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May 27, 2012

Japan day 10: Eastern Kyoto, Nijo Castle

Here's the plan for the day: cover all that deserves to be seen in Eastern Kyoto, then try to make it to the center to visit Nijo Castle.

Kiyomizudera Temple


 















Stroll through the Higashiyama district





Pictured some ladies in front of the Asahi Touan pagoda...



on the way to Maruyama Park





Chionin Temple - unfortunately we could not visit the Mieido Hall, which is under renovation (until March 2019).


 

Heian Jingu Shrine





By now it was time for lunch at Hyotei - the most overpriced Bento box ever!

After lunch we went to the Nanzenji Temple.







We then walked along the Philosopher's Path...




 
...towards Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion Temple)



 





 







After taking 2 buses (and some running), luckily made it to Nijojo (Nijo Castle) at exactly 16:00 when the last entry tickets were being sold.


Being among the last visitors to Ninomaru Palace brings a couple of benefits: firstly, one can snap a few photos of the interior, which is usually prohibited (as long as the flash is disabled, no harm can be done to the delicate paintings and decorations).

 


and secondly, one can experience the 'Nightingale floors' that squeak when stepped upon. This interesting feature reflects the shogun's fear of assassins.



Ninomaru Garden






Honmaru Palace (not opened to visitors) and the Honmaru Garden






From Nijojo, walk towards the Nishi-Honganji Temple





 






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