Phoenix Anime

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  1. Japan 2008

Our first day in Kyoto

I had spent months researching the temples and shrines of Kyoto on how Josh and I could best experience the history of this city. The last time I was here with Jennifer, we had come completely unprepared and ended up taking several arranged bus tours (which actually worked out quite well). However, the one downside was that we had to match the timetable of each tour and could not linger if we found something interesting. This time, using the experience from our first trip, I wanted to be able to take our time, travel on our own schedule and be free to explore or move on at will.

I found an interesting resource with the Japan National Tourist Organization which outlined a spiritual walking tour of eastern Kyoto among other things. It had intriguing directions like "At the spice shop, make right to a narrow lane called Sannenzaka Lane" which suited me just fine. So armed with these sometimes cryptic directions, we started off.
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  • With our spiritual journey in mind, the bus dropped us off at the Gojizaka stop at 8 in the morning and we started on our way. Because we were still waking up extremely early due to the time change, we were wide awake and eager to see what Kyoto had in store for us.

    With our spiritual journey in mind, the bus dropped us off at the Gojizaka stop at 8 in the morning and we started on our way. Because we were still waking up extremely early due to the time change, we were wide awake and eager to see what Kyoto had in store for us.

    japankyotokiyomizuTravelogue

  • Although most of the shops were closed at this early hour, there was one small shop open

    Although most of the shops were closed at this early hour, there was one small shop open

    japankyotokiyomizuTravelogue

  • The shop was selling ceramics of various shapes and sizes

    The shop was selling ceramics of various shapes and sizes

    japankyotokiyomizuTravelogue

  • We continued our hike up Gojizaka Street. For the moment, the temperature was still mild, but we knew it would soon get brutally hot.

    We continued our hike up Gojizaka Street. For the moment, the temperature was still mild, but we knew it would soon get brutally hot.

    japankyotokiyomizuTravelogue

  • Periodically we would find convenient maps like this one where the red pointer shows your current location. With this sign, we determine that we will need to turn right at the next street up ahead to continue our climb to the temple.

    Periodically we would find convenient maps like this one where the red pointer shows your current location. With this sign, we determine that we will need to turn right at the next street up ahead to continue our climb to the temple.

    japankyotokiyomizuTravelogue

  • We start our long climb up the Kiyomizuzaka Slope

    We start our long climb up the Kiyomizuzaka Slope

    japankyotokiyomizuTravelogue

  • My video introduction to this first part of our trip. Please forgive my awkward pronunciation of the Kiyomizu-dera temple

    My video introduction to this first part of our trip. Please forgive my awkward pronunciation of the Kiyomizu-dera temple

    japankyotokiyomizuTravelogue

  • Along the way we see Tanuki Kami off to the side. He is sort of a raccoon monk with a straw hat, a sake jug and, um, well, a rather large distinguishing feature that is so huge that it drags the ground ^_^

    Along the way we see Tanuki Kami off to the side. He is sort of a raccoon monk with a straw hat, a sake jug and, um, well, a rather large distinguishing feature that is so huge that it drags the ground ^_^

    japankyotokiyomizuTraveloguefavored

  • We pass by an ancient staircase detour to the right, as we continue towards the temple

    We pass by an ancient staircase detour to the right, as we continue towards the temple

    japankyotokiyomizuTravelogue

  • Our walk was filled with many sights, ranging from the modest to enormous vistas. As an example of this, a small Buddha statue helps to set the mood for the Buddhist temple up ahead

    Our walk was filled with many sights, ranging from the modest to enormous vistas. As an example of this, a small Buddha statue helps to set the mood for the Buddhist temple up ahead

    japankyotokiyomizuTravelogue

  • Another map shows us closing in on our goal (The upper red pointer)

    Another map shows us closing in on our goal (The upper red pointer)

    japankyotokiyomizuTravelogue

  • We reach the top of the hill and prepare for our real climb

    We reach the top of the hill and prepare for our real climb

    japankyotokiyomizuTraveloguefavored

  • The first of many stairs yet to climb

    The first of many stairs yet to climb

    japankyotokiyomizuTravelogue

  • Looking down Kiyomizuzaka Slope with Kyoto off in the distance

    Looking down Kiyomizuzaka Slope with Kyoto off in the distance

    japankyotokiyomizuTravelogue

  • A closer view of Kiyomizuzaka Slope

    A closer view of Kiyomizuzaka Slope

    japankyotokiyomizuTravelogue

  • John (me on left) and my son Josh as we take a moment to rest.

    John (me on left) and my son Josh as we take a moment to rest.

    japankyotokiyomizuTravelogue

  • Up ahead of us is Nio-Mon, Gate of the Devo Kings

    Up ahead of us is Nio-Mon, Gate of the Devo Kings

    japankyotokiyomizuTravelogue

  • Before us is the Nio-Mon, Gate of the Devo Kings. These Diamond Warriors stand within the enclosures to either side of the gate fulfilling their roles as guardian deities of the Buddha.

    Before us is the Nio-Mon, Gate of the Devo Kings. These Diamond Warriors stand within the enclosures to either side of the gate fulfilling their roles as guardian deities of the Buddha.

    japankyotokiyomizuTravelogue

  • An overview of Kiyomizu-dera geotagged with the locations where we took photos. To get you started, the Devo Kings Gate pictured above is in the upper left corner of this map. Remember, you can get your own map just by clicking the "Map This" button at the top of the page. The red line is just a chalk-line snapped between photos, but it does show roughly the path that we took.

