* when you see this ---> [::] <--- it means, that whole paragraph(only!) was researched from the net
16October2008
1st stop, NIJO CASTLE, Kyoto home of Japan’s last Shogun. Huge and even then the Japanese were very innovative. The wooden floor of the castle was installed with a device that when someone step on it( for assasins), it makes a “bird humming sound” which then alerted the shoguns for assasins.
[::] 1601AD was when the Tokugawa Shogunate ordered the construction of Nijo Castle. My sister earlier mentioned the special floors of the Ninomaru Palace, which is the main quarters of the Shogun, one of its most striking features are the "nightingale floors" because it’s sound mimics that of a nightingale bird. To protect the occupants from sneak attacks and assassins, the builders constructed the floors of the corridors in such a way as to squeak like birds when anyone walks on them.
...We had to take off our shoes and taking photographs are not allowed inside so, again, I had to steal a few photos from the net to give you an idea of what it looks like inside. Each of the people whom I stole these pics from did say in their description that “ taking photos are strictly prohibited inside”, one of them describes his/her pic as “sneaky shot” precisely because it was not allowed …haaay… some people are really not as disciplined and as proper as my sister and I, ehem …haha, I almost choked on that one.
2nd stop, KINKAKU-JI TEMPLE, also known as the Golden Pavillion. An absolutely beautiful golden temple.
[::]Kinkakuji dates to 1397. it is originally a villa called Kitayama-dai and is owned by a statesman when it was purchased by a shogun and was renamed Kinkaku-ji and was transformed into a complex. When the said shogun died, it was converted into a Zen temple by his son according to his father’s wishes.
...Aside from that, i cant find anything more to add ‘coz to tell you honestly, I was speechless as soon as I caught sight of the villa that seem to be floating on that beautifully placed and arranged pond and garden, picture perfect! There was even this really beautiful 500+ yr old bonsai tree and this stone buddha where people throw their coins for good luck.
3rd stop, KYOTO IMPERIAL PALACE. Huge, impressive architecture, simple and understated.
...apparently, foreigners cannot just walk in and assume they will be allowed to enter this former official residence of the Japanese Imperial Family. One has to apply for permission 20mins before the tour time and if your group is 9 or larger, you have to apply in a different way. Passports and/or an Alien Registration Card is also required. The men and the women were made to line-up separately outside the main grounds which I have no idea why because as soon as we get inside we all got together anyway, so, its just protocol I guess. This place has been the residence of the occupants of the Chrysanthemum Throne for more than 1000 yrs so, I can only imagine the kind of history this place holds. Unless im mistaken, the coronation of the emperors are still held here.
4th stop, Kyoto Handicraft Center for souvenirs and buffet lunch.
…my sister’s favorite combination, food and shopping! Since we were not the only tour group that was scheduled to have lunch there, we were lucky to find seats right away. The food was a combination of asian and continental cuisine and it’s pretty good. Soon after, we hit the shops and we got a couple of t-shirts and I got myself one in black with a white japanese calligraphy(is that what its called?) that to this day, I have no idea what it means and we also got a lot of the usual souvenirs for friends and family.
5th stop, HEIAN SHRINE.
…yes, people that’s all Nnylanna wrote about this place. Its actually very beautiful but after what we have seen so far, I could understand why she was not at all impressed by this place.
[::] It was built in 1895 on the 1,100th anniversary of the establishment of Heiankyo(the old name of Kyoto). The vermillion color that dominates its halls, pagoda and not to mention that huge torii(shrine gate) is quite striking.
The garden and pond in the premises is also not bad at all. I understand it’s a very popular place for weddings and our guide was even saying that there is a joke among the locals that if they intend to have their wedding here, they better book the place first even before finding a groom.
6th stop, SANJUSANGEN-DO. Impressive 1001 statues of Kannon Bodhisattva, around 13th century, housed via a long wooden temple. “Japanese version of terracotta warrior”.
…again, one can judge how special a particular place maybe by the kind of restrictions imposed on the guests/tourists. We were made to take off our shoes and taking photos are strictly prohibited. I was asked what I was pointing at in one of the pictures below, well, behind those walls are where the statues are lined-up. We were told that the temperature inside is regulated to preserve those statues which are considered national treasures of Japan. Again, the photos from inside the temple are from the net.
7th stop, KIYOMIZU TEMLE. A World Heritage Site. Quaint old lane lined with pottery shops leads up to this famous temple. Magnificent view of Kyoto from the lofty terrace. Were back at the hotel around 6:30pm, booked our airport shuttle to Kansai for tomorrow.
…both Nara and Kyoto is home to numerous World Heritage Sites like the ones we’ve visited, so instead of acknowledging each one, it is called “Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara” and the same with Kyoto. Kiyomizu dates back to 798AD, again, not one nail is used in this temple. What’s even more impressive is that it is located up in the hills and its large verandas are only supported by wooden pillars.
