Yasaka Shrine
The shrine’s deities are Susanoo-no-Mikoto, Kushiinadahime-no-Mikoto, and Yahashira-no-Mikogami, and it is the head shrine of approximately 2,300 Yasaka Shrine and related shrines with Susanoo-no-Mikoto enshrined scattered throughout Japan.
Also known as Gion Shrine, this is where the famous Gion Festival—one of Japan's three major festivals—is held. If you walk from the other side, you'll reach the well-known Maruyama Park.
Yoro Park, Yoro Tenmei Hantenchi
The "Yoro Tenmei Hanten Chi" is a work of art that you can directly experience with your body, and is the realization of a 30-odd year vision by world-famous artist Shusaku Arakawa and his partner, poet Madeline Gins.
The designer's wild imagination really shines here. It feels like the world we see every day has been completely reimagined.
Yoro Park / Yoro Waterfall
Yoro Park sits at the foot of Mt. Yoro in the southwest of Gifu Prefecture, Nishimino Region. The vast premises have the Site of Reversible Destiny, Kodomo-no-kuni (kids’ land), and various leisure facilities. The park’s main spot, Yoro Waterfall, is at the innermost corner.
A perfect spot to breathe in some fresh air!
Ninna-ji Temple
The head temple of the Omuro school of the Shingon sect of Buddhism, registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as one of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto" The construction of the temple began in the early Heian period (886) at the request of Emperor Koko, the 58th emperor, and was completed in 888 by Emperor Uda, the next emperor. The temple name, Ninna, comes from the Japanese era name.
I missed the cherry blossom season when I visited. I bet it's absolutely beautiful when the sakura are in full bloom.
Sanzen-in Temple
When Dengyo Daishi established Enryakuji Temple on Mt. Hiei, he set up his hut in Toto Minamidani, which is believed to be the beginning of Sanzen-in, one of the three Monzeki temples in Tendai Sect. In Monzeki temple, a member of the imperial family was the priest.
It's a bit of a trip from downtown Kyoto, but I finally made it! I spent JPY 500 for a set of Japanese matcha and enjoyed a relaxing afternoon looking out at the Jiboku Garden.