達磨寺

Horinji Temple not on one of the major tourist routes in Kyoto.

It is located a 5-10 minute walk north of Enmachi Station on the JR Saiin Line.

The temple itself is not particularly grand, and the day we visited the only human being there was a wizened old woman at the ticket booth. We had to wake her from a nap to pay the 300 yen entrance fee.

The temple is better known as "Daruma Temple." The reason for this becomes obvious as soon as you enter.

According to the pamphlet we received, there are 8,000 daruma in the compound.

Daruma are the hollow, usually red dolls modeled on the founder of Zen Buddhism.

They are considered symbols of good luck, and are often displayed in newly opened restaurants or at the campaign headquarters of a politician.

Access

From JR Enmachi Station, walk back half a block to the corner of Marutamachi - Nishi-oji. Cross to the northeast corner (there is a small shop that sells train, and other, tickets). From here walk north up Nishioji Dori for two blocks. Above you will be a small sign with a painting of a daruma doll. Turn right and walk about 100 meters. On your right.

Tel: 075 841 7878

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六角度京都

Rokkakudo is a small temple in downtown Kyoto, just off of Karasuma Dori near Sanjo Dori.

It was established by Prince Shotoku in the year 587 and is one of the oldest temples in the city.

It is the the 18th temple on the Saigoku Kannon pilgrimage, and as a result you will often see visitors dressed from head to toe in white.

The temple's name - literally "six-sided" - derives from its hexagonal shape.

Rokkakudo is just behind the main headquarters of Ikebana - flower arranging - which is known as Ikenobo.

The grounds are totally free and rather small, as befitting its location.

Within them though is much to see.

The bibbed jizo statues, above right, are quite a sight. They are lined up just outside the Ikenobo headquarters.

Entering through the main temple gates, you first see a willow tree, below right.

It is adorned with pieces of paper (omikuji) - good luck wishes that have been tied to the branches.

To the left of the tree is a structure that has many painted blocks of wood (ema) and strings of colorful "cranes" (senbazuru) - both of which have also been placed there in the hope of academic or financial success, good health, or other prayers.

Address

248 Donomae, Higashinotoin-dori Rokkaku-nishiiru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto

Telephone

075 221 2686

Hours

Open 6:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m

Access

City Bus to "Karasuma Nijo," or Subway to "Karasuma Oike"

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高台寺とねねの道

Recently we took in the area of Kyoto that stretches from Kiyomizu Temple to the southern end of Philosopher's Walk.

This route is in the hills of eastern part of the city and can be easily strolled in a day.

Descending the sloped streets Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka, you come to Nene no Michi.

It is a beautifully preserved street with shops and narrow alleys nearby.

Also nearby is Kodaiji Temple, which is above Nene no Michi.

Kodaiji was built in 1605 at the behest of Nene, for whom the street was later named. She was married to Toyotomi Hideyoshi and is buried at the temple.

The temple has a fantastic view Kyoto below in the distance. It is just south of Yasaka Shrine, which is in the heart of Gion.

Just next to it and to the south is a large Buddha (pictured above).

Access to Nene no Michi & Kodaiji Temple

A 10-minute walk from the Higashiyama bus stop. Bus #206.

Kodaiji Temple
Shimogawara-cho, Higashiyama-ku,
Sakyo-ku, Kyoto
Tel: 075-561-9966

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龍安寺

Kyoto's Ryoanji is, like the Silver Pavilion (Ginkakuji), currently under construction.

The roof in and around the stone garden is currently being completely rebuilt.

It is still possible to visit the garden, but it is clear that work is going on.

The zen temple was built in 1450 by Hosokawa Katsumoto. It is an example of karesansui (dry landscape) rock garden.

The white sand garden, which is surrounded on three sides by an earthen wall, is rectangular in shape and 25 meters from east to west and roughly 10 meters north to south.

The are fifteen rocks in five groupings. It is said that until one attains enlightenment, only 14 can be seen at one time.

Access

Bus #59 from Keihan Sanjo station or Ryoan-ji Station on the Keifuku Kitano Line from Kitano Hakubaicho station.

13 Ryoanji Goryonoshita-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto
Tel: 075 463 2216

Details

Mar 1st - Nov 30th : 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Dec 1st - End of Feb : 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Fee

Adults, High School students: 500 yen

Junior High School students and under: 300 yen

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東大寺、奈良

Todaiji Temple, situated a short walk from the center of Nara, in Nara Park, is probably the city's biggest draw and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Todaiji, along with Kofukuji and Horyuji, make up the "Big Three" must-see temples of Nara.

