WanderLex

Category: Japan

  • Zen-ness Kyoto and Fushimi Inari Taisha

    Zen-ness Kyoto and Fushimi Inari Taisha

    After a great time at Shirahama especially the wonderful stay at Hotel Sanrakuso, it’s time to move on to Kyoto (京都). Japan’s capital for centuries before passing the baton to Tokyo, Kyoto role as the country cultural centre remain. While Tokyo leads in technology and skyscrapers, Kyoto glorious past and its rich heritage continue to shine. It is also the best place to experience and learn about Japan cultural tradition. The main attractions are the countless temples and shrines, which many of them are listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites. It would be an enormous feat to visit all the temples and shrines in the city of Zen-ness!

    Finally arrived at the amazing Kyoto Station and I can’t wait to explore this ancient city.

    Station

    Astro Boy

    Fushimi Inari Taisha

    One place which I absolutely wanted to visit is Fushimi Inari Taisha (伏見稲荷大社). It is a shrine dedicated to Inari, the god of rice. If you have watched “Memoirs of a Geisha” before, there’s this scene where young Chiyo was running along a footpath between the bright orangey Torii (Japanese gates).

    The seemingly endless rows of Torii and the engaging violin music certainly left a lasting impression. In which I made a mental note to visit for our Kyoto temple shrine hopping trip. Getting to Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine is two stops from Kyoto Station taking the JR Nara line. And the shrine’s main entrance is a short walk from JR Inari station.

    To Inari Station

    It is impossible to miss the two huge orange torii leading to the famous Romon Gate donated by Toyotomi Hideyoshi (豊臣秀吉). I am sure gamers who have played Nobunaga’s Ambition (信長の野望) will be no strangers to that name.

    Fushimi Inari Taisha entrance

    Huge torii gates at entrance

    Leading to Romon gate

    One unusual sight here is seeing a pair of fox statues guarding the shrine’s entrance rather than the commonly seen lion-dog statue.

    Romon Gate

    That’s because foxes are thought to be Inari’s messengers and some foxes carry the key to rice granary in their mouths. In folklore, the fox statues are said to come alive and cause mischief when night falls.

    Fox guardian

    After stopping to pray at the shrine, we proceed to Senbon Torii (千本鳥居) next.

    Praying area

    Around

    Helmet looking roof

    Stairs to gates

    Famous Torii of Fushimi Inari Taisha

    Seeing thousands of torii lining along the footpath is one overwhelming experience. What a spectacular sight it is! Absolutely gorgeous!! We noticed most of the torii are donated by individuals and companies after reading the inscription. And it is easy to tell the new Torii apart from the older ones that have brave the weather.

    footpath

    in sight

    path

    Walking along the footpath is an incredible experience amid some overdose of orange mania lol. The path leading up to Mount Inari is open even after the shrine is closed at night. Hmm… cannot figure out why anyone will visit here at night though.

    We walk as far as we could before turning back. The visit to this visually stunning and mystifying Inari shrine did not disappoint. It is surely one of the highlights of our trip.

    walk along

    walk

    donors

    The mini version of Torii is for writing wishes and hopes on it. And there is the ema which is fox-shaped. Fox Shrine and fox ema? Very interesting indeed!

    Mini Torii

    Fox charms

    Praying

    Map of Inari

    STAY: Hotel MyStays Kyoto Shijo review

    Our base is Hotel MyStays Kyoto Shijo and I must say this is a great place to stay. Conveniently located within a short walk from Shijo subway station on Kyoto Karasuma line, free internet access and the reasonable rates met all my pre-requisites. It is also close to supermarket, restaurants and convenient stores.

    Hotel MyStays Kyoto Shijo is within walking distance to Kyoto shopping area. Else the bus stops in front of the hotel have different buses to bring you all to the city. Just check with the reception staff on which bus goes to which Kyoto attractions. You can also purchase the bus pass from them too.

    The hotel lobby is on the second floor and there are English-speaking staffs at the reception. Most of all, the staffs are very helpful with our travel related questions.

    Hotel MyStays Kyoto Shijo

    Hotel MyStays Kyoto Shijo Lobby

    Hotel MyStays Kyoto Shijo reception

    The room is small and compact, just how I expect from a Japanese hotel. Amid lacking in size, the spotlessly clean room is very comfy for a good rest.

    Hotel MyStays Kyoto Shijo room

    Hotel MyStays Kyoto Shijo Bed

    Hotel MyStays Kyoto Shijo bath

    [info]

    Hotel MyStays Kyoto Shijo

    52, Kasabokocho, Higashiiru, Aburanokoji, Shijyo-dori, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto 600-8494, Japan
    https://www.mystays.com/en-us/hotel-mystays-kyoto-shijo-kyoto/
    [/info]

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    What are your thoughts about Kyoto? Leave a comment and share it with me.

