Japan 2011

Dieser alte Blog, der während der ersten Reise 2011 entstand, wurde 2018 wieder hergestellt. Backups sind manchmal doch nützlich.

Anfang 2020 wurde der Blog dann auf WordPress umgestellt und die kleinen Bilder durch größere ersetzt.

First thing you notice about Kyoto: Rain! But everyone’s prepared, umbrellas everywhere, there are even umbrella lockers at Sanjusangendo!

One smaller castle close to Kyoto, but not a modern reconstruction. Again: Rain!

Teahouse close to Hikone castle:

Back in Kyoto, still raining, but I don’t mind: what a breathtaking view!

Temple at Kinkakuji:

Takayama: Historical city, lots of shrines next to each other

One of the shrines (or a temple?):

Looks very similar so Hinamizawa, but is in fact Ogimachi. Commonly known just as Shirakawa-go

The main shrine Shirakawa Hachiman Jinja:

and the party begins: Doburoku Matsuri

There was just one western tourist. Behind the camera!

The matsuri lasts a couple of days. Next day, next shrine:

All you need for a perfect matsuri: Doburoku, Taiyaki, shrines, miko, drums, lion dance. And one tourist.

Kenroku-en, historic streets, traditional dinner at the ryokan

Staying at a temple, attending the morning ceremony, feeling the spirit of Kôbô Daishi.

The best thing are the walls.

The castle itself is a modern concrete building and has elevators inside. Very disappointing.

Back to Kyoto and the rain started again.

Fushimi Inari

Nijô castle, Kiyomizu-dera

Matsuri again!

Higashiyama!

Byôdô-in – Phoenix Hall

Todai-ji and some unknown building.

Low tide and high tide at Itsukushima shrine.

Hiroshima, Gembaku domu + Peace memorial park.

Gion, Arashiyama and Kyoto at night.

Had a great time despite of the rain. I even skipped Kurama Fire festival due to heavy rain. What was best? Doburoku Matsuri. Have to come back some time. Haven’t seen Tokyo so far. Maybe next year…