One more post from my Kyoto visit. When you walk all the way on Shijyo-Dori towards Gion, you would get to Yasaka Shrine. It was built originally in 656 (!!!) and it is just breathtaking.

From Shijyo-Dori:

“Yasaka Jinja”

The red is so rich and beautiful:

The right side of the gate:

Stunning gate:

Komainu Statue:

You wash your hands and mouth before you go into shine:

Inside the Shine and this is where you buy Omamoris and do Omikuji:

After you do Omikuji and if it’s bad, you leave it by folding and attaching this area – I saw Maiko-san again:

This is where you pray:

Another building (there are several buildings):

While I was walking around Shijyo-Dori, I got to stop by few stores – it’s fun to shop around Kyoto as you can imagine.

Beautiful Kanzashi:

Japanese Fan:

Chirimen (Japanese fabric) Arts:

Cute bags:

From this antique store:

As I mentioned then, I stopped by Kyoto real quick before I met up with my friends in Kobe. I absolutely love Kyoto, it is one of my favorite cities to visit! I’ve been there many times, but it always surprises me and amazes me how “old” and “new” are living together in here – Pretty freaking incredible!

I went to Shijyo-Dori / Gion Area. It’s like the main street in Kyoto so to speak.

Shijyo-Dori:

When you look right, there is a Shrine:

When you look left (I’m crossing traffic lights here), you see modern buildings:

There are so many little shrines and temples all the way along the street:

Cool antique clock at Hankyu department store:

A little alley:

Sweets store:

When you walk up Shijyo-Dori towards Gion, you’ll see a big river and a bridge. This bridge is called “Shijyo-ohashi”:

Kamogawa River – You can walk along the river from anywhere:

This side:

The other side:

BIG Cho-chin:

For Minamiza Kabuki Theatre:

Maiko-san!!!

Another little temple on the Street:

“Hanami-Koji” – this street is so awesome! (Didn’t have time to walk around there, though)

Love the wall:

To be continued…