Kinkaku-ji - The Golden Pavillion

And how can I go to Kyoto without visiting the famed Kinkaku-ji? (Temple of the Golden Pavillion) The view there was truly breathtaking!!

Of course, there are more things to look around aside from the golden temple itself. Here is a worker trimming a tree in the garden surrounding the Kinkaku-ji. He's perched so precariously high up!

Yes, I am fascinated by the mossy roofs of these little huts. :D

I found this giant bug when I saw two girls bending over and taking photos of something on the ground, so I went to inspect when they walked away. This not-so-little insect was walking the area like a boss! It was a pretty high traffic area too and for some reason it is surviving pretty decently. I wonder what insect is this?

Bamboo Forest in Arashiyama

There's also this amazing bamboo forest in Arashiyama!! It was such a quiet and peaceful place.

Tenryuji Temple in Arashiyama

Arashiyama is truly an amazing place, we followed a small path around a small but beautiful garden and ended up at this magnificent temple called Tenryu-ji. (literally translated as 'Sky dragon temple')

I love the detail on the roof!

A little busy bee!

Arashiyama

We took a tram to visit a mountain region in the outskirts of Kyoto call Arashiyama! It's such a peaceful and beautiful place.

We walked pass this little graveyard while we were walking around the small village. I would love to go in to have a look, but unfortunately we were not allowed. :(

Fushimi Inari Shrine

The famed red gates! (though they were more orange than red) As I went during a peak period, it was impossible to capture a photo without people in it. Trust me, I tried. There were people everywhere!!

Each Torii (gate) were sponsored by local Japanese businesses. Here etched the date it was erected and the name of the sponsor.

A narrow spooky path along the Fushimi Inari Shrine. On the sides are all smaller shrines or 'mounds' for private worship.

The Fushimi Inari really did have an ethereal, sort of spooky vibe to the place. But at the same time it was also very peaceful, very close to nature. Maybe because it was a Shinto shrine.

Something New for Starjuice

I finally got around to sorting out some of the new supplies that I accumulated over the last 2 months and snap photos of them. In the next few days I will be gradually listing them into Starjuice! I am excited! And I hope you are too! :)

Kiyomizu Temple

Continuing with the Japan trip postings! I finally feel well enough and managed to find time after the hectic Christmas period to edit the photos. Today it's the Kiyomizu Temple and the area surrounding it.

There were SO MANY people that day! We chose the peak period when people go leaf watching in Kyoto during the autumn. But man, it was so beautiful it was worth it!

There was an elderly man that was painting the temple from the ledge across. There were so many people peeking over his shoulder and taking pictures of him, but he remained focus of his task at hand. Such concentration!