Kyoto south

Tofukuji temple

Tofuku-ji temple compounds 25 small temples inside the ground, was founded in the middle of the 13th century. It is one of Kyoto's most important temple, built in a valley full of nature, and very popular among visitors who visit in autumn to admire the changing colours of leaves. 
The main building of the temple (Hondo) and its annex (Kaizando) are separated by the valley and connected by the Tsutenkyo bridge whose pillars are hidden by the trees, which gives it the impression that it floats in the air. In addition, you can admire a painted dragon on the ceiling of the big main building, and on each side of the temple, in the Hojo have been arranged different gardens of styles Karesansui (dry gardens composed mainly of stones). You will also see one of Japan's oldest Zen temple (Sanmon) gates.
  

- Fushimi-Inari shrine

Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, known as “Inari-san”, is the main shrine of about 30,000 Inari Shrines nationwide. Its history is said that it was founded in 711, older than the transition to Heian-kyo(794). It is said that there is a profit of business prosperity and home safety, and it is crowded with many tourists and worshipers throughout the year. This shrine was announced that ranked first 5th consecutive year of Tripadvisor's “Japanese tourist spots popular with foreigners”! About 2.7 million people come to visit the main hall for Hatsumode (First visit to shrine of new year), and it is the second most popular shrine in Japan after Meiji Jingu. Before passing through the Senbon Torii, there is a cocoon ring in front of the entrance. If you can throw money into a circle made by two foxes, it is said that your wish will come true.

There is the masterpiece of the thousand torii (front guard frame painted in vermilion) that line up from the main Okumiya pavilion to Okusha, but in reality there would be 800. However, it is said that there are more than 10,000 torii in all sanctuaries dedicated to the god Inari.
These torii are offerings by individuals, companies or families to grant their wishes and such a custom can date back to the Edo period, the number of torii continue to grow until now.
It is possible to access the sanctuary also at night, the site is lighten up all night long which relieves you from worrying closing hours. You can also enjoy a short two-hour hike of about four kilometers, called "Oyama Meguri (a tour of Mount Inari)" for the person who is more athletic.


  


Byodo-in hôô-do

Byodoin temple was built 1,000 years ago, located in Uji city where is south part of Kyoto, designated as the national heritage and recognized the world heritage together with other buildings inside Kyoto.
The Amitabha hall of the temple owes its name to a legendary bird Phoenix, since the appearance of the hall is designed in imitation of the Phoenix spreading its wings.
The site is selected for 10 yen coin design due to the courtliness in temples and harmonization with the pond surrounding. 
You will see many tourists comparing 10 yen coins and the scenery in front of the Phoenix hall.
Your eyes will be caught by the beauty of the Byodoin Phoenix hall because it stays elegant over 1,000 years and countless times of repairs in the past.

  

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