Table Of Contents

1. Access
2. Hours & Admission
3. History
4. Hike up Higashiyama
5. Niō-mon Gate
6. Koyasu Pagoda
7. Shoro
8. The Main Hall
9. Zuigudo Hall
10. Jishu Shrine

Access

Kiyomizu-Dera is best reached by bus from Kyoto station. Hop on bus number 100 or 206. The journey takes about 15 minutes and costs 230 yen for the one-way ride. Jump off at Gojo-zakat or Kiyomizu-michi bus stop. The rest of the trip to the temple is on foot, walking uphill along Higashiyama.

Hours & Admission

The temple is open every day from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm from October to April and from 6:00 am to 6:30 pm from April to September. The admission costs 400 yen. During the Spring and Fall, they have a special event where they illuminate parts of the temple with lights. During this festival, the temple is open from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. It costs an additional 400 yen to enter to see the spectacle.

History

Kiyomizu-Dera was founded here in 778, but most of the buildings you’ll see today were built in 1633. In 1994, the temple was added to the list of UNESCO world heritage sites. It was nominated (although lost in the end) to become one of the New 7 Wonders of the World.

The name ‘Kiyomizu-dera’ comes from the waterfall which flows through the grounds since the word ‘Kiyoi mizu’ means pure water. The waterfall trickles down from the mountains and breaks into three streams at the shrine. Each of the streams is known to endow the drinker with a particular benefit; life longevity, success at school or happy love life. Long poles with cups attached to the end are provided for people to drink the water. It is thought to be greedy to drink from all three, and one must choose their greatest desire and drink only that one stream.

Hike up Higashiyama

To get to Kiyomizu-Dera, you begin with a ten-minute hike uphill along Higashiyama. The walk-up Higashiyama is part of the entire experience of Kiyomizu-Dera. These shops along the route have served pilgrims who came to pray at the shrine for hundreds of years.

These buildings are ancient and look like they’ve stood in the same place since the temple’s construction. Although the hordes of tourists, Pokemon t-shirts and Hello Kitty hats might take you out of the historical mindset, don’t let that spoil your experience. Focus on the old signage, the cracked old roofs and the kind faces of women who’ve served travellers for ages.

Nama Yatsuhashi

A favoured treat to get is the Nama Yatsuhashi. This dessert is made from mochi pounded into a smooth dough with a sweet filling sandwiched and shaped into a triangle. The fillings include bean paste, strawberry, blueberry and green tea. One of the few safe treats for those who have Celiac disease or are gluten intolerant.

Shopping Along the Way

The shops on Higashiyama carry local specialties like pottery, textiles, housewares and handmade crafts. The fan shops along the street sell traditionally made Japanese fans from local artisans, the perfect piece of decor to take home that’s easy to pack!

Niō-mon Gate

When you finally reach the temple, you’re first greeted by the giant “Niō-mon” gate. The gate was originally built in the late 15th century but refurbished in 2003. The bright vermillion colour, which was used since vermillion represents life and eternity, stands out against the bright blue sky. It feels as though it is almost glowing!

Nio

On either side of the gate are two massive wooden warriors hidden behind the green lattice. These soldiers are called “Nio” (the two kings), and the entrance is named after them. As you walk up the stairs, you will also pass two stone Lion dogs who also serve as guardians of the temple.

In front of the gate are a series of bright green bushes surrounding the temple’s base. Many women dressed in stunning kimonos stand here, posing as their families take pictures. The bushes hid the temple’s foundations and allowed the shrine to feel as though it simply sprouted from the earth.

Koyasu Pagoda

At the top of the stairs lies the vermillion, three-storied Koyasu Pagoda. Visitors who come to the pagoda and pray here are said to be blessed with safe childbirth and happiness for their children. The different layers of the pagoda fan out like wings against the sky.

Shoro

Beside the pagoda, you can also see the “Shoro” (or belfry) with a time-worn bell cast in 1478. The dazzling paint on all the structures is so impressive. One can only imagine the awe it would instill in the viewer coming here in the Edo period.

The Main Hall

The Main Hall is the biggest draw of the temple. The hall was built without a single nail. Its wooden veranda juts out 13 meters over the forest floor below, with an unrivalled view of the city below.

When the sun goes down, this is one of the best times to be on the veranda, as the city’s silhouette against the setting sun is spectacular. In Kyoto, an expression says, “to jump off the stage at Kiyomizu.” Which is like the English phrase “to take the plunge.” In the Edo period, people would jump 13 meters from the veranda to the ground. If they survived, their wish would be granted by the gods as a reward for their bravery. Surprisingly enough, 85% of the people who jumped survived, but the practice is banned today.

Zuigudo Hall

Behind the main hall, we can find the Zuigudo Hall. This building is dedicated to Buddha’s mother. Inside you must wander through a pitch-black basement which is thought to symbolize the womb.

Jishu Shrine

Behind Kiyomizu-Dera, you will find an equally famous spot, the Jishu Shrine. This shrine is dedicated to the deity of love and matching making, so singletons worldwide will come here to pray for their true love.

In front of the shrine are two large stones placed 18 meters apart. The person looking for love is blindfolded and must walk from one rock to another. If you need help finding the other stone, that means you will need help from someone else to find your true love in your future life.

Shaka Buddha

One of the smaller halls towards the back is dedicated to the Shaka Buddha, and surrounding the perimeter of this shrine are over 200 stone statues of Jizo, the protector of children and travellers.

Just wandering through the temple is a transcending experience. The intense colours of the buildings and the even brighter coloured kimonos worn by visitors make the entire space feel like a moving art gallery.

There was nothing like being up here as the sun began to set and seeing the city of Kyoto from high above. Although it’s a bit of a trek and the number of tourists might seem daunting, this is truly one of the most spectacular sights in Kyoto. When there are so many temples and shrines, it’s often difficult to know which ones are worth seeing, but this one is easily one of the best.

What was your favourite temple in Kyoto? Let me know in the comments!

