August 25, 2025
Kyoto - Day 2 Continued - This was a Long & Hot day!!
Japan just published a report that the number of dogs, is now greater than the number of children. They carry and bring their dogs everywhere. And so excited to have them photographed. I was wondering why I have only seen one pregnant woman, in all the time we have been here!
Our next stop was the
Silver Temple or
GINKAKUJI TEMPLE
dating back to 1482. Built by
Yoshimasa Ashikaga
and inspired by his grandfather's
Golden Pavilion. He was building as his retirement villa but he passed away before it was completed in 1490 and at his request, it then became a Temple.
The next stop was Nanzen Ji Temple and Aqueducts. We stopped for a quick bit on the go - picking up water and sandwiches at Seven Eleven and ate while driving here. This is when the heat was just oppressive and we started to lose momentum. Only Bosco & I walked the aqueducts. The others waited in the shade.
Next stop was the Yasaka Pagoda and only I paid the entrance fee to go inside, while Bosco did the grounds surrounding the property the others went for ice cream. I was curious what the inside structure of the pagoda looked like and wanted to see the Buddha statues on the lowest level. You had to climb up narrow ladders to see upper level and you could only go to third level and look out small window.
Our final stop was the show stopper for me. The Fushimi Inari - Taisha Shrine is one of Kyoto's most iconic Shinto shrines, dedicated to Inari, the deity of rice, prosperity and business.Founded in 711 A.D. it is famous for its thousands of vibrant red torii gates that form tunnels along the trails leading up Mt. Inari. These gates, donated by individuals and businesses, symbolize gratitude and prayers for success. The shrine is anchored by Fox statues, believed to be Inari's messengers.
