Seoul, Korea: Changdeokgung Palace

This is palace was built during the Chosun Dynasty and is a World Heritage Site. You know me and my desires to see World Heritage Sites. This palace is one of the oldest palaces in Seoul (building began in 1405).

I couldn't get enough of the details in this palace. I can't imagine how long it took just to paint the tiles on the ceiling.

 

 There are many areas to see, but of course you can't see everything.

This is just the beginning of my photographs of this palace. I will show more in the next few posts. I took some panorama shots that turned out nicely, but I can't fit them on this blog. I also have a tumblr blog (victoriainjapan.tumblr.com) where I post daily photos. Over time you will see the panoramic photographs here.

Kyoto, Japan: Leaving Daigoji

There are so many huge trees that you know have been here for so long. They are beautifully trimmed with lots of gentle care.

At the end of your visit you will probably be hungry like we were. There are some snack shops close to the entrance. At the snack shop next to the parking lot, you can order a coffee and cake set. A perfect way to give yourself a little more energy for the ride back. This cake isn't made at the shop, most likely, but it was still delicous.

Kyoto, Japan: Sanboin's Garden

We were able to walk behind Sanboin and see the buildings that the monks live, eat and pray in. We couldn't go inside, but that's a no brainer since it is their home. It would be a little unusual to let total strangers to walk through your home whenever they want.

This is the entrance to the garden. Just standing here we could hear some monks praying. There is a very calming atmosphere in this area.

 The garden isn't very big, but it is big enough. When you are inside the garden everything is very hushed. You can hear the trickle of the water running through the little river in the garden.

I really liked standing in this spot, because all around me I could see beautiful images. The trees, the wall, the stones, the ground...very relaxing. It is very difficult to feel stress in this garden.

Kyoto, Japan: Sanboin at Daigoji

Kyoto, Japan: Daigo-ji Inside One of Many Walls

The building of Daigoji began in 874 on the mountain top and over time with help from the temples devoted followers (a few emperors, mainly) the temple was able to expand build the other important buildings you will find today.

Imagine these leaves in Red, Orange and Yellow. Can you imagine it? If you can't then that means you need to come here in Autumn, because this whole wooded area would be Red, Orange and Yellow.

This pagoda is one of the oldest buildings left in Kyoto.

For those of you who enjoy hiking you will like this temple. If you continue along this path to the back gate you will come to the base of the mountain. From there (you have to pay a fee) you can climb to the top to visit Kami Daigo area where the first temple was built. From what I have heard and read it is a steep climb and it takes time, but the view is worth it. I didn't know about this before visiting and so was not wearing appropriate clothing or footwear for such a climb. So, my mother and I decided not to take part in this part of the temple grounds.

This is the Kondo Hall built around 926 in the Shimo Daigo area. Inside you will find many Buddhist statues and you can donate a coin (or two) into the prayer box and say a prayer to them.

Just some random fungi. Just to show how close to nature you will be at this temple. Also a forewarning, for those of you who have a fear of spiders there were lots of spiders in the trees. I personally was a little freaked out by the sheer size of some of them (okay, I may be exaggerating, but for people with a fear of spiders they will seem enormous). I'm just saying don't go walking through the branches and to shake off your clothes after climbing the mountain in case you accidentally take a new friend home. (Happy Hiking!)

Kyoto, Japan: Daigo-ji Temple

 I have had the opportunity to visit Kyoto a few times, but this was the first time for me to visit Daigo-ji.

From the Kyoto Station it's about 30 minutes away by bus.The simplest way is to find the bus stop next to Hotel Keihan. There should rows of bus stops in front of this hotel, it is not there. It is on the side of the hotel (if you are facing the hotel entrance, standing in front of the many bus stops, it is on the left) the bus stop is called Hotel Keihan Mae （ホテル京阪前）. You should be able to reach this hotel from the Kyoto station exit Hachijo　（京都駅八条口）. The bus is the Keihan Bus　（京阪バス） and it should say Yamashina Kyuko (山科急行）. This bus will drop you off in the temple's parking lot.

 From the moment you step on to this path you will notice just how beautiful this place is. I came here when the temperature was still a little warm, so the leaves hadn't changed color, yet. This area in Autumn would be amazing to see.

This is a designated World Heritage Site.

 It looks like I am on my way to fulfilling my hope to see all of the World Heritage Sites in Japan. 3 down and only about 12 (or so) more to go....ho boy, wish me luck!

The technique and time that it must have taken to create these statues...I can't even imagine. I would have loved to have seen these when they were first debuted, but I'm sure with age they have gained more character.

On the other side the pure color of the trees was what caught my attention, especially against the contrast of the faded red gate.

Welcome to Miyajima in Hiroshima, Japan

 To get to Miyajima you have to take a ferry. It only takes about 15 minutes and there's a lovely view during the ferry ride.

宮島に行くにはフェリを乗らないとダメです、１５分ぐらいでつきます。

Harvesting oysters.

 Hello Miyajima, the island with Itsukushima Shrine one of the World Heritage Sites!

みやじまです！厳島神社で世界遺産の一つの場所です。

 We went on April 14-15th and the Cherry Blossoms were in bloom! Also, the weather was perfect, sunny and warm with a cool breeze.

４月１４日と１５日に行きました。さくらがさいてました！天気もはれててあたたくって、すずしかぜえがありました。さいこうな天気でした。

There are A LOT of deer on the island. They are not afraid of people and many people seem to like to pet them and take pictures with the.

宮島でしかがいっぱいいます。しかといいｓひょに写真取ろうとする人がいっぱいいます。