Above, T to B., Shinto shrine, Fan store, Aoi Festival actors.Kyoto (1.5 million) is Japan`s cultural center with over two thousand temples and shrines, dedicated to Buddhism and Shinto.
The Aoi Festival was on while I was in Kyoto. Aoi refers to the Hollyhock plant, which is believed to have protective qualities against earthquakes and natural disasters. It originated in the 7th century in an effort to appease the Gods and have a bountiful harvest
Originally it involved Ladies from the royal court and its representatives who represented its interests
Court figure.
The train station is new. Fifteen stories high, multiple escalators and shops, and a rooftop garden on top. Very impressive!
Artist at work.
Pretty ladies in kimonos, a common sight in the city.
View of Kyoto from a Buddhist temple on the hillside on the edge of the city
Obligatory photo with a group of school kids. It happens all the time.
Temple, Kyoto.
Buddhist temple entrance. The influence of Zen is everywhere in the religious grounds. Beauty, simplicity, functuality.
Was expecting to meet up with the others in Kyoto when some bad news broke. Mike Casey had had an accident at a stoplight. The good news was that he hadn`t been badly hurt. Cracked ribs and collarbone, but with prompt medical attention with Simon and Cain there. The motorcycle received little damage.
The train station is new. Fifteen stories high, multiple escalators and shops, and a rooftop garden on top. Very impressive!
Artist at work.
Pretty ladies in kimonos, a common sight in the city.
View of Kyoto from a Buddhist temple on the hillside on the edge of the city
Obligatory photo with a group of school kids. It happens all the time.
Temple, Kyoto.
Buddhist temple entrance. The influence of Zen is everywhere in the religious grounds. Beauty, simplicity, functuality.
Was expecting to meet up with the others in Kyoto when some bad news broke. Mike Casey had had an accident at a stoplight. The good news was that he hadn`t been badly hurt. Cracked ribs and collarbone, but with prompt medical attention with Simon and Cain there. The motorcycle received little damage.
The others stayed an extra day with Casey to make sure he was alright and settled, and then continued on to Nara, 30 Kms. outside of Kyoto where we decided to meet up.
Casey will recuperate in Japan, and depending on how he feels, may continue on the trip by bike at a later date.
A-Tokyo, B-Kyoto.
