Japan trip, Day 5 - 10th June - Philosopher's Walk, Honen-In, Kyoto (Part 1)

Japan trip
Day 5 - 10th June - Philosopher's Walk, Honen-In, Kyoto (Part 1)

I started off the morning with a stroll along the Philosopher's Walk.

On the bus there, at one stop everyone had gotten off the bus (by the exit beside the driver), when a woman at the bus stop asked him to open the entrance door (at the back of the bus). Gah. Like it'd be so hard to just enter by the exit. Stupid rules.


Stones with bibs


Drain above a drain (clean and unclean water?)


Large, beautiful carp (?) - in the canal (!)


Not very philosophical. It is very different, however, when lined with blooming Sakuras:




Entrance to Honen-In


Gate


Gardens


River


Waterfall


Fountain


Path


Pagoda


The early morning light was quite subdued, resulting in a calm mood


Flowers


Shrine in alcove


Holy footprint




Screen in building


Pagoda and detail


Fruit Kebab (?!)


Contemplating the garden


Roof carving


The darker photo is more faithful, but I like the look of the brighter one as well.

I then left the temple and headed for Ginkakuji.


The road down


Still not very philosophical


Road

I found a little shrine:



And left an ema:

Can you spot what's wrong with it? Hint: there's more than one thing wrong

Addendum: Keywords - 精忠报国, 尽忠报国

Ema were 200Y each (cheaper than the large ones) but payment was via the Honour System.


Bears fishing

At one point, strange, ghostly music suddenly started filling the air. It got louder and louder as its source got closer and closer to me. Filled with dread, I turned on my movie mode:


Damn Japs. Even their Karang Guni is weird.


Tornado potato I had outside Ginkakuji
"This is display. Please, don't eat!" - wth
I had soy sauce and mayonnaise, which strangely enough was just powder (ie no real mayo)