To get to Arashiyama, you will come across the beautiful Togetsukyo Bridge, also known as “Moon Crossing Bridge.”
The bridge divides the river into two. West of the bridge, the river is named Hozu River while east of the bridge, the river is named Katsura River.
On the east side, enjoy the scenic view on a kayak.
(Arashiyama, Kyoto, Japan)
Kodaiji temple was my favorite temple on this trip. The zen qualities of the temple was soothing among the busy rhythm of this trip.
This temple was built in 1605 by Kita-no-Mandokoro, also known as Nene, in honor of her late husband Toyotomi Hideyoshi. However the temple is named after Kita-no-Mandokoro’s honorary name Kodai-in.
Peaceful zen stone garden in front of the main hall.
Kaisan-do, Founder’s Hall, with bonsai trees.
Hojo, main hall, rebuilt after being burned down in 1912.
Garyoro corridor, named after the resemblance to the back of a reclining dragon.
Mausoleum enshrining Toyotomi and Nene.
Shigure-tei teahouse constructed by bamboo and logs interwoven in a radiating pattern.
Next up on my house plans will be a bamboo forest.
Huge goddess statue.
Admission: 500 yen
Home to the infamous thousands of red (vermillion) torii gates shrine. Below is the Romon Gate donated by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in 1589. Behind it is Honden, the main shrine building.
Fushimi Inari is named after the mountain it sits atop, Mount Inari,
and the Shinto god of rice it gives homage to, Inari. Foxes are known to be Inari’s messengers. Therefore, you will see them everywhere before the shrines.
Beginning of the ascent to the thousands of red torii gates.
One of the many mini shrines that dot the mountain.
Senbon trail is the parallel rows of mini torii gates. Each torii gate is donated either by an individual or company in hopes of prosperity. The small gates start at 400,000 yen while the larger ones can cost up to 1 million yen.
One is not like the other.
After about a 40 min ascent, you will come across Yotsutsuji intersect with a view of Kyoto. Tip: Bring some snacks and water with you as it is mostly uphill. Onigiri is a small and filling snack. 7-11 offers a decent variety.
If you’re adventurous, you can continue the path for another 1.5- 2.5 hours to reach the full summit.
Admission: free.
(68 Fukakusa Yabunouchicho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 612-0882, Japan)
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