End Of Obon In Kyoto

I was in Japan, Kyoto to be exact in August one year and learned of a festival that was celebrated in Kyoto with intense.  This festival I heard was all about the ancestors of the Japanese people who they claimed will be visiting them during this Bon festival. At the end of the festival/celebration - up high in the mountains - 4 mountains if i am not wrong - they have these Japanese words placed and a bonfire lighted to show the word - big and a few other words that I cannot remember now.  Street lights are turned off - so that people can see the bonfire from the streets.  It’s a massive turn out if you are in Kyoto - so sometime in August if you are in Kyoto - this is one festival you shouldn’t missed.

Gyokusendo Cave @ Okinawa World

The Gyokusendo Cave is a limestone cave - it’s huge - and takes about 2 hrs to walk around and admire everything in the cave.  Located inside the theme park Okinawa World  - main attraction in fact - it is definitely a must - do when you are in Okinawa.

A very pretty sight.

Limestone all over and it’s pretty warm inside.

Little Train Ride In Kyoto

While many think that Kyoto is a very quiet and idle place to be - I loved Kyoto because of the nature and many good food.  One interesting thing you have to do - is take the little train - at Kameoka thru’ the Hozu River and enjoy the scenery there.  While some people take the tain from Arashiyama - we took the train from Kameoka - for 600 Yen.  The ride was short about 25 minutes only - but still a very pleasant train ride.

This is a paddy field at the train station.  We then went for a boat ride at the Hozu River for 2 hours.  It was interesting and we enjoyed it tremendously.

The boat ride was about 3500 yen if I am not wrong - but for a 2 hrs ride - i think it was worth it.  Enjoy the wild life in Kyoto here - it’s quite refreshing.

Favorite Food In Japan

Okonomiyaki is my favorite in Kyoto.

A Walk Thru’ The Golden Pavilion

Living in Japan for 6 months reminds me of my walk at the Golden Pavilion Temple - also known as the Kinkaku-ji.  So how do one get to the Golden Pavilion Temple?  The temple is located in Kyoto - and I was there for a few months at least - so i became very familiar with the place.  Open from 9am to 5pm - I take my afternoon walks here with my apple nano and to rest my eyes after a few hours of looking on the computer or talking with engineers.   At that time - I had to get my Apple Nano from Canada - because I couldn’t understand the ones in Japan - so before going to Japan - I saw them in Canada - and had bought them immediately.  Little did I know that my apple nano was going to be my constant companion during my stay in Japan.

The admission fee for the KinKau-ji was 400 yen then - I don’t know if it had change now.  But as you can see - it was a great place to spend the afternoon to relax before heading back to work.

The Golden Pavilion - said to be covered with gold leaf on two storey - this was used as a retirement villa for a shogun.  The surrounding is quite extravagant as you can see here - almost breathtaking the first time I came here for my walk.  I avoid talking to anyone - when I’m out for a walk - so by using my apple nano - it was perfect.  If you are visiting Kyoto - take a walk at my favorite place.

Nijo Castle Kyoto

Like all foreigners who have been in Japan for several months - we tend to go visit our nearby neighbors and Kyoto is one of my favorite place to go to - if there was a long weekend.  I’ve been to Nijo Castle in Kyoto once with some friends and it was pretty quiet and tranquil.

We had taken a bus to Nijo Castle and like most foreigners we thought we were being smart by getting the bus pass - that takes us to several touristy places in Kyoto - but alas, apparently, we are not the only one with smart thinking haha!  Yes ! it was packed but that’s alright - we had fun waiting for the next bus and we met some really nice people going to Nijo Castle as well.

Nijo Castle had very impressive architecture as you can see here at the entrance and it was built to protect the Imperial Palace.

We were not allowed to take pictures inside the grounds but the outside garden was not a problem - like most castles in Japan - this one was quite similar.  Admission to Nijo Castle is about 600 Yen - about $5 Canadian I think and if you want an English guide you have to pay extra.  Nijo Castle is said to be build by a Shogun and they lived inside the castle to protect the imperial palace.

Nanzenji Kyoto Japan

The Nanzenji temple is a national treasure - so I was told when my co-workers brought me there for a visit one summer holiday when I was living in Japan.  I thought I would share some pictures with those who are planning to go to Kyoto - so you can see how awesome the architecture is at the Nanzenji Kyoto.

Like many of us - we were a little tired of visiting temples and national treasure - but bear with me - for Japanese loved their temples and picnicking during the holidays.

The Sannenzaka is known for one of the most beautiful walk in Kyoto - this leads to the temple of Kiyomizu and on top of this temple - you can see a awesome view of Kyoto.

Ninenzaka

Kiyomizudera Temple

Also known as the Pure Water temple is one of the most visited temples in Japan - Kyoto.  The name came from the waterfall found in the hills around the temple.  The picture shows how amazing the temple was being built from the main hall - it’s 13 meter above the hillside below as you8 can see.  When I was staying at the edge I was kinda worried because there were so many people there.

A breath-taking view from the wooden stage - the temple is very busy - and steep.

There are many stalls like the above that sells food and souvenirs to tourists like myself - the sweets and pickle stands are the best - there are some local handicraft as well and all reasonably priced.  The night view of the temple is more amazing if you asked me. It’s not difficult to find your way up to the temple - one can either take a train or a bus.

Fushimi Inari

Thought I would share more pictures of the Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto here - for those who haven’t been there recently.

100s and 100s of prayers and wishes from both locals and tourists.

Good luck water ?

Special Summer Dessert In Kyoto

Not quite summer yet in Japan but one can always look forward to ice - shavings at any carnival fare in Japan - especially in Kyoto.

Comes in different colors and would be better with brown sugar.

And you think only in Malaysia they have ice shavings?  but not true haha!  the couple is from Japan - so don’t forget to look out for it when you are in Japan.