Happy Travels Adventurers

The post Discovering the Secrets of Kiyomizu-dera Temple, A Guide to Kyoto first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Guide to Gion Kyoto

1. History
2. Access
3. When To Go?
4. Map of Walking Tour
5. Maruyama Park
6. Yasaka Shrine
7. Shijo-Dori
8. Hanamikoji South
   • About Geishas
   • Red Lanterns
9. Ichiriki-tei
10. Geikos and Maikos
    • Geikos
11. Patisserie Gion Sakai
12. Hanamikoji North
13. Maiko Lessons
14. Gion Tatsumi Bridge
15. Tatsumi Daimyojin Shrine
16. Shirakawa Canal
17. Kyōto Minami-za Theatre
18. Temple of Chugen-ji
19. Kamo River Bridge
20. Pontocho Alley
21. Torisei Shijo Kiyamachi
22. Kiyamachi Dori

History

Kyoto was the Imperial capital of Japan from 794 -1869. As a great metropolis, it required the best entertainment for its dignitaries and foreign guests. Unlike many movie portrayals or common myths, Geishas or ‘Geikos‘ are not escorts or prostitutes. They are professional entertainers. Geikos and Maikos are the words for Geishas and Geishas-in-training in Kyoto. Geiko literally translates into “a woman of art.” Geikos are trained in all the different art forms of traditional Japanese art. They will be proficient in playing music, painting, flower arranging, singing and dancing.

Access

Gion is located along the Kamo River and can be easily reached by public transit. The closest train station is the Gion Shijo Station on the Keihan Line and Kawaramachi Station on the Hankyu Line. You can also reach the area by bus #100 or #206 and get off at the Gion bus stop. Public transit costs only 230 yen ($2 US). If you choose to take a taxi, you can ask for it to drop you at the first location, Maruyama Park. However, taxis are pretty pricey (at least $15 US and up depending on your departure location), so I’d advise public transit.

When To Go?

This tour aims to take you around the historic area of Gion while stopping in at the Gion Theatre to see a show in the middle of the tour. This part is totally optional, and you can easily just continue on from there without attending. But I think seeing a performance at the theatre is a great introduction to the art of being a Geisha and gives you an idea of what’s going on behind those closed tea house doors. The performances are at 6:00 pm and 7:00 pm, and I would aim to get a ticket for the 7:00 pm show to give yourself enough time to explore the north-western parts of Gion.

The best time to start this tour is around 5:30 pm, just before dusk. Most of the earlier parts of the journey are best seen when it’s light out, but Gion takes on a different shape when night falls. The red lamps are lit, reflecting off the water like stars in the sky. Any sign of modernity seems to dissipate, and you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Just before dusk, the Geishas will exit their apartments and head to the tea houses for their nightly routines. If you want to see one, this is your best opportunity! Use this map at the bottom of this post to help navigate your way around Gion, but since it’s a small area, don’t worry about getting lost!

Map of Walking Tour

Maruyama Park

Start your walking tour of Gion inside Maruyama Park. If you’re lucky enough to visit Maruyama Park during cherry blossom season, you’re in for a real treat. This park is the best place for cherry blossom viewing in Kyoto. The most impressive sight here is the ‘shidarezakura,’ a weeping cherry tree which lights up at night. It’s truly an ethereal sight! The garden feels like a treasure even during the rest of the year. It is even designated as a National Place of Scenic Beauty.’

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Yasaka Shrine

From the park, walk through the winding pathways to Yasaka Shrine, which sits just at the end of Shijō Street. Yasaka is the spiritual centre of Gion and the reason everything around it exists. In the middle ages, hundreds and thousands of people came through this area to make a pilgrimage to the shrine. The neighbourhood was built around it to feed and house all the travellers passing through.

A shrine has stood on this site since 656, but the Yasaka Shrine was founded in 1350. It was built to honour Susanoo-no-Mikoto, a Japanese god who defeated an eight-headed serpent and saved the citizens of Kyoto from many disasters. This temple comes alive in a different way during the evening or at dusk. The hundreds of lanterns hanging outside the temple, each one donated from a local business with their name inscribed upon it, are lit up when the sun goes down. It is a remarkable site to see against the backdrop of the bright, vermilion-painted torii gates.

Shijo-Dori

After touring the temple, head down to Shijo-Dori, Shijo Dori (dori means street) is the best place to shop in Gion. Here you can find traditional sweet shops, pickles and handicrafts all along this green-roofed and lantern-covered street. This is the most modern area of Gion, with offices and some big-name brands, but any roads that branch off from Shijo will take you right back in time.

Hanamikoji South

A few steps down the street along Shijo-Dori, turn right onto Hanamikoji. Hanamikoji is the real heart of Gion. It is where you’ll find the best-preserved aspects of the city’s architecture and culture. Along this street, it feels as though time has stopped. Hanami-koji means “blossom viewing lane” since during the cherry blossom season, this street explodes with blooms and feels like they encompass the entirety of the skyline.

Along this street, you’ll find some of the oldest establishments in Kyoto called ‘ochayas,’ or teahouses and ‘Machiya’ or ‘townhouses.’ The buildings are all designed similarly, reflecting aspects of traditional Kyoto architecture. They are mostly made of wood, with no windows on the streets to protect the identity of their customers. Each has a wooden lattice facade that runs halfway up the house’s exterior and is topped with baked tile roofs. Most of the houses are unpainted, although the ones which cater to Geishas are given a coat of red or scarlet paint to distinguish them from the rest in a subtle way. Elegantly dressed bouncers wait in from of open doorways, secretly ushering in the elite customers and elegant Geishas away from the rabble on the street.

About Geishas

There aren’t many options for those wondering how you can experience an evening with a Geisha for yourself. Most Geishas are extremely expensive, even if you can get the contacts to book a dinner with them. They don’t just have a phone line or website where you can make a reservation. You need to know someone who can give you a reference to get you in. Some tourist services offer evening dinners with “geishas,” but often, these aren’t real. More often than not, it’s just a woman in a costume pretending to be a geisha.

Remember, if it’s the real thing, it will cost a pretty penny, so if you feel like it’s too good to be true – it is. If you manage to get the right introductions to make a reservation, an evening’s entertainment will start at $700 US, and that’s not even including dinner or drinks.

