Kyoto, Japan: A Gate in Daigoji

I wanted to share this photo with you. One, because it is such a common site to see. Ojizo-sama's with a bib wrapped around the statue or a hat covering Ojizo-sama's head. From what I have learned this is to show thanks for protecting a sick child and also he is the one that helps child who pass on before their parents. Two, because when you see one of these statues (which you will if you visit Japan)  you now know why they seem to be dressed as children.

This guy is bowing after he passed through the gate. This is what people are supposed to do before entering and after leaving, but most people don't...unfortunately, I am in the group that doesn't.

I've always wondered what these stickers of names were for. I'm not sure if it is true for all of them, but it seems that these are the names of people who gave donations. I'm assuming big donations, because if everyone got to put a sticker somewhere for donating just a 10 yen coin you probably wouldn't be able to see the wood anymore. 

Kyoto, Japan: More of Daigoji

People needed a place to tie their bad fortunes somewhere so they chose this tree apparently. I'm not sure if this is what the tree is for, but there was no where else to tie the bad fortunes to.

I know it's tempting to hit the bell since it is so well set up and just waiting for you.....but don't. As a sign of respect for the temple and to the Buddhist monks here.

 You can get up close and admire the design of the bell. That I do recommend you do since there are some finer details that you will miss otherwise.

For example the dragon head on the top of the bell.

I just love the contrast of the blue and red. I know it's not supposed to be blue, but that doesn't mean I can't like it.

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.

Walking Course #2: Yagoto Neighborhood in Nagoya

My first stop after getting off the train at Yagoto was this temple. There is actually quite a bit of ground to cover here.

In case you need directions of what is where this sign won't be helpful for those Kanji challenged as I am.

I am always amazed at the details put into temples and shrines.

The main pagoda.

Another prime example of the details put into the creation of a temple, that I mentioned earlier.

So, I was going to walk around the temple grounds and see what else I could find until......I noticed a funeral ceremony in progress. It's not that you aren't allowed on the temple grounds or anything (If there was a sign saying that there is a funeral in progress or to not enter I either 1. Didn't see it or... 2. Couldn't read it). I was worried that it might be rude, and the other (main) part is that it gives me the heebie-jeebies. I'm sorry if that offends anyone, but it's the truth.

So, if you would like to see the rest of the temple grounds please visit! (Hopefully, it's a non-funeral day!)

A Temple next to Itsukushima Shrine: Miyajiama, Japan

 There are a lot of old art work hanging in this temple. A lot of them had something to do with horses.

おてらの中に芸術がいっぱいありました。ほんとんどのテーマはうまでした。