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Published: October 2nd 2018
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06.04.2018
Kyoto - Nara - Osaka
Today we were to leave hotel at Kyoto and go to Osaka via Nara. First was visit to Nijo Castle. Then Todaiji Temple and the Nara Deer Park them arrive in Osaka.
Nijo Castle ( Nijōjō) was built in 1603 as the Kyoto residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo Period (1603-1867). His grandson completed the castle's palace buildings 23 years later and further expanded the castle by adding a five story castle keep.
After the Tokugawa Shogunate fell in 1867, Nijo Castle was used as an imperial palace for a while before being donated to the city and opened up to the public as a historic site. Its palace buildings are arguably the best surviving examples of castle palace architecture of Japan's feudal era, and the castle was designated a UNESCO world heritage site in 1994.
Nijo Castle can be divided into three areas: the Honmaru (main circle of defense), the Ninomaru (secondary circle of defense) and some gardens that encircle the Honmaru and Ninomaru. The entire castle grounds and the Honmaru are surrounded by stone walls and moats.
Karamon Gate Visitors to Nijo
Castle enter the castle grounds through a large gate in the east. We see chinese style Karamon Gate, the entrance to the Ninomaru (secondary circle of defense), where the castle's main attraction, the Ninomaru Palace is located.
The Ninomaru Palace served as the residence and office of the shogun during his visits to Kyoto. Surviving in its original form, the palace consists of multiple separate buildings that are connected with each other by corridors with so called
nightingale floors, as they squeak when stepped upon as a security measure against intruders. The palace rooms are tatami mat covered and feature elegantly decorated ceilings and beautifully painted sliding doors,
We took a fast visit of palace. Every time we were given very less time for such visits. First rooms were meeting place with low level people. The walls are drawn with fierce tigers to show superiority or hold on them. The life style of shoguns, their meetings with other people are shown.
Arashiyama is a pleasant, touristy district in the western outskirts of Kyoto. The area has been a popular destination since the Heian Period (794-1185), when nobles would enjoy its natural setting. Arashiyama is particularly popular during
the cherry blossom and fall color seasons.
The Togetsukyo Bridge is Arashiyama's well known, central landmark. Many small shops, restaurants and other attractions are found nearby, including Tenryuji Temple, Arashiyama's famous bamboo groves and pleasure boats that are available for rent on the river. The Bridge, also known as the Moon Crossing Bridge. It obtained its alternative name, Moon Crossing Bridge, after Emperor Kameyama stated that the bridge appeared to stretch to the moon. The current Togetsukyo Bridge was completed in 1934.
“Temple of the Celestial Dragon”) with its beautiful landscape garden, Sogenchi Garden, is a must-go before heading to the nearby famous bamboo groves. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Tenryu-ji was considered first among the five great Zen temples in Kyoto. The garden is very beautiful with various types of cherry trees. It was a treat to eyes. Many other flowers were also bloomed as it was spring time. We enjoyed the view.Took photos. Tourists were flowing here. Many couples were shooting here in different poses. Then we entered bamboo groove. This was very enchanting. As no sun was there it was very pleasant. We took many photographs. Here, shooting of a geisha was going on and
everyone took photos. Then returned to the parking place. We went to Todaji temple . It is Buddha mandir. We come across a big wooden arch first. It is very old. The idol of Buddha is very big. Other idols are also there. There is one wooden pole, which has round hole which is equal to nostrich of Buddha. If you can squeeze through it, it is supposed as very lucky. One more idol of healer is out side temple. It is believed that if your body part is aching you can touch that body part of idol and you get relief. when we come out we are in Nara Park. It is Deer Park. When we feed deers, they bow thrice. There is museum. We visited it and then went to parking place.
After a good dinner we went to our hotel Sheraton Miyako Hotel Osaka.
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