In Kyoto, there are many famous tourist sights such as Kinkaku-ji, Kiyomizu-dera, and Ginkaku-ji. However, this time we will introduce another appealing spots that are close to the main sightseeing area. It will be nice to head to the other direction when the major places are crowded.

■Honen-in
The major sightseeing spot in Higashiyama are Ginkaku-ji and Kiyomizu-dera. Honen-in is within 5 minutes walk from Ginkaku-ji and has a rare thatched gate.

The entrance of Honen-in is hard to find since there are any signs. The slope in the picture leads you to the temple.

The thatched gate.

As you pass through the gate and enter the precincts of the temple, you will find white sand piled up on both sides. These are called “byakusadan” and are describing the flow of water. Since water is said to have the power to purify visitors, just passing by the sand will clean your soul.

Trees and moss surround the precinct and the quietness pierces your senses. This temple was built in 1681.

■Jishu-jinja
Next is Jishu shrine, which is actually located inside the precinct of Kiyomizu-dera. Since the tourist head immediately toward the Kiyomizu-dera, they often pass by this shrine but it is located on the north side of the main temple of Kiyomizu.

They say this shrine was established in the Kamiyo period, around BC 660. The beautiful shrine is designated as the important cultural property of Japan.

It is popular for matchmaking shrine and many young people were visiting.

This is a love fortune-telling stone. It is said that your love will come true if you can reach from one stone to the other, which are placed 10m away from each other.

■Yasaka-jinja
A shrine located in Gion near Kodai-ji and Chion-in. The cinnabar red gate is easy to spot and since maiko-san often visits, it is also called “Gion-san.”

On February 2nd and 3rd, the shrine was celebrating the day before beginning of spring so there were many people visiting.

A dance was dedicated to god by Shikagai. Yasaka-jinja is also famous for Gion Festival, one of the Three Great Festivals in Japan, as well.