By 9:00 am, we set out for a day of
sightseeing at the enchanting Kinkaku-ji Temple. Also known as the Golden
Pavilion, this renowned Zen Buddhist temple captivates visitors with its
breathtaking architecture and serene surroundings. Built in 1397 as a retirement
villa for shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, it was transformed into a Zen temple
after his passing. The temple's top two floors are adorned with brilliant gold
leaf, shimmering in the sunlight and reflecting beautifully in the pond below.
This creates a picturesque scene that
perfectly embodies classical Japanese aesthetics. The allure of Kinkaku-ji in
Kyoto is not only due to its stunning architectural beauty but also its
tranquil and spiritual atmosphere, offering a serene space for contemplation
amidst its meticulously maintained gardens and sacred ambiance.
Zen philosophy and I share a profound
connection. The essence of Zen - the mindful breath, the harmonious unity of
body, mind, and soul, all converging in the present moment - brings peace and
inner happiness. Kinkaku-ji Temple, with its stunning Zen beauty, encapsulates
this philosophy perfectly. You can stand and gaze at the temple, its golden
brilliance never losing its ancient charm. This faithful restoration of the
500-year-old original design, recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage
site in 1994, is truly mesmerizing.
As we lingered in this tranquil haven
until almost noon, it was time for lunch. The meal was a delight - crispy
tempura and steamed tofu, each dish presented with such care and elegance that
it felt like a work of art.
After lunch, our journey took us to
Fushimi Inari Shrine. Nestled at the base of Mount Inari in Kyoto, Japan, this
shrine spans approximately 4 kilometers of trails leading to numerous smaller
shrines. Built over 1,300 years ago to honor Inari, the god of prosperity and
agriculture, it stands as one of the oldest and most revered Shinto shrines in
Japan.
The sheer number of visitors at Fushimi
Inari Shrine was astounding, making picture-taking a challenge, though I
managed to capture a few moments. What enchanted me most was the magical path
of over 5,000 vibrant orange torii gates winding through the hills behind the
shrine.
I walked halfway through this orange-hued labyrinth, the network of
trails creating an almost otherworldly atmosphere, before turning back toward
the serene garden within the shrine grounds. This visit was a meaningful
encounter with Japanese cultural heritage, leaving me deeply moved by its
beauty and spiritual depth.
Subsequently, we visited Kiyomizu-Dera Temple, or "Pure Water
Temple." This is one of Japan's most celebrated temples and one of the
seventeen World Cultural Heritage sites in Kyoto. Founded in 780 AD on the site
of the Otowa Waterfall in the wooded hills east of Kyoto, Kiyomizu-Dera derives
its name from the pure waters of the fall. This temple is another soul-touching
marvel of Kyoto, where you might need no more than half an hour to immerse
yourself in its beauty.
To reach Kiyomizu-Dera, you walk along the
steep, bustling lanes of the atmospheric Higashiyama District. The journey is
as enriching as the destination itself. The many shops and restaurants along
the way have been catering to tourists and pilgrims for centuries, offering a variety
of local specialties such as Kiyomizu-yaki pottery, sweets, pickles, and an
abundance of street food. And, of course, what is Japan without its delightful
mochi and matcha?
Higashiyama District itself is a frenzy,
jam-packed with people to the point where I could barely see what was ahead of
me. Despite the chaos, we indulged in some street snacks, sharing them amongst
ourselves and debating whether they were worth the try and the price we paid.
It's wise to convert the cost to your local currency before buying, as the
temptation can lead to overspending.
The traders, manning the shops and stalls,
served with a stoic demeanor, almost like zombies - there wasn’t even a hint of
a smile. Goodness me! Despite this, trying Japanese street food was an
essential part of my travel experience, though the tastes were not always the
best.
By the late evening, we headed to a posh
eatery for dinner, where we enjoyed a different kind of meal: delicious
sashimi, grilled unagi with rice, and the customary side dishes. Sake was also
on the menu, but I chose to abstain, worried that the alcohol might trigger my
heart palpitations.
Finally, it was time to say goodbye to
Kyoto and head to the Hotel New Otani in Osaka. The best part was knowing that
we wouldn’t be moving hotels again until the end of our tour - yehhh! My room
was clean, spacious, and well set up, with good Wi-Fi speed.
After all the walking and sightseeing of
the day, there was nothing I yearned for more than a refreshing shower and the
comfort of a cozy bed.
No comments:
Post a Comment