Tenryuji Temple is a world cultural heritage site, located in the Sagano district of Kyoto. It was converted to a Zen temple from a villa and its garden – Sogenchi Garden is one of the oldest in Japan.

Like many ancient timber constructions, the temple has been ravaged by fire many times and thus most present day buildings dates back only to the Meiji period. Entry to the garden costs extra, but it is well worth it. The Main Hall and lake as well as the surrounding gardens are grand yet serene, and if you follow the path to the northern entrance, it leads straight to the Bamboo Grove. 

Tenryuji Temple garden, looking towards Main Hall.

Not much needs to be said about the Bamboo Grove, it is perhaps one of the most popular and most photographed sites in Japan. The path itself isn't long but unsurprisingly is full of local and international tourists, so if you're looking to take photos without a crowd, you may have to wait a while or head in real early.

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.

Tip:
The streets surrounding the Temple are filled with vendors selling snacks and souvenirs, so make sure you check them out and leave some room for mochi skewers and takoyaki! 

Kyoto Imperial Palace

Not far from the Great Buddha and only about 10 minutes walk from Kotokuin is Hasedera Temple. I actually didn't have any other planned temple visits in Kamakura, but because they're in clusters, it makes it easier to visit a few within a day, and also just explore to your heart's content.

Hasedera Temple is situated half way up Mt Kamakura and is designed on two levels including an underground cave. In total, seven buildings make up the temple complex with smaller halls, tourist facilities, and a beautiful garden on the ground level then winding its way up through garden paths lined with summer blooms to reach the main hall – Kannon-do Hall and the observation deck on the upper level.

Kannon-do Hall

The main hall houses the statue of Hase Kannon or more commonly known in English as the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy, but strictly speaking it is neither masculine nor feminine. Unfortunately, photos are prohibited inside the hall but it was quite a sight to behold. The statue is gold-leafed and stands over nine metres, it has 11 faces each with its unique facial expression, symbolising that the deity listens to the wishes of all people.

To rest your feet, outside the Kannon-do Hall is the observation deck. Grab a 'dango' (sweet rice cake skewers) from the nearby snack stall, sit under the wisteria pergola and take in the panoramic view of Sagami Bay below. As you make your way down, dotted along garden paths and amongst plantings are small Jizo statues that are all so cute and endearing. These statues are there to comfort the souls of unborn children, hence why so many of them are adorned in bibs and charms. Don't forget to visit the Benten-kutsu Cave, where Benzaiten and 16 children are chiselled into the rock face, but steer clear if you have back problems for you are unable to stand up straight once inside the cave.

Kannon-do Hall, Hasedera Temple.

Panoramic view from observation deck.

Jizo

Food

Seafood is abound in this coastal city and one of the most popular meal choices is the Shiso Rice Bowl Set. The rice is topped with salmon roe, raw shiso (white bait), shredded egg, seaweed, grated ginger and wasabi for an added kick. Paired with miso soup and pickles on the side, it is both filling yet light-weight, with no fishy after taste at all! 

The main street leading from the station is lined with shops, selling everything from souvenir, to apparel to local snacks. Speaking of snacks, Kamakura is also famous for its biscuits, especially the Half Moon biscuits, so don't pass them by.

Shiso Don.

Kamakura is definitely worth a visit or perhaps even an overnight stay, because there are just so many temples and shrines to visit. Some will lead you through quaint neighbourhoods while others take you along train tracks, your feet may be sore at the end of the day but it is all part of the adventure!

For more photos from the trip, head to my Flickr page!

Harajuku + Meiji Jingu 

Harajuku, an area that is famous for its youth culture, fashion and shopping. Not surprisingly it was filled with people as soon as I stepped out of the station, unlike the CBD around Tokyo Station, Harajuku definitely has a more trendy, edgy vibe with international retailers and boutique cafés lining the streets, not to mention the streets themselves were filled with a great mix of people from tourists to students. 

If you have some spare time, the backstreets of Harajuku such as Takeshita Dori is a great place to immerse yourself in Japanese youth fashion. For the architecture enthusiast, the area around Harajuku has the Yoyogi Stadium and Omotesando Hills designed by Tadao Ando.

Outside Harajuku Station.

If you're searching for a bit of tranquillity, right next to the hustle and bustle of Harajuku Station is the Shinto shrine Meiji Jingu, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. The forest surrounding the shrine is made up of 100,000 trees donated for the establishment of the shrine and the tranquil setting is a sharp contrast to the trendy, shopping district of the surrounding area.

Meiji Jingu.

From the giant Torii gate, it is a decent 15mins walk til you reach the main shrine. Along the way, there are displays of shrine offerings in the form of decorative sake barrels or 'Kazaridaru' and also barrels of wine to be consecrated at the shrine from Bourgogne, France. In the courtyard of the main shrine are three sacred trees, one of which is surrounded by 'ema' or small wooden plaques on which you write your wishes/prayers. Directly opposite are the remaining two trees with a connecting hemp rope, couples offer their prayers in return for a blessed relationship. 

Torii gate.

Prayer boards.

Sacred trees outside main shrine.

The shrine is popular with both locals and tourists, but the atmosphere is still one of tranquillity and reflection, coupled with its forest setting, Meiji Jingu is definitely a gem hidden amongst Tokyo's hustle and bustle. With Harajuku right outside the Torii gates, you can have the best of both worlds!

What are some of your favourite shrines in Tokyo? More posts on my recent adventures in Japan to come, make sure you subscribe so you won't miss out.