In and Around Kiyomizudera

Above, visitors near the Otowa Waterfall at Kiyomizudera. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The first time I ever saw Kiyomizudera in Kyoto was in Godzilla vs Mechagodzilla II (1993). A few years later (in 2004) it was one of our stops during G-TOUR. Since then, I revisited Kiyomizudera in October 2015.

Metropolis Japan has posted an article on "24 Hours In and Around Kiyomizudera". 

They begin it with:

Mention Japan and sightseeing and the first name that will come to most people’s minds is Kyoto. Ranked the world’s best big city by readers of Conde Nast Traveler magazine in 2020, it’s the kind of place you can spend several days touring around, yet only scratch the surface. 

Many who go there attempt to tick off as many temples and shrines as they can. That’s fine if you have a week or so in the city, but for those with limited time, cramming in too many sites can be tiring. During our short visit, we decided to stay in just one area, close to the renowned Kiyomizudera Temple. Despite only having 24 hours, we still managed to fit quite a bit in, without exhausting ourselves.

Above, the Kiyomizudera stage is probably the temple's most famous feature. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Kiyomizudera is covered in The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan, by the way.

To read the full article (and see some nice photos), go here.

Kiyomizu-dera - Kyoto - 清水寺 - 8K

Above, the Kiyomisu-dera stage in 2015. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

In Godzilla vs. MechaGodzilla II in 1993, while the King of the Monsters was down in Kyoto, Japan, he passed by Kiyomizu-Dera.

What's Kiyomizu-dera?

According to TokyoStreetView:

Located in the heart of Kyoto, Kiyomizu-dera is one of Japan's most famous and celebrated temples thanks to its iconic 13-meter high wooden stage with a unique view.

Founded in 780 on the site of the Otowa waterfall, Kiyomizu-dera literally means, “Pure Water Temple.” It was originally associated with the Hosso sect, one of Japan's old Buddhism sects until 1965 when it formed its own Kita Hosso sect.

The article includes a video on Kiyomizu-dera.  

To read more and see the video, go here.

Why Is Kyoto So Popular

Above, Kyoto's famous Kinkaku-ji "Golden Pavilion". Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Vacation trips to Japan are still in the distant future due to the pandemic, but when the country does open up to foreign tourists, Kyoto should be at the top of the list of places to visit.

I have been to Kyoto twice and enjoyed it both times.

The Travel has an article on why people are "falling in love" with Kyoto.

They begin it with:

Kyoto is one of the main attractions for tourists visiting Japan. Kyoto has a very long and impressive history and was first established as the seat of Japan's imperial court way back in 794. It remained the imperial capital up until 1869 after 11 centuries as the capital. Like Germany, Japan was devastated after World War Two with many of its cities and other heritage sites leveled and destroyed. Fortunately, Kyoto escaped much of this wartime firebombing and devastation and so it remains largely preserved.

If you are traveling to Japan and plan to experience Japan's rich culture, then Kyoto is certainly the place to go. Kyoto is one of Japan's and arguably the world's greatest cultural and historical cities.

For Godzilla fans, Kyoto was prominently featured in Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II (1993) and, for Gamera fans, in Gamera 3 (1999). 

To read more, go here.

Iconic Kyoto Tower Bathhouse Closes Due To COVID-19

Situated across the street from the JR Kyoto Station is Kyoto Tower Hotel.

Above, Kyoto Tower Hotel. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

A major part of the hotel is the public bathhouse, enjoyed by both travelers and locals for years.

It is closing forever, another casualty of the coronavirus.

SoraNews 24 reported:

This past year has been a tough one for businesses around the world, as the coronavirus pandemic put the brakes on international travel and halted regular operations, leaving many industries worse for wear.

One of the hardest hit has been the tourist industry, and in Japan tourist hotspots like Kyoto, which draws thousands of international visitors every year, has been feeling the strain, even setting up an “Empty” tourism campaign to lure local visitors to the region.

Unfortunately, the campaign hasn’t done enough to protect businesses in the area, and soon there’ll be a large public bathhouse-shaped hole in the heart of the city, with the announcement that Kyoto Tower bathhouse “Yuu” is set to close its doors forever. 

Yuu has long been loved by locals, guests staying at Kyoto Tower Hotel, located in the same complex, and bus travellers, who would use the baths to freshen up after long overnight bus trips arriving at Kyoto Station just across the road.

Godzilla fans should recognize Kyoto Tower. It was blasted by the "Big G" in Godzilla vs. MechaGodzilla II.

To read more, go here.

