Wednesday, September 13, 2006

Yoshida Shrine


Yoshida Shrine, in the upper northeastern section of Sakyo-ku, hugs the mountain directly behind Kyoto University. In 859, the tutelary god of the Fujiwara clan moved from Nara to Kyoto. Fujiwara Yamakage built a new shrine at Yoshida Mountain for the clan deity. The park-like grounds of the shrine reach up the beautiful, forested mountain, providing a relaxing way to escape the metropolitan city. Luckily, its only a 5 minute bike-ride from the house.


From the higher portion of the area, one can see the Daimonji on the Nyoigatake peak (it can be seen in the upper part of the right picture). In August, when the whole character is light in fire, the view must be unreal. Unfortunately, I won't be here for the next lighting. Further on, a small teahouse hides among the bamboo, offering passersby a chance to sit and bond over a hot cup of tea.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Make sure to climb Daimonji. Most likely, at the top you will find a covey of older folks who will proudly stretch their arms and backs while smiling at the sprawling view of Kyoto below. One of them might even have raced you to the top, and won.

-Pete (Sage's friend)