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Description
At the temple, on one of the lower corners of the roof, there were these amazing turtle (kame) figures. I am assuming that they are minogame ｢蓑亀」, which are a Japanese mythological creature - a turtle so ancient, it grew seaweed off of it’s back. They’re a symbol of longevity, and are basically considered immortal.

Prior to researching that, I had always wondered why some Japanese turtles seemed to have tails, or why one of the kimono I have has turtles that I referred to as "shooting a rocket out of it's butt as it scoots along." Good to know it's not fire, just some seaweed! Although the idea of turtles scooting along shooting flames is still kinda awesome...

::::: 東本願寺の情報 :::::
Higashi Honganji or "Temple of the Eastern Vow" is a Buddhist temple in Kyoto, and has a twin Nishi Honganji ("Temple of the Eastern Vow"). Higashi Honganji is the head temple for the Shin Buddhist sect.

It was built in the 17th Century on land given by Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, although the sect dates back to the 13th Century and the founder of Shin Buddhism, the monk Shinran. The Founder's Gate is the third largest in Kyoto, while the Founder's Hall is one of the worlds largest wooden structures, encompassing a 927 tatami (or approximately 1530m²).

::::: 新年の休暇 :::::
Over our new years break, we were able to get to finally go on our first real trip in Japan. Of course we went to Kyoto - it is the only place I really cared to see, and I cannot wait for any chance to return. It is beautiful, and so ridiculously full of inspiration to me it's almost overwhelming. It was a whirlwind tour, however, and we hit every major temple and shrine we could. We started right off the Shinkansen and hopped another train to Fushimi, to visit the Fushimi-Inari shrine (the one with the hundred of red tori gates lining the path to the main temple). Since it was a major holiday (new years) it was packed and then some, but still amazing none the less, even with the crush of people.

After that, we hit places such as Toji Temple, the Imperial Palace (which was sadly closed over the holiday), Kiyomizudera, Kinkakuji, and a ton of other temples and shrines that we just wandered into. While all of them were very busy because of the holiday, it was such a wonderful experience that I hope we get to see again (maybe not in the middle of winter next time!). We didn't get to spot any geisha or maiko, but Kyoto was wonderful regardless. We finished up our trip with a visit to Osaka before our flight back to Fukuoka, and got to see Osaka Castle!

Tumblr : Instagram : Flickr

Higashi Honganji 「東本願寺」 : January 2, 2014
Kyoto, Japan
京都　　　日本

Description
At the temple, on one of the lower corners of the roof, there were these amazing turtle (kame) figures. I am assuming that they are minogame ｢蓑亀」, which are a Japanese mythological creature - a turtle so ancient, it grew seaweed off of it’s back. They’re a symbol of longevity, and are basically considered immortal.

Prior to researching that, I had always wondered why some Japanese turtles seemed to have tails, or why one of the kimono I have has turtles that I referred to as "shooting a rocket out of it's butt as it scoots along." Good to know it's not fire, just some seaweed! Although the idea of turtles scooting along shooting flames is still kinda awesome...

::::: 東本願寺の情報 :::::
Higashi Honganji or "Temple of the Eastern Vow" is a Buddhist temple in Kyoto, and has a twin Nishi Honganji ("Temple of the Eastern Vow"). Higashi Honganji is the head temple for the Shin Buddhist sect.

It was built in the 17th Century on land given by Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, although the sect dates back to the 13th Century and the founder of Shin Buddhism, the monk Shinran. The Founder's Gate is the third largest in Kyoto, while the Founder's Hall is one of the worlds largest wooden structures, encompassing a 927 tatami (or approximately 1530m²).

::::: 新年の休暇 :::::
Over our new years break, we were able to get to finally go on our first real trip in Japan. Of course we went to Kyoto - it is the only place I really cared to see, and I cannot wait for any chance to return. It is beautiful, and so ridiculously full of inspiration to me it's almost overwhelming. It was a whirlwind tour, however, and we hit every major temple and shrine we could. We started right off the Shinkansen and hopped another train to Fushimi, to visit the Fushimi-Inari shrine (the one with the hundred of red tori gates lining the path to the main temple). Since it was a major holiday (new years) it was packed and then some, but still amazing none the less, even with the crush of people.

After that, we hit places such as Toji Temple, the Imperial Palace (which was sadly closed over the holiday), Kiyomizudera, Kinkakuji, and a ton of other temples and shrines that we just wandered into. While all of them were very busy because of the holiday, it was such a wonderful experience that I hope we get to see again (maybe not in the middle of winter next time!). We didn't get to spot any geisha or maiko, but Kyoto was wonderful regardless. We finished up our trip with a visit to Osaka before our flight back to Fukuoka, and got to see Osaka Castle!

Tumblr : Instagram : Flickr

Higashi Honganji 「東本願寺」 : January 2, 2014
Kyoto, Japan
京都　　　日本