Red Lanterns

The red lanterns that hang outside humble townhouses are used to indicate these are ‘ochayas.’ Guests will enjoy an evening of entertainment and fine dining hosted by the Geishas and their house mother. They will sing and dance for their guests while food is served. Geishas are also incredible musicians and will often treat their guests to songs played on the Shamisen (a smaller and thinner kind of guitar), the Koto (the national instrument of Japan played like a horizontal guitar), the Shakuhachi (a bamboo flute) and the Tsuzumi (a small tribal drum). Geishas delight in playing traditional Japanese drinking games with the most excellent sake with the businessmen.

Ichiriki-tei

A few steps down the Hanamikoji is Ichiriki-tei or Ichiriki Tea House. This is the most famous tea house in a 300-year-old red-painted house. Ichiriki-tei’s reservations are by invitation only, and the people coming in and out of its doors are sure to be of great importance. It has been the scene of many samurai plots over the years and where prominent governmental figures met and discussed the future of their great city. Although you might not be able to get inside, seeing this iconic building, even from the outside, is truly special.

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Geikos and Maikos

Hanamikoji is the best place to spot a Geisha, so keep your eye peeled. Geisha are more appropriately called Geikos and Maikos. You’ll also see dozens of tourists dressed in fancy kimonos and some fake Geishas posing for pictures. If you’re trying to spot a real Geisha, there are ways to identify them. Maikos (Geishas in training) will have decorations like flowers in their hair, while a Geiko (a fully trained Geisha) will not. Also, the Maikos obis (the belt they wear around their kimono) will stretch almost to the ground.

In contrast, the Geikos obi is neatly folded around her back. The ultimate way to tell the difference is through the shoes. Geikos have flat shoes called ‘zoris’ while the Maikos wear the iconic mile-high platforms called ‘okobos.’

The Geikos have a much more subdued appearance than their trainee counterparts because these women have already made it and don’t need to show off. To become a real Geiko or Geisha, you must go through years of rigorous training. Most girls start training at the age of 15. Then they attend Geisha schools where they learn all the skills required to entertain their guests. Since they are not making any money, their home mother pays for their schooling, training and clothing. The house mother is also called the ‘okasan.’

Geikos

After they become full-fledged Geikos, they must pay off their debts to the house mother, who will get them jobs and find them clients. Many girls dream of becoming Geikos despite it being a rather ancient occupation. Geikos are now becoming famous on the internet, and young girls dream of becoming instant-famous. Just like girls in North America look up to celebrities, girls in Japan look up to these elegant professional party girls. If you see a Maiko or Geiko in the streets, be respectful. They don’t mind if you take a picture, but they won’t stop to chat. If they’re on the street, they are on their way to work and don’t have time to dillydally. Let them go their way, and just allow yourself to observe their majestic presence.

Patisserie Gion Sakai

Past Ichiriki-tei, stop in at Patisserie Gion Sakai. Gion is famous for its sweets. Nothing was better for a Geisha to bring a samurai than a sweet treat. Patisserie Gion Sakai is found inside a traditional wooden-style townhouse. While there are various other things to try, I’d go right for the fluffy cake rolls filled with sweet cream. Some of their more traditional flavours include plum, blood orange and matcha.

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Hanamikoji North

After the show, head north along Hanamikoji; many of the houses along the Hanamikoji north of Shijo-dori are old merchant houses. These charmingly preserved townhouses represent the architectural style of ancient Imperial Kyoto. They have been here for centuries and once would have served the ancient samurais. These days not all the shops on the street cater to knights of the empire. You can find some well-priced restaurants along one of Kyoto’s famous laneways.

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Maiko Lessons

Along Hanamikoji north, see if you can spot one of the Maiko Lesson Boards. These boards aren’t identified with large signage, so they’re a little hard to spot, but they can be found if you know what you’re looking for. Look for a large green board with a chart covered in vertical, white Kanji letters. This is their agenda for the day, saying which classes they need to attend with what teachers are around town. Maikos will stop here throughout the day to see where to head to class since their classes can be found all across Gion in unassuming townhouses instead of one schoolroom. The entire life of Geisha is one of secrecy and illusion, and even their classes reflect this.

Gion Tatsumi Bridge

At the end of Hanamikoji, you’ll come to the Gion Tatsumi Bridge. This bridge is one of the most iconic places for a picture across the Shirakawa Canal. On either side of the canal, you’ll find willow trees whose leaves hang over the water and onto the street, creating a soft, green canopy. Truly one of the most spectacular places in Kyoto. During the day, this bridge can be overrun, but at night you are likely to find it all to yourself.

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Tatsumi Daimyojin Shrine

On the other side of the bridge, you’ll find the Tatsumi Daimyojin Shrine. This tiny neighbourhood shrine, almost completely obscured in darkness at night, is frequented by many local Geishas. Besides the shine is a stone inscribed with a poem by the famous poet Isamu Yoshii. It was made to honour the artist since he greatly loved Gion. The poem reads:

No matter what is said
it is Gion I love.
Even when I sleep
beneath my pillow
the water flows…

Shirakawa Canal

Walking along the Shirakawa Canal is a great place to wander, away from the hustle and bustle of the main street. Some of the city’s most exclusive eating establishments are located along this canal. If any celebrities are visiting the city, you’ll surely spot them here. While the canal is gorgeous to view during the day, there is something extraordinary about seeing it at night, when the trees are alight, and the sparkling stars reflect across the water. Only your footsteps on the stone sidewalk echo across the street.

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Kyōto Minami-za Theatre

Head back down towards Shijo-Dori now that night has fallen. Turning back onto the part of this street that we haven’t yet explored, check out the Minamiza Kabuki Theater. At night this theatre is a beacon of light in the darkness. The Minamiza is the best kabuki theatre in Kyoto. It was founded in 1610, but the one you see standing here today is a reconstruction from 1929. Kyoto is the birthplace of kabuki, and there is no better place in the world to see kabuki as a first-timer or experienced veteran. Kabuki is much like European opera but with a Japanese twist that includes more drama, colours and spectacle!

