Fabulous Kyoto
Gion Temples Geishas Kyoto
Gion Temples Geishas Kyoto Japan, originally developed in the Middle Ages, in front of Yasaka Shrine. The district was built to accommodate the needs of travellers and visitors to the shrine. It eventually evolved to become one of the most exclusive and well-known geisha districts in all of Japan.
Gion shop
A great window display.
Wonderful Japanese garden in Kyoto
In my eyes this is perfection.
The magnificent Kinkakuju temple.
Kinkakuji (金閣寺, Golden Pavilion) is a Zen temple in northern Kyoto whose top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf. Formally known as Rokuonji, the temple was the retirement villa of the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, and according to his will it became a Zen temple of the Rinzai sect after his death in 1408. Kinkakuji was the inspiration for the similarly named Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion), built by Yoshimitsu’s grandson, Ashikaga Yoshimasa, on the other side of the city a few decades later. Kinkakuji is an impressive structure built overlooking a large pond, and is the only building left of Yoshimitsu’s former retirement complex. It has burned down numerous times throughout its history including twice during the Onin War, a civil war that destroyed much of Kyoto; and once again more recently in 1950 when it was set on fire by a fanatic monk. The present structure was rebuilt in 1955.
Hanami-koj St Gion.
Part of the Gion district has been declared a national historical preservation district. Recently, the City of Kyoto completed a project to restore the streets of Gion, which included such plans as moving all overhead utilities underground as part of the ongoing effort to preserve the original beauty of Gion.
Gion
Gion is my favourite part of Kyoto.
Nijo Castle.
The castle is an excellent example of social control manifested in architectural space. Low-ranking visitors were received in the outer regions of the Ninomaru, whereas high-ranking visitors were shown the more subtle inner chambers. Rather than attempt to conceal the entrances to the rooms for bodyguards (as was done in many castles), the Tokugawas chose to display them prominently. Thus, the construction lent itself to expressing intimidation and power to Edo-period visitors. The building houses several different reception chambers, offices and the living quarters of the shogun, where only female attendants were allowed. One of the most striking features of the Ninomaru Palace are the “nightingale floors” (uguisubari) in the corridors. To protect the occupants from sneak attacks and assassins, the builders constructed the floors of the corridors in such a way as to squeak like birds when anyone walks on them.
Check out the Kiyomizu-dera buddhist temple.
So many wonderful restaurants in Gion.
Good food & beautiful faces, what more could you ask for?
Jyuunidanya restaurant in Gion
Probably has not changed for hundreds of years.
Kyoto’s iconic landmark is a very convenient place to stay, for an excellent room rate just book through THIS LINK.
Kyoto railway station
Best station I have ever seen.
Japan is full of surprises
In this country there is the ancient & the new. 🙂
A beautiful Japanese lady
This is Ake and she provided me with a real surprise. It was a wet Monday evening so I found a small bar to enjoy a few drinks and a light dinner. An hour or so later Aki came in with 2 of her friends, they all said hello to me and joined me at the bar. After a couple more drinks they invited me to join them at another bar where they were meeting friends. I said “please wait a minute while I pay my bill here”, Ake said “don’t worry I have already paid it”. You could have knocked me over with a feather, so off we went and the night got better and better. 🙂
Aki’s friends Jun and Alice
It’s always great meeting the locals. 🙂
My 3rd visit in 2018
Certainly one of my favourite cities in Japan.
Make sure you visit the Pontocho Entertainment District
Thanks for visiting my Gion Temples Geishas Kyoto photo blog.
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Fabulous views, excellent restaurants & a very good room rate if you book through THIS LINK.
The building in the middle is the Holiday Inn, on the left is the Amari Hotel which is another very good five star hotel. Use THIS LINK to book for a very good room rate.
The best Pattaya budget hotel, 3 pools & opposite Central Marina shopping mall. For a great room rate just book through THIS LINK.
Sutus Court is a great budget hotel right i the heart of one of Pattaya’s main bar areas, just use THIS LINK for a terrific room rate. 420/100 Moo 9 Soi Buakhao.
This is the view from Horizons the amazing rooftop bar. A great five star hotel located opposte the beach & above the Central Festival shopping mall. Just book through THIS LINK for an excellent room rate.
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A very quaint Tokyo street
You gotta love the Ginza
Counter only started February 16 2020.
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Yasaka Shrine is also known as Gion Shrine, one of the most famous shrines in Kyoto. Founded over 1350 years ago, the shrine is located between the popular Gion District and Higashiyama District, and you can simply walk between the two districts.
It really is nice seeing all the ladies dressed in traditional outfits.
Gion Kyoto’s traditional entertainment district is one of Japan’s most popular destinations.
You should have heard the magnificent sound coming from this fabulous vehicle. The awning you can see on the right is the APA Hotel where I stayed, a great location with large rooms, as a bonus there is a Starbucks on the ground floor. For a really good room rate just book through THIS LINK, it will also give you free cancellation.
A good size room for Japan.
Something to see around every corner.
What amazing food is on offer in this wonderful country.
There is so much to see in this great city.
The most difficult thing is deciding where to eat. 🙂
For many more bars & restaurants just follow THIS LINK.
