Kyoto Day Three
Kyoto, in regards to the autumn colors (koyo), it can only be described as a gem of Japan. Kyoto is certainly not the only place to see the changing seasons but absolutely one of the most photogenic. With its high concentration of temples and shrines, accented by the dramatic red star of the koyo season, the Momiji tree (Japanese Maple) and the vividness of the yellow of the Ginko tree, and every color in-between, mother natures palette is truly a site to behold where even photos cannot do it justice. Of course I tried.
Today's Kyoto adventure begins with a excursion to the Tofukuji Temple. A short walk off the Tofukuji Station, beautifully arranged gardens and colorful Momiji trees (Japanese Maple) line the way.
Tofukuji Temple
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On the Engetsukyo bridge approach to the Tofukuji Temple, the gorge is lit up with Momiji trees.
The Tofukuji Temple grounds is a sensory overload color.
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| The Tsutenkyo Bridge from below. |
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| The colorful carpet of fallen leaves aside the creek through the Tofukuji Temple grounds. |
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| Patterned Zen rock garndens surround Kaisando Hall |
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| A stunning view from the Tsutenkyo Bridge |
After a warm tea, the next stop today was the Fushimi Inari Shrine.
Fushimi Inari Shrine
The Fushimi Inari Shrine, known for thousands of beautiful torii gates leading up the 233 meter(764ft) Mount Inari.
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| Massive torii gates stands sentinel at the entrance of the Fushimi Inari Shrine. |
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| Foxes, messengers of the Inari, Shinto god of rice, stand watching the path through the torii gates. |
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| 233 meter lined torii gate path up Mt. Inari |
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| (Thousands of torii gates) Senbon Torii path choice. |
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| All the torii gates have the names of their donator. Donations for the small torii gates can cost 400,000 yen and much more for the larger ones. |
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| Sporadically illuminated, the path after dusk can be visually striking. |
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| Donated by Sapporo |
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| Night illuminated entrance to the Fushimi Inari Shrine. |
Tonight's entertainment included a turn in the giant Ferris wheel in the Kita area of Osaka. Straddling the top of the ten floor HEP Five shopping center, the vibrant red wheel lifts you to a 106 meters (347ft) above the ground showing off the twinkling skyline of Osaka.
The pork and ambiance yesterday, had me curious of the beef today, so back to Barbara Market Place for dinner. The beef braised with a layer of onion in a sweet brown sauce, accompanied by sauteed baked potato, and garlic bread. This is all topped of with Crème Brûlée for dessert.
