Hi there,
It's already fall in Paris, but I hope you had a great summer vacation.
As for me, I traveled to Denmark (Copenhagen and Billund for Legoland and LegoHouse), Austria/Germany (Vienna, Salzburg, and Bavaria), and Arcachon!
This time, we did a lot of traveling by car. I even drove really fast on the German highways! In short, we had a great summer 😊
The photo on the home page has been changed. It is the Yasaka Pagoda. Today I would like to tell you about it. It is also a famous place for photography.
The Yasaka Pagoda, officially known as the Five-Story Pagoda of Hōkan-ji Temple, is one of Kyoto's most iconic monuments.
- It was built in the 6th century (around 592) during the Asuka period, making it one of the oldest temples in the city.
- Over the centuries, it has been destroyed several times by fires and wars.
- The current structure dates back to the 15th century (1440s, Muromachi period) and was rebuilt under the powerful shogun Ashikaga Yoshinori.
Standing approximately 46 meters tall, the pagoda dominates the traditional streets of Higashiyama. Locals usually refer to it as “Yasaka no Tō” (Yasaka Pagoda), and it has become a beloved symbol of Kyoto.
What makes it so special?
- It is not usually possible to enter, but its silhouette against the skyline is one of the most photographed motifs in Kyoto.
- The pagoda is a magnificent example of Japanese Buddhist architecture, with its overlapping roofs curving upward in perfect balance.
- It is surrounded by charming old streets such as Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka, which give the entire neighborhood the feel of a living museum of Kyoto's past.
There are several good spots for taking photos.
This photo was taken from Yasaka Street. It is an ideal location for photographing the tower, especially early in the morning (when there are few tourists) or at dusk, when the lights come on. What's more, if you rent a kimono and take a photo here, you'll feel like you're in a scene from a historical movie.
Wishing you a wonderful fall, and see you soon,
Arigato,
Sari
