Chapter 7: Visit to Kyoto
Wednesday, October 6, 1999
Eh, today was my first day as tourist in Japan!! Some guy from England who has been here for the past months has shown us around Kyoto and a few of its 2000 temples. Actually, we visited two Buddhist temples, and two Shinto Shrines (called jinja in Japanese). Thus, I now only have 1996 temples and shrines to visit in Kyoto! Wow! The most famous one we went to is Heian Shrine, which is in fact a reproduction of a famous castle.
By now, you surely wonder what's the damn difference between a temple and a shrine... Hmm it's very easy. Shinto shrines are always painted in orange, while the Buddhist temples are brown and white (the ones I have seen up to now). However, don't ask me what the Shinto religion is about, because I have no idea...
It is very interesting here, because people here don't "go to church" every week. Instead, they go to the temples when they feel the need to ask for good luck about a job, or any other important event in their life. They can throw some coins in a small building through some kind of grid. They then clasp their hands twice to make a loud noise, and make their prayer. They can also ring a bell twice before clasping their hands. It is very interesting to see, expecially the first time.
Actually, the highlight of the day was when I got (with the monorail) to Kyoto station. Damn big!!! There is some kind of department store which has 11 floors (I think) inside. I have a picture of myself at the top of the station. Hey, those who thought Mcgill station is confusing, don't come to Kyoto station!! There are many stores underground, and many other stations from other monorail companies. Very, very confusing. We need a map to get around! (Same for Umeda station, in Osaka). If I ever get my hands on a scanner, I will post the first pictures here!! My best pictures up to now!
Chapter 8