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Temple of Chugen-ji

Near the Kabuki theatre, down the cobblestone streets next to the Kamo River, we find the tiny Temple of Chugen-ji. You’ll discover ‘Jizo,’ a Buddhist guardian saint, inside this temple. But this Jizo enshrined here is extra special. During the great floods of 1228, the people of Gion prayed to Jizo to save their town from the rising waters. People claimed they saw Jizo physically saving people from the flood and saw him stop the rain. This temple is dedicated to the god who saved the town; perhaps without his intervention, it wouldn’t be here today.

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Kamo River Bridge

Head across the Kamo River Bridge and take a moment to look across the water. The Kamo River has served over the years as a place of great importance for the people of Kyoto. The river was diverted in the 8th century to ensure the new course past the town’s new capital Heian Capital (now called Kyoto). The river was not only a place for the locals to get their drinking water. Still, it was where many of the local fabric makers would come to dye their beautiful fabrics. Pottery makers would begin to get supplies for their work, two iconic symbols of Kyoto craftsmanship.

Pontocho Alley

Across the bridge, you’ll come to Pontocho Alley. This narrow alleyway, marked with a simple wooden sign, runs parallel to the Kamo river. The fancy restaurants overlook the river bank on the right, and the less pricey, more authentic restaurants are off to the left. Although this street feels a bit dingy during the day, at night, it comes alive with paper lanterns, neon signage, and music pouring out of the nearby clubs. There are a few elite theatres around here where Maikos and Geikos perform, so if you didn’t spot one on the other side of the river, this might be your chance to see one here.

Torisei Shijo Kiyamachi

If you’re looking for somewhere to eat, head to Torisei Shijo Kiyamachi, where they serve traditional yakitori. They have a great selection of different kinds of yakitori (food on skewers cooked over a charcoal grill) for reasonable prices. Plus, you have a great view of the cooks at work which is like having dinner and a show!

Kiyamachi Dori

Making your way down the southern part of Gion, take a walk down Kiyamachi Dori. Kiyamachi Dori is another historic street in Gion. The road is located along the embankment of the Takase River, which was actually a man-made canal made in 1586 when a wealthy merchant decided to dig it out. He wanted to create a new waterway to bring in stone and other materials from Fushimi into Kyoto. Although the canal was taken out of service in 1920, it still makes for a scenic walkway; at night, a vast stretch of the street is dazzlingly illuminated. This is the perfect and most peaceful place to end your tour in this historical area of Kyoto.

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With this guide, you can head out and explore Gion on your own, at your own pace and venture off from the large tour groups, which can make what should be a quiet, relaxing stroll into a fierce and crowded experience. Plus, you can follow your instincts when you go on your own; if something looks interesting, go off the path and check it out! You might be surprised by what you find around the next corner.

The post The Ultimate Self-Guided Walking Tour of Historic Gion Kyoto first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Table Of Contents

1. History
2. Access
3. Northwest Gate
4. Architecture
5. Entering the Temple
6. Omikuji Fortunes
7. Goshuincho
8. Goju-no-to
9. Hozomon Gate
10. Nakamise Shopping Street

History

Sensoji is a Buddhist temple which was first built in 645 AD. In the early 1600s, the Tokugawa shogun created the city of Edo. Edo’s defences were the weakest near its northeast and southwest edges or, as they called them, the “demon gates.” Tokugawa needed all the help he could get to help defend them. For this reason, he created two temples in each location to help call on the Buddha to protect his land. Sensoji was the protector of the northeast district, and the Zojoji temple was built in the southeast to ensure full protection around Tokyo.

Access

There are various ways of travelling to Sensoji temple. Sensoji is only minutes from Asakusa Station, served by various railways making it a quick and easy journey. Take either the Ginza Subway Line, Hanzomon Line or Asakusa Line towards Asakusa station.

Northwest Gate

Most people enter through the Kaminarimon Gate. This is the traditional entrance to the temple, but I would you enter through the Northwest gate. This entry is much less crowded and allows a more peaceful entrance to the temple. Then you can explore the Kaminarimon gate area afterwards. This passage feels almost like a secret. There is no right or wrong way to experience this temple, and although this might be considered a bit backward, it’s worth trying this alternate route.

Along the passageway to the temple, there is a huge white sign with bright red kanji letters printed on it, welcoming you to the Sensoji temple. Along the stone pathway are groups of red lanterns. Each of the lanterns along the ground lights up at night, providing a gorgeous glowing pathway for visiting coming in the evening.

Architecture

From a distance, the bright red roof of the temple pops out above the trees. The golden filigree sparkled, even without the sun shining. Temples in Japan are all made of wood, as wood was used more than stone because of the earthquakes, which would so often rock the country. Intricate carvings and decorations are embedded into the timber construction.

Dressing in Kimonos to Visit the Temple

As you walk around the grounds of the temple, you’ll spot dozens of women dressed in gorgeous kimonos. They were both tourists and locals alike. Kimonos are a very formal pieces of attire, so even people who own them never really get a chance to wear them often. Visiting a sacred temple is an opportunity to wear such attire, so people take the time to dress up. Even if you don’t own a kimono, as they are incredibly expensive, there are lots of shops around that rent them out so you can explore in style. As you wander around the temple, these beautifully dressed women pop up like brightly coloured flowers coming into bloom.

Koi Ponds

Surrounding the temple are several koi ponds filled with bright orange and black spotted fish. Koi fish symbolize good fortune and are known to be very lucky. They give the observer strength of purpose. For this reason, they are often found all around Buddhist temples.

Ablution Fountain

Make your way to the ablution fountain. There you’ll see a huge dragon sculpted atop a bronze pagoda-shaped altar. Take a moment here to purify yourself and listen to the water trickling below your feet. This area is one of the calmest parts of the grounds as it’s not the main attraction and, therefore, not overrun with tourists. Spend a few minutes here basking in the peace and tranquillity of the landscape around you.

