On our second day, Ivy and I visited Kyoto, which is also located in the Kansai region. It is only a about an hour away from Osaka via train and so we went.
Kyoto is rich in history and heritage. Being the former capital of Japan from 794 to 1868 (that's more than 1,000 years!), the city features century-old temples, shrines and structures that will take you back in time. Our first stop was at the Fushimi Inari Shrine, which is famous for its striking orange 'torii' gates. There's about a thousand of them built next to each other over a trail that will lead you to a sacred forest. The shrine is said to be dedicated to Inari, the god of rice.
At the entrance of the Fushimi Inari Shrine
It's said that foxes were Inari's messengers, so there are so many statues of foxes spread all over the shrine, such as this one:
But I think the main attraction of this place was really the torii gates, they were so many! and so are the tourists...
I think we went off course a little bit because we ended up in a forest, I think this is the sacred place! Oh no! We got transported back in time (Fushigi Yugi-style!)...
Good thing we saw this "bahay kubo" (hut) in the middle of the bamboo forest, which led us to the way out. Well, it's not really a bahay kubo. It's some sort of a quiet temple where people can pray and offer to the rice god!
On our way down from the temple, I saw another fox statue. We took some time taking a picture with the fox. Ivy told me not to move because there is something interesting happening in my background! Little did I know, there's a geisha approaching us so I took another photo, this time with her.
It was already about lunch time and we were hungry. I saw this barbecue stand along the street and I bought one stick which costs me 500 yen! Whew. That's 200 pesos for one stick! Good thing it was really delicious!
I also got these for dessert (cafe latte and a green tea ice cream sandwich):
How I wish I could find these same items in Manila :( It was a perfect combination.
Look at how clean the river is in Kyoto:
This is pretty much the case in the entirety of Japan. How I wish Filipinos have the same culture of cleanliness like the Japanese.
Our next stop was Kiyomizudera Temple. This time we took the bus, it's my first bus experience in Japan. Don't do what I did. Back in the Philippines, whenever we take a public transportation like the jeepney, bus or train, we often fight for our lives to get a seat or a space. So since I was so excited, as soon as the bus came in, I rushed to its door. Lol. And a middle-aged lady tapped my back. She didn't say anything but pointed her finger toward the end of the line. Whew. I was so ashamed. Me and my barbaric instincts kicked in just to get inside the bus. This reminded me that Japan is a First World country. Obey the rules. Observe the norms. :)
And so we arrived at Kiyomizudera, a UNESCO world heritage site best known for its wooden temples. It is one of the oldest and most celebrated temple in Japan, having been built in 780. Kiyomizudera literally means "pure water temple".
Look at how many tourists visit this place! I am not afraid of heights but I got nervous for a bit when we were in the terrace because first, this temple is already more than a millennium old, second, it is a good 20-30 meters from the ground, third, the terrace is actually slant--leaning towards the cliff. I'm not sure whether that was the original design or because it is starting to succumb to the force of gravity. Unfortunately, a big portion of the temple is closed due to renovation--which led me again to think that they are 'fixing' something. But I do trust the Japanese people and their technology. Hehe!
Here's a photo of Kiyomizudera sent by a friend for better appreciation:
Here is another gate and a pagoda which welcome guests as they enter the Kiyomizudera
On our way down, a long path of traditional Japanese houses selling various stuff, from food items to souvenirs, enticed us to look around for a good bargain.
Ivy bought some powdered matcha (green tea) while I got some yummy pastries:
Our next stop was supposed to be Kinkakuji, a Zen temple located in Northern Kyoto, but we misread the map and we ended up realizing that we were on our way to Ginkakuji. Yes, one letter made a huge difference. Here's the thing, Ginkakuji and Kinkakuji had the same symbol on the map, which is a golden temple, but they are located on both ends. Wow. Are we contestants in Amazing Race Asia? That was one big confusion. Haha! But it's our fault anyways. We were already half-way through our ride to Ginkakuji when we realized the mixed up. So we went back to the main bus terminal at central Kyoto and took another bus that is headed to Kinkakuji with a capital K!!! Unfortunately, when we arrived at Kinkakuji at around 6:00 PM, it was already closed. (It closes at 5:00 or 5:30 PM).
This is what we missed seeing :(
Oh well, better luck next time. Oh-KKK???
(photo was sent by a Japanese friend)
We headed back to Kyoto's central bus terminal, which is strategically located next to Kyoto's train station, where we had a restroom break. This is what the 'ordinary' train station looks like:
I felt bad for the MRTs and NAIA in Manila. I really do. :(
Japan's infrastructure was just superb; the standard world-class.
And so we rode the train again going back to Osaka, where we had dinner.
Kyoto Tower at night (as seen from the bus terminal). There's so much more to see in Kyoto that one day is not enough. I suggest that if you decided to go here, stay for at least two days.
Goodbye, Kyoto!
We went home early that night for a 'magical' adventure begins the next day. Clue: Expelliarmus!
End of Day 2
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