Live from Japan!

After our adventures in Gifu Park on Saturday, we decided to take a day trip on Sunday to Kyoto. I have had the itch to go SOMEWHERE for several weeks now, after all, we are in Japan. I feel like we should be out, seeing stuff.

But, more important than travelling around this country, has been getting settled. Getting accustomed to our little area of the world, and starting to feel comfortable in our surroundings. Now that we feel a bit more stable and adjusted, we were more comfortable leaving our familiar Gifu city, for something a bit out of our comfort zone.

When I told my supervisor that I was interested in taking a day trip to Kyoto, she took me up to the library and asked the librarian for some Kyoto guidebooks. She showed me pictures of famous places, and tried to get a sense of what I would be interested in seeing. After spending a few hours looking at things, we had developed an itinerary. She showed me a map and identified the locations of several of her favorites sights to see in Kyoto. I was ready and prepared with an itinerary for our Sunday adventure.

The first thing we went to see in Kyoto was To-ji Temple. To-ji was established in 794. To-ji is famous for its’ five-story pagoda which burned down four times after being struck by lightning. The latest incarnation was rebuilt in 1643 and is the highest pagoda in Japan.

This was our view as we approached the temple. The gardens in front of it were stunning and I loved the way the pagoda popped up from behind.

As we got closer, the pagoda became even more impressive. It was amazing to look at the details of the structure and how it was built. It is incredible to see a structure standing that has been there for almost 400 years. The only thing that seems to have changed about it is the large lightning rod on top and the large ground on the backside of the temple. I guess they don’t want it to get hit by lightning and burn down again.

Within the temple grounds there were many other buildings. This is Aaron in front of Kondo (Main Hall). Inside Kondo were many Buddha statues depicting the Yakushi (Healing Buddha) trinity. Photography and sketching were not allowed within the halls, so you will have to use your imagination (or come visit and see for yourself).

Also on the To-ji grounds, were many small shrines and buddha. Many people had left offerings at the shrines, including this offering of 1000 paper cranes. They were beautiful sitting in the summer sun, although I wonder what happened to them when the rain fell later that afternoon.