Purification

Before entering the shrine, it is customary to cleanse yourself at the chozuya. If you’ve never done this before it is an interesting custom which is worth trying for yourself to give yourself over to the traditional experience. To perform this cleaning follow the steps below:

1. Take the ladle with your right hand and pour the water over your left hand
2.  Switch hands with the ladle
3.  Take the spoon with your left hand and pour the water over your right hand
4.  Pour water into your cupped hand, and place the water into your mouth – but don’t swallow. Swish it around in your mouth for a couple of seconds, then spit it out on the ground
5.  Tilt the handle perpendicular to let water pour down the handle of the spoon, cleaning it as well for the person who will next use it

Entering the Temple

As you enter the temple, you ascend long concrete stairs. Although the temple doesn’t seem very high, walking up this long set of stairs makes you feel like you’re stepping away from the mortal plain and entering another place altogether.

Inside Sensoji Temple

Inside the temple, you’ll first notice the enormous golden statue, lights and flowers behind a massive glass wall. This is the central area for prayer, where only priests are allowed. One of the reasons that Sensoji is so popular is because it is known to contain a very mythical statue. As legend tells, two brothers were fishing in a river during the Edo period. They caught a golden statue of the Buddhist deity Kannon in their nets. The brothers threw it back in the water, but every time they put their lines back in the water, they would catch the statue again. They brought the statue to their village chief, who built a temple in its honour.

People came from everywhere to worship the incredible statue. Although you can’t see the icon today, some say it’s buried under the temple for protection; people still come from all over to worship here. Keep your eyes peeled for Asakusa’s crest while exploring the city. It’s a crest with three nets symbolizing the nets used to catch the golden statue.

The Ceiling Paintings

The ceiling of the temple portrays various celestial scenes of Buddhism. A nymph is pictured swirling among cherry blossoms, and a dragon curls its tail against a watercoloured sky. Perfectly framed against that bright red wooden ceiling.

Omikuji Fortunes

Two shops on either side of the entrance stairs sell omamori amulets, scrolls, incense, books about the temple and omikuji fortunes. Omikujis are random fortunes written on paper held in labelled drawers. To receive your fortune, place a few yen into a metal box and pick out a small wooden stick from an adjacent container. The kanji characters on the wooden stick will lead you to the box where you’ll find your fortune.

Luckily, since this is a big tourist site, the fortunes have small English translations and Japanese kanji. We received a “last and small fortune.” Not the greatest results but not a dreaded “worst fortune.” If you receive a negative fortune, fold the piece of paper into a thin strip and tie it up on the thin string outside the temple – you’ll see hundreds of other bad fortunes tied up there as well. By tieing your fortune up here, you leave this bad omen behind.

Goshuincho

The best souvenir from the shrine is the goshuincho calligraphy. A goshuincho is an “honourable stamp/seal book.” You can buy a blank notebook before you arrive or when you get to any temple. Each temple has a different design, so pick your favourite. Then, at every temple, you can pay ¥500 to have your book handed over to a local priest who will stamp it with the temple’s seal and write the temple’s name and date in beautiful calligraphy. Collecting these becomes a little tradition for yourself at every place you visit. It’s an inexpensive and meaningful souvenir, as the money given goes towards the maintenance of the temple.

Exit the temple down the centre staircase, which leads you to the main courtyard. This is a great space, a great spot to grab a photo of the entire complex. I like being able to take the photo after visiting the interior as you don’t feel as rushed to get inside and can instead take your time to study the exterior surroundings.

Incense Cleansing

People are usually packed around a large copper incense burner in the centre of the square. Many visitors waft the smoke toward any part of their body that aches, as legend has it that the incense from the temple will help cure what ails you. You’ll find incense for sale throughout the market and inside any of the temple shops. Feel free to purchase some and light it inside this vast burner.

Goju-no-to

Head over to above the striking Goju-no-to, the five-storied pagoda. This pagoda is from the 10th century and is one of the last of its kind. Inside, it contains thousands of memorial tablets and Japanese gravestones, and as such, it is closed to visitors. Every five stories represent elements of the Buddhist universe; sky, wind, fire, water and earth.

Hozomon Gate

South of the temple is two enormous gates. The first gate you’ll pass as you continue south is the Hozomon Gate. Despite being called a “gate,” it looks more like a building. The Hōzōmon was first built in 942 AD, it was destroyed by fire and war many times over the years, and the current gate is the result of reconstruction from 1945.

Inside the gate are three giant lanterns hanging beneath three passageways. The largest of the lanterns is a red chōchin which weighs over 400 kg. Besides the large chōchin are two smaller copper tōrō. Tōrō, in English, literally translates to “light basket.” These lanterns are considered an offering to Buddha and, as such, are often seen as you enter a Buddhist temple.

Flanking each side of the gate are two Nio statues. They are protectors, ready to defend their temple should the need arise. The designs of the current figures were made in the 1960s and modelled after famous sumo wrestlers. They each wear jumbo-sized waraji straw sandals, and each year, the townsfolk gather to help create new pairs after the old ones become too weather-worn.

Nakamise Shopping Street

Head away from the temple, down Nakamise shopping street. The street is over 100 years old and 250 meters long. The name means “inside street,” as the road is technically located within the temple grounds. These days the shops mainly sell different types of souvenirs. Although you might seem dubious about buying anything here since it looks like a tourist trap, I found that the prices here were more than reasonable! These shops have offered traditional Japanese handicrafts for over a hundred years. So don’t be afraid to pick something up! I’m not saying you’ll get the best deal, but by no means are you paying top dollar.

This is another one of the reasons I like this guide since it allows you to shop on your way out, so you’re not carrying shopping bags with you inside the temple. Besides typical Japanese souvenirs such as yukatas and folding fans are traditional local snacks from the Asakusa area.

Food Stalls

One of my favourite parts of Nakamise Street is the food. Sample various traditional treats like curry buns, sakura mochi, Amezaiku candy, Dango and more. Check out my street food guide to Asakusa here for a full list of the things you NEED to try when visiting.