[::] The popular expression "to jump off the stage at Kiyomizu" is the Japanese equivalent of the English expression "to take the plunge". This refers to an Edo period tradition that held that, if one were to survive a 13m jump from the stage, one's wish would be granted. Two hundred thirty-four jumps were recorded in the Edo period and, of those, 85.4% survived, the practice is now prohibited. Kiyomizu means clear water or pure water. It took its name from a waterfall within the premises.
Im sure those ancient japanese are a smart lot, but, what were they thinking???
At this point, it is important to take note of this “little” bit of information that has brought so much pain and laughter for my sister and I, the pain, all on my side and the laughter on both our sides. Its about my suppose-to-be “comfort shoes”. Before flying in from australia Nnylanna said, “sis, I got you this comfort shoes from Hush Puppies that you can use for the trip” and I was like, yay, it’s going to take a lot of walking and even hiking so, yes, thank you very much sister! so the shoe and I met and I like it instantly, its kinda cute and comfy to wear. Dear god in heaven, I didn’t realize I spoke too soon.
Since the comfort shoes is brown, I decided to bring a pair of black sling back flat sandals as an alternate. I decided to wear those brown shoes in Tokyo but by the time we get to Kyoto, I could already feel my feet at least a size bigger than it used to be, my freakin’ feet is swollen and blisters are starting to make their unwanted appearance. But, I insisted on wearing it coz the black sandals doesn’t go well with my outfit, sh*t, me and my vanity, I paid for it dearly in the end. What’s more, we havent left Japan yet and still has to fly all over China, how am I suppose to climb the Great Wall now ?!?! I really should have taken a photo of my feet, AT LEAST 6 blisters on each foot. Those “comfort shoes” are now referred to as “discomfort shoes” much to my sister’s delight and my agony :( thank goodness I found myself a pair of black mules(not the best looking pair that ive seen but what the heck, its all about comfort now), bought a box of band aids and 3 pairs of black socks to hide the band aid displayed around my heel, ugh, ugly!
KANSAI Airport located in an artificial island in the middle of Osaka Bay. Ive seen a documentary about this engineering marvel and as soon as I caught sight of Kansai, I knew what the fuss is all about. it was a sight to behold, beautiful! To think that this was constructed in Japan, who like the Philippines is both in the “Pacific Ring of Fire” which means earthquakes everyday and “Typhoon Belt” which means, several super typhoons/storm surges every year, im not surprised that it was awarded by the American Society of Civil Engineers as a “Civil Engineering Monument of the Millennium” in 2001.
17October2008
Depart Japan for Shanghai, China. Lessons learned from Japan:
*how to distinguish between a Shinto Shrine and a Buddhist Temple. Although a Buddhist Temple is more beautiful, the serenity of a Shinto Shrine impressed me more.
in my case, it does not matter if its a shrine or a temple, the beauty of a place lies more in its history.
*Japanese are more adaptable in their religion. we were told that they are born more shinto and would bring a new born baby to the shrine and they are more Buddhist in their everyday outlook in life,a student wanting to pass an exam or a single lady praying for mr right would go to a Buddhist temple. and finally, they are christian when its christmas season and when they get married.
my take on this attitude is not exactly pretty. it seems like religion is just a convenient excuse for some to indulge their shallow/materialistic tendencies. what am i suppose to think when the reason why they consider themselves christian when they marry is because the brides usually just wants the trappings of a christian wedding, the beautiful white gown and all that and i guess they are also attracted to all the festivities of christmas. sumimasen...
*the japanese are very polite, helpful and surprisingly friendly people not to mention clean, efficient and hardworking.
i agree with this one 100%! it was a pleasant surprise to find the japanese people are like that. let me also say that i did mention before that our eldest brother also was very impressed by how outstanding the japanese people are in sharp contrast to our baseless misconception before we went there.
*there are no skycrapers in Japan. at least not like the Taipei 101, the Petronas Twin Towers or the Burj Khalifa. im sure they could build and afford one but its probably because they've seen how destructive earthquakes can be and they dont want to dare nature which is the sensible thing to do.
*everything in japan is Made in Japan! no big american cars on the streets, Great! rarely saw those expensive european cars too, Great again! not only do they use those small japanese cars, most things that they use is locally made and produced. from the cars on the streets, to the household appliances, toys and even those bathroom fixtures in the hotel. it says a lot about the japanese people, that they are innovative, hardworking, loyal and that they take pride in their country, my hats off to that.
*japan is a haven for vendo machines:) there's one for just about anything and everything. they are everywhere, i heard someone say that there's even one in the middle of a vast ricefield!
to THE ONLY COUNTRY THAT DOESNT CHARGE A SINGLE CENT FOR A VISA APPLICATION, or at least at the time of my application it was free(unlike some who charges an obscene amount and makes a business out of it and wouldnt even give a refund for a refusal), you have certainly earned my respect and affection. Goodbyes sucks, particularly this one. But what can we do, Shanghai awaits, don’t worry, we’ll be back. we truly enjoyed ourselves. What a beautiful country and a lot of wonderful people. Domo arigato Japan, sayonara, dewa mata ne…
