Day nine

We woke up to the smells of barbeque fish. Breakfast!?

Last night after dinner, we returned to the room to find all furniture neatly tucked away to make way for our white fluffy futons. They are SO comfortable. Hardly feel like you were sleeping on the floor. We need to get these for our guest room when we get back.

Breakfast was served at 8:30am. I could not believe how much food we had to eat!

A traditional Japanese breakfast consists of mainly rice, miso soup and sometimes pickles. And that was what we had for breakfast. Even had a nice pot of steamed Tofu and barbeque fish (which we have to grill ourselves!!) on the side. This meal is definitely going take us through to dinner!

We took our final dip in the hot spring bath in the room before heading back home.

The lake behind us apparently shares the same area as Singapore!!! What THE!!!!

We parted ways with Kemmy, baby Rey and her mum and sister at Kyoto station.



Melvin and I were off to visit Japan’s tallest Pagoda. Toji Temple [Kyo-oh-gokokuji Temple]

Established in 794 by imperial decree to protect the city. This temple suffered through much devastation like fire and civil war. The main attraction, Goju-no-to, despite being burnt down several times, was rebuilt in 1643. This 57m monument now stands as Japan’s tallest Pagoda.

After taking some pictures. We set off to our next destination. Higashi Honganji – free admission.

This temple is the Mausoleum of Shinran Shonin [1173 – 1262], the founder of the Shinshu Otani-ha, one of Japan’s largest Buddhist denominations. Apparently, this is where followers from all over the world gather to listen to the Buddha-Dharma of Shinran.

Nishi Honganji. Just a stone throws away, is the rival temple. Built in 1272 [by the daughter of Shinran, Priestess Kakushin] in the Higashiyama Mountain. It was later moved to its present site in 1591. This temple is certainly more impressive artistically than Higashi Honganji.

We had to place our shoes in plastic bags before entering into the temple main hall.

The 2 storeys Taishido-mon gate stands 27m tall and features giant doors craved out from a single slab of wood! Along the hallway, I found a glass showcase encasing a large coil of rope made by human hair [kezuna]!!

After the fire destruction, due to the lack of strong ropes available. A group of female devotees donated their logs to haul the timber frames that hold the structure of this majestic temple.

The largest rope measures 110m, has a circumference of 20cm, and weighs 1000kg!

Amazing isn’t it.

On our way home. I took a picture of a shrine waged in-between tall office buildings, the infamous Kyoto Tower. And a Hello Kitty tombstone for sale.

That my friends, is Japan hour for you!!