Kaminarimon

At the end of Nakamise street is the Kaminarimon, or “Thunder Gate.” This is the main entrance for most people visiting, but I find it makes for the perfect ending. The original Kaminarimon was built over 1000 years ago. Under the large, ornate roof stands two bronze statues. These represent the deities Fujin-same and Raijin-same, the god of wind, thunder, and lightning. In the centre of the gate hangs a GIANT red lantern with the kanji letters for “thunder gate” written on it. Above the red lamp is a green plaque that reads “Golden Dragon Mountain,” the original name for Sensoji. The contrast between the teal wood pickets and the vermillion red structure is striking.

You can’t help but shudder under its imposing nature, and it makes you understand why the shogun designed it this way. This was his place of protection. Even without being surrounded by an army or soldiers, the structure spoke volumes about the strength and power of the empire it was under.

Visiting Sensoji Shrine is much more than just one little building. It’s an entire complex full of incredible pieces of architecture from Japan’s past and culinary treats to fuel your body as you explore!

The post Ultimate Guide to Sensoji Temple in Asakusa, Tokyo Japan first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

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What is a Goshuincho

A goshuincho is, simply, a stamp book. A goshuinchō (御朱印帳) translates to, a “book of seals”. Goshuinchos are brought to shines or temples where they get it stamped. A small donation to the temple is required to get the stamp. This is a beautiful way that the temple can get donations but also provide something back to the giver.

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History of Goshuincho

Each of these shrine stamps is wonderfully unique and imaginatively designed. The shrine stamps are pressed into the goods in stunning vermillion ink. Along with the stamp, the attendant will write in elegant calligraphy the days date and sometimes other details. These stamps were once used for pilgrims to mark the places they had visited. Goshuinchos were originally only something that very religious people in Japan would use. The younger generations of Japanese society became less and less religious over time and with this came the disappearance of Goshuinchos. But surprisingly, in the last few years, they have seen a resurgence. Tourists, both Japanese and from abroad, started viewing them as collectable items and great souvenirs.

Where to Find Goshuincho Books?

The best goshuincho books can be purchased at a Japanese temple or shrine. The more popular the temple, the more variety of designs they will have. They will cost around ¥1,500. The price depends on the amount of embroidery so more or less will bring the price up or down. There are so many different styles, colours and designs that it’s often hard to pick. Be sure to pick up your goshuincho at the first temple you visit. This way, you’ll have your goshuincho with you everywhere you go from then on and can collect more stamps. Don’t leave it till you find the perfect one or else you’ll miss collecting so many temple stamps along the way.

Alternatively, you can also go to a stationery store in Japan where they are often also sold now. You can also bring a blank notebook from home if you’re looking for a budget option. But I think buying the book at the temple is just another element of the ritual of the goshuincho.

First, Pay your Respects

When coming to a shrine to collect your stamp, it is considered good manners to pay your respects. Even if you’re not religious, it’s a great way of connecting to the temple and the Japanese culture. To pay your respects, enter the temple or shine and find the bell. Ring the bell (if there is one) 2 or 3 times to signal to the gods that you have arrived. Deeply bow twice. Clap twice, with your left hand slightly in front. Remember to thank the gods as well.

How to Buy your Goshuincho Stamp

Head over to the reception desk of the temple or shrine. This will usually be behind the area where they sell various amulets or ema placards. The fee for the stamp is around ¥300 to ¥500 depending on the importance of the shrine. Try to use exact change, as the smaller shrines won’t accept larger bills. If it’s not a busy day usually you can watch the priest creating your stamp. If it is a particularly busy day, you’ll be given a small number token and you can return later to collect your book.

After the stamp is placed in your book, the ink will usually still be wet. The priest will either find two blanks pages or will place a thin piece of paper over the top. This way the stamp won’t bleed onto any other stamps in the book.

TIPS

• Don’t write or draw in your book. Goshuinchos are meant only for priests or monks to place their stamps.

• If you’ve forgotten your book, ask the attendant as they usually can stamp a blank page for you. This way you can later paste this piece into your book.

These days, Japan has taken a modern approach to Goshuincho stamps. When visiting various secular tourist sites, you’ll sometimes see smaller red stamps which you can stamp into your notebooks. These are representative of the location and are meant for kids or just for fun. These are free and are a great way to commemorate your visit. But be sure not the mix the two up, and don’t put just any stamp in your Goshuincho.

Making Memories

One of my favourite memories of my latest trip to Japan involved hiking up to the Hakone shrine. It was so early in the morning and I took the hike in the pouring wind and rain. I had had it in my mind that I just had to visit the shrine and get my Goshuincho. Despite the bad weather I knew it would be my only chance to see it. So I braved the weather, and ended up being one of the only people there. I feel like the priest who made my Goshuincho gave me an extra big smile since he could tell I had been through hell and back to get there. Now every time I look at that stamp I remember all that effort it took to get there, and I smile.

I love looking back at all the different stamps in my book. I truly recommend getting one for yourself. I am waiting for the day when mine is full and I get to pick a new one for more adventures!

Let me know in the comments what your favourite souvenir you’ve ever purchased was?

Happy Travels Adventurers!

The post Goshuincho: The Best Souvenir to Buy in Japan! first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

We had originally thought to take the subway over to Ueno park but seeing as the sun was shining and we weren’t in too much of a rush, we opted to walk all the way down to the park. It was still fairly early in the morning, and people were only starting to flood the streets. Shops were mostly closed, and even the towering department stores were empty and silent.

Waking up Early

Early morning is always one of my favourite times of day when travelling. There is something so unique about the city when it sleeps, and the sun has begun to rise. You can hear your footsteps on the road, the windchimes ringing far off in the distance. The clack of window shutters opening and the pitter-patter of children running off to school. As we moved from the main street to little alleyways, we felt like the city was all our own. We marvelled at the architecture. Tokyo is an “Alice in Wonderland” like the world; the new and the old fit together like perfect puzzle pieces to make the most of their small spaces.