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  • The walk around Shirahama

    The walk around Shirahama

    Tore Tore Fish Market (南紀白浜魚市場) is Shirahama answer to Tsukiji Fish Market. The incredibly clean fish market has got plenty to offer (how do the Japanese keep their wet market so clean anyway?). The freshest seafood is on display and it’s always amazing to see how the experts dissect big tunas in double quick time. The prices here pale in comparison to Tsukiji, which is a boon for us. Paying less for more sashimi, yeah to Tore Tore Fish Market!

    Tore Tore Fish Market

    Overhead Fish

    Around the fish market

    Stalls in the fish market

    Seafood variety

    We got our sashimi bento from this friendly stall owner, didn’t expect him to pose for the shot though lol. And the super duper fresh sashimi taste heavenly!

    Friendly stall fellow

    Sashimi goodness

    We also grab some irresistible-looking sushi bento too. Nice!

    Freshly made sushi

    Sushi galore

    Besides seafood and sushi, there are two local delights definitely worth trying. One is the freshly made Umeshu (梅酒) or Japanese Plum Wines. The other is the Fukubishi snack shop (銘菓福菱), which is very popular among the locals. There are free samples to try and we got the green tea flavour cake.

    Umeshu

    Fukubishi cakes

    Fukubishi stall

    Kids corner

    Engetsu Island

    Next on the agenda is one of Shirahama famous landmarks – Engetsu Island (円月島) or Full Moon Island. The name is derived from the eroded cave shaped like a full moon at the centre of the island. I have read that it’s a sight to behold to see the sunset through the cave but we didn’t stay to witness that.

    We took the bus from Tore Tore Fish Market and alight at Rinkai (臨海) bus stop. It’s then a short walk to the coast where Engetsu Island can be seen.

    Engetsu Island direction

    Rinkai

    Engetsu Island

    Engetsu Island info

    For those who want a closer look at the island can hop on to the small ‘Glass Bottom Boat’ costing around 1,500 JPY (S$18).

    Shirahama glass bottom boat

    Hot springs foot bath

    We stroll along the road hugging Shirahama beautiful coastline towards the city area. And we came across this nice looking pavilion with hot springs foot bath or Ashiyu (足湯).

    Coastal Road

    Foot Spa sign

    I soak my tired legs into the onsen goodness but the water is so damn hot that I give up. What a pity, it would be nice to enjoy the great sea view while my legs undergo hydrotherapy. Thought it’s just me but as we are leaving, three local students in their uniform gave up too after dipping their feet in.

    Foot Spa Pavilion

    Foot Spa goodness

    Sakinoyu

    Then we make our way to the most famous onsen in Shirahama – Sakinoyu (崎の湯露天風呂). The 1,300 years old outdoor onsen facing the magnificent Pacific ocean is among the oldest in Japan, situated on the shores near to Hotel Seamore. Entrance fee is an affordable 400 JPY (S$5).

    This Shirahama onsen is the reason why ancient emperors will travel from Nara perhaps in their horses or wagons, just to bath here! OMG. The train ride took 2.5 hours from Kansai Airport to here, how much time would they spend coming all the way from Nara?

    Sakinoyu entrance

    from far

    Perhaps the lure of enjoying the breath-taking view of Pacific Ocean while soaking in sulphur richness is too much to resist.

    Sakinoyu view

    Onsen Tamago

    There is a small shop near to Sakinoyu which sells tasty Onsen Tamago (温泉玉子). You will spot a concrete well with turtle head at the shop front. The well is filled with hot springs and the eggs are soaked and cooked in it. The egg has a very nice and soft texture which is really good. For half-boiled egg lover, this is a must try!

    Onsen Tamago shop

    Onsen Tamago loaded

    Onsen Tamago

    Sulphur alert

    Submarine Observation Tower

    Submarine Observation Tower (白浜海中展望塔) was the last place we went before heading back to Hotel Sanrakuso. The observation tower with a deck shaped like a flying saucer is very near to Sakinoyu.

    Submarine Observation Tower

    The white bridge leading to the saucer deck provides a very nice contrast to the Pacific Ocean.

    Bridge leading to deck

    Submarine Observation Tower sign

    We took the spiral stairs down to the small submerged observation room with windows for people to observe the marine life at sea floor. However, it is challenging to find any sea creatures through the murky waters. And there is nothing else to do besides peeping, which makes me feel that the admission fee of 800 JPY (S$10) is not money well spent.

    Sea floor view

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    What are your thoughts about Shirahama? Leave a comment and share it with me.

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