Gion

Date: 23rd March, 2015

My day of sightseeing across Kyoto began at the famous Fushimi Inari-taisha before returning to the city to visit Kinaku-ji and Kiyomizu Dera. And although I felt I had seen enough, I found myself walking towards Gion Corner — a theater that has a daily cultural show showing some Japanese traditions and live theater.

Gion street at night Kyoto — The sun had set over Kyoto

Gion corner Kyoto night — The shows are held inside Yasaka Hall, next to the Gion Kobu Kaburenjo Theatre

Gion Corner show information — I was on two minds about attending the show. It’s quite pricey ¥3150 (₹1700/$25/€24) and I assumed there wouldn’t be any tickets for the final show.

Gion Corner crowd Kyoto Japan — But it turns out there still a few seats left for the final show. And since I was already in line, I thought why not, and bought myself a ticket

Gion Corner cultural show Kyoto — We all sat down for the show. Other than introductions of each segment in English, everything else would be in Japanese.

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Date: 22nd March, 2015

After arriving in Kyoto by bullet train and checking in to Shiori-an Guesthouse, I began my sightseeing walk around Kyoto. Nishi and Higashi Honganji, two Shin Buddhism temples, were close to where I was staying, so I first went there.

Kyoto cats neko Japan — Saw a lot of furry cats outside the temples

Higashi Honganji buddhist temple Kyoto Japan — There was massive renovation work undergoing at sections of the Nishi Honganji complex

Plastic covers for shoes Kyoto temple — You cannot enter the temple with footwear. You have remove your shoes, carry them in these plastic bags and only then climb up the steps.

Higashi Honganji wood pillars Kyoto Japan — This temple hall was built in 1895 and claims to be the largest structure made entirely of wood

Or so it claims. I don’t know if it still remains the largest wooden structure, especially after having seen The Sanctuary of Truth in Pattaya which uses a heck lot of teak wood.

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Japan: Kyoto – Gion Corner Cultural Show

Japan: Kyoto – Nishi & Higashi Honganji, Shijo street, and Gion

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