Kyoto is an excellent hub to immerse yourself in cultural and artistic exhibitions.
I think main cities in Japan are a melting pot of cultures as evidently seen in the different subcultures in fashion and art – and in the community. Interracial marriages are not uncommon.
It’s a beautiful thing when two individuals from different cultural backgrounds decides to share a life together. All the details and differences between two cultures can create a unique bond and understanding between two people and to all couples who are in an interracial relationship, you would understand how it is being such relationships.
In Japan, it is not uncommon to see two different people in a relationship but is not common to see couples from different backgrounds bring their different cultures together in one show to include the world in the their lives. This Kyoto couple did just that:
An international couple in Kyoto are turning their cross-cultural experiences into creative works: The husband has invented a new literary form–the “poessay”.
I’ve written about Kyoto before prior to this but never exactly about the city itself. Despite it being a part of Memoirs of a Geisha, the city has pretty much a lot to offer in terms of travel and places to visit. Shopping is also another place to check out in Kyoto because despite Tokyo’s Harajuku district, or any other shopping district around, Kyoto has some to beat it with.
Anyway here’s a very interesting video about Kyoto filmed by one of its tourists, of course. But nonetheless, check it out!
This is the actual Shirakawa stream mentioned in the book, Memoirs of a Geisha, where Sayuri first met the chairman as a little girl crying on the bridge. :) Makes me wanna go there with my book and trace down the whole scene in my head.
Come next year, is another beautiful Winter Festival organized by Kyoto that runs from Dec 2007 to March 2008. Array of activities from New Year events to Setsubun’s can be expected providing of you know the dates. Japan-Guide has put together a calender of events for your references and one of their activities look extremely pleasant to me: Arashiyama Hanatoro. :)
Arashiyama is a district off Kyoto – not exactly very far away – and during this festival, the streets are lighted up with beautiful lanterns. It is a sight to behold. And probably a good idea to bring your gf/bf for a little romantic walk while enjoying the festivities around. So here are the list of events to lookout for from Dec 2007 to March 2008:
If you’re looking for a hot-spring resort that is in between Kyoto and Osaka, Kinosaki Onsen is a place for you. It’s situated in a beautiful location, by the coastline of Sea of Japan. Needless to say, it has a fantastic view. Lines of weep willows are drawn along the river that runs through the town of Kinosaki, which makes it extremely beautiful and sage-looking come spring time.
Anyway, the hot-springs at Kinosaki was discovered during the 8th century and it’s been a popular spot since then. Kinosaki Onsen is one of the most popular onsen spots in Japan and is definitely a great option to stay in if you’re stopping to take a rest from all the traveling. The little picturesque town also offer historical sites to see while you’re in town. Of the mentionable spots are Konotori no Sato (a sanctuary for endangered storks) and Onsenji Temple. Kinosaki onsen is considered to be an off the beaten tracks gem of Japan.
How would you like to visit an Inn where feudal lords from the Edo period visited all the time? The Nijo Jinya Inn used to be a meeting place for Feudal lords and is usually decked up with security so that no attempts on assassination can be plot against them. Even the Inn is built in such a way that it is filled with secret doors, secret alley ways and hidden escape routes in case of an attack. The inn is build like a fortress.
Tours for this place are held only in Japanese unfortunately, so if you don’t understand Japanese, bring a Japanese friend with you. It is advisable to make appointments for this place in advance by calling 075-841-0972. Tour takes about an hour long. Admission fee is 1000yen.
Go to this link to find out more about how to get to Nijo Jinya.
Chion’in Temple (知恩院) in Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, Japan is the headquarters of the Jodo Shu (Pure Land Sect) founded by Honen (1133-1212), who proclaimed that sentient beings are reborn in Amida Buddha’s Western Paradise (Pure Land) by reciting the nembutsu, Amida Buddha’s name.
The vast compounds of Chion-in include the site where Honen settled to disseminate his teachings and the site where he died.
Chionin temple is filled with serenity amidst the beautiful architecture left by history. The beauty of it is that most of its original structures are still standing. This is definitely a place to visit. Check out the large temple bell engraved with sutras and prayers.
How to get there?
Chionin is located immediately north of Maruyama Park and Yasaka Shrine. The closest subway station is Higashiyama Station on the Tozai Line.
This is Ginkakuji temple (or Silver Pavilion in English). It’s not exactly plated with silver but during winter, you can imagine that you are in a silver wonderland. The pavilion was built by a shogun named Ashikaga Yoshimasa as a his retirement villa. After his death, the pavilion was converted in a zen temple. This beautiful Zen temple that should not be missed in any case if you are ever dropping by Kyoto.
How to get there?
Ginkakuji can be accessed by direct bus number 5, 17 or 100 from Kyoto Station. Alternatively, you can reach Ginkakuji by foot along the Path of Philosophy from Nanzenji.
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