Mount Koya-san ~ The Sacred World Heritage

The best way to travel in Japan is by taking advantage of the travel passes available for foreigners. My family and I love traveling by train. So, we decided to purchase Kansai Thru Pass when we there. To make the passes pay off, we decided to travel to Mount Koya-san.

As we were staying in Namba, we took the Nankai Koya Line train from Nankai Namba Station to Gokurakubashi. The journey was less than an hour and a half. At Gokurakubashi, we transferred to cable car which transported us up the mountain to Koya-san. Once in Koya-san, we boarded one of the buses waiting right outside the cable car station. In our case, we took the bus heading to Daimon. Having the Kansai Thru Pass is really pleasant, it made our lives a lot easier. The pass itself served as our tickets for our train, cable car and bus journey from Namba to Koya-san. The only time we took our money out was when we wanted to pay for our souvenirs and snacks.

Walking up the path, I couldn't help but feel a sense of privilege to be able to reach this beautiful mountain. Up until about 100 years ago, women were not allowed to enter the mountain, and could go only as far as Nyonin-do. There were a number of tourists who lugged their bags all the way to Koyasan. When we enquired, we were told that they had booked their temple lodgings known as Shukubo. It's an ultimate experience of Japanese's temple hospitality.

Koyasan, for me is a solitary place, a place that offers peace and quiet from the hustle and bustle of the city. The mountain is surrounded by lush greenery. The beautiful surroundings is unforgettable.

A Stroll Through The Splendid Pure Water Temple - Kiyomizu-dera (清水寺)

The sun was shining brightly, it was a perfect day for a stroll. We took the Keihan Line to Kiyomizu-Gojo Station. After a brief stop at the station, we walked uphill; on Gojo-dori and Chawanzaka lanes to Kiyomizu-dera Temple (清水寺). The temple takes its name from the waterfall within the complex, which runs off the nearby hills - kiyoi mizu (清い水) literally means pure water.

Taking a break at Kiyomizu-Gojo Station. 

Where do you wish to go?

The first shop that greeted us, as we came out of the Exit 4 of the station.

The walk on Gojo-dori. We braved the sun without our brollies.

One of the many shops that looked ancient along Gojo-dori.

Leaving behind the Kiyomizu-Gojo Station heading to Kiyomizu-dera.

Wandering uphill on Gojo-dori. Everything we saw was a feast for the eyes and a treat for the soul.

This is really a treat for the soul.

We stopped for a while, taking stock of our surrounding, looking where the crowds were heading. We turned left to Chawanzaka lane.

Chawanzaka lane.

We passed by shops selling pottery, souvenirs, udon, ramen, desserts, japanese delicacies, and so many others. We thoroughly enjoyed our surrounding under the red hot sun.

 We took care to limit our exposure to the hot sun, especially in the middle of the day. We decided to take a break with 'matcha' ice-cream in this tiny shop.

The smiles on their faces tell it all!

Passionately curious!

Here we are at the side entrance of the Kiyomizu-dera.

Taking another break from all the walking.

Stopped to gawk at people?

It was deliciously hot and sunny, perfect for photo taking.

Dazzling?

Beautiful, lush, fecund, gorgeous......

What a contrast!

Not a single nail used to build this.

The splendid temple was brimming with people, female, male, young and old, some dressed immaculately in traditional kimonos. Everything was just striking. There is simply no words to fully describe this place, one has to be here to experience the surrounding! Kyoto is simply beautiful.