5th Japan Trip 2007 - #9

21st Dec 2007 - Today is sightseeing day. After breakfast we went to the bus terminal and spent 500 yen for a one day ticket. First stop, Kinkaku-ji Temple. The image of the temple richly adorned in gold leaf reflects beautifully in the water of Kyokochi, the mirror pond. No matter from which angle, front, side or middle of the hill, golden temple is really astonishing.
As Golden Temple is located at the foot of the hill, we climbed sightly upwards and view Golden temple from the top.
Moving down, we came by a little hut. Theres a seat for you to sit. From the kanji writing we guessed that by sitting on top on the stone, we might get more good ppl supporting us, so we took turns to sit.
Just as we were leaving the compound, we saw resting area. It looked so tradition and lay back. 500 yen for a tradition snack(Kinkakuji design, very sweet) and tradition green tea(very thick and bitter). Thank goodness we dont have to kneel, we get to sit in the garden, under tradition looking umbrella. I felt so relax,wanting to stay here for ever.
After our little break we went on to Ginkaku-ji.
Ginkaku-ji Temple (The Silver Pavilion) is an elegant temple set in beautiful grounds at the foot of Kyoto’s eastern mountains. What attracted me most, is not the temple, but the sand deco in the garden and scenery that the hill had.
We took a sit on the landing beside the unique sand garden with its 2-metre silver cone,and quietly looked at scenery mother nature had provided for us to enjoy. Many Japanese were like us, sitting quietly,smiling & enjoying mother nature w/o talking.
Just like Golden temple, theres a path slightly uphill for us to go. From here, you could see the eastern to central part of Kyoto.
Its all quiet here. No screaming,shouting,rushing. Quietness that Im looking fwd to.
Lunch time! As we were walking towards the bus stop, we saw a small cosy restaurant.
XM ordered her favo, Sansai Udon(600 yen) and tempura soba(700 yen) for me. The soup based had a slight scent of fragrance.
After which, its near to 3pm, the sun is getting ready to set. We went to the next famous tourist attraction, Kiyomizu - Dera. The temple’s platform juts out of the side of a mountain supported by 13-meter-high wooden columns. We came to a small hall, seeing ppl taking off their shoes and going down the staircase. Being curious, we followed. Paid 100 yen, took off our shoes, placing it into a bag provided and walked down the dark staircase. The underground was super duper dark. You cant see anything. Not even if u placed ur fingers right in front of ur eyes. After a long walk and worry of falling down, theres a faint light in front of us. Theres a craved stone under the spot light with some Buddhism wording. We touched and turn it one round hoping it will give us protection(tts our wish, I dont tik its the real purpose of the stone) before going back to the bright world out there.
Moving on to the main hall, seated goddess of mercy. We took off our shoes again, stepped into the main hall, kneel down and prayed. Though there are many ppl, but still considerable quiet (except for tourists shouting at each other to take photo. Sighhh).
There is also a shrine on the grounds, and praying there is said to help one succeed in finding an appropriate love match. People desirous of a romantic partner can be seen walking between two prominent stones with their eyes closed. If one can make the journey alone, this is taken as a sign that the pilgrim will find love. Those who need assistance in making the crossing will require an intermediary to help them find their mate. I didnt try, which means... hmmm.. shhh....hahaha!!!
Once again, sun setting. It represent a day is about to end.
Though we were so unwilling but nothing can stop ending of the day. Admiring the nature and its color, looking at the stunning structure, suddenly I felt sad that Singapore doesn't had such place to go.

In Kiyomizu - dera, 3 waterfalls could be found. People come to the temple to drink water from the falls by collecting it in tin cups; the water is said to have therapeutic properties, and drinking from the three different streams is said to confer health, longevity and success in studies. Of coz, we drank.

Though its near to winter but Autumn leaves still could be seen.
They're beautiful, isnt it. BTW, as we left Kiyomizu and walked down the street, we saw Singapore TCS couple, Xiang yun and Chen Zhi Cai. They brought their kids. I tik they noticed we were looking at them, Xiang Yun smiled and her hubby waved and said merry xmas. We smiled and waved back.
We went on to Gion. Though its getting dark but we just couldnt get enough of Kyoto. The temple is getting ready for the new yr celebration and as we walked inner, its getting colder and of coz, quieter. No one seems to be around except for us. After a while, we decide to turn back.
Since its near to 7pm, we went back to our town center for dinner. We need to pack our luggage again today as we are moving again tmr. XM had kyoto's specially picked veggies with udon(600 yen) and I tried sometig new, Cold soba noodles dip with warm duck soup(Sayuri chan, I forgot the name of this dish, pls tell me).
After dinner, we went to Kyoto Shiki theater. They are performing West Side Story now. I would say their performance very very different from Takarazuka even though they're broadway too. They have men n women in the troop. Whereas purely women for Takarazuka.
I saw Black Jack and wanted to take a photo with this Kakoii figure.
Moving on, we went to the Kyoto Tower and I had been craving for Japan's Mac flurry. Couldnt stand it anymore!


I told XM I want to get it! They had Kitkat or berries. I took Kitkat of coz. Though its more expensive(300yen) but the size is double of Singapore's and the cream is much much more nicer.
As we were heading back to hotel, we saw Chen Zhi Cai again. He smiled at us and we smiled back(no we didnt trailed them, unlike Taka Stars!Haha)