Asia 2017 - Day 14: Kyoto & Nara Tour

Nijo Castle


Our first stop of the day was Nijo Castle. We had to take our shoes off before entering the building and no photographs were allowed inside. This castle is one of 17 ancient buildings on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list. We then went a bit further north west to the Kinkakuji Temple, which is more commonly known as the Golden Pavilion.

Kinkakuji Temple(Golden Pavilion)


As soon as we arrived at the Golden Pavilion everybody was keen to take photos straight away. Once again we had a clear day despite the recent poor weather in Japan from Typhoon 21. With the clear water and autumnal colours surrounding the building this is one of the top sights in Kyoto for sure. It was completed in 1397.

Golden Pavilion

Kyoto Imperial Palace


Our final stop pf the morning was at Kyoto Imperial palace. Most of the functions of the palace stopped after the capital of Japan was moved to Tokyo in 1869. There are lots of different architecture to be seen here and various buildings roof styles.
We then stopped for a buffet lunch after a short drive before heading on a tour of Nara in the afternoon.

Nara Deer Park/Todai-ji Temple


There are believed to be more than 1,200 free roaming deer here and until 1637 it was actually punishable by death to intentionally kill one. You can buy Senbei crackers to feed them and some may even bow as they receive them from your hand. Inside the Todai-ji Temple itself there is the worlds largest bronze Buddha statue. The temple dates back to 728.

Largest bronze Buddha statue in the world
Free roaming deer in Nara park

Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Kasuga Grand Shrine is a Shinto shrine and was established in 768. There are 3,000 bronze and stone lanterns that lead up the shrine. After spending the best part of an hour here we then drove back to Kyoto to end the tour at Kyoto Station which is right near my hotel.

Several lanterns

 My video from this day can be found here:

 

Next Day: Kyoto Free Day at Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, Arashiyama Monkey Park, Bamboo Forest and Shinkansen return high-speed train to Tokyo.

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