Its been a long time before i had to work on this again.... its been months!!!
Ok, Japan's Day 7, Kyoto area and Narra Prefecture. its a bit a relaxing day for us because we have it for a day tour.. which means no need for us to figure out where and when to go. We just tag along...
We went to the meeting point for the day tour, its around 730 in the morning... Here, its nice to see different nationalities again. For the past six days its been solid japanese people. (hahaha!!!).
Nijo Castle and the Kyoto Imperial Palace
First stop, the Nijo Castle, it was built in 1603 as the Kyoto residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo Period (1603-1867). His grandson Iemitsu completed the castle's palace buildings 23 years later and further expanded the castle by adding a five story castle keep. Its palace buildings are arguably the best surviving examples of castle palace architecture of Japan's feudal era, and the castle was designated a UNESCO world heritage site in 1994. The shogun title was the equivalent of a military general rank.
The Kyoto Imperial Palace grounds can be entered only on guided tours (in English or Japanese) held by the Imperial Household Agency. Tours take about one hour and lead past the buildings and gardens, but none of the buildings can be entered.
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| Kyoto Imperial Palace Jomeimon Gate, Kenshunmon Gate |
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| Oikenewa Garden |
Nijo Castle is a fine example of architecture from the early Edo period, with lavish painting and carvings.
The Ninomaru Palace served as the residence and office of the shogun during his visits to Kyoto. Surviving in its original form, the palace consists of multiple separate buildings that are connected with each other by corridors with so called nightingale floors, as they squeak when stepped upon as a security measure against intruders. The palace rooms are tatami mat covered and feature elegantly decorated ceilings and beautifully painted sliding doors.
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| Ninomaru Palace, nightingale floors, inner moat |
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| Kyoto Imperial Palace Gosho |
note: (so, sorry, with the info and pictures at the Nijo Castle and Kyoto Imperial Castle, everything is so mixed up)
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| big and small buildings (only in japan) |
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| the Streets of Kyoto |
Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion)
Kinkakuji (金閣寺,Golden Pavilion) is a Zen templein northernKyoto whose top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf. Formally known as Rokuonji, the temple was the retirement villa of the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, and according to his will it became a Zen temple of the Rinzai sect after his death in 1408.
The first floor is built in the Shinden style used for palace buildings during the Heian Period, and with its natural wood pillars and white plaster walls contrasts yet complements the gilded upper stories of the pavilion. Statues of the Shaka Buddha (historical Buddha) and Yoshimitsu are stored in the first floor.
The second floor is built in the Bukke style used in samurai residences, and has its exterior completely covered in gold leaf. Inside is a seated Kannon Bodhisattva surrounded by statues of the Four Heavenly Kings; however, the statues are not shown to the public. Finally, the third and uppermost floor is built in the style of a Chinese Zen Hall, is gilded inside and out, and is capped with a golden phoenix.
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| The Golden Pavilion |
Kinkakuji is an impressive structure built overlooking a large pond, and is the only building left of Yoshimitsu's former retirement complex. It has burned down numerous times throughout its history including twice during the Onin War, a civil war that destroyed much of Kyoto; and once again more recently in 1950 when it was set on fire by a fanatic monk. The present structure was rebuilt in 1955.
Kinkakuji is situated at the foot of Kinugasa Hill and in the north west of Kyoto, a short walk north from Hirano Shrine and Waratenjin Shrine. 
Kinkakuji from back then leads through the temple's gardens which have retained their original design from Yoshimitsu's days. The gardens hold a few other spots of interest including Anmintaku Pond that is said to never dry up, and statues that people throw coins at for luck.
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| Nara Prefecture |
Nara Prefecture
Japan's first permanent capital was established in the year 710 at Heijo, the city now known as Nara. As the influence and political ambitions of the city's powerful Buddhist monasteries grew to become a serious threat to the government, the capital was moved to Nagaoka in 784. It is located less than one hour from Kyoto and Osaka. Due to its past as the first permanent capital, it remains full of historic treasures, including some of Japan's oldest and largest temples.
The Nara park is home to hundreds of freely roaming deer. Considered in Shinto to be messengers of the gods, Nara's nearly 1200 deer have become a symbol of the city and have been designated a natural treasure.
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| Nara Park |
Deer crackers are for sale around the park, and some deer have learned to bow to visitors asking to be fed.
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| feeding the deers |
Todai-ji Temple
Todaiji (Great Eastern Temple) is one of Japan's most famous temples and a landmark of Nara. Located in Nara Park, in central Nara,Todaiji was constructed in 752 as the head temple of all provincial Buddhist temples of Japan.And eventually grew so powerful that the capital was moved from Nara to Nagaoka in 784 in order to lower the temple's influence on government affairs.
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| Todai-ji Temple |
Along the approach to Todaiji stands Nandaimon gate, a huge wooden gate watched over by two fierce looking statues. Representing the Nio Guardian Kings, the statues are designated national treasures together with Nandaimon gate.
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| Nandaimon Gate |
The two impressive guardian statues of the Nio (Benevolent Kings), Agyo, one of two great Nio gate guardians within Nandaimon, carved in 1203 and each more than 8 meters tall.
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| Two Fierced Guardian Statue |
Todaiji housing Japan's largest bronze Buddha statue (Daibutsu), but it is also the world's largest wooden building, even though the present reconstruction of 1692 is only two thirds of the original temple's size.
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| the construction of Daibutsu |
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| Daibutsu (the great buddha) |
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| inside the Todai-ji Temple |
A popular attraction of Todaiji is a pillar inside the temple which has a hole in its base the same size as the Daibutsu's nostril. It is said that those who can squeeze through this opening will be granted enlightenment in their next reincarnation.
Pindola is said to have excelled in the mastery of occult and psychic powers. He was once remonstrated by Buddha for misusing his powers to impress simple, ignorant people. Statues of him are usually well worn, since the faithful follow the custom of rubbing a part of the effigy corresponding to the sick parts of their bodies, as he is reputed to have the gift of healing.
Pindola is said to have excelled in the mastery of occult and psychic powers. He was once remonstrated by Buddha for misusing his powers to impress simple, ignorant people. Statues of him are usually well worn, since the faithful follow the custom of rubbing a part of the effigy corresponding to the sick parts of their bodies, as he is reputed to have the gift of healing.
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| The Statue of Pindola Bharadvaja |
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| Different angles of Todai-ji Temple |
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| me, zarah and the deers |
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| Kasuga-Taisha Shrine |
Kasuga-Taisha Shrine
Kasuga Grand Shrine is a Shinto shrine that was built in 768 on a spot of land that had long considered hallowed by the gods. The shrine was originally used only by members of the Fujiwara family and two of the four gods enshrined here are said to be the ancestral founders of the Fujiwara line.
Kasuga Taisha was originally owned and run by the monks at nearby Kofukuji. By the 16th century the temple’s fortunes had declined and at the time of the Meiji restoration the government mandated the separation of Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples.
Kasuga Taisha is approached via a long pathway intended to give the visitor time to prepare for worship. The natural setting is a purposeful part of the sacred site, since Shinto is rooted in nature. The main entrance to the shrine is through the Minamimon (South Gate) and past the Temizuya (water fountain and basin), where it is customary to wash your hands.
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| Upon Entering the Kasuga Torii Gate |
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| Cleansing of Hands |
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| Stone lanterns along the path to Kasuga Shrine |
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| Inside the Kasuga Shrine |
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| pathway to the Kasuga Shrine |
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