Table Of Contents

1. Shinobazu Pond
2. Benten-do
3. Flowers in Ueno
4. O-mikujis
5. Duck Boats
6. Shrines vs. Temples
7. Kiyomizu Kannon Temple
8. Torii Gates
9. Tōshō-gū
10. Hanami
11. Ueno Daibutsu
12. Museums
13. Ueno Zoo

Shinobazu Pond

After a long walk, we arrived at Ueno Park. Although it hadn’t started to rain, the grey clouds had begun to dull the blue sky. We passed through the main gates and saw a sea of green lotus leaves glowing against that grey sky. We entered the park via the Shinobazu Pond. The pond is situated in Ueno Park’s south and is divided into three different areas.

Lotus Pond

The Lotus Pond, the Boat Pond and the Cormorant Pond. Several boardwalks across the Lotus pond seemed to disappear into the green masses as they trailed off. I hadn’t done much research on this area and was shocked at how massive this park was. Every little thing we saw along the way was a surprise. Throughout our tour, we would often pull up the Wikipedia page of the park to read up about the area we were standing in, trying to learn all about the marvels around us while exploring for ourselves.

Benten-do

At the end of the boardwalk, across the pond, stood a moderately tall temple with a bright teal roof and octagonal shell painted a brilliant red. This is a Benten-dō. A Benten-dō is an octagonal temple dedicated to Benten, the goddess of good fortune, wealth, music and knowledge.

Temples are the places of worship for Japanese Buddhists and often store and display sacred Buddhist objects. The roofs of these temples are almost always the most impressive part of the building. The intricate patterns of tiles create a rich texture, and intricate sculptures line the eaves, contrasting with the simple wooden structure below.

Flowers in Ueno

During the cherry blossom season, when many people pilgrimage to Tokyo to witness this natural phenomenon, festival food stalls crowd the pathways around the temple. Off-season, there are only a few run-down stalls selling traditional Japanese street food to locals and tourists alike. Although there weren’t any cherry blossoms on display, there were various bright purple flowers in bloom, dotting the green trees surrounding us. The entire park houses over 8,000 trees and is an arborist’s dream.

Prayers at the Temple

Several people were praying in front of the temple and lighting brightly coloured incense in front of the temple doors. Incense has been used in Buddism since the 6th century in Japan. It is often used to purify yourself before entering the temple for meditation. The smell permeated this entire park area and left you with a sense of overwhelming calm.

Ema

Outside the temple, there was a small shrine. Besides the Shrine, we saw a huge collection of wooden plaques. All with different pictures painted on one side and the over, covered in writing, written in Japanese, English and many other languages I couldn’t read. These are called Ema. These Ema are left for the gods to receive. Often ema will bear pictures which may reflect the wish or the god they are trying to reach out to.

The word ’ema’ means “picture horse.” This is because, long ago, people donated their horses to shrines to win favour with the gods. As time went on, this tradition was transferred to wooden plaques with horses painted on them. These days, you donate money to the Shrine to receive your chosen ema. People often use their ema wish for luck on an exam, a happy marriage, or even just to pray for a child. Depending on your type of wish, you can search for a shrine or temple that specializes in your wish.

O-mikujis

Shrines also offer O-mikujis. O-mikujis means “the sacred lot” and are random fortunes written on pieces of paper housed in beautiful wooden drawers near the Shrine. There are various ways of receiving these fortunes. But often, they received it by shaking a metal container with different sticks inside until one stick came out a small hole at the top. You can then match the Kanji characters carved on the stick to the wooden drawers along the wall where your corresponding fortune will be found.

Your fortune will always be characterized by a type of blessing. These blessings range from; great blessings, small blessings, half blessings, ending blessings and even, god forbid, curses. In addition to blessings, your fortune will also contain a reference to an aspect of your life, ranging from topics such as; travel, lost articles, romantic relationships, disputes and business dealings. If the prediction is bad, you fold the paper into a thin strip and attach it to wires outside the shine. This is so that the “bad luck” will attach itself to the wire, not you. As such, you see masses of bad fortunes tied all over Shinto shrines throughout Japan.

Koi Pond

Outside the Benten-dō, we found a small koi pond, full to the brim with hungry koi. They seemed to form a carpet of fish scales as people threw bread into the water. In Japanese culture, koi fish are vital and incredibly symbolic. The koi are symbols of luck, prosperity, and good fortune, the perfect feature to have outside the temple to complete your fill of good luck.

Duck Boats

Around the back of the Benten-dō is the Boat Pond. This body of water is home to brightly coloured duck boats and other small paddle boats available for rent in the warmer seasons. It was too early in the day when we arrived, and the rental place was still closed, but it would have been a lovely way to spend a few hours paddling around the pond.

As we go through the rest of the park, it’s important to take a moment to understand the difference between shrines and temples. We had no idea about going into the park and what the difference was, and we learned as much as we could as we went.

Shrines vs. Temples

Shrines are built for Shintoism; you worship different gods and goddesses here. Most shrines will almost always be preceded by a ‘torii’ gate. There will also be the water you use to cleanse yourself before entering. Shrines are often guarded by an animal statue so see if you can spot them. This is also the place for prayers of the living and the location for wedding ceremonies.

Temples, on the other hand, are built for Buddism and are the location for worshipping the great Buddha. To cleanse yourself before entering a temple, there will be incense at the front as the smoke has healing powers. Unlike shrines, temples are the place to pray for your afterlife and the location for funerals. It is where you go to commune with your ancestors. Temples and shrines are often placed right next to each other, so often it’s hard to tell them apart, but with these little tips, you’ll find clues to help you along the way as we did.

Kiyomizu Kannon Temple

After walking around the Bentendo, we continued on our way. We climbed the steep steps up to the Kiyomizu Kannon Temple. From the top of the stairs, you had the most fantastic view of the Bentendo below and the beautiful trees surrounding it. The first Kiyomizu Kannondo temple was built in 1631. Although fire and weather have destroyed the original temple, the one standing atop the hill now is a perfect replica of the same one people have worshipped at for ages past. Standing in the courtyard and on the deck, you feel like time has stopped. Nothing surrounds you but trees, and the outside world, full of technology, stress and troubles, seems so far away.