Sendai: Getting There and Staying

Above, the statue of Date Masamune at the site of Sendai Castle. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Sendai, Japan is a city northeast of Tokyo that had some kaiju activity in the movies.

In 1993, Fire Rodan made a flyover the city (specifically, over Sendai Station) and Gamera and Legion had a battle there in 1996. I spent a few days there in 2006 and explored the city and nearby Matsushima Bay. I was drawn there as my dad was briefly stationed there before moving on to Korea during the Korean War.

Above, Sendai Station, "visited" by Fire Rodan, Gamera and Legion. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Japan Info Swap has an article on getting to Sendai and staying there.

They begin with:

Located about 350 km (220 mi) to the northeast of Tokyo, the City of Sendai makes for a very pleasant getaway from the hustle and bustle of the Metropolis and due to its position on the Shinkansen “bullet train” network, along with various air and bus options along with low prices for attractions and hotels compared to their Tokyo and Kyoto counterparts, provides for either a quick day trip all the way to a week-long jaunt for those looking to check out a bit of the Japan “less seen” by the average tourist — both foreign and domestic. Nature, history, culture, and modernity are all on display.

To read more, go here.

Fastest and Cheapest Ways To Kyoto From Tokyo

Above, the Kinkaku-ji "Golden Pavilion" in Kyoto. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Kyoto (and neighboring Osaka) is worth visiting if one is planning a trip to Japan but haven't yet figured out an itinerary.

One thing that causes people to hold back on visiting places outside of Tokyo is not knowing how long it takes and how much it would cost getting to Kyoto from Tokyo. Fortunately, Tokyo Cheapo has an article on the fastest and cheapest ways to get to Kyoto from Tokyo.

They begin with:

Tokyo and Kyoto, along with neighboring Osaka, are usually at the top of the itinerary when you visit Japan. Tokyo is commonly regarded as a city of modernity, whereas Kyoto is seen as a city of tradition. The distance between the two is roughly 450km [roughly 280 miles], so how do you get from Tokyo to Kyoto?

There are plenty of ways, and what to choose depends on whether you consider time or cost to be more important. Probably your best bet is getting the amazing-value JR Rail Pass, especially if you have more than just Tokyo and Kyoto on your itinerary. If it’s just a Tokyo to Kyoto trip, consider getting a Shinkansen + hotel package, or a discounted round-trip bullet train package + 1-day Kyoto transport pass for convenience’s sake. But read on for the full low-down.

I was last in Kyoto three years ago. I got the JR Rail Pass and we had one overnight (while en route) stay at a ryokan in Atami.

Above, the stage of Kiyomizu-dera. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Godzilla fans will want to go to Kyoto to see for themselves Kiyomizu-dera, which was featured in Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II (1993).

To read more, go here.

Kyoto Tower Virtual Reality Bungee Jump

Above, Kyoto Tower. The new attraction is located
 in its observation deck. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

How would you like to bungee jump from the stage of Kiyomizu-dera in Kyoto? Well, from now to December 24 you can! 

Well, sort of.

Kyoto Tower (blasted by Godzilla in Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II in 1993) has opened the Kyoto Tower Virtual Reality Bungee Jump attraction. 

According to The Asahi Shimbun:

KYOTO--Kiyomizudera, one of the nation's most celebrated temples, is known for its wooden stage built off the main hall that offers panoramic views of the hillsides below.
While no one would advise anyone to contemplate the 13-meter leap from the stage, 

those wanting to experience the thrill of a steep jump can now do so at Kyoto Tower in complete safety, courtesy of virtual reality. 

Thrill seekers don VR goggles while seated in special chairs 34 meters above ground on the observation deck of the structure in the city’s Shimogyo Ward.

Above, the stage of Kiyomizu-dera. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Kyoto Tower is located just across the street from the JR Kyoto Station (where Gamera and Irys had their final battle in Gamera 3).

To read more, go here. 

Cheap Ways To Get To Sendai From Tokyo

Above, Sendai Station. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Back in 2006, I took a trip to Sendai from Tokyo to see the city and nearby Matsushima where my dad was briefly stationed during the Korean War.

At the time, I used a JR Rail Pass to get there and back aboard a shinkansen.

There are other alternatives for travel to Sendai and Tokyo Cheapo has an article covering them all.

They begin with:

Situated about 350km northeast of Tokyo, Sendai is the capital of Miyagi Prefecture and the gateway to the Tohoku region. Though over a million people call Sendai home, the city is one of the most under-appreciated in Japan. It’s known as the transit point for trips to Matsushima—the famous bay of pines, as well as many other scenic spots. However, Sendai itself has plenty to offer travelers, including giant Buddhist statues, shrines, temples, shopping, historical sites, museums and more. The summer Tanabata festival is one of the best nationwide, and the way the zelkova-lined boulevards light up in winter is metcha magical. Here’s how to get from Tokyo to Sendai to see all the things for yourself.

