FUN-photos: Jubilant Japan in Bloom! Part 2

April 26, 2018 by · Comments Off on FUN-photos: Jubilant Japan in Bloom! Part 2 

Uniquely UNESCO & Totally Templed!

  • The big “trip attraction”… Kyoto’s Kiyomizu-dera…one of the 21 places vying for the New 7 Wonders of the World. We have now officially made it to 20 of them! Don’t think Timbuktu is ever gonna happen. Japan has 21 UNESCO World Heritage sites & we saw a total of 10. Plus we made it to a grand total of 17 Temples/Shrines.
  • We found Scottie, our travel agent at Experience Japan Travel, through Zicasso. He lives in Kyoto and is a Kiwi by birth. So know language barrier! He did a fabulous job of creating a customized itinerary based on our desires. He can be reached at scott@experiencetravel.com.

 

FUN-travel: Jubilant Japan in Bloom! – Kyoto – Whisky & Sake

April 19, 2018 by · Comments Off on FUN-travel: Jubilant Japan in Bloom! – Kyoto – Whisky & Sake 

  • Suntory Whiskey Tour… in 1923, Shinjiro Torii inspired by traditional Scottish whisky…

…envisioned one filled with the essence of Japanese nature, hand-crafted by artisans…

…subtle & refined, yet complex & suited for the delicate palate of the Japanese…

…to enhance their dining experience.

  • Fushimi Sake District…charming & picturesque willow-lined canals…

…home to nearly 40 breweries…dating to 1637…

…with traditional Japanese lunch in original Sake Storage House.

Today’s Special Secret Treat! – Sekihoji Temple… Zen temple where famous artist Ito Jakuchu spent over 10 years creating the 500 statues of disciples of Buddha.

  • Fushimi Inari Shrine…1300-years-old & famous for its magical…

…seemingly unending path of over 5000 vibrant vermilion torii gates…

…lining the paths up and down a mountain.

FUN-fact – Fushimi Shrine was dedicated to the god of rice and sake is known for bringing fortune.

More FF – Sekihoji Temple was not on our itinerary. It’s not even listed in guide books because it’s so remote.

More Treats! Yellow Cherry Blossoms!

FUN-travel: Jubilant Japan in Bloom! – Kyoto – Totally Templed

April 17, 2018 by · Comments Off on FUN-travel: Jubilant Japan in Bloom! – Kyoto – Totally Templed 

  • Totally Templed & Uniquely UNESCO…

…as Kyoto has a grand total of 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites!

  • 1st Stop – Kinkaku-ji…the Golden Pavilion…

…whose top two floors are completely covered in glittering gold leaf…

…started life in 1397 as a retirement villa for the Shogun…

…and based on his wishes became a Zen temple after his death in 1408.

  • 2nd Stop –Tenryu-ji Temple… one of the city’s five great Zen temples.

The tranquil temple has one of the most attractive Japanese stroll gardens in Kyoto…

…particularly stunning in spring with cherry blossoms & fall with autumn foliage.

  • 3rd Stop – Outside the temple…is the magical Arashiyama Bamboo Grove & Togetsuyoko Bridge.

  • 4th Stop – Royan-ji Temple… known as the “Temple of the Dragon at Peace”…

…famous for its iconic Zen rock garden…

…that features 15 mystical rocks floating adrift in a sea of white sand…

…& the perfect spot to contemplate the world…

…& the meaning of life.

  • 5th Stop – Kiyomizu-dera Temple…one of the most celebrated temples in Japan…

…perched high atop a hill…

…offering spectacular views of Kyoto…

…with its huge wooden veranda…

…at 38 feet high & 120 ft long protruding over a steep cliff…

…built in 1633 without using a single nail…

…& the reason we made this trip!

FUN-fact – Kiyomizu-dera  was one of the 21 places vying for the New 7 Wonders of the World. We have now officially made it to 20 of them!

Not so FF – Today was the coldest day so far! Glad I brought my silk long john’s!

  • Today’s Treat – “We be Stylin”… in our private car…with driver!

Our Guide Katsue, Me & Mr. Moto