Sites : Kinkaku-ji Temple, Kyoto, Japan

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Kinkaku-ji Temple (the Golden Pavilion), Kyoto, Japan

(A UNESCO Heritage Site)

We entered the grounds of the Kinkakuji, to a lush grounds, rounded a corner to be greeted by a nice pond - with a crane on a small islet.

We were strolling, basking in the sun that was peeping through the foilage.

 AND came upon the GOLDEN PAVILION. The beauty of this shrine, changed my mind and -

- and I was interested in temples again.

I can't help but post more photos of it.

(This is an extract from my travel-blog Kyoto/Osaka - Day 4)


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Sites : Todaiji Temple, Nara, Japan

Sites : Nyonya Mansion, George Town, Penang, Malaysia

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Sites : Todaiji Temple, Nara, Japan

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Todaiji Temple, Nara, Japan

The Todaiji Temple, Nara

We took a 45 min. JR train ride from Kyoto to JR Nara station, left our luggage there and boarded a cab to the Todaiji Temple. The temple is old, one of the oldest in Japan, with construction starting around 1,500 years ago.

An imposing Todaiji

The Todaiji is immense and tall. It stands about 10-stories high. It looks gigantic sitting on its large lawn which is purposely devoid of many trees.

The temples is within the larger Nara park. A tree-line boulevard leads from the main road to the entrance gate. Along this boulevard just before the temple gate, stalls can be seen selling souvenirs and crackers.

Lynn wanted some snacks and approached a cracker stall to buy some. Oops! These crackers are not for human consumption but for the deer living just outside the temple walls.

Yes, there are deer within Nara Park. They are tame and friendly. But sometimes overly friendly, as Cheong found out. One came next to him and started nuzzling his ears.

This is an extract from my travel blog Japan : Kyoto/Osaka - Day 5

You may also like :

Sites : The Royal Palace, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

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Sites : Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kyoto, Japan

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The Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kyoto, Japan
7th May, 2012

Kiyomizu Temple viewed from annex building.

Having finished the sandwiches for lunch (we have learnt to be spartan like the Japanese), it was to the Kiyomize Temple. The temple is located on the eastern outskirts of Kyoto and sits on a lush-green,hill slope, affording one a magnificent view of Kyoto.

The gang at Kiyomizu's entrance

Landscaped Grounds at Kiyomizu

Walking around the ample, green grounds of the temple, our tired feet (from Johnny Walker's 3-hour walking tour earlier in the day) were soon a thing of the past. Somehow we felt serene and eager to see more.

Fountain Shrine at Kiyomizu

There is even a shrine with natural stream water coming out for drinking per the Shinto Custom.

Going through Shinto Ritual of drinking water

We joined the long queue and drank in some blessings too.

(This is an extract from my travel-blog Kyoto/Osaka - Day 3)

You are at - Jotaro's Blog / Footsteps / Travel Sites / The Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kyoto, Japan
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Travel Sites - Main Page

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TRAVEL SITES

These are Wonders of the World, UNESCO Heritage and other notable sites I have visited. Click on relevant titles to view 

Austria : Hallstatt - A Fairytale Village

Out in the salt mountains and next to a lake is this beautiful village that seems to have come out from the fairy tales!

Austria : Hellbrun Palace Trick Fountains, Salzburg

A tricky place in a beautiful palace but it's a fun and wet place!

Austria : Salzburg Cathedral (Salzburger Dom), Salzburg

From the outside it may not look that grand, but inside it has one of the most beautiful ceilings.

Austria : Schönbrunn Palace (Schloss Schönbrunn), Vienna

An impressive palace with an even more impressive garden-park.

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Belgium : National Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Koekelberg
(Basilique Nationale du Sacré-Cœur à Koekelberg)

A visit to an impressive church, one that is an often missed Brussels tourist attractions..

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Cambodia : The National Museum, Phnom Penh

A museum with a wide range of artefacts from the Khmer empires of more than a millennia old.

