A walk through Kyoto: Yasaka Jinja, Chionin, Heian Jingu and Nanzenji

After Koudaiji, we went to check out Yasaka Jinja. 

It was past 4pm already, so there weren't many people there. It's a really cool place to visit though, and easy to get to from Kiyomizudera. This year is the year of the monkey, and it was the lead up to new year so that's why there was a big picture of a monkey up.

After Yasaka Jinja we carried on walking, and couldn't help but take a look at Chionin when we passed it- it's so massive and impressive! We walked up to have a closer look, but after we'd climbed up a massive flight of stairs and through the gate, we realised the main hall was under renovation, so we didn't go in.

After Chionin we stopped by Heian Jingu. This place was also huge. And a little empty, because it was getting a little later by this time. The Torii at the entrance was also huge. Look at the cars next to it for the comparison. They had also built a massive straw box for a tree in the grounds, to protect it against the cold. Sometimes they wrap up trees, too.

Next we headed off to Nanzenji, it was getting dark but it was still pretty! I want to go back, because the Kare Sansui garden there is meant to be worth a visit. There was also a Meiji era aqueduct, which was aesthetically pleasing.

Afterwards, we met up with my friend Lizzie who was in the area, and went for a meal and then starbucks!

Thanks for reading!
Stay tuned for tomorrow's post, which will be about Fushimi Inari Taisha.
-Amy xoxo