Kiyomizu-dera is a Buddhist temple in Kyoto. This temple differs from the others because the temple area is huge and includes various buildings, and is on a mountain, so the view is absolutely beautiful.

 

Ochuu-gen is a Japanese tradition derived of Buddhist influences. Ochuu-gen is a tradition where Japanese people send gifts as a thanks to people who are considered higher up or more respectable than you, such as parents, bosses, in-laws, teachers, etc. More respected people do not send back ochuu-gen to those who have given them one. Generally, recipients of ochuu-gen receive them annually, so if you decide to add another recipient to your list, it will be a commitment. Ochuu-gen season differs within the regions of Japan; it is through the beginning to mid-July in eastern Japan and comminly so, and from the beginning to mid-August in western Japan. There is also a winter version of ochuu-gen, called oseibo. If you only want to send gifts once a year, you should send them in the winter.

Ochuu-gen gifts can vary greatly. Some examples include cash, gift cards, fruits and vegetables, alcohol, and cooking oil. The budget for ochuu-gen generally range between 3,000 and 5,000 yen, although it can go up to 10,000 yen, depending on how much thanks you are willing to express. Personally, I think I prefer Christmas or Hannukah because giving is less of an annual commitment than ochuu-gen or oseibo. What say you?

Arashiyama is a region in the western outskirts of Kyoto, famous for its beautiful scenery, especially in the spring for its cherry blossoms and in the fall for the orange/red leaves, or kouyou. There are also places such as Togetsu-kyou, or the moon crossing bridge, and Tenryu-ji, or Sky Dragon Temple to see in Arashiyama. I went to both Togetsu-kyou and Tenryu-ji; the picture above was the picture of the garden taken at Tenryu-ji.

Arashiyama is a very beautiful place. Located near the foot of numerous mountains, the scenery is gorgeous. I would recommend visiting this place, especially if you are there for the spring or fall.

 Kinkaku-ji, or the Gold Pavillion is a famous zen temple dating back from 1397. Its walls are coated with gold leaflets, and each floor of its three-floor stature is built by a different architectural style. Kinkaku-ji itself is built in front of a reflection pond, like the Washington monument, and is set inside a large Japanese strolling garden. Kinkaku-ji is a rather small building, but one that is treasured by the Japanese as a national cultural treasure.

   Last week was Gion Matsuri, or the Gion Festival. This Festival is counted as one of the three largest festivals of Japan, and dates back to 869. The festival spans throughout July, but is most famous for the 17th of July, which is the parade of the floats, and the three days leading up to the 17th, the 14th through the 16th. Through the 14-16th, the floats are displayed on the street, and people are allowed to climb the floats to the top, where there is usually space for people to sit. This is also the period where the yatai are out, where people buy goods or food, or play games. The yatai line the streets left and right, and often there are multiple stores for the same services.

I went to both the yatai and part of the parade of the floats, as seen in the pictures. Lots and lots and lots of people were there; true to the fact that this is one of the three largest festivals!