Kyoto - November 2009
This is another purification basin before the main hall.
Lots of charms and other paraphernalia are available at these booths on the side of the main hall. We thought the raised doors for the booth windows were interesting.
These steps lead to the gate of the Jishu Shrine. This shrine was built in 1633 and is known for love and marriage.
One of the love stones of the Jishu Shrine. To be granted true love, one must walk from one stone to the other with one's eyes closed. The stones are about 18m apart. If one fails to reach the second stone, then it will take a long time to find true love.
The second love stone.
A girl gets some help from a friend while she tries to walk from one love stone to the other while her eyes are closed. Because she's getting assistance, she will also need help finding true love. However, from what we saw, it is impossible to walk the line without help because of the crowds.
I assume this is one of the temple monks. At any rate, he was happy to pause for a photo.
This is the main hall of the Kiyomizu-dera Temple from a walking path.
In this photo, you can see the scaffolding that supports the main hall. It sits on the side of a hill.
This is the Otowa waterfall. It is located below the main hall. There are three streams. One stream is supposed to give wisdom, another health, and the last longevity.
This is the Yasaka Pagoda.
This street goes between the Ninenzaka and Sanneizaka neighborhoods. This is a historic street that shows many traditional buildings. We highly recommend exploring this area.
This must be akin to take your child for a stroll while wearing an evening gown. :)
This gate leads to the Yasaka Shrine, a popular Shinto shrine in the Gion district. It dates back to the year 656. The shrine is dedicated to Susa-no-o, the god of prosperity and health.
This view is from just outside the gate.
The main hall of the Yasaka Shrine.
