Kodai-ji Temple and Yasaka Shrine

Kodaiji Temple

The first temple we visited although it was not the plan. We headed here because we got off at the wrong bus stop and then got lost. It's pretty frustrating to get lost in a city you are not familiar with where there's a huge language barrier.

We asked directions from the attending staff of the cafeteria where we ate our breakfast and it’s different from what the Google map displays. We followed Google map and besides the staff was talking Japanese. The only word we understood was “right”.

It was a long walk from the cafeteria to the temple. While looking for it we came across Maikos (or not). Some people were taking pictures of them so I also took one.

Real or not real?

I don't know how to distinguish real Maikos but it was my first time to see such elaborate make-up and hairstyle, even their back has make-up. I wonder if that's their real hair.

Going back, the temple was built in 1605 by a noblewoman in memory of her late husband. How cool is that? Damn gurl, you're rich!

Yes, you have to climb this to see the temple. C'mon, up!

Main Hall. To the right is the entrance.

View from the temple.

We call this "Bahay Kubo" in our country. Though this one's prettier.

It's kind of a sacrifice for me because it's freezing.

Aaahhh, my favorite part. It's so quiet here and the stones are neatly
arranged. Yeah, those are small rocks.

Kaisan-do Hall (dedicated to the the memory of the temple's
founding priest).

Japs like to lay out stones. This garden is designated by the
Japanese Gov't as a "Place of Historical Importance and
Outstanding Scenery". 

Kodaiji Temple Garden.

Otamaya Hall (under renovation)

The design was exquisite.

I thought a temple is just a building, I didn't know it can be huge.

Add-on:

Mani Wheels.

I'm no Buddhist but it's said that if you wish of good health, longevity or 5 million dollars, whatever, you walk around the hall clockwise and turn the wheels with your right hand. I hope I get my 5 million dollars now. Bam!

Temmangu Ox.

If you have an illness on your body, touch the corresponding part of the ox with your right or both hands. The ox is believed to bear the suffering for you. Touch it with both of your hands, just to be sure. :)

How to get there: 

From Hankyu Kawaramachi Station, take City Bus 207 and get off at Higashiyama Yasui. From the bus stop, walk south until the first corner. Turn left (this is the Ishin Road). Walk straight until you see the road below, then turn left again. Walk around a minute then climb the stairs going to Kodaiji Temple.

Kodaiji is to the left.

From Kyoto station, ride Kyoto City Bus No. 100 or 206. Same directions as above.

Opening Hours and Fees:

Opening Hours: 0900H-1700H (Gates close at 1630H)
Fees:
Kodaiji Temple and Kodaiji Sho Museum for 600 yen
Kodaiji Temple, Kodaiji Sho Museum and Entokuin Temple for 900 yen

Website: Kodai-ji Temple

Additional note: Yasaka Shrine is just 5-10 minute walk from Kodaiji Temple.

We entered from the back.

These are fortune-telling paper strips which are called Omikuji.
You'll find these in most temples and shrines.

Here's another photo of fake Maikos. Thanks for reading! :)

Kura Sushi: 100 Yen Sushi (Photo Gallery)

I just came back from my 4-day vacation where 2 days of it was spent on the bus. For starters, travel time from Manila to Tuguegarao is 12 hours and when you ride the Victory Liner, it becomes 14 hours (minimum). It was so long that my butt almost flattened out.

Anyway, since I'm kinda hungry right now my post would be about food and also I want you to feel the same way. Haha! Lucky those who are just within the metro where fastfoods are just a step away and those who have someone who do the cooking for them. On my part, I don't cook (anymore) and there are no decent eating house near me. The nearest is a videoke bar.

So I thought of posting my sushi experience. I rarely take photos of my food and post them on facebook or instagram when I'm eating outside. I love to eat and once the food arrives at my table I want to dig in immediately. But this time I took some photos so I can post it online and make other people jealous. Nah! Kidding. I wanted to share my experience on how fun and exciting eating sushi on a conveyor belt and how hard it is to resist. My salivary glands had multiple orgasms that I started to drool. Kidding, again.

Also the sushi is a bit inexpensive: 100 Yen per plate.

We dined at the Kura Sushi in Umeda area near the Hotel Hankyu International. 

It was cold outside and I had a hard time taking pics of the restaurant.

This was our table. 

There's an English guide on how to order but Japanese english is a bit tricky. Part of the experience on eating here is discovering how to use the touch screen and ordering sushi. So I won't give you any tip, you'll do just fine especially when you're hungry. My only tip is, try all the sushi. If you can.

Note: I don't remember the names of the sushi. I just get anything that looks delicious. 

Amazing, right? This is where you order.

Unlimited tea, for free. 

Grilled shrimp. Compared to others, this is tasty.

Tuna I guess.

Salmon. 

I think it's a clam. 

I don't know what this is but its very soft and it melted on my mouth. 

Told you, I love to eat.

I have been to two different sushi house while I was in Japan and both where great. I don't remember the other sushi house's name but it is in Namba and the chef prepares the sushi in front of you. I think it's Daiki-suisan (Kaitensushi).

My sushi experience proved the simple is beautiful. Just look at those damn sushi. And delicious. I hope you had a great time drooling. Here's a coffee. :)

Goodnight! - donna