Osaka & Kyoto May 2018: Osaka Castle, Kiyomizu Dera and Fushimi Inari-Taisha
Osaka Castle
Since we're in Osaka, we visited Osaka Castle, for an educational trip on Japan's history. Osaka Castle was built by the samurai Toyotomi-Hideyoshi and played a major role in the unification of Japan during the 16th century.
Osaka Castle has a very distinctive Samurai style. I felt that it reminded me of a Samurai's headgear. On the approach to the castle, we can see the moat that around the castle, which served as one of the defence measures.
Inside the castle, there are very informative exhibits that tell the story of the war between the Hideyoshi and Tokugawa clans. There were also displays of the different headgear and armours worn by different samurais. Photos were not allowed in certain sections of the castle.
As the Osaka Castle is nearer to Osaka and also smaller than Himeji Castle, a visit to Osaka Castle could be completed in one morning.
Kyoto
After visiting Osaka castle, we travelled to Kyoto via the Keihan Railway. Before the trip, I thought that Kyoto was 1-2 hour trip away from Osaka by train. But in actual fact it was only a 45 minutes ride away. I really liked that the railway system in the Osaka-Kansai region is quite well-linked. One could also visit other cities like Uji and Kobe on the same rail network.
We visited 4-5 temples during this trip but I felt that Kiyomizu Dera and the Fushimi Inari-Taisha were the ones that really struck a chord in me. So if you are limited for time, I definitely recommend you to visit these 2 temples.
Kiyomizu Dera
https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3901.html
Kiyomizu Dera means 'pure water temple'. It is a Buddhist temple. Other than the architecture of the temple and observing the prayers and rituals, there are also interesting features such as the Otowa Waterfall, which you can drink from for good fortune.
The memorable part of the Kiyomizu Dera for me is the Buddha's womb, which is a pitch black basement area. Once inside, I could not even see my own hand in front of my face and I could only follow the path while holding the wooden beads along the wall. Towards the centre of the walk, there is a golden bell which you can touch and pray for good blessings.
As you can see from the photo, it was raining the day we visited Kiyomizu Dera and it continued to do so for the rest of the day. Nevertheless, the crowd to the temple was continuous and there were also many students on school excursions. Everything went on in an orderly manner even though there were so many people.
Fushimi Inari-Taisha
https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3915.html
Fushimi Inari-Taisha, or Fushimi Inari Shrine, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of rice Inari. The entrance to the shrine is flanked by two foxes towering over you, holding keys (to the granary) in their mouths.
For those who are unfamiliar, Fushimi Inari-Taisha is where the famous Tori gate pictures are taken. The Tori gates are donated by worshippers who wish to be blessed by the temples and one can see the names and wishes written on the Tori gates.
I was definitely looking forward to visiting the Fushimi Inari-Taisha and yet I still was not prepared for how awed I was upon seeing the shrine. It is really majestic and so beautiful, even the rain did not dampen my visit there.
After going through the tori gates, we also climbed a small part of Mount Inari (yes there is a mountain behind the Fushimi Inari Taisha) and we could see the view of Kyoto from the viewing pavillion.
At the Fushimi Inari train station, don't rush and check out the kitsune (fox) motifs which are everywhere, even on the locker and in the washroom.
Since we're in Osaka, we visited Osaka Castle, for an educational trip on Japan's history. Osaka Castle was built by the samurai Toyotomi-Hideyoshi and played a major role in the unification of Japan during the 16th century.
Osaka Castle has a very distinctive Samurai style. I felt that it reminded me of a Samurai's headgear. On the approach to the castle, we can see the moat that around the castle, which served as one of the defence measures.
Inside the castle, there are very informative exhibits that tell the story of the war between the Hideyoshi and Tokugawa clans. There were also displays of the different headgear and armours worn by different samurais. Photos were not allowed in certain sections of the castle.
As the Osaka Castle is nearer to Osaka and also smaller than Himeji Castle, a visit to Osaka Castle could be completed in one morning.
Kyoto
After visiting Osaka castle, we travelled to Kyoto via the Keihan Railway. Before the trip, I thought that Kyoto was 1-2 hour trip away from Osaka by train. But in actual fact it was only a 45 minutes ride away. I really liked that the railway system in the Osaka-Kansai region is quite well-linked. One could also visit other cities like Uji and Kobe on the same rail network.
We visited 4-5 temples during this trip but I felt that Kiyomizu Dera and the Fushimi Inari-Taisha were the ones that really struck a chord in me. So if you are limited for time, I definitely recommend you to visit these 2 temples.
Kiyomizu Dera
https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3901.html
Kiyomizu Dera means 'pure water temple'. It is a Buddhist temple. Other than the architecture of the temple and observing the prayers and rituals, there are also interesting features such as the Otowa Waterfall, which you can drink from for good fortune.
The memorable part of the Kiyomizu Dera for me is the Buddha's womb, which is a pitch black basement area. Once inside, I could not even see my own hand in front of my face and I could only follow the path while holding the wooden beads along the wall. Towards the centre of the walk, there is a golden bell which you can touch and pray for good blessings.
As you can see from the photo, it was raining the day we visited Kiyomizu Dera and it continued to do so for the rest of the day. Nevertheless, the crowd to the temple was continuous and there were also many students on school excursions. Everything went on in an orderly manner even though there were so many people.
Fushimi Inari-Taisha
https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3915.html
Fushimi Inari-Taisha, or Fushimi Inari Shrine, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of rice Inari. The entrance to the shrine is flanked by two foxes towering over you, holding keys (to the granary) in their mouths.
For those who are unfamiliar, Fushimi Inari-Taisha is where the famous Tori gate pictures are taken. The Tori gates are donated by worshippers who wish to be blessed by the temples and one can see the names and wishes written on the Tori gates.
I was definitely looking forward to visiting the Fushimi Inari-Taisha and yet I still was not prepared for how awed I was upon seeing the shrine. It is really majestic and so beautiful, even the rain did not dampen my visit there.
After going through the tori gates, we also climbed a small part of Mount Inari (yes there is a mountain behind the Fushimi Inari Taisha) and we could see the view of Kyoto from the viewing pavillion.
At the Fushimi Inari train station, don't rush and check out the kitsune (fox) motifs which are everywhere, even on the locker and in the washroom.
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