Nishi Honganji - Kyoto

Nishi Hongan-ji (Western Temple of the Original Vow) is one of the two temples of the Jodo Shinshu Honganji sect of Buddhism in Kyoto. The other one is Higashi Honganji (Eastern Temple of the Original Vow).

It is believed that this temple originated with the construction of the mausoleum that contained the grave of the high priest Shinran, who was the founder of this temple. 

Nishi Hongan-ji is listed as one of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto as a UNESCO World Heritage SIte.

Pontochō

Pontochō is a narrow street running between Shijo-dori and Sanjo-dori in the Hanamachi district in Kyoto. 

It is known for geisha who has existed there since at least the 16^th  century. Nowadays, it is still home of geisha houses and tea houses but also of traditional Japanese restaurants, bars and of the Pontochō Kaburenjō Theatre

Along Kamo river 

Rokkaku-do - Kyoto

Rokkaku temple is located southeast of the intersection of Karasuma and Sanjo street in central Kyoto.

Its official name is Chohoji but as its main hall is hexagonal and that roku means 6 in Japanese, it is commonly called Rokkaku-do.

It has been founded by Prince Shotoku in 587 to enshrine Nyorin Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy. 

The temple is the site of the birth and development of ikebana, the Japanese art of arranging flowers. Indeed, flowers started to be placed on the altars when Buddhism was introduced in Japan in about 538.

Taishi-do hall

The 16 disciples of Buddha. The are called rakan which is the name given to the monks who guard the teaching of Buddha.

Jizo facing north in direction of the Kyoto Imperial Palace, standing guard over the imperial family.