The Backpack Adventures

Located at 15 Chome-778 Honmachi, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City in Kyoto Prefecture, Tofukuji ( 東福寺 )   is the