皆さん, こんにちは! Minasan, konnichiwa! Hello everyone! 🌸
Exactly 6 months ago today, I arrived here in Kyoto. 🎉
It's really surprising how quickly time flies when you look back. What I have most visited here in these six months are temples and shrines. ⛩
There are countless of them here in Kyoto, which is why I would like to give you a little recommendation today which you should visit on your trip. I will also tell you what to consider when visiting. 😉
Fushimi Inari
The Fushimi Inari shrine is famous for its countless red torii that adorn the paths behind the main building and lead up the 233-meter high mountain. In addition to the many gates, you can also discover some fox statues, since foxes are believed to be the messengers of Inari.
Heian Jingu
This shrine was built in Kyoto to mark the 1100th anniversary of the founding of the capital. Heian was the former name of Kyoto. The shrine area itself is very large and spacious. I find the connected garden very worth seeing, you can find the entrance on the left side.
Kiyomizu-dera
The Kiyomizu-dera is known for its wooden posts that protrude from the main hall. When I visited Kyoto for the first time in June 2017, the main hall had been already renovated for a few months. And even during my current visits, the renovation work still continued. But now they are finished, which is why I will pay another visit to the Kiyomizudera to see the finished main hall.
Sanjūsangendō
The Sanjūsangendō is known for its 1001 statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. The temple has existed since 1164, but in between, it had to be rebuilt after a fire that destroyed the original structure.
To-ji
Here the Kondo hall is the largest building on the site. Inside is a large wooden statue of the Yakushi Buddha, the main attraction of the temple. Also worth seeing is the five-story pagoda, which at 57 meters is the tallest wooden pagoda in Japan. It is best to visit To-ji on the 21st of the month, because there is always a flea market there.
Kinkaku-ji
金 (kin) is the Japanese word for gold and that perfectly describes the gold-plated pavilion. It is a tourist attraction and that's why the area is always full, but despite the crowds, I can only recommend a visit!
Senko-ji
This temple is one of my favorite places. It is located on an Arashiyama mountain slope and offers an impressive view of the city. This temple is the perfect place if you are looking for a little rest from the tourist crowds.
Although I have visited some temples and shrines myself, I do not know all of them. But there are still a few that I would like to see, such as the Kifune Shrine. 🙈
Now you know my recommendations, but what is there to consider when visiting a shrine?
First of all, when entering a shrine you will find a gate at the entrance. Before you step through it, bow once. After that, you will discover a washing point. In the trowel there you fill water with which you clean yourself. There is an order. You are washing:
your left hand
your right hand
your mouth (with your left hand)
the left hand again
finally the trowel
After cleaning, you can go to the main shrine for prayer. There is also an order that should be followed:
throw money (5 yen is enough) into the wooden box in front of the shrine
ring a bell 2-3 times if necessary
bow twice
clap your hands twice
tell the gods your wish
then bow again
Your wish has now reached the gods. You can also tell them your wish, for example, on the so-called "Ema". Write your wish or thanks on this wooden panel and then tie it to the designated walls or take it home.
You can also write a letter (kiganbun), which you can put in an envelope with a little money and throw in a wooden chest intended for it. The following signs are on the chest: 祈願 文 納 箱 (prayer box). When you've done that, you should bow again.
What you should try at a shrine is a future forecast in the form of Omikuchi. At most shrines it works like this:
You will discover wooden boxes with rods inside. You shake the box and pull out one of the sticks. There is a number on it. You must remember this and name it at a sales booth. In exchange for 100 yen, you will receive a piece of paper on which your luck is written. In the event of bad luck, you should tie the note to a designated wall or tree to prevent misfortune.
Unfortunately, the Omikuchi is not always available in English. Especially at smaller shrines, there is usually only a Japanese version. However, if the English language is available, they are specially marked.
Most shrines not only offer the Omikuchi, but also various lucky charms in the form of small pouches. Just browse through it a bit. 😉
You see, there is a lot to experience and discover at a shrine. As a tourist, of course, you are not obliged to adhere to all these rituals because it is not assumed that you know them, but since I have told you a little about them now, you should try it out the next time you visit the shrine! After all, everyone can use a little luck, right? 😉
次回まで! Jikai made! See you next time! 💕
Comentários