View of Shoin Drawing Room, Tenryuji Temple, Kyoto.

Tenryuji Temple & Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

In my post Travel Japan – Tokyo Imperial Palace,  I wasn't able to tour the palace being on a Sunday. Well, this time I was fortunate enough to book a free guided tour of Kyoto Imperial Palace. The entire palace complex covers an area of approximately 27 acres, and consists of various buildings constructed in many distinct architectural styles such as the Shinden, Shoin and Sukiya styles. 

View of Shishinden from Nikkamon Gate.

Shishinden, is perhaps the most important and symbolic building within the Palace complex. It is constructed entirely out of timber with layers of Japanese Cypress bark covering its roof structure, it was once used for important ceremonies such as enthronements. In the forecourt, a Cherry Tree is planted to the east and a Mandarin Orange Tree is planted to the west. 

My recommendation:
If you're into history and traditional architecture, this tour is a must! If you want to step inside an ancient Japanese castle, Nijo-jo Castle is only about 15mins bus ride away.

The Golden Pavilion

The Golden Pavilion.

There's no mention of Kyoto without mentioning The Golden Pavilion or Kinkakuji, its name is synonymous with the city itself and its rich history. Unlike other Japanese temples, The Golden Pavilion is actually a Buddhist hall housing the relics of Buddha. Its surrounding garden and buildings were said to represent the Pure Land of Buddha in this world. The pavilion itself is constructed in the Muromachi period architecture, with gold foil covering the upper two levels and crowned with a golden phoenix.

Tip:
Make sure you get there early! By 9am, the line can be seen extending all the way out to the street. The area in front of the lake is rather small and crowded with people, so make sure you stake a good vantage point!

If you have time, The Silver Pavilion or Ginkakuji is also worth a visit. Though if you're expecting a building decked out in shining silver, you may be disappointed, however, its more humble architecture and surrounding gardens are worth a visit.

Fushimi Inari Shrine

Last but not least is Fushimi Inari Shrine or Thousand Torii Gates located in southern Kyoto. It is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of rice – Inari. It is quite a spectacle to behold as you first enter the Torii gate covered trail to begin your 2-3 hour ascent up Mount Inari, so be prepared! Upon closer inspection, you will notice that the gates bear inscriptions of its donors ranging from private citizens or organisations. Along the trail, there are also many fox statues as they are believed to be messengers of the god Inari.  

Thousand Torii Gates.

Of course this is just but the tip of the iceberg, for Kyoto is a city steeped in history and culture. There were countless temples and shrines I visited on my trip and there are many more I would like to visit. Until next time...

If you've been to any interesting places in and around Kyoto, drop me a comment!

The last of the Cherry Blossoms, Takayama.

Moving on from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, I went in search of some Old Town vibes, and if you're like me who prefers a bit of tranquillity accompanied by some great scenery, history and local cuisine – Takayama, Gifu Prefecture is a must!

Takayama Old Town

Takayama is a city in the mountainous Hida region, about 4.5 hours (one way) from Tokyo. Though the trip may seem long, it is a scenic one, especially on the JR Hida Limited Express from Nagoya bound for Toyama, the train winds its way through river valleys offering panoramic views of the countryside.

Takayama city itself is relatively easy to navigate, it has a series of bridges along the Miyagawa River, each in its own district. The Nakabashi Bridge in Kawaharamachi is the most recognisable and one of the main bridges leading into Old Town. I was fortunate enough to catch the last of the Cherry blossoms in full bloom along the river's edge and along many of the quiet side streets where you can get a glimpse of the locals as they go about their day.

Nakabashi Bridge, Takayama.

Old Town, however, is a hub of activity, from tourists to local merchants selling anything from souvenirs to locally brewed sake. The narrow streets of Old Town (Sanmachi Suji) is lined with traditional timber buildings and houses dating back to the Edo period, and once served as a merchant town of Takayama and hence it is also known as 'small Kyoto in Hida'.