Cambodia : Oudong Temple, Oudong

Temples at the old capital of Cambodia displays architecture of different Khmer eras.

Cambodia : Ounalom Temple, Phnom Penh

Often overlooked by tourists, this temple looks new but is actually centuries old and is the largest in Phnom Penh.

Cambodia : The Royal Palace, Phnom Penh

A showcase of Khmer archtecture, a palace with beautiful and colorful buildings with magnificent roofs.

Cambodia : Tuol Sleng Genocide Torture Museum, Phnom Penh

A look at the museum that records the gruesome past of a country, a lesson to be learnt by the world here.

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China : The Shangrila-Dynamic Yunnan Show, Kunming

An amazing and enchanting show performed by actual minority tribes people of Yunnan.

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Czech Republic : Prague Castle

Considered to be the largest castle in the world. The jewel of the castle is the St. Vitus Cathedral.

Czech Republic : Charles Bridge, Prague

A short but important bridge that linked the trade route between East and West Europe during medieval times. It is lined with beautiful statues sculpted the Baroque style.

Czech Republic : Cesky Krumlov Castle

In the quaint medieval town of Cesky Krumlov, the pink tower of the castle looms conspicuously.

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France: Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, Lourdes

A pilgrimage to a miraculously place for healing with prayers and the Lourdes holy water.

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India : The Amber Fort, Jaipur

Standing on the outskirts of modern Jaipur, is this majestic fort.
Part of the fortifications walls straddling the hills, it is a place fit for a Maharaja.

India : The Qutb Minar, Delhi

A majestic and imposing old tower built almost a millenia ago from red sandstone.

India : The Swaminarayan Akshardham, Delhi

Relatively new but still a very grand and magnificent temple dedicated to a Hindu swami.

India - The Taj Mahal, Agra

The simplistic and pure white beauty of the Taj has capture my heart since younger days, it was a lifetime's dream to be able to visit it.

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 Indonesia : The Monkey Forest, Bali

Monkeys alive! And in a pristine maintained forest park.

Indonesia : Borobudur, Jogjakarta

An amazing Buddhist monument found in a tolerant city.

Indonesia : Prambanan Temple, Jogjakarta

A ancient Hindu temple with towering citadels, with architecture similar to that of Angkor Wat.

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Japan : Engaku-ji Temple, Kamakura.

Set on the hill side of rustic Kita-kamakura, this temple encompasses Zen simplicity while blending in with nature.

Japan : Hachiman-gu Shrine, Kamakura.

A visit to this Shinto temple opposite main street Kamakura prove to be timely
- a minor festival was ongoing, and the locals came colourfully costumed.

Japan : Kencho-ji Temple, Kamakura.

A stately temple which is one of Japan's oldest.

Japan : Kinkaku-ji Temple, Kyoto.

The Golden Shrine, beauty in a splendiferous garden.

Japan : Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kyoto.

A beautiful and ancient temple on the hillside overlooking Kyoto.

Japan : Nara Deer Park

A place not to be missed when in Nara - a beautiful forest where deer have roamed for over a thousand years - Nara, Japan.

Japan : Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo.

Tokyo's most renown temple, is remarkable. An icon that has come to represent Tokyo and sometimes Japan too.

Japan : Todaiji Temple, Nara.

One of the oldest temple in Japan, huge & imposing, and it comes with a bonus deer park.

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Malaysia : Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Temple, Penang

A temple set on the hill slopes of Penang Hill had caught my curiosity from afar. Climbing 513 steps to see it was a rewarding experience .

Malaysia : Broga Temple, Negeri Sembilan.

This small looking temple actually holds much more for visitors to behold.

Malaysia : Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, Malacca

The oldest temple in Malaysia that has been restored to its former glory.

Malaysia : Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, George Town, Penang

A distinctive indigo blue colonial mansion built by a renown Chinese businessman in the heart of the city.

