When was the last time you got paid to play in the sand? After a year of training, this gardener is spending his first day making his own creation. The tension was palpable when his master approached.
Ginkaku-ji Temple (Silver Temple) is perhaps the Japanese’s favorite temple because of its simple elegance. The temple is in perfect balance and harmony with its serine gardens. Silver Temple has mastered the art of less is best.
The seemingly endless path of vibrant orange torii gates takes the average person 2 hours (774’ above sea level) to climb. It’s an iconic image of Kyoto.
Fushimi Inairi Shrine is dedicated to Inairi the god of rice. Foxes are thought to be messengers of Inairi. The pairing of Agyō (open mouth gate statue) and Ungyō (closed mouth gate statue) governs the beginning and ending of all things.
Phoenix Hall named for the two rooftop phoenixes. It was built in 1053 and is one of a few wooden structures of that period never to have burned.
OVERVIEW
DRIVE: 2h (business rush hour traffic) from Kasihara City to Uji
TOUR: Byodoin Temple & Phoenix Hall
DRIVE: 45m from Uji to Fushimi Inairi Shrine, Kyoto
TOUR: Fushimi Inairi Shrine
DRIVE: 2h 15m (business rush hour traffic) from Fushimi Inairi Shrine to Natsuko’s house in Nara City
SLEEP: Natsuko’s house in Nara City
Byodoin Temple is a striking example of Jodo Architecture. The temple and gardens represent pure land paradise…heaven on earth.
Ueni-jo Castle with its extremely large stone foundation.
Which is your favorite Ninja trick?
OVERVIEW
Karakuri Yashiki is known as the house of Ninja tricks and illusions for escaping from enemies.
A sumo wrestler’s loincloth belt measures between 17 and 19 feet long. On average a sumo wrestler weighs 330 pounds and their lives are 13 years less than other Japanese males. Most past some wrestlers are healthy today and are within a recommended weight range.
Linda Scandore 