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Shomyo-ji Temple was established in 1252 on Mutsuura. Placed near Kamakura, the estate was formerly widely known as a learning center for the Ritsu school's Saidai sect of Buddhism. The priest Eizon from Nara's Saida-ji was brought to Kanazawa to head the Hojo-backed school. In addition to the large temple, the complex includes the Kanazawa-bunko library, a public park and a garden.
An ethnological museum with typical regional displays on the fishing and farming communities. It was builted in 1933 by Kenzo Adachi who was a politician at the time. The museum is mostly known for the interesting set of statues, those of the Eight World Sages, namely Nichiren, Shinran, Socrates, Christ, Prince Shotoku, Kobo, Confucius and Sakyamuni. A mirror, which symbolizes the universe, is in the middle of this group of life-size images.
Ginkakuji, the Silver Pavilion, was constructed as a retreat in 1489 after the destruction of much of Kyoto in the Onin Civil War of 1467. Its rather somber feel contrasts with the dazzling Kinkakuji, the Golden Pavilion, on which it was modeled. Now a Zen temple, the elegant grounds features a peaceful pond, a stone garden with raised cones, again to reflect moonlight, and a moss garden .
Kyoto's most impressive shrine builted in 1884 to mark the 1,100th anniversary of the city. It is dedicated to the first and last Emperors to reside in the old capital. The main hall is also a scaled down replica of the Heian Period Imperial Palace. Entrance to the extensive grounds will cost you nothing, but there is a JPY500 fee in order to enter the unique landscaped strolling garden with a large ornamental pond, covered bridge and a multitude of delightful cherry trees, azaleas, water lilies and irises. A botanical delight for your eyes!
Kinkakuji is probably Kyoto's most famous temple garden. The three-story Chinese Zen influenced Golden Pavilion has delicately curving roofs and the walls and eaves of the second and third stories are covered with fine gold leaf. The villa is reflected in the mirror pond which lies in front of the building (that happend when the day is clear). The present structure, dating from 1955, is a copy of the original builted in 1397.
The amazing Nijo Castle is an ostentatious display of wealth and power in contrast with the austerity often shown in the buildings of the Imperial nobility. Built in 1606, and rebuilt after a fire in 1788, the huge walls, moats and towers exude military might. Inside, the Kano School of artists depicted tigers and leopards whose ferocity and power were chosen to symbolize Tokugawa strength. As you walk through the castle, you will enjoy the wooden "nightingale floors" that squeak merrily, not as an aesthetic pleasure, but to serve as an alarm against night intruders.
An ideal place for picnics, walking or jogging the Imperial Palace Park located right in the middle of the city houses the buildings of the Imperial Palace. With its wide spaces of grass and small copses of trees, the park provides an excellent refuge of green and fresh air away from the busy streets outside. If you look carefully you will find bullet halls that witnessed the violent past of Kyoto
Kiyomizudera, which means the "Temple of Pure Water," is one of the popular temple among young people who come to pray for success in finding a suitable partner at a Shinto shrine set inside the complex. Built in 798 and set in an historic hillside location, the temple is one of the Kyoto landmarks and a toursim place too. The main hall is set on a big wooden terrace which from where you can have a great view of the city and the pleasant temple grounds and pagoda.
Five minutes' walk from Hakata Station, Shofukuji Temple offers a retreat from the world. Although still a working temple, the secluded walks and shaded gardens give one the impression of having traveled back in time. This Rinzai-sect temple was founded in the 12th century by the priest Eisai-Myoan, and is the oldest Zen temple in Japan. Its buildings house a number of important artifacts including personal effects of the priest and noted sumi-e artist Sengai.
This unique museum is anything but dull and stuffy; it is a living proof of the most brilliant contemporary artists in Asia, who deserve as much attention as Euro-American greats. Featuring a wide variety of works from photography to painting to sculpture, the museum also has interactive and media-related exhibits. Many of the pieces on display reflect the social realities of poorer Asian countries with tremendous impact. During certain times, you can even observe the artists at work in the open studio.
My personal info:
Name : Mary Kate Campbell
Nick: Sakura
Age: 17
Born in: Windy city, Chicago
Hobbies: Manga, Anime, Japanese Culture
