Hello Kyoto
Hello Kyoto, how are you? Do you remember me? We met briefly for a day many many years ago? I'm sorry it's taken me so long to come back to see you. I got distracted with all my other friends around the world in recent years. On this visit, I've allowed four days to be with you, and managed to see a lot more of you than last time.
SHRINES AND TEMPLES
You are so famous as the former capital of Japan and have such a rich history dating back to the Imperial days. It's no wonder that millions of visitors flock to see you every year. This time, I've managed to visit many of your most popular and beautiful locations, and got to know you better.
Starting with the Kinkakuji. I remember last time I came here, I was walking down the path from the entrance, and suddenly it appeared in front of my eyes. The spark from the golden pavilion standing in front of the lake, was one of the most beautiful picture I'd ever seen. This first impression has been imprinted firmly in my mind all these years. This time, I knew what to expect, the surprise first reaction is replaced by a eagerly looking forward to meet an old friend feeling.
Next is Kiyomizu-dera. This was built in 1633 and there is not a single nail was used in this wooden structure - that's the building on the right. Sadly, the temple is currently under renovation and the exterior was all covered up. The rest of the area is quite large and lodged high up on the hill, thus providing a stunning view of you, Kyoto City.
There are so many historical areas nearby you, Kyoto and I went to visit a couple. Nara being one, that is most famous for the deers roaming freely around in the park. Next to the Nara Park is Todaiji Temple, a symbol of the Imperial power from back in 745 At 48m high, the temple behind this entrance, is the world's largest wooden structure. Even when I stood in front if this entrance, it was quite difficult to imagine how this was built such a long time ago.
The other town I visited was Uji, famous for matcha (green tea) production. Byodoin is a Buddhist temple built in 1052, and the focal point is the Phoenix Hall. Kinkakuji is the most beautiful picture I've ever seen, but the Phoenix hall is the place where I would happily live for the rest of my life.
FOOD AND ART
Kyoto, apart from history, you also offer some of the most visually rewarding food. No expense is spared from preparing starters through to desserts, and the dinnerware used. Every meal that I've had is like a piece of art, in particular the matcha desserts. It's true to say you're not style over substance Kyoto.
HELLO KYOTO
Hello Kyoto. Ater spending a few days with you, I've learnt a lot more about you. You're an artist who can paint with nature and food, a historian who preserves culture and stories, an ambassador who shows the world the best of Japan.
Most importantly, you're a friend who is always so welcoming to everyone, including those who have forgotten about you for so many years. Thank you.
Posted from my blog with SteemPress : http://livinguktaiwan.com/hello-kyoto/
Check out all my travel posts here on Steemit Worldmap, and also my latest project @LadiesOfAsia where we share fun and cultural diversity across Asia Pacific.
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These temples look amazing, especially with their surroundings at this time of the year. I like how you wrote this post by addressing Kyoto as "you". Have fun in Japan! :)
Thanks Donica!! Visiting old and and new 'friends' in Japan 😀
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Oh my gosh, What a beautiful Kyoto! Those pictures blew me away, fantastic! I really love that phoenix hall. Those foods looks so tasty and artistically arranged. Thanks for taking us to your travel. Take care. X
Thanks Sheryl!
Well written. I spent my last(and first) Japan trip staying mostly at Osaka and I did spent a day tour on Kyoto. Definitely a place that could hold a days or weeks long of travelling. I started to miss those awesome temples, haih.
Thanks @fr3eze. Osaka and Kyoto are so near yet such a big contrast between the two. I stayed at Kyoto for four days this time and did a few daytrips around but definitely just scratched the surface. I think there's so much more to do and see here.
You reminded me that I had first snowfall in Kyoto, on that one and only day I went there. Definitely gonna plan a dedicated trip for Kyoto in the future.
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Hello @livinguktaiwan, thank you for sharing this creative work! We just stopped by to say that you've been upvoted by the @creativecrypto magazine. The Creative Crypto is all about art on the blockchain and learning from creatives like you. Looking forward to crossing paths again soon. Steem on!