Hidden Secrets: Shinnyodo Temple

Shinnyodo is one of those off the beaten track temples in Kyoto and while it is known for its autumn leaves, it's still relatively empty during the year. While I was walking around, I saw maybe a total of fifteen people, so if you're looking for a very quiet and peaceful temple, this is your place. It was established in 984, but was destroyed during the Onin War before being relocated to its present location. The grounds are free to roam around, but a fee of 500 yen is required to enter the inner chamber where you can walk around and see the gardens. Taking pictures inside the chamber and the rooms is prohibited, but you are more than welcome to take pictures of the gardens outside. 

To get there, I walked to Shirakawa-dori from Tetsugaku-no-michi and spotted a sign right next to an ice cream and sweets shop on a corner. Follow the arrow and walk past the neighborhood in the picture above towards the mountain. The road will gradually go uphill and continue for a couple of minutes. On your left side will be a small sign right next to some stairs that'll point you in the direction :) It's quite easy to miss so keep your eyes open! There's also a rather nice hydrangea garden just before you reach the temple ^^

Had this view to myself for awhile and just enjoyed the tranquility of the place :)

Thank you so much for reading and I hope you all have a wonderful week! :)

Harukas 300: Up in the Sky

One of my friends from back home was traveling in Japan with her boyfriend and since they were in Osaka, we decided that we definitely needed to meet up! Abeno Harukas was on both of our lists so we ended up spending most of the day there :) The observation deck is called Harukas 300 because it is 300 meters high (on the 60th floor) with glass windows surrounding all sides, giving visitors an unobstructed view of Osaka. It is also one of the tallest skyscrapers in Japan. The building includes Abeno Harukas Kintetsu Department Store, an enormous department store with high end brand names for people to choose from. It wasn't the clearest day for us to visit, but we were still able to get some incredible views of the city! ^^

If you go early, there isn't really a line. Go an hour or so after it opens and you'll have to wait for a long time to get into an elevator. 

The 58th floor is an open roof area with a wooden deck and cafe with equally nice views :)

Because every place has a mascot...Abenobea for Harukas 300. 

Probably the best views from a restroom that I've ever seen! I made sure no one else was in there when I took this picture :)

Cafe on the 58th floor.

Thank you so much for reading and I hope you all have a wonderful weekend ^^

Tenjuan Temple: Stepping Stones

Tenjuan Temple is one of the many sub temples of the Nanzenji precinct and is one of the few that are opened to the public. It's known for its gardens as well as its lotus pond and was dedicated to the Zen master who served Emperor Kameyama. Unfortunately, part of its main hall is under construction so I wasn't able to go inside, but the gardens and ponds outside were well worth the visit. 

Reminds me of the Tale of the Bamboo Cutter where an elderly man found a tiny baby inside of a bamboo plant who was actually the princess from the moon :) 

Poor fish thought I had food to give him, so I took the opportunity to snap this picture! 

Thank you so much for reading and have a wonderful week :) It's rainy season here in Japan so don't forget to bring your umbrellas with you! 

Yuanheng Buddhist Temple: Kaohsiung Part 5

My last Taiwan post! :) We went to Yuanheng Buddhist Temple which is located up in the mountains (and just a few bus stops away from the city zoo!), giving visitors a magnificent view of the city as the temple meets both the sunrise and the sunset. It was originally built in 1743, but was rebuilt and relocated several times before being moved to its present location. It has living quarters for the many monks who reside there and visitors are free to enter the main hall to sit and pray. It was very calming to sit inside and marvel at the three Buddha statues while observing a few locals offering their prayers. 

Spacious main hall with cushions for people to sit on as they pray. 

And lots of fans for those hot days.

Living quarters for the monks :)

Thank you so much for reading and I hope you all have a wonderful week! :)