Japan trip - Kyoto Part 1 (Kinkaku-ji, Ryoan-ji and Nijo Castle)

Famously known for its traditional culture and historical places in Japan, Kyoto really has a lot to offer:

The Golden Pavilion of Kinkaku-ji

The scenic entrance walk

Very unique entrance tickets

As the name suggests, the Golden Pavilion is covered with pure gold (leafs) on the top two floors of a three storey building.

The stunning view with the reflecting image of the Golden Pavilion on the pond of Kyoko-chi

The building is not open for visitors so we could only enjoy the view outside.

Apart from seeing the Golden Pavilion, the beautiful view of the surrounding landscapes made this a place worth visiting. It lightened up our day.

Fudo-do, a hall dedicated to the God of Fire

Ryoan-ji Temple

Located not too far away (probably two or three bus stops away) from the Kinkaku-ji, we reached the next famous spot of Kyoto, the Ryoan-ji Temple.

My original plan was to exclude this place from our itinerary because personally, I didn't find it worth spending 1000 Yen between us to see a few rocks really! However Frankie insisted that we must visit this place because it is so famous! Well.... only if we know how to appreciate it!

The stone garden at Ryoan-ji Temple consists fifteen stones of different sizes placed on white sand, representing an image of islands and an expanding sea. It promotes Zen philosophy and is intended to inspire people to imagine their own landscape. The garden is also referred to as 'The Crossing of Tiger Cubs' as it resembles a mother tiger carrying her cubs across dangerous river torrents.

A model of the rock garden.

and the life-size one...

Are you inspired? I can say it certainly not to us... what a shame really.

The Tea-room Zoroku next to the rock garden (not open for public). According to the leaflet I got "Zoroku means to contain (or hide) 'six'. The six stands for the head, tail, and four legs. Consequently Zoroku means a tortoise, which is the symbol of Gembu, the guardian god of the north."

We didn't bother to spend much time exploring other areas within the Ryoanji Temple because we thought the landscape would be similar to that in Kinkaku-ji.

Nijo Castle

Nijo Castle was built about 400 years ago in Edo period to guard the city's Imperial possessions and residences.

Ninomaru Palace.

One of the striking features about this palace is its 'Nightingale floors' where the corridor floors will produce the squeaky sounds like birds when walk on them.

Unfortunately cameras were not allowed inside so not many snaps taken.