Fushimi inari (伏見稲荷) Yoimiya sai (宵宮祭) 2018

Perhaps Fushimi Inari Shrine is the best known spot in Kyoto for sightseeing, and most visitors go there during the day. In my opinion, early morning is recommended due to less people and fresh air. 

However, I would like to introduce a special occasion in the night time.

Fushimi inari is open 24 hours and there are street lights during night time, whereas a few thousand lanterns and lamps are lighted in the festival nights. There are only two days events in a year, which are Yoimiya-sai and Motomiya-sai respectively.

If you wanna check the dates, this web is recomeended.https://goo.gl/3anB99

 

 

This is the entrance gate (Romon), but the atmosphere is different from usual daytime.

The picture on the left is the main shrine, but the experience to climb up to the peak is the main attraction.

All of the vermilion gates, torii, is built by dedication for wishing success for business or personal wishes. There are around 5000 gates, and  the number is increasing.

If you have no knowledge how high Fushimi inari is, be careful !! The mountain is higher than you think it is (personal opinion), and it takes more than 1.5hours to the top.

←This is the sign at the top of the mountain. The top is called Ichino-mine and there is a shrine called "Kamisha Shinseki"

 

←This is the back of
Kamisha Shinseki. Real top of the mountain.

<MAP>https://goo.gl/maps/15VgcMu68hn

Thank you for having a look and see you on the top of Fushimi inari  at 2:00 AM

Byodoin hoodo (平等院鳳凰堂)

Byodoin hoodo, the world heritage, has opened the gate for autumn lighting up!! The night visit was limited only for the tours by some agency until last year. Since 2017, they opened the gate for general visitors

The golden statue of Buddha is in the temple

 

＊The open date at night time is limited. Check http://www.byodoin.or.jp/en/news.html or drop a comment to ask me.

 <MAP> https://goo.gl/maps/6wYrbECahsD2

Toji (東寺)

 

Toji is the Head temple for shingon shu, founded in A.D.796, one of the world heritage.

It has the five stories pagoda, which is the tallest wooden tower in Japan.

They hold lighting up event, during spring and autumn season.  It was first time for me though, I really like this place with cherry blossoms.

 

<MAP> https://goo.gl/maps/baJ7pjm2F9u

Ginkakuji (銀閣寺)

Ginkakuji is a pavilion in Jisho-ji, one of the Zen temple. In 1482, Yoshimasa Ashikaga built in from the idea of Kinkakuji which was built by his grandfather, Yoshimitsu Ashikaga. Many people believe that Ginkakuji is silver colored, in contrast to Kinkakuji (Golden temple ). In fact, Kinkakuji means Kin which is Gold in English. However, the Ginkakuji is not silver as the name suggest Gin which is silver in English.




Therefore, some people are disappointed with it. Yet, in my opinion, Ginkakuji has good points.  I like this temple particularly with the snow covers the roof. Although it was snowing heavliy  when I went there, I hope you feel this good atmosphere.

<Map> https://goo.gl/maps/jsjc4cqvKMq