Malaysia : Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion (1st Floor), George Town, Penang

Continuing our tour of the distinct indigo mansion.

Malaysia : Guar Petai Emerald Pools @ Butterworth Penang

In a secluded place near Bukit Mertajam lies a beautiful scenic place of emerald pools dotting a green landscape with reddish hill against a bright blue sky.

Malaysia : Hakka Village, Balik Pulau, Penang

Set atop a hill, a place that explores Hakka culture of old.

Malaysia : Hang Tuah's Tomb, Tanjung Kling, Malacca

The tomb that is also a memorial to the Malay hero of the Malacca Sultanate.

Malaysia : Istana Negara Lama, Kuala Lumpur

The former national palace of the King of Malaysian is now opened to the public, and it has a educational museum section.

Malaysia : Kampung Kling Mosque, Malacca

An architectural look at one of the oldest mosque in Malaysia.

Malaysia : Khoo Kongsi, George Town

 A grand clan house full of heritage, with impressive art & architecture.

Malaysia : Kuan Yin Temple, Klang

One of the oldest temple in Malaysia, a temple dedicated to Kuan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy - Klang, Selangor, Malaysia.

Malaysia : Kuan Yin Temple (玄母殿) @ Weld Quay, George Town

A lesser know temple of the Goddess of Mercy, one which nevertheless is unique as it "floats" on the sea.

Malaysia : Loke Yew Memorial, Kuala Lumpur

Many know about the great man Loke Yew, but few knows that there is a memorial for him. It's not easy to find though.

Malaysia : Malaysia-China Friendship Garden, Putrajaya

Catch a piece of China right here in Malaysia at this nicely landscaped garden.

Malaysia : Malaysia-China Friendship Park, Kuching

A nice elaborate park to commemorate thirty years of friendship between two countries.

Malaysia: Enchanting MBI Desaku Park,Karangan, Kulim

Hidden in a small Karangan outskirts of Kulim is this very beautiful park.

Malaysia : Nyonya Mansion, George Town

An old, stately mansion steeped in history and culture.

Malaysia - Putrajaya Lakeside
Exploring the beautiful lakeside of Putrajaya - one with landscape walkways, nice buildings, beautiful bridges and a maritime centre too.

Malaysia - Sam Poh Tong & Ling Seng Tong Temples

Two unique temples built into the limestone hills of Gunung Rapat, Ipoh, Perak.

Malaysia : Serendah Waterfalls, Selangor

Swimming in the cascading waterfalls, one embraces nature.

Malaysia : Teluk Intan Leaning Tower

 Malaysia's equivalent of the Leaning Tower of Pisa - Teluk Intan, Perak, Malaysia.

Malaysia : Temple of The East Sea Dragon King

A new temple of very nice design overlooking the Perak River beckons visitors with its colourful dragons - Teluk Intan, Perak, Malaysia.

Malaysia : The Tip of Borneo

At the Tip of Borneo where to great seas meet, be awed by what Mother Nature has created - Tanjung Simpang Mengayau, Kudat, Sabah, Malaysia.

Malaysia : Tua Pek Kong Temple, Kuching

A small but distinct temple sitting noticeably at the centre of the city - Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia.

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Netherlands: The Windmills of Kinderdijk 

Beautifully preserved windmills at the polders and canals of Kinderdijk village - Alblasserwaard, Molenwaard, Netherlands.

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New Zealand : Hobbiton

Visit Hobbiton and enter the realm of magic to be enchanted by the dwellings of the hobbits - Matamata, North Island, New Zealand.

New Zealand : St. Paul's Cathedral Dunedin

A majestic building, one of the oldest churches and the only one with a vaulted ceiling made of stone in NZ - Dunedin, South Island, New Zealand.

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Philippines: Honesty Cafe @ Batanes

A coffee-shop operating from a small seaside shed has become a beacon for honesty. Perhaps there should be more places like this in the world - Batan Island, Batanes, Philippines.

