Kyoto Kiyomizu-dera

Kiyomizu-dera is an ancient temple originally built in 798. The current buildings were reconstructed in 1633.It is an affiliate of the Hosso school of Buddhism which originated in Nara.







The Japanese tourists dress up like Geisha for portraits. It is interesting to see the clothes and make up.





The main hall is supported by hundreds of pillars over the hill side.

Otowa-no-taki is the waterfall below where visitors drink sacred waters believed to have therapeutic properties.

Kyoto Public Bus

Riding the public bus from site to site was a big hit. No… I am not really sure why.

Kyoto Royoanji

The Ryoan ji Temple is known for its simple rock garden. It consists of white sand and fifteen rocks. The garden was laid out by a painter and gardener who died in 1525. According to the pamphlet “The longer you gaze at it, the more varied your imagination low earthen walls may be thought of as the quintessence of Zen art”.




















I think we are on the correct sight seeing path.


My monthly turtle picture!!

Kyoto Sanjusangen-do

Sanjusangen-do was founded in 1164. The name means “A Hall of thirty-three bays.” It contains 1,001 Kannon Bodhisattva statues. The hall burnt down in 1249 and was rebuilt in 1266. It is hard to imagine this place is 741 years old.





They would not allow cameras inside so I had to scan a few pictures from there brochure to show the statues inside. The 1,001 statues are all slightly different. It was very impressive.





I am not sure why they dress the rocks? We saw this many times in Kyoto.

Kyoto Bambo Grove

The takeyabu (bamboo forest) path was interesting. Many small shrines tucked into the bamboo.



I think Nathan knocked on every tree to confirm that they were all hollow.

Arasiyama Monkey Park

After a few days of seeing temples and gardens the kids needed a chance to run. What better place than among there own kind.




The park was on the top of the mountain overlooking the city. It was a good view.

How many monkeys can you count? (I see 3)


It was good hike to the top.

Kyoto Handicraft Center

On Sunday the kids each got to do a Japanese craft at thee Handicraft Center. It was a nice opportunity to sit down and relax.

Hailey mad a cloisonné key chain. You put glass powder on a copper base and then bake it in an oven.

Nathan made woodblock prints. It takes 6 woodblocks and colors to make each print.

Here is Nate with his print of the Heian Shrine.


Nathan's second print was of a Maiko (Geisha in training).