My recommendation:
Grab yourself some fried Hida beef patties or grilled mochi skewers and stroll the length of Old Town. You can also sample sake and miso soup from local vendors.

Shop lined streets of Old Town, Takayama.

Grilled mochi skewers.

Takayama Jinya

Takayama Jinya.

Not far from Old Town is the Takayama Jinya, a one-time branch office of the Edo government from 1692-1868. If you're interested in a bit of Japanese history and traditional architecture, it is definitely worth a visit since it is the only remaining building of its kind in Japan.

As you wander through many of its rooms and along the well-worn timber walkway, you get a good sense of how its inhabitants once moved along those exact corridors as they went about their daily business. The Japanese-style garden is the focal point within the complex, though visitors are not permitted to set foot inside the garden, but they are more than welcome to sit along the timber walkway and take in the tranquillity of this Edo period garden.

Many of the buildings were restored in the mid-90s, however, the rice storehouses, conference room, front gate and entrance hall are still original. Unlike many other popular tourist spots, you can really take your time wandering through the halls of the Jinya.

Hida Beef

For me, Takayama really turns on its charms after sunset. when most of the tourist groups have moved on. The streets of Old Town are quiet, lanterns outside restaurants are lit and only a few scattered tourists here and there looking for places to eat, it makes you realise and appreciate why it is referred to as 'small Kyoto in Hida'. Many of the restaurants in and around Old Town are home-run, and if you peer through the lattice windows, the interiors are simple yet full of warmth.

Takayama at night.

A must eat when in Takayama is Hida beef, a specific name given to beef from Japanese black-haired cattle raised in the Gifu Prefecture for about 14 months, It has beautiful marbling and can be enjoyed either thinly sliced in Japanese sukiyaki or grilled with miso paste. If you can't decide, just have both for they are both very different dining experiences!

Hida beef.

Great Buddha, Kotokuin Temple Kamakura

While I was planning my Japan trip, I was tossing between whether to spend a day in Nikko or Kamakura. In the end, I decided to go with Kamakura, and what a great day that turned out to be! If you're looking for a day trip destination not far from Tokyo, read on as I will show you what Kamakura has to offer!

History of Kamakura

Kamakura is just a little over an hour from Tokyo on the JR Rail. It is a coastal city steeped in military culture and was the birthplace of Japan's first Kamakura Bakutu or military government, it was also once a political capital along with Kyoto and Nara. It wasn't until the 19th Century that Kamakura flourished as a temple town and became popular for its beaches and resorts. Today, when people tell you about Kamakura, I'm sure there will be no shortage about the Great Buddha of Kamakura, and that was precisely my first stop on the list.

Great Buddha, Kotokuin Temple

I chose to walk from Kamakura JR Station to the Great Buddha, a good, solid 30mins walk but a rather scenic one through quiet neighbourhoods with blooming Wisterias.

The Kamakura Daibutsu or the Great Buddha of Kamakura is in Kotokuin Temple. The temple gate holds a plaque with the temple's official name – Daii-san and also two Nios or guardians that are commonly found in Buddhist temples. Entering the temple grounds, the giant bronze statue of the Amida Buddha dominates the scene, it dates back to 1252 and is today a National Treasure. It is definitely the main attraction and draw in large crowds from devout Buddhists to tourist and even local students. For an extra 200 yen, you can peek inside the statue itself, though space is fairly cramped inside.

Kotokuin entry gate with two Nios.

 Walking around the temple grounds, there were many large, nonuniform stone slabs dotting the garden used by me as a bench to rest my feet. They are actually the cornerstones once used in the construction of the hall that originally housed the Great Buddha, today they are used as garden stones or water basins.

Tip: At Kamakura Station, ask station staff for a city map and my recommendation is there is no better way to explore the city than on foot.

Great Buddha.

Hasedera Temple

Kazaridaru.