river to the temple entrance, is thought of as particularly beautiful.

Jingoji Temple is located at the top of a very long set of stone stairs. Though it makes for an impressive approach, it may also be too difficult a walk for some. At the temple there are numerous buildings and a path that leads to an impressive vista over the valley. Small clay discs with inscriptions on them can be purchased to throw into the valley for good luck.

Kyoto - Tokufuji

Tofukuji is a large Zen temple in southeastern Kyoto that is particularly famous for its spectacularautumn colors. The temple was founded in 1236 at the behest of the powerful Fujiwara clan. Its name is a combination of the names of two great temples in Nara that were also associated with the Fujiwara,Todaiji Temple and Kofukuji Temple. 

Tofukuji has historically been one of the principal Zen temples in Kyoto, and is a head temple of one of the schools of the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism.

In autumn, people come from all over Japan to see Tofukuji's autumn colors. The most popular view is of the Tsutenkyo Bridge, which spans a valley of lush maple trees. The view from the bridge is equally spectacular, and the 100 meter long, covered walkway becomes extremely crowded when the colors reach their peak, usually around mid to late November.

Baba with Hannah and Rika

The Hojo, the head priest's former living quarters, is one of Tofukuji's two paid areas. Rock gardens were often built alongside hojo buildings, but the gardens at Tofukuji's Hojo are unique for surrounding the building on all sides. The Hojo was most recently reconstructed in 1890 while the gardens are relatively modern creations dating from the late 1930s.

Kyoto with Granny, Granddad and Baba

Granny and Grandid flew in to visit us from New Zealand in mid-November, and we travelled down to Kyoto with Baba.  

We stayed at a  restored Machiya called Ebisuya-cho near Gion which we rented through the Iori company.  (http://www.kyoto-machiya.com/eng/)

Hannah liked the futon upstairs so much she didn't want to share with Dad.

This is Grandad playing with Hannah at a playground near the Imperial Palace