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Portugal: Chapel of Bones (Capela de Ossos) & Igreja do Cormo

Faro renown for it's sunny Atlantic seafront holds another attraction: a chapel built from bones! And a main church that holds one of the best gilt timber carvings. - Faro, Portugal.

Portugal: Óbidos Castle (Castelo de Óbidos)

Just an hour away from busy Lisbon is Óbidos Castle, charming with it's quiet and rustic medieval town - Óbidos, Portugal.

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Singapore : Buddha Tooth Relic Temple

A temple that holds the relic tooth of the Buddha; designed along Tang Dynasty archtiecture - Singapore.

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South Korea : Donggung Palace Gyeongju (동궁과 월지)

A beautiful palace of the Silla Dynasty of Korea - Gyeongju, South Korea.

South Korea : Gamcheon Culture Village Busan (감천문화마을 부산)

This sanctuary for refugees of the Korean War is now a colourful village full of culture and art.

South Korea : Tumuli Park Tomb Complex Gyeongju (대릉원)

These bright green mounds are not landscape features; they are the tombs of kings; the past kings of Korea - Gyeongju, South Korea.

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Spain: The Alhambra, Granada

A spectacular palace-fortress from Spain's colorful past.

Spain: Basílica de la Sagrada Família, Barcelona

A unique odd looking but very recognisable church by Gaudí.

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Taiwan: Taichung Rainbow Village (彩虹眷村) Colorful Murals

An old man started painting this village and left us a colourful legacy.

Taiwan: Tropic of Cancer Monument at Chiayi

A monument marking the location of the Tropic of Cancer in Taiwan - Shuishang, Chiayi, Taiwan.

Taiwan: Tropic of Cancer Park at Ruisui, Hualien (北回歸線標誌公園)

Up in the hills of the Wuhe Terrace is another Tropic of Cancer monument set in a green park - Ruisui, Hualien, Taiwan.

Taiwan: Yangtian Painted Village (鹽田社區彩繪巷) @ Kaoshiung

A community effort to enliven a village with its history of a salt mining era of by-gone days - Yangtian, Yong'an District, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan.

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Thailand: Jui Tui Shrine Phuket

Though not that well known among tourists, with its conspicuous bright red entrance, it is a must see destination while in Phuket, Thailand.

Thailand: Le Khao Kop Caves - Dare You Enter The Dragon's Belly?

A Once-Is-Enough / Never-Again experience - Trang, Thailand.

Thailand: Thale Noi Waterfowl Reserve - A Beautiful Bird Sanctuary

The Thale Noi Waterfowl Reserve is a beautiful sanctuary where birds wade in the water and fly freely above. This marshy wetland is so full of life - of the birds, water buffaloes and beautiful, colourful water lilies & lotus with tall green reeds shooting skywards - Thale Noi, Phatthalung, Thailand.

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Vietnam : Ha Long Bay

Nature's gift to the world, a scenic and tranquil place with green-tooped white islands popping out from the emerald sea.

Vietnam : Hokkien-Teochew Clan Temple @ My Tho
 (Phước kien-Thiếu cháu hội quán)

Tucked behind My Tho's Old Farmers' Market, this temple with its old charm beckons visitors to enter.

Vietnam : Long Thieng Temple @ Vinh Long

(Chùa Lòng Thiềng)

The small entrance belies what lies within this humble temple.

Vietnam : St. Joseph Cathedral, Hanoi

A surprisingly Notre Dame style church of Gothic design found in an Asian country far, far away from France.

Vinh Trang Pagoda (Chùa Vĩnh Tràng) & Vinh Trang Park @ My Tho

A renown centuries old Vietnamese temple that incorporates elements of east and west. Of Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese with European Renaissance period, Romanesque style architecture.

You are at - Jotaro's Blog / Footsteps / Travel Sites
If you like this, view my other blogs at Jotaro's Blog
(comments most welcomed. if you like this pls share via facebook or twitter)