Japan - Day 11

Gardens at the Ryoanji Temple

Without a doubt, hands down, this was the best day in Japan.  It was out of this world cool.  This post is a going to be a long one but, really I am still in awe of everything we saw.  Chloe was of course a total champ as far as a day full of site seeing goes.  We took a tour and she did awesome walking around and listening. 

First stop: The Ryoanji Temple.  This Zen Garden has 15 rocks and will represent something different to each viewer.  If you can see all 15 rocks at one time then you have reached enlightenment (oh I think that is what they said).  The grounds and the temple were absolutely phenominal.  In fact we took a ton of pictures of the grounds because Doug wants to try and replicate some of it here (in CT).

Ryoanji Temple: Chloe and Doug finding enlightenment

Ryoanji Temple: Just thought it was neat they didn't cut branches that would have blocked walk ways but rather they propped them up.

Ryoanji Temple: At the lili pond

Ryonji Temple: Chloe and Doug heading up a walk way

 Second Stop: The Golden Pavilion.

The Goldent Pavilion: The Pavilion is completely covered in gold and aparently when the sun is out you can see the pavilion and its reflection at the same time.

This tree is supposed to be in the shape of a ship

 Stop 3: Impreial Palace.  The Palace is still used today by the Imperial Family when they are in town. 

Chloe and Doug entering the grounds

One of the main gates that real guests would enter through.

These 3 rooms had amazing paintings on the walls, they were used for couriers that were paying official visits to the palace. 

A glimpse into the palace through the outer doors/walls.

still at the palace

 Stop 4: Lunch and some shopping.  Our tour included lunch and we had a little time left over afterwards to shop. 

OMG! Doug and Chloe were hysterical

Bahahahahaha

 Stop 5: A super cool temple which was in some movies, but for the life of me I can't remember the name of it, sorry.

Chloe and Doug watching the Koi and then eventually feeding them

Family Photo

 Stop 6: Sanjusangendo temple was full of 1000 budhhas.  It was phenominal.

 Stop 7: Was actually the Kiymisadera Temple that we saw the day before.  Was great to get all the information on it and somehow I can't find all the pictures from that so, off to download from the camera and see if somehow they are on there. 

As you can imagine at the end of this day we were completely wiped out.