Founded in 745 by the Emperor Shomu, the vast temple was constructed as a symbol of imperial power, and took over 15 years to complete at great expense. The main hall, which houses the colossal bronze Buddha statue within, remains the world's largest wooden building, though the present structure - rebuilt in 1709 - is only two thirds the size of the original.

Visitors enter the temple through the massive Nandaimon Gate - rebuilt in the 13th century - and known for its giant guardian gods or nio, 7m-tall wooden statues protecting the temple within from evil.



The Great Buddha Hall (Daibutsuden) houses Japan's largest bronze statue - a darkened figure of the Cosmic Buddha (Dainichi Nyorai). The statue weighs 500 tons and is 16m tall - a masterpiece of Tempyo Period (729-764) art.



Several attempts at casting the Buddha failed before success was finally achieved in 752. Ambassadors from as far away from India, Persia and China attended the dedication ceremony and the gifts they brought with them were kept in the Shoso-in treasure house, behind the hall.

Little remains of the original 8th century statue, however, which has been damaged in fires and earthquakes and subsequently re-cast. West of the Daibutsuden is the Kaidanin, which was set up in 754 as Japan's premier ordination hall for new monks. The present building dates from the Edo Period (1603-1858) but it contains some ancient and exquisite clay statues.

Access

Todaiji is a walk from Kintetsu Nara Station north east of Kofukuji and north of Nara National Museum. Opening hours are 8am-4.30pm or 5pm daily from November to March and 7am-5pm or 5.30pm April-October. Adults 500 yen.

Todaiji
Zoshi-cho 406-1
Nara
630-8587
Tel: 0742 22 5511

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興福寺、奈良

Kofukuji Temple, situated in the center of Nara, in Nara Park, is one of the city's most beautiful and historic temples and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Founded in 669 by the Fujiwara family, the temple was moved from Yamashina in Kyoto to its present location in 710, when Nara became the new capital of the Yamato state. Along with Horyuji and Todaiji, Kofukuji Temple is important is the establishment and acceptance of Buddhism in Japan at this time. However, none of the buildings date from the Nara Period (710-794), with most of the structures having been built between the 12th-18th centuries.

Kofukuji is noted for its fine 50m-tall Five-Story Pagoda, a Three-Story Pagoda and the Tokon-do and Kokuhokan, which house beautiful collections of priceless, Buddhist art and statuary.

The rather drab, concrete Kokuhokan (Admission, 500 yen) contains arguably the best collection of Japanese sculpture in the world. A set of guardians, including a standing dry-lacquer figure of Ashura (one of the Buddha's eight protectors) and the bronze head of Yakushi Nyorai (the Healing Buddha) are standouts. The Tokondo (Admission, 300 yen) has more Buddhist statues including a large image of Yakushi Nyorai and a beautiful seated image of Yuima Koji (the Indian Buddhist sage Vimalakirti).

The Five-Story Pagoda, which was completely restored in 1427, is the second tallest pagoda in Japan, behind the 55m-tall pagoda at Toji Temple in Kyoto. The Three-Story Pagoda dates from the early 12th century and houses some Buddhist paintings.

The Kofukuji temple complex has two octagonal buildings containing yet more ancient Buddhist treasures: the Hokuendo (Northern Octagonal Hall) and the Nanendo (Southern Octagonal Hall). Both have resticted opening hours to the public.

Access

Kofukuji is a short walk from Kintetsu Nara Station at the entrance to Nara Koen (Nara Park). Admission to the temple grounds is free, the Kokuhokan museum is 500 yen for adults. Opening hours are 9am-5pm daily.

Kofukuji
Nopporioji-cho 48
Nara
630-8213
Tel: 0742 22 7755

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法隆寺、奈良

Horyuji Temple, about 10km south west of Nara, contains the world's oldest surviving wooden buildings.

Founded, according to the wishes of his dying father, in 607 by Prince Shotoku, Horyuji is a UNESCO World Heritage site, the first to be so designated in Japan.



Horyuji ("Temple of the Flourishing Law") supposedly burnt down in 670 and was then rebuilt; the ancient wooden structures in the temple complex are thought to date to that time.

Most striking is the 32.5m-tall Five-Story Pagoda (Goju-no-to) - the oldest five-storied pagoda in Japan. Inside the building is a collection of clay statues from the Nara Period (710-794).



