Himeji Castle

Himeji Castle is one of the most beautiful castles in Japan.
The main castle tower was built in 1609.

This castle had no fire or no battle for more than 400 years.
In order to get to the main castle tower, you need to go around the walls.
It's designed that way for defense.

This castle is called "White egret castle".
This castle looks more whitish than these pictures after renovation from 2009 through 2015. I took these pictures before 2009.

This castle is one of 12 castles with original castle tower and one of 5 National Treasure castles. It's designated as World Heritage in 1993.

*****************************************************************
<The Nearest Station>

JR Himeji station (Hyogo Prefecture)

<Admission>

1000 yen

9:00 - 16:00
9:00 - 17:00  from Apr. 27 through Aug. 31

Closed on Dec. 29 & 30
*****************************************************************

Toji Temple

Toji Temple was established when the Capital was transferred from Nara to Kyoto in 794.

The Great Priest Kukai came back from his study trip from China and started esoteric Buddhism.

Kodo Hall is the core architectural structure of Toji Temple.
It has 3D Mandala in the Hall.
Mandala is Buddhist visual schema of the enlightened mind and it's usually expressed as a picture or tapestry.

Many statues of Buddha shows it in here.

Five story pagoda is the tallest tower made of wood in Japan.
This is the one you can see from the window of Shinkansen (bullet train).

This temple was designated as UNESCO World Heritage in 1994.

*****************************************************************
<The Nearest Bus Stop>

Toji Higashimon Mae
Toji Minamimon Mae

<Admission>

500 yen : Kodo Hall and Kondo Hall
800 yen : Kodo Hall, Kondo Hall and 5 story pagoda (Limited season)

*****************************************************************

Kinkakuji Temple

Official name of Kinkakuji Temple is Rokuonji Temple.
Kinkaku means Golden Pavilion.

The 3rd Muromachi Shogun. Yoshimitsu Ashikaga built this.
Kinkaku is covered with gold leaf.

It's told the garden including Kinkaku described Heaven.
Kinkakuji Temple is Zen temple as Ginkakuji Temple.

This temple was designated as UNESCO World Heritage in 1994.

*****************************************************************
<The Nearest Bus Stop>

Kinkakuji-Michi

<Admission>

400 yen

9:00 - 17:00

*****************************************************************

Ginkakuji Temple

Official name of the temple is Jishoji Temple but it's called Ginkakuji Temple since it has Ginkaku in the garden.

Ginkaku means silver hall but no silver is used.
It's named against Kinkaku (Gold hall at Rokuonji Temple).

Ginkakuji Temple was established in 1482 by 8th Muromachi Shogun, Yoshimasa Ashikaga.

Sand in the garden is to appreciate the Moon light.
But it's not open at night.

This temple was designated as UNESCO World Heritage in 1994.

*****************************************************************
<The Nearest Bus Stop>

Ginkakuji-Michi

<Admission>

500 yen

8:30 - 17:00
8:30 - 16:30 in Winter (Dec. 1 - Feb. 28)

*****************************************************************

Kiyomizu Temple

Kiyomizu Temple was established in 778.
Kiyomizu means clear water. There're spring water falls.

This temple is famous for high stage in front of main hall.
There's a word to express drastic challenge "like jumping from the stage of Kiyomizu".

15 buildings including National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties are spread in Otowa mountain. Most of them were restored in early Edo era (1600s).
This temple was designated as UNESCO World Heritage in 1994.

*****************************************************************
<The Nearest Bus Stop>

Kiyomizu-Michi

<Admission>

400 yen for Main Hall and The Stage

6:00 - 18:00

*****************************************************************

Nijo-jo Castle in Kyoto

Even though my blog title is "CurioCity Tokyo Exploring", I'd like to expand the area. I'll introduce main sightseeing spots outside of Tokyo. Let's start with Kyoto.

Nijo-jo Castle was built in 1603 by the first Shogun, Ieyasu Tokugawa.
This is relatively new in Kyoto.

It was built as the official residence of Shogun in Kyoto.
The Emperor was in Kyoto at that time.

The last (15th) Shogun returned sovereignty to the emperor in 1867, then the castle became the property of the Imperial family.

The main tower was lost by thunderbolt in 1750.
You can get into Ninomaru building, a National Treasure with 33 rooms.

Gardens are beautiful, too.

Nijo-jo castle was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994.

*****************************************************************
<The Nearest Bus Stop>

Nijo-jo-Mae

<Admission>

600 yen

8:45 - 16:00    Closed from Dec. 28 through Jan. 4
Closed on Tuesdays in Jan, Jul, Aug and Dec.

*****************************************************************