Japan is so steeped in cultural history hence the many temples of worship around the country. It's really a must to visit at least one temple to soak in the cultural significance - even if Buddhism is not your faith. Well, picking up from my Nara post (read here), this post is about Todai-ji Temple and the other temples we popped by during our stay in Japan.
Typically when one goes to Japan, the must see temples are like Kinkaku-ji Temple in Kyoto (for its spectacular architecture and genuine gold-leafed roof) or Senso-ji Temple in Tokyo (the city's oldest temple and has an interesting shopping street around it with Japanese souvenirs and snacks to cater to tourists). For us, the 3 temples we went to were Todai-ji Temple & Kofuku-ji Temple, Nara, and Chion-ji Temple, Kyoto - not really top on the tourist sights!
As we planned to go to Nara for a half-day trip, we wanted to make our time worthwhile by varying our itinerary (mingling with the deer + admiring the gardens) so we included the Todai-ji Temple too. This temple is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as one of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara", and houses the world's largest bronze Buddha statue. Apparently, the deer who roam the grounds of temple freely are Sika deer and are regarded as messengers of the gods in the Shinto religion! [Wiki] Adult admission is around 500yen (or S$9), which we thought was quite a good rate and small contribution to the maintenance of the monument.
The stone relic at the temple's entrance heralding its proud history as a world monument.
Another signboard within the temple grounds with a brief history of the religious building
ZX was taking random shots of the temple and we laughed so hard when we saw this photo! Talk about candid - these schoolgirls made our day!
Family album shot with the grand, imposing Todai-ji Temple as backdrop! Thanks to the super nice man who offered to take this photo for us :) *Heidi looks a little drowsy here. By the time we reached the end of the pavement to the temple, she had already fallen asleep!*
As with other temples, there is an area for worshippers to cleanse themselves before entering the hall. While visitors usually use the bamboo scoops to clean their hands, the right way (supposedly) is to transfer the water to your hands to rinse your mouth and then spit it out - not drink!
One of the giant lotus petals engraved with Buddhist depictions
Two of the three giant Buddha statues fronting the temple. In comparison to the visitors at the corner of the photo, the statues look really huge right? Some tourists got to go into the area by the altar (like really near to the giant statue) - think they were part of some privileged tour group.
While walking around the temple, one of the Caucasian visitors asked me what this statue was - to which, I sheepishly admitted that I was a tourist as well and I didn't know, but my husband thinks he might be a guard. The guy looks at me and says "Yes, I think so too". (Hullo! I'm neither Buddhist nor Japanese leh!)
Structures on display showing the original temple constructions which were burnt down prior to the current building
This is one of the supporting beams in the temple, which has a hole apparently the same size as one of the Buddha's nostrils. Popular belief holds that those who can pass through it will be blessed with enlightenment when reincarnated! But to reach the front of the queue might be in your next life too.
As a parting gesture, we bought charms for love and marriage for our bestest friends getting married :)
Mommy Tip: Look out for diaper-changing loos near the main entrance leading to the temple grounds. We didn't and looked really silly changing Heidi's diaper on the bench in open air! Bet it was super cold for her too... Good thing Heidi was asleep during the time we toured the temple because as a sign of respect, all visitors should be respectful and not scream or make loud noises.
After the Todai-ji Temple, we made our way to Isuien Garden (but went to Yoshikien Garden instead, read here) and then decided to stop by Kofuku-ji Temple as there was still a pocket of time before we were to head back. We were pleasantly surprised to find out that this was another UNESCO world heritage site! What a treat! There wasn't as big a crowd around (probably because it was close to dinner time) so it was quite serene. Sadly though, the main hall is undergoing construction so there wasn't much to see. Boo.
I was quite happy to see a couple taking their traditional wedding shots in Japanese garb so I included them in my photos of the temple and pagoda - until ZX told me that he heard the couple and photographers conversing in Mandarin -_-" What the...
Back at the side pavement, ZX and Heidi were kind of bored so I gave them a banana of a task!
Unwrapping...
ZX: Wow! Look what I have!
Heidi: Ugh hhhhhh ugh (translation: Papa, I wanttttttttttttt)
Chomp chomp! Mission accomplished! :D
Satisfied, Heidi took her snooze. Aw.
Chion-ji Temple, Kyoto
Our final temple stop in Japan was Chion-ji Temple. The highlight of the temple was the handicraft market, which is Kyoto's biggest with an amazing range of handicrafts. I saw the event on Kyoto Guide (check the website for events happening each month). Unfortunately, we didn't make it in time as it ended at 4 pm so we decided to check out its Maple Viewing light-up after our sumptuous Japanese spread (read here).
We obviously don't have an affinity with the temple though. Google maps informed us that it was within walking distance from our ryokan but they lied! It was super duper far and damnit, we got lost in the park trying to find our way to the temple. Thankfully, a nice lady appeared and brought us to the Chion-ji Temple *thankful* and admission was closed. Wah lauuuuuuu
A promotional shot of the maple viewing light-up at the temple's entrance. Doesn't it look lovely? Shucks.
Looking at this map, we understood why admission was closed before the light-up ended at 9 pm. Even if we had entered the gates, we wouldn't have been able to view anything! Double shucks.
The front view of the temple was so awesome!
We decided to cheer ourselves up by taking shots anyway!
WHW
Heidi looks really adorable here right? She's wearing her bright pink parka from Fox and equally hot red fleece pants from Mothercare (gifted) to keep her nice and warm :)
Goodbye Chion-ji Temple. Until next time...
Off the beaten track, it's always more interesting right? :)
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