Shiga Kogen

From Kyoto, we took a very scenic train ride to Nagano and, from Nagano, a short bus ride to Shiga Kogen. Shiga Kogen is the largest Ski Resort in Japan (21 interlinked resorts). Never a line more than three people deep and to our good fortune it snowed about 3 inches on the second night.







Another Torii...


The Sunroute Hotel.




For more information see:
http://www.shigakogen.gr.jp/english/

Geisha

In Gion, we had the opportunity to see Geisha. After, a very exhausting day of walking from temple to temple, we took a break on a side-street of Gion. Shortly afterwards, we observed a pair of Geisha on their way to an ochaya (teahouse). This was a very exciting moment for Beth!




Even more exciting was a tea ceremony we attended in the oldest Geisha district. On our way to another shrine, our cab driver pointed out that a tea ceremony was being performed at the Kitano Tenman-gu Shrine. It turns out that this tea ceremony occurs once a year, Feb 25th.


Geisha preparing the tea at the Kitano Tenman-gu Shrine.



The tea ceremony dates back to the 15th century in Japan. The ritual (chaji) consists of a light meal and whipped powder tea (matcha) which is served by a host to a few invited guests. In Japan, the tea ceremony is a unique moment to be treasured.

Kyoto II

Your first impression is that Kyoto is similar to other modern Japanese cities. However, you quickly realize the historical significance of this city demonstrated by the numerous historical monuments found throughout the city. You spend a lot of time walking from monument to monument. Beth would suggest signing up for a guided tour to see the city's famous sites.

Next stop, the Kiyomizu-Dera Temple. Obviously a famous site, as the locals were outside petitioning this site to become the eighth wonder of the world.


The Kiyomizu-Dera Temple with Kyoto in the background...


A favorite spot of Beth and mine was the Fushimi Shrine... also a famous shrine. This shrine is dedicated to Inari, the deity of sake and rice. It is formed out of hundreds of torii (gates).




The view from the top of the shrine with the town of Fushimi below.




Beth showing off the Sanmon (gateway) of the Nanzen-ji Temple... Another 14th century zen temple.

Kyoto

For our birthdays, Beth and I visited mainland Japan. We spent nine days in Kyoto, Nagano, and Tokyo. First stop , the old imperial capital of Japan, Kyoto.


Our first tourist stop was The Nijo Castle. This castle was created by the Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu in the sixteenth century. This picture is taken at castle's gardens.




Next, we headed to Philosopher's walk, a cherry blossom lined canal meandering the base of the scenic Higashiyama (Eastern Mountains). Although we were early, there were many cherry blossoms in bloom.




The most famous site was the Golden Pavilion also called Kinkaku-ji, a glimmering legacy of medieval Japan. It was built by the third Ashikaga Shogun in the 14th century. This is all very impressive until you find out that it was destroyed by arson in 1950 and was later rebuilt. Never the less, it makes for a popular picture spot.