Kyoto
We spent our Christmas in Kyoto, which was once upon a time the capital of Japan.
Kiyomizu-dera Temple
‘Pure Water Temple’, founded in 780 became a UNESCO world heritage site in 1994, and is well known for its wooden stage that projects over the hillside. It was only when I viewed this platform from a distance that I questioned its safety!
And leaving the temple …
Ryozen Kwan-on
On our way elsewhere, we noticed this massive figure jutting into the sky
This is a 24 metre high statue of the Goddess of Mercy, and it was built in 1955 to honour the dead of World War II, both Japanese and Allied soldiers.
Golden Temple – Kinkaku-Ji
The top two floors of this Zen temple are covered in gold leaf and although it was originally built in the fifteenth century, this present structure dates from 1955. But it gets my vote for the most impressive entrance tickets we have received in Japan!
Nijo-Jo Castle
We were made aware at the entrance that it wasn’t possible to enter the castle nor its Painting Gallery …..
…. and the castle itself –
Undergoing some major renovation!
Homeward bound
Snow added an hour on the Shinkansen journey