The Kiyomizu Kannondo temple is home to a relic of Kosodate Kannon, the goddess of conception. It is particularly popular among women hoping to have children. Many ladies come up these steps with their husbands, cheerfully smiling, hoping the goddess will bless them with their heart’s desire. Other women approach the temple with a more sullen look on their faces, as the goddess also is a protectress of children and many people come to pray for the return of the health of their sick child. Along the temple’s walls, you can see weather-worn dolls, which people leave as symbols of their children or the ones they wish to have. Every year on September 25th, a service is held for the dolls, and they are all burnt in an annual bonfire to give a new start to the prayers of the year.

Dragon Fortunes

At this temple, we tried to receive a different kind of fortune. You put a coin into a machine operated by a dragon who would fetch your paper fortune for you with his mouth and spit it out in the receiving slot blow. We received the “great fortune” blessing! Lucky us

Torii Gates

We walked back down the stairs and strolled along the main pathway in the park towards a mass of Torii gates. A torii gate is commonly found at the entrance of a Shinto shrine, where it symbolically marks the transition from the mortal realm to the sacred realm.

The brilliant vermillion colour you often see these gates painted with is used as the colour acts to block out magical powers and evil spirits. As we sauntered down the rows of bright vermillion gates, we saw various curious stone foxes with red scarves on either side of the Shrine.

These are called ‘Kitsune’ or fox spirits. These Kitsune are believed to possess superior intelligence, long life, and magical powers. They are also there to protect the shrines. Foxes in North America are often thought of as devious scoundrels. But in Japan, they are revered with the highest regard.

Tōshō-gū

We hopped down the steps from the torii gates into the upper Shrine of Tōshō-gū. These shrines were overgrown with leaves and vines. The trees seemed to blend into the wooden structure, making it seem all the more at once with its surroundings.

Next to the lower Shrine, we saw an old woman inside a small booth selling and hand painting the ema. Beside her were wooden rods which housed all of the completed wishes. They were piled on top of each other. Each one is tied with a different brightly coloured piece of string and decorated with their personal message.

Hanami

Along the main road that winds throughout the park were rows upon rows of cherry blossom trees. It was the fall, and the trees had long since lost their petals, but even just seeing all these bare trees, you could imagine what it would all look like when they were in full bloom. There are over 1000 trees in the park. In April, they attract ‘hanami parties’ where locals come to celebrate and enjoy the incredible views.

Even the manhole coverings in the park seemed to celebrate the cherry blossoms. 

Ueno Daibutsu

One of the most interesting edifices in the park is the temple dedicated to the Ueno Daibutsu. The Ueno Daibutsu was a giant bronze Buddha statue from 1631 – 1923. Unfortunately, it was destroyed in the Great Tokyo Earthquake of 1923. If you can believe it, the remains were melted down to make bullets in WWII; today, all remains are the great Buddha’s face. People come from all over to see it. Outside the temple, the ema are all painted with the Ueno Daibutsu face, making for an orderly set of prayers, hung very neatly compared to the mass of wishes we saw in the Shrine previous.

Along the path, we also passed by the statue of Prince Komatsu no Miya Akihito. The park has several statues of Imperial military leaders atop their horses. The figures, coloured teal as the copper ages, seemed to blend into the forest around them, making them harder to spot but see if you can find them all! They stand tall and proud, inviting guests into the land they helped retain.

Museums

Right behind where the art market was, is the National Art Gallery, fitting right?  Ueno Park is famous for the many museums found on its grounds. There are the Tokyo National Museum, the National Museum of Western Art, the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum and the National Science Museum.

Ueno Zoo

The Ueno Zoo is located in the northernmost of the park. It is the oldest zoo in Japan, and despite its age, the design of the zoo is rather extraordinary. The habitats are designed to look like the animals natural habitat and blend in with the background of the rest of the zoo. This allows you to get up close to the animals.

The post A Complete Guide to the Peaceful Pathways of Ueno Park in Tokyo first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

History of Atago Shrine

The shrine was originally built in 1603 but repeatedly destroyed throughout the years. The one that now rests on this spot was built in 1958, in the same style as the original.

Walking UP the Shussei no Ishiden Stairs

As you walk up the ‘Shussei no Ishiden’ stairs, take a moment to look out over the city beginning to reveal itself. The shrine was first built atop this hill so soldiers could see any fires erupting in the city. Although the view is now slightly obscured by the tall buildings built up around Tokyo, you can still imagine what that skyline initially looked like. 

Each step you ascend, as you walk up the stone staircase, represents success in your life.  Take a moment of reflection as you walk to think about successes you’ve had in your life your thankful for or future successes you wish to develop. The legend goes that a young samurai rode his horse all the way up the stone steps to deliver a plum-blossom branch to the Shogun. His horse died making the steep ascent, but the Shogun provided the samurai with an excellent future career to reward him for the sacrifice.

The Shinto God of Fire

The Shinto god of Atago Shrine is, rightly so, the god of fire, Homusubi no Mikoto. But there are also a few smaller shrines in the same location where you can worship Mizuhanome no Mikoto, the god of water, Ōyamazumi no Mikot, god of mountains and Yamato Takeru no Mikoto,  god of the military.

Atop this hill, you feel like you’re miles away from the city itself. The rustic and ancient feeling of the landscape and the architecture allows you to step back in time. Below,  you can see the Haiden. The haiden is the place people come to offer their prayers. 

The Cleansing Fountain

Before you enter one of the shrines, you step up to the water fountain, complete with a bronze dragon spewing water, to cleanse your hands, mouth and soul before stepping into the ethereal world.

The striking vermillion-coloured gate you enter the main shrine through, complete with ornate Japanese designs, stands out in contrast against the greenery surrounding it. Like a diamond in the rough.

Amongst the shrines, is a small, dark pond filled with lucky koi fish.

Various visitors throw fish food into the pond and immediately see hundreds of fish floating to the top of the water. Almost jumping out of the pond to score the most food.

Despite the long walk up the steep staircase, there is no doubt, that this is one of the most special shrines in all of Tokyo and worth the effort. Perhaps you will be rewarded for your effort just as the first samurai was.

The post Discover the Beauty of Atago Shrine in Tokyo: Your Ultimate Guide first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.