In order to reach the temple we took a series of trains to the 五条 (Gojô) station and then we were in for quite a walk. In high temperatures and nasty humidity we trekked from the city proper up a mountain via an increasingly narrow road. The last stretch was packed with souvenir shops because everyone comes to see this temple so lots of people are looking to get some money out of it.

That's right. Kyôto may be a holy city but he's still The King!

Here's a view from inside one of the larger shops. It's very close to the end of the road and we were thoroughly exhausted. The shop offers free samples of sweet treats known as 八ツ橋 (Yatsuhashi). They also sold ice cream and I buckled and bought some. I didn't eat the cone though...not most of it, anyway.

Here's what you see when you get to the top.

I posed for this shot with an incredible view of the mountain. I just wish I wasn't so goddamn sweaty!

Some interior shots of these Buddhist temples.

An awesome view from the temple out over the city. Wow!

Here's the 音羽の滝 (Otowa no taki) spring. Supposedly, drinking from this spring will bring long life and success. I drank from it anyway.

This monument was erected to honor a Zen master. Sorry, I forgot which one.

End of the trip! Here's a parting shot of our guides, Natsuko and Yuki. Of course, they were cute.

Return the original post
Return to the main page

Page Last Updated 08/26/05