Rise of the Siblings - Part XXXII: Kyoto - East Side Tour - Part II

After zigzagging through the busy streets of eastern Kyoto we arrived at the Kiyomizu-dera Temple. This temple was established in 778 by a priest from Nara, which was the capital city at that time. 

**Fun fact: Nara was the capital from 710 to 784, Kyoto would be the capital after that from 794 to 1868, and then the capital was moved to Tokyo (Edo). So Kyoto was the capital for over 1000 years and is rich is cultural sites.

Most of the buildings that are currently at the Kiyomizu-dera Temple were constructed in 1633 and not a single nail was used!

[Niomon Gate]

[Kiyomizudera Shoro Bell Tower]

[Sanjunoto Pagoda]

No nails were used, so the wooden pieces had to fit together perfectly like Lincoln Logs (but better).

[Can you spot the pagoda?]

There's a legend about a warrior monk named Benkei who was the size of a giant and carried a large spear. The spear is still at the temple and if you can lift it you will prosper and become a protector of the temple, like Benkei.

Luke gave it a shot!

[Shusse Daikokuten Statue]

On the left side of this photo is the famous stage. During the Edo period people would jump from the stage and if they survived the 43 foot drop their wish would be granted. Of the 234 men that tried it 85% survived! Jumping was outlawed in 1872.

We took off our shoes and went inside the main hall where people were worshiping. 

*I always ask before I take pictures in or around temples and shrines*

Kenya showed us this groove in the wood that goes all around the temple. He told us that at night people would come and worship at the temple. They would also walk around the temple. In order to not get lost or loose their footing they would put their finger in this groove and it would guide them around the temple.

[View of the Stage and Main Temple]

[I just can't get over how beautiful this temple and the surrounding area is]

We walked around the temple and made our way to the lower level. Here we found the Otowa Waterfall. The water from the local spring is divided into three separate streams. You have to choose which one you want to drink from based on what is most important to you: longevity, success, or love. Kenya said you can only choose one and if you drink from all three you are greedy.

[View up to the Stage from below]

[Kenya called this fish "Big Boy" and yes, he was a big boy]

We left the temple and Kenya took us to a local place for lunch.

[Yasaka Pagoda]

The food was delicious! Just like all food in Japan!

 

After lunch we headed to the Kenninji Temple. This temple was established in 1202 and is the oldest Zen temple in Kyoto. The temple was founded by Yosai who was a Buddhist monk who went had come back to Japan after studying in China. Yosai introduced tea cultivation and Zen Buddhism to Japan. 

We first went to see a skillful replica of a famous painted entitled “Fūjin and Raijin” (Wind and Thunder Gods) by Tawaraya Sōtatsu. The original painting was made in 1639 and is displayed at the National Museum of Kyoto.

We made our way through the temple rooms and the many gardens. It was like a beautiful maze.

[Transportation for the Shogun]

We then made our way to Hondō Hall where we took in the beautiful ceiling.

The mural was commissioned in 2002 to commemorate the temple's 800th anniversary.

It was gorgeous!

After we left the Kennin-ji, Kenya took us through the Geisha Area. While we walked through there he told us the history of Geisha's and about the current culture around them. 

He said that in Kyoto the ladies like to be called Geiko and Maiko. The Maiko are young girls (15-20) who train for five years to become a Geiko. The ladies are trained in the art of entertainment and conversations. They were traditionally used as the mediators between powerful business men. They would entertain the men, host a tea ceremony, serve drinks, and then help with negotiations. The tradition is fizzling out and there are probably between 100-200 Geiko and Maiko currently practicing in Kyoto.

We didn't see any Geiko or Makio, which was expected. The ladies stay inside and travel in the shadows because tourists can't behave and be respectful.

We hopped on the train and headed south to our final site: the Fushimi Inari Shrine (aka Thousand Torii Gate Shrine)