Day 3 - Fushimi, Fushimi

 

Day 3 - Fushimi Inari shrine and Fushimi-Momoyama-jō Castle

I decided to have another day outside of the centre and headed to THE Shrine in the Kyoto Prefecture - Fushimi Inari temple - the famous one with the red covered walkway.

This one! As you can see it was pretty rammed so I couldn't get many nice photos as there were ALOT of tall people and stopping was difficult because there were so many people and we were practically queuing! 

The Temple's icon is a fox and it is famous for fortune telling and granting (or taking) luck. You can walk up the Mountain (Inari) but it was so hot I was not interesting in that and, frankly it too busy for me so once I have used the Omikuji (Japanese fortune telling sticks - you shake the box and then tip it until a stick comes out. It then has a word or number which a Shaman translates for you). and tied it up at the main hall (probably a good thing as it seems to have been a bad fortune!).

 I then headed to Fushimi-Momoyama-jō Castle. Built in 1594 - 1600 by the chief advisor to the then Emperor because it was perfect transportation hub for all the nearby cities and rivers. I guess abit like Hampton Court Palace. It has been hit by earthquakes which is why you can't go in now but also why it had to be rebuilt during construction.

I liked this gate because it had fishes for the ornaments. This is the long tree line path I 

had to take to the castle.

It is so hot that at this point I headed back to the station, passing the Gokonomiya shrine.

And here are some other random photos:

This was outside the Gokonomiya Shrine.

Another adventure in the suburbs, again with that mix of modern and traditional architecture and a mix of economic accommodation. I saw alot of housing like this which made me feel that there must be alot of neighbour comedy/dramas about this clash in Japanese - if not it needs to be written!

I have just been to a really uniquely Japanese place called Ichiran . You are shown to a booth and then your order is brought to you via a slot in front of you and then, that is it!

 

The reed screen is lifted and your order comes through. You have a water tap and some chopsticks.

Also you have little plaques that you can use to communicate with the server if you don't want to talk!

Also had pudding! This is a green tea and pistachio pudding!

I also tried the Starbucks (I know, I know but I set off early and Starbucks was the only place open on the way to the station that I hadn't already tried or didn't like!). This is their Earl grey tea donut. Very nice with lemon cream inside.