For you kaiju fans, Sendai Station was featured in Gamera 2 and Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II and is covered in The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan.

To read more, go here. 

Matsushima Bay: Scenic Views and Oysters

Above, three Matsushima Bay islets. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One of the most scenic places I've ever visited in Japan was Matsushima Bay in the Tohoku region of Japan.

I went there in 2006 to see where my dad was briefly during the Korean War.

Matsushima has often been compared to Carmel, California for scenic beauty and it is easy to see why.

CNN Travel has an article (with photographs) on Matsushima. But the focus is not the scenery this time, but something else: oysters. During the boat tour of Matsushima Bay we passed many oyster beds. Matsushima is a short commuter train ride from Sendai Station (Sendai Station was featured in Gamera 2 and Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II).

The article begins with:

(CNN) — It's a chilly Saturday afternoon in February and temperatures are creeping just above the freezing mark -- a time of year when most seaside destinations are devoid of leisure travelers. 

But this is Matsushima, one of the fabled "Nihon Sankei" -- or "Three Views of Japan" -- and it's buzzing with tourists. 

Its fame dates back a few hundred years, to Japan's Edo period, when a Confucius scholar named Hayashi Gahō traveled the country by foot. 

In 1643 he published a book based on his journey in which called out three destinations that, in his eyes, offered incredible scenic beauty -- Amanohashidate, Miyajima and, you guessed it, Matsushima. 

It's easy to see why he deemed this little fishing town in Japan's Miyagi prefecture as worthy of inclusion. 

More than 260 tiny, pine tree-covered islands dot the waters of Matsushima Bay, creating a scene that's been the muse of dozens of Japanese poets and artists through the ages. 

More recently, in 2013 it was inducted into the France-based "Most Beautiful Bays in the World" club. 

But the winter visitors we've spotted are not just here for scenic views. They're more interested in the beautiful creatures being cultivated below the surface of the bay's blue waters: Oysters.

To read more, go here. 

5 Best Buddhist Temples In Kansai

Above, the stage of Kiyomizu-dera in Kyoto. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

If you are fascinated by Japan's Buddhist heritage and would like to see some of the best Buddhist temples, Japan Info Swap has a list of the five best ones in Kansai.

They begin with:

If you fancy spending a day or two checking out the beauty and serenity of some of Japan’s finest Buddhist temples, it’s worth heading to the Kansai region. There are over 2000 temples in Kansai, many of them UNESCO listed heritage sites attracting yearly visitors from across the globe. 

The oldest part of Japan, Kansai is rich in history and culture. The earliest people arrived in the region around 10,000 years ago. Buddhism was introduced by Chinese travellers in the 6th century and spread throughout the country. It’s Japan’s second most popular religion after Shinto. 

Here are five of the best temples to visit in Kansai…

Of the five, the first one was also featured in a Godzilla movie in 1993.

To read more, go here. 

Everything You Need To Know About Kyoto

Above, Kyoto Tower. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For a great change of pace from the hustle & bustle of Tokyo, a trip down to Japan's ancient capital of Kyoto is just the thing.

I have been in Kyoto twice and enjoyed it both times. I definitely recommend a visit.

The Telegraph (U.K.) has an article on everything you need to known about Kyoto.

It begins with;

A red-lipped, kimono-clad geisha vanishing around a corner. Riverside cherry trees bursting into cloudlike bloom. Zen gardens with raked sand and haiku-inspiring rock formations. There are perhaps few more evocative city names than “Kyoto”. While Tokyo is all high-speed trains, flashes of neon and skyscrapers, Kyoto moves to an altogether different rhythm. 

A calming antidote to the futuristic capital, Kyoto is synonymous with ancient temples, tea ceremony masters, traditional ryokan inns and centuries-old craftsmanship.

For monster fans, an additional reason to visit Kyoto is to see places featured in the movies. Kyoto Tower was blasted by Godzilla in Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II (1984) and Kiyomizu-dera was featured briefly in the same movie. In Gamera 3 (1999), JR Kyoto Station was the battleground of Gamera and Irys.

Above, the cavernous interior of the JR Kyoto Station. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read more, go here.

Godzilla and Kiyomizu-dera In Kyoto

Above, Godzilla near Kiyomizu-dera in Kyoto. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Last night, I was in the mood to watch Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II (1993). It has been a while since I last viewed it. It was one of the better Heisei Series of Godzilla movies.

