Kyoto – Chionin and Shorenin temple and Kyoto streets

Continuing on our walk around we passed some other interesting side streets.

Some led to temples (that’s Chionin temple at the end).

And some just led to people’s houses.

But most of them were lined with lovely sakura.

This is part of Chionin.  Although it is famed for a large and very beautiful main hall, unfortunately its all under renovation now.  What this means is that the boxed the entire temple in a massive steel structure and covered it up.  Zan nen :(.

So we walked around the back to see what was still around.  Still some interesting sights!

Next up was Shorenin temple.  No renovation work here!  The sign does say that once you take of your shoes, you transform into a bag, and then a small woman.  My brother and I tried. Nothing happened.  Disappointed.. 🙁

We felt just like this guy.

Shorenin is fun because you get to walk around inside for through quite a few o f the buildings.

Through lovely corridors.  It feels very different walking without shoes on!  I guess it also helps keep down the wear on the floors.

And of course a beautiful garden.

With some people posing in the scenery.

One of the better kimonos I’ve seen!

And hints of Sakura in the temple.  But more about this to come in the next couple of posts.

Until next time!