The Main Hall (Kondo) contains the main sacred statues of the temple. These priceless Buddhist images include a bronze Shaka Triad showing the historical Buddha and two bodhisattvas, dating from 623. To the right is the Yakushi Nyorai - the Buddha of Healing - to which the temple is dedicated. A 12th century Amida Buddha commemorates Prince Shotoku's mother.

The eastern precinct (Toin Garan) added in 739 contains the octagonal Hall of Visions (Yume-dono). This delightful, wooden building contains the Kuse Kannon (Avalokitesvara), said to be a life-size statue of Prince Shotoku.



Access

To reach Horyuji Temple, which is located in the Ikaruga district take a JR Yamatoji Line Osaka-bound train to Horyuji Station and then walk the 20 minutes to the temple of take a local #72 bus. Alternatively, take a bus from Nara to Horyuji-mae bus stop. Bicycles can be hired at the information near the bus stop on National Highway 25 at the entrance road to the temple.

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立久恵峡

Tachikue Gorge is located on the Kando River about 8km south of Izumo City in Shimane Prefecture. It is a National Scenic Spot because of the dramatic cliffs and rock formations sculpted by erosion. There are two pedestrian suspension bridges across the river and several kilometers of footpath.



Before the Meiji Era (1868-1912), the gorge was a retreat for Yamabushi, the "mountain-warriors" of Shugendo, but all that remains now is Reiko-Ji temple with its pair of huge straw sandals (waraji).



The highlight of the gorge are the 1,500 Buddhist statues, many with vermillion caps and bibs, that can be found clustered around the bases of huge cedars, along the foot of the cliff, in small caves in the cliff wall, and in almost every nook and cranny.



There is a recreation area with barbecues, a campsite, and cabins for rent.

There is a Youth Hostel in the gorge, but since storm damage in 2006 it is currently closed. (Tel: 0853-45-0102).



There is a hot spring with rotenburo (outdoor bath) that is open daily from 07:00 to 22:00. The onsen also has accommodation.

Tachikue Gorge is 30 minutes by bus from JR Izumo Station.



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瑠璃光寺

This pagoda at Ruriko-ji temple in Yamaguchi City is one of the three most important 5-storied pagodas in Japan, the other two being at Horyu-ji in Nara, and Daigo-ji in Kyoto.



It was built in 1442, which makes it the tenth oldest in Japan.

The pagoda is 31.2 meters tall, with roofs of cypress bark. It is a designated National Trasure.



It was built by the 26th generation daimyo Morimi Ouchi for his brother, the 25th generation daimyo Yoshihiro Ouchi.

The pagoda is particularly worth seeing during cherry blossom season, and also at night as it is illuminated.



Yamaguchi City is known as the Kyoto of the West as the town was home to many nobles and artists from Kyoto during the late Muromachi Period while Kyoto was suffering from wars.

Entrance to the park around the pagoda and the temple is free, but nearby is a small museum with models of pagodas and photographs of other pagodas around Japan. Open 9-5, 7 days a week. Entrance 300yen.

Ruriko-ji is located north of central Yamaguchi City, a short bus ride or 15 min. walk from Kameyama Park.

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善光寺

Zenkoji is Nagano's must-see sight and one of the most famous temples in Japan.



Dating from the 7th century, Zenkoji keeps the Ikko-Sanzon Amida Nyorai, supposedly the first Buddhist image to arrive in Japan (from Korea in the 6th century). A copy of the image is displayed to the public every six years in the Gokaicho Festival, the next is in 2009. The original is kept behind a curtain and is never seen by the laity.

The temple has been destroyed by fire and rebuilt on a number of occasions and the present main hall of the temple was built in 1707.



Zenkoji's popularity stems from the fact it is a non-sectarian temple and welcomes visitors from all faiths and creeds. A priest and priestess share the responsibility for the temple's ecumenical rituals. In an ancient ceremony, the high priest or priestess prays for the salvation of visitors every morning.



Underneath the main hall is a narrow, pitch-black tunnel that symbolizes the path to enlightenment. Struggle through the darkness with your hand to the wall to guide you and you will discover a metal handle, which is the key to salvation. To enter the tunnel is 500 yen. Be warned it is hot, long and frightening!

Zenkoji Temple
491 Motoyoshi-cho
Tel: 026 234 3591

Take a bus (100 yen) from bus stop #1 outside Nagano Station.

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