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22 avril 2008

Magnificent temples

Sanjusangen_do_temple

Kyoto is cloudy and particularly cold today. This is our last day and we keep the best for last. Sanjusangen-Do attracts lots of Asian and western tourists. The venerated Kannon surrounded by 1000 statues of Buddha is a unique sight. This is a new Buddhist deity for us, but seems very popular in Japan. It is said that the founder of Canon was inspired by Kannon and has merged cameras with the adored deity. In formidable precision, the 1000 golden statues (with around 36 hands each) stand on theatre style stairs surrounding the big statue of Kannon. The (mostly fear-inspiring) statues of heavenly guardians and generals are stunning in creativeness.

For lunch we treat ourselves to Aunbo restaurant. We try different lunch settos featuring pork, horseradish soup, uncooked tofu, haring and aubergines. Though the setting and preparation do not lack style and delicacy, we don’t find the quantities sufficient and get stuffed on the rice.

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Kiyomizudera_temple

Along the way to Kiyomizudera temple, souvenir shops are scattered. Higashiyama is a very pleasant neighbourhood with traditional architecture and paved pedestrian streets. Many Japanese tourists wander around in the sweet shops or head to the temple. Around the temple complex, geishas are walking in their high shoes, with their complete sophisticated outfit and heavily powdered. They’re not camera shy and gladly pose for Jeremie…until they understand this will last some time. We follow them around and encounter other groups heading for their respective tea ceremonies or just happy to attract interest.

Some time later we wander around  (and get lost) in Teramachi arcade (north of Shijo). Even in this low key shopping area, we’re amazed at the (high) prices, especially for incense and pottery. In China or any other neighbouring country these would not be worth one tenth of the price…

The entertainment centre next door, hosts the usual stuff: pachinko on the ground floor, violent fighting games on the second, sports and car racing games on the last floor. It’s invariably noisy and smoky.

Tip of the Day

Lunch at Aunbo (2600¥ lunch set), a very nice traditional surrounding for a quite innovative food. Food is fine but I guess we were expecting something of higher standard. The restaurant is close to Yasaka shrine.

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