Beautiful and Historic Kyoto

Kyoto was Japan's capital for over 1,000 years, and during that time became the repository of much of the best of Japanese art, culture, religion, and thought.  Fortunately, during WW II, it was decided that this historic city not be bombed in order to preserve these beautiful treasures.  The city is only 2 hours and 40 minutes from Tokyo by the famous Bullet Train.

When we arrived in Kyoto, we were greeted by our guide for the day, Avi Lugasi, an Israeli who moved to Japan 15 years ago.  Avi is a magnificent guide, providing us with so much history of the city that we almost couldn't take it all in.  We visited temples, the most famous geisha district and we even had time to do a little shopping (the only time we were really able to do that on the trip.)

The Golden Pavilion

The Most Famous Geisha District

 

Famous Geisha School

                   

The Kiyomizu Temple is famous for its wide wooden veranda jutting out over an exquisite valley that extends to a panoramic view of the city.  The day we visited, and I assume it's like this every day, the temple was full of visitors, young and old.  

Kiyomizu Temple Shrine

Kiyomizu Temple

Traditional Wedding Couple at the Temple

In addition to the veranda and for health reasons, Kiyomizu dera temple brings in visitors hoping for luck in love. The sub-temple Jishu-jinja has two love stones placed roughly 20 meters apart. If you can manage to walk between with the stones, eyes closed, you will find love--or so the faithful believe. (Cheating however is allowed: pilgrims are often seen being led by their significant other.)

In addition to being a World Heritage Site, Kiyomizu was recently submitted as a candidate as a New Seven Wonders of the World.

After visiting the temple, visitors wander around Sannenzaka, a small shopping street lined with traditional shops and wooden houses. They can follow this road as it winds its way down past Nene no Michi, Kodaiji to Gion - the traditional pleasure and geisha quarter of the city.

           
The next morning, after a restful sleep and a delicious dinner with Joseph Kelley, the Sales Manager, we had a cultural experience with WAK Japan.  This consisted of a tea ceremony, flower arranging, kimono wearing, and origami with an in-depth talk.  How lucky we were to have experienced the Ikebana program and to learn from the famous instructor, Jalko Fujii.

Ah, Kyoto, where you can feel the essence of Japan.