I visited this temple about ten years ago in the winter season, but seeing it in autumn was very different. The prettiest autumn colors I've seen this year were here. It is a 15 minute walk from Kyoto Station and is open from 8 am to 5 pm every day. The usual admission fee is 500 yen, but the day I was there the fee was 800 yen because the first floor of the pagoda was open for viewing. Toji Temple is one of Kyoto's many UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Group photo of the Japanese pilgrims.
I'm always surprised to see these little water buckets at ancient wooden buildings. How much fire could they put out?
The five story pagoda was erected in 826. It stands 57 meters tall and is the tallest wooden pagoda in Japan. The ground floor was open the day I was there. It houses four Buddha statues. Photos inside were not allowed.
When I was here before the pagoda was not open. This is what the open door looks like.
It's not yet winter, but spring is already coming.
Fantastic leaves, tomato red, orange, raspberry pink and wine red on the same tree! I think the buckets are there for three reasons: 1) to remind people not to smoke, 2) to put out an already burning cigarette someone is holding, and 3) to put out a tossed-away burning cigarette. Those buckets are not there for decoration, that's for sure!
Beautiful autumn colour in those Japanese maples! You were lucky to see the temple at such a colourful time.
ReplyDeleteFantastic leaves, tomato red, orange, raspberry pink and wine red on the same tree!
ReplyDeleteI think the buckets are there for three reasons: 1) to remind people not to smoke, 2) to put out an already burning cigarette someone is holding, and 3) to put out a tossed-away burning cigarette. Those buckets are not there for decoration, that's for sure!
As you say, Toji is a Temple that can be reached in 15 minutes on foot from Kyoto Station.
ReplyDelete「I can stop by Kyoto but I don't have time!」
In such a case, we recommend Toji Temple.
Certainly useless with the red bucket in the picture.
I think the bucket is warning.
“beware of fire” “No fires”
Beautiful tree colour.
ReplyDeleteWow, these autumn colours look stunning! What a great trip you had.
ReplyDelete