    An overview of Kiyomizu-dera geotagged with the locations where we took photos. To get you started, the Devo Kings Gate pictured above is in the upper left corner of this map. Remember, you can get your own map just by clicking the "Map This" button at the top of the page. The red line is just a chalk-line snapped between photos, but it does show roughly the path that we took.

    japankyotokiyomizuTravelogue

  • A video describing the climbing that we've done so far and the anticipation of what awaits us ahead

    A video describing the climbing that we've done so far and the anticipation of what awaits us ahead

    japankyotokiyomizuTravelogue

  • We prepare to enter the Gate of the Devo Kings

    We prepare to enter the Gate of the Devo Kings

    japankyotokiyomizuTravelogue

  • Inside the Nio-Mon gate, we look towards the Kiyomizu-Dera temple

    Inside the Nio-Mon gate, we look towards the Kiyomizu-Dera temple

    japankyotokiyomizuTravelogue

  • Stone lanterns provided illumination in the centuries before electricity

    Stone lanterns provided illumination in the centuries before electricity

    japankyotokiyomizuTravelogue

  • We continue our spiritual climb

    We continue our spiritual climb

    japankyotokiyomizuTravelogue

  • Off to the right is the Shoro (bell tower). The bell itself dates from 1478.

    Off to the right is the Shoro (bell tower). The bell itself dates from 1478.

    japankyotokiyomizuTravelogue

  • Looking back at Kyoto, we've now climbed about 200 feet above our starting elevation from the bus stop and about 400 feet above our hotel

    Looking back at Kyoto, we've now climbed about 200 feet above our starting elevation from the bus stop and about 400 feet above our hotel

    japankyotokiyomizuTravelogue

  • Here we see a display of ema, Japanese prayer plaques

    Here we see a display of ema, Japanese prayer plaques

    japankyotokiyomizuTravelogue

  • A closer view of some of the ema plaques

    A closer view of some of the ema plaques

    japankyotokiyomizuTravelogue

  • The ema plaques are in a variety of languages

    The ema plaques are in a variety of languages

    japankyotokiyomizuTravelogue

  • Some are even in English

    Some are even in English

    japankyotokiyomizuTravelogue

  • As we continue our walk, we come up to Sanju-No-To, a three-storied pagoda, the largest of its kind in Japan

    As we continue our walk, we come up to Sanju-No-To, a three-storied pagoda, the largest of its kind in Japan

    japankyotokiyomizuTravelogue

  • We found these small figures around the pagoda

    We found these small figures around the pagoda

    japankyotokiyomizuTravelogue

  • Josh stands in the shadows of the pagoda

    Josh stands in the shadows of the pagoda

    japankyotokiyomizuTravelogue

  • Within the pagoda is an image of Dainichi Nyorai, the Great Sun Buddha

    Within the pagoda is an image of Dainichi Nyorai, the Great Sun Buddha

    japankyotokiyomizuTravelogue

  • Looking back at Kyoto from the pagoda

    Looking back at Kyoto from the pagoda

    japankyotokiyomizuTravelogue

  • A video where we stop to admire the view of Kyoto before continuing on our way. We were two froods who knew where our towels are. Ford Prefect would be proud.

    A video where we stop to admire the view of Kyoto before continuing on our way. We were two froods who knew where our towels are. Ford Prefect would be proud.

    japankyotokiyomizuTravelogue

  • Two more stone lanterns below us

    Two more stone lanterns below us

    japankyotokiyomizuTravelogue

  • Between the lanterns stands a stone

    Between the lanterns stands a stone

    japankyotokiyomizuTravelogue

  • More tourists show up as we look back

    More tourists show up as we look back

    japankyotokiyomizuTravelogue

  • A view of the lush woods and mountains

    A view of the lush woods and mountains

    japankyotokiyomizuTravelogue

  • A plaque explaining the nature of Kiyomizu-Dera

    A plaque explaining the nature of Kiyomizu-Dera

    japankyotokiyomizuTravelogue

  • Ahead of us is Todoroki-Mon, the Middle gate resounding the call to the Buddha's Teachings. To the left is Kaisan-Do, the Founder's Hall

    Ahead of us is Todoroki-Mon, the Middle gate resounding the call to the Buddha's Teachings. To the left is Kaisan-Do, the Founder's Hall

    japankyotokiyomizuTravelogue

  • Before we enter the middle gate, we take a small detour to the left. To the right is the Founder's Hall.

    Before we enter the middle gate, we take a small detour to the left. To the right is the Founder's Hall.

    japankyotokiyomizuTravelogue

  • As we head down this detour, we look down this path to the right. To the right is the back of the Founder's Hall.

    As we head down this detour, we look down this path to the right. To the right is the back of the Founder's Hall.

    japankyotokiyomizuTravelogue

  • We approach Kita So-Mon, the North Gate.

    We approach Kita So-Mon, the North Gate.

    japankyotokiyomizuTravelogue

  • Beyond the gate are stone monuments dedicated to Gessho and Shinkai, 24th and 25th abbots of Joju-in.

    Beyond the gate are stone monuments dedicated to Gessho and Shinkai, 24th and 25th abbots of Joju-in.

    japankyotokiyomizuTravelogue

  • One of the smaller plaques to the right

    One of the smaller plaques to the right

    japankyotokiyomizuTravelogue

  • A wider view of the monument

    A wider view of the monument

    japankyotokiyomizuTravelogue

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