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We decided to visit Chionji Temple before taking train to Nara as we heard a lot of good things about this. Chion-ji Temple has one of the biggest temple gate in Kyoto.
When we were standing in front of the gate, we were speechless as we didn't expect the gate to be this gigantic. We had to go in and stand from far apart to see the whole gate. This temple is very famous by students as they always come here to pray for passing the exam and getting good grades.
Location: Chionji Temple, Kyoto (Japan)
Shitennoji is one of the oldest temples in Japan. But the appearance, it looks pretty new; that is because the original one was burned down several times. The temple was rebuilt and renovated to keep it new.
When I arrived, many parts of the temple was under construction which I cannot really go in. Only the center part of the temple was opened to the public. I saw quite a few monks and worshipers were having lessons so I didn't go in to bother them :)
Location: Shitennoji, Japan (Osaka)
Shimogamo Shrine is one of the oldest shrines in Kyoto. It is recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It is located in the Tadasu no Mori forest. Some of the trees there are up to 600 years old.
It holds one of the major festivals in Kyoto known as the Kamo Festival.
Location: Shimogamo-Jinja Shrine, Kyoto (Japan)
Osaka Castle is one of the most well known tourist locations in Osaka. Osaka Castle itself has a lot of history as it was the home to Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Unfortunately, he and his clan were fallen after the Battle of Sekigahara.
Afterwards, Osaka Castle suffered major damages from lightning strikes which caused major fires. In addition during the World War II, a bomb hit Osaka Castle killing hundreds of workers there.
At the end, this Osaka Castle is a replica to the original one. As I walked through the castle, I got to see the original one. It looked quite different from the old one.
Location: Osaka Castle, Japan (Osaka)
Tōdai-ji is probably the most famous landmark in Nara. Pretty much that is one of the main reasons why people to visit Nara. Even standing from far away, Todaiji Buddha Hall is so gigantic. Pretty much everyone in the scene looks like ants.
I was told that the original Buddha Hall was rebuilt after fire. The original was around 30% bigger than the current one. I cannot imagine how big the original one is...
Location: Todaiji Temple, Nara (Japan)
Throughout this trip, I went to many different temples and shrines. Shimogamo-jinja Shrine isn't the most stunning one; nor it is the oldest shrines I had been to. But it gave me one of the best feelings from all the shrines I had been to.
Everything here is well laid out. In addition, each area is carefully decorated. Since it is located in the adasu no Mori forest. You will hear the sound from the birds which adds a lot of feelings of this temple. I am sure that during the festival time, this place will be packed with people :)
Location: Shimogamo-jinja Shrine, Kyoto (Japan)
After visiting the Himeji Castle, I wanted to stay a bit longer for night photos so we decided to visit Koko-en Garden first and have dinner before going back for night photo.
Koko-en Garden is a beautiful garden where it has 9 themed sections features different vibes. It is a very relaxing garden to just come and chill out for a bit. One of the sections feature the matcha lesson. Unfortunately, we were a bit too late so we couldn't join and experience the making of the matcha tea.
Location: Koko-en Garden, Himeji (Japan)