Kiyumizu-Dera & Yasaka Shrine

Kyoto is one of the 7th largest cities in Japan and popularized by their abundance of shrines and temples. Kyoto also boasts several historical landmarks recognized by the UNESCO's World Heritage List. I think I'm going to make a list of my own of sights listed on their website to visit once I get a proper income and find time for future travels.

Today, we went to 2 of Kyoto's known sights, Yasaka Shrine and Kiyumizu-Dera Here are a few photos of the Yasaka Shrine:

The first orange temple I have ever been to!

Takoyaki (octopus balls), one of Japan's famous foods

Inside the shrine area

A few tourists here to visit this shrine on a chilly winter day

Along with a beautiful wedding

This place was decorated with lanterns

After spending a few minutes at the shrine, we wandered into the garden area where we were greeted by beautiful green mountains. Kyoto is actually located in a valley, in the eastern part of the Tamba highlands mountain region and somewhat remote-- so remote that I was surprised to see these guys:

Hawks! Devin, one of our roomies at our hostel was telling us a funny, but frightening story about how he nearly got clawed by one of them as he was eating his lunch at the park the other day. I'm sure they're very vicious animals, so I will not be testing them.

We also saw this little girl feeding the flock of pigeons in front of the gardens

I couldn't help but marvel over the beautiful landscaping they've made here. I can only imagine what kind of beauty blossoms here in the spring and the colorful transitions of autumn

The walks to and from destinations are always enlightening. I love observing the people and modes of transport here. It's somewhat therapeutic and always leaves me questioning where everyone is going.

As we continued on to our next destination, we came across a geisha photo shoot. I wasn't sure if these were real geishas as I have been told that there are tourist opportunities to take part in traditional dress and become a geisha for a day. It was still spectacular to see them in their outfits!

Waiting outside of Yasaka Pagoda

Artwork found along the walk to Kiyumizu-Dera

The path to Kiyumizu-dera was stunning. The changes in architecture and quaintness of my surroundings gave me a sense of time travel as we continued our path. Many tourist shops, dessert cafes, and restaurants rest along this walkway. I'm pretty sure we sampled almost all of their mochi here. Ohp!

This is Kiyumizu-dera, a beautiful wooden temple rested along the slope of a mountain and popularized by the waterfall in which runs through it

The weather was extra crisp up here, painfully crisp. But that did not stop tourists from coming to see this historic monument of ancient Kyoto.

As mentioned, a waterfall does run throughout this temple which is one of the major attractions (and in the actual name of the temple, mizu, meaning water). It is told that these three streams of water grant health, longevity and wisdom, two of which are invited to be consumed and if chosen 3, bad luck with be casted upon you as it assumes selfish behavior.

We chose health and wisdom, of course

Another attraction are the love stones. These love stones are made for significant others to chose their destined paths as lovers or otherwise. Two stones are placed on opposide ends of the sectioned area of the Jingu shrine (north and south, leaving space in between). It is told that the lover seeking affirmation about a relationship must begin at one of the stones and walk with their eyes closed and must reach the other stone successfully without help. This will indicate that they will find love, or true love.

There's quite a bit to see at this temple and unfortunately, because the weather was so cold we weren't able to appreciate every area of it. I'm am, however content with the idea of peace that these temples and shrines bring and feel very honored to see these historic landmarks in my lifetime.