The design of Mechagodzilla, in my opinion, was not a good as the original from the Showa Series or the most recent (if you want to call 14 years "recent"). The Godzilla suit and design used in the movie is one of my favorites. Still, the movie was entertaining and it was nice to see again.

Above, Kiyomizu-dera last October. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

In the movie, Godzilla blasts Kyoto Tower and menaces Kiyomizu-dera. Both are covered in The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan on page 43.

At least Godzilla had the respectful good sense to spare Kiyomizu-dera from destruction, so people can still visit it.

Kyoto Landmark Offering "Stunning" New Service

Above, Kyoto Tower. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

A Kyoto landmark, one that is familiar to hardcore Godzilla fans, is offering a "stunning new service."

According to Japan Today:

TOKYO —For a fee, visitors to Kyoto will have the chance to illuminate one of the city’s most distinctive landmarks with a color (or two) of their choice. 

The new service, which started in September, offers the romantically-inclined the chance to surprise unsuspecting companions with a breath-taking, LED light display that bathes Kyoto‘s famous landmark tower in a color their choosing for half an hour. 

Visitors to Kyoto, arguably Japan’s premiere cultural destination, will quickly notice the tower upon leaving the city’s central train station. The landmark was first built in 1964 to coincide with the Tokyo Olympics, and the retro-futuristic monument looks like something out of an old Osamu Tezuka comic — though many are quick to remark that it seems a bit out of place in a town better known for its ancient temples and gorgeous natural scenery.

Kyoto Tower was featured, and blasted by Godzilla, in Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II (1993). Kaiju-related landmarks, including Kyoto Tower, are noted in The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan on page 43.

To read more, go here.

Travel From Tokyo To Sendai

Above, Sendai Station. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Back in April 2006, I took a trip from Tokyo to Sendai. It was, for me, a sentimental journey. I wanted to see the city where my dad was briefly stationed before being sent to South Korea during the Korean War.

He had been stationed in Sendai, but also had duties as a military policeman in nearby Matsushima. He sent my mom a photo of himself in front of the Godaido Temple in Matsushima. I found the temple and had a photo taken at almost the same spot as my dad did, 60-odd years before.

City-Cost.com has an article on different ways to travel to Sendai from Tokyo. I took the shinkansen to Sendai in 2006.

The article begins with:

The largest city in Tōhoku, Sendai is famous for its Tanabata Matsuri, one of the most famous in Japan. Sendai can also claim to be the second largest industrial/commercial center north of Tokyo (the largest being Sapporo).  How much does it cost to travel north from the capital?

By the way, Sendai Station was featured in Gamera 2 and in Godzilla vs Mechagodzilla II.

To read more, go here.

Japan Cheapo: "The Legends of Kyoto's Kiyomizu-dera"

Above, a familiar view of Kiyomizu-dera with Kyoto in the background. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Last October, we took a commuter train to Kyoto Station (where Gamera and Irys battled in Gamera 3) to tour the city.

After arriving, we found a bus tour company whose offices were in the station and signed up for their half-day tour of Kyoto. One of the stops on the tour was Kiyomizu-dera. Kiyomizu-dera was briefly featured in Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II in 1993.

Above, the commemorative photo of our tour group at Kiyomizu-dera. 

Japan Cheapo has posted a new article on Kiyomizu-dera, "The Legends of Kyoto's Kiyomizu-dera". If you are planning to visit Kyoto, or just want to know a little about Kiyomizu-dera, the article is worth a read.

It begins with:

Simply put, Kiyomizu-dera is the most popular attraction in Kyoto and no matter when you decide to go it will be crowded. Nonetheless, it is a must-see whenever you are in the city and you may come to severely regret not going if you would decide to skip it for those reasons alone.

Above, one of the streets of the Higashiyama district that is down the hill from Kiyomizu-dera. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read more about Kiyomizu-dera, go here. 

Renovation Work At Kiyomizu-Dera

Above, renovation work at Kiyomizu-dera last month. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Back in 2013, I reported that several of Kiyomizu-dera's pillars beneath the main hall were going to be replaced. The work was expected to be completed by September of that year.

When we visited Kiyomizu-dera last month in Kyoto, we noticed some renovation work topside (photo above) was taking place. Fortunately, the work did not mar the beauty of the temple from the most famous vista point. While there, I did not see any evidence of ongoing work on the pillars.

It seems that the temple is constantly in some form of renovation. In 2004, G-TOUR visited Kiyomizu-dera while the tour group was in Kyoto. It was featured in the 1993 feature, Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II.

At that time, the most famous view of the main hall looked like this:

Above, Kiyomizu-dera in 2004. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Last month, the same view:

Above, Kiyomizu-dera in 2015. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Famed Artist Noriyoshi Ohrai Dies At 79

Above, Ohrai's poster for Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II.

One of the greatest movie-poster artists has passed away at age 79.

RocketNews 24 reported yesterday:

It has been announced that Noriyoshi Ohrai—the Japanese illustrator best known for producing remarkable poster art for Metal Gear Solid as well as for films including the Godzilla series and Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back—passed away from pneumonia yesterday morning at the age of 79. 

With a career spanning over half a century and an impressive portfolio of artworks for novels, games and well-known international movie releases, fans around the world are mourning the loss of a great talent and taking a look back at his extraordinary body of work.

To read more, go here. 

Familiar Kyoto Places Revisited

Above, Kinkaku-ji. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Today was spent visiting some of familiar places. What I mean by "familiar" is that I visited them previously with G-TOUR 2004, but wanted Denise to see them.

The first, and one of my all-time favorites, was Kinkaku-ji "Golden Pavilion" in Kyoto.

The other, another favorite, was Kiyomizu-dera, also in Kyoto. It was menaced by Godzilla in Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II (1993).

Above, Kiyomizu-dera. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Then, following the tour (by bus), we headed back to the JR Kyoto Station, the scene of the epic battle between Gamera and Irys in Gamera 3 (1999).

Above, the JR Kyoto Station. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Across the street from JR Kyoto Station is the Kyoto Tower Hotel. The tower is the tallest structure in Kyoto. It was blasted by Godzilla in Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II.

Above, the Kyoto Tower. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

With the exception of Kinkaku-ji, the above places are covered in The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan.

Tourist Information Center Opens At Kyoto Tower

Above, a view of Kyoto Tower in the distance from Kiyomizu-dera. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When traveling overseas, tourists can never get enough information to make their vacations run more smoothly. So, whenever a new service or facility opens with that in mind, it is welcome news.

Such is the case for visitors to Kyoto as a new tourist information center has just opened at Kyoto Tower (just across the street from the massive JR Kyoto Station (featured in Gamera 3)). As many kaiju fans are aware, Kyoto Tower was blasted by Godzilla in 1983's Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II.

According to PR Newswire:

KYOTO, Japan, June 3, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- JTB Western Japan, Corp. and Keihan Electric Railway Co., Ltd. jointly opened Kansai Tourist Information Center Kyoto (KTIC Kyoto) on June 1, on the third floor of Kyoto Tower. KTIC Kyoto will cater exclusively to overseas visitors to Japan. 

http://www.tic-kansai.jp/ja/kyoto/  

JTB Western Japan has been expanding a network of tourist information centers for inbound tourists in the Kansai region and KTIC Kyoto will be the third of its kind after previous openings at Shinsaibashi in Osaka and Kansai International Airport. 

The widely diversified Keihan group based in Kyoto is pouring resources into "tourism creation" and aiming to attract more overseas visitors through the establishment of KTIC Kyoto at Kyoto Tower, one of its group companies. 

JR Kyoto Station is the gateway for visitors to Kyoto, one of the world's most popular sightseeing destinations, and is expected to attract many more overseas visitors in the future. Kyoto Tower is a landmark located at the north entrance of JR Kyoto Station.

To read more, go here.

The Spiritual Beauty of Kiyomizu-dera

Above, the Main Hall and Stage of Kiyomizu-dera were being renovated at the time of my visit. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Huffington Post has posted a pictorial article on Kiyomizu-dera in Kyoto. It is not the usual kind of photo article as it focuses on the temple during four seasons.

Godzilla fans are familiar with Kiyomizu-dera as it briefly appeared in 1993's Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II. The scene has Godzilla stomping through Kyoto in the background with Kiyomizu-dera's Main Hall and Stage in the foreground.

According to The Huffington Post:

The Kiyomizu-dera, or Kiyomizu Temple, is one of Japan’s greatest treasures. The 14,000- square-foot temple, situated dramatically on a cliff overlooking Kyoto, was initially constructed in the 8th century. The temple was rebuilt during Japan’s Tokugawa dynasty in the 1600s, and has served ever since as a place of worship for Japanese Buddhists. 

The temple is a major tourist attraction and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but despite the crowds, there is something undeniably spiritual about its swooping pagodas and stone pillars, surrounded by swathes of natural greenery. Kiyomizu—which means “pure water” – takes its name from the waterfall in the center of the temple complex, whose water is believed to have the power to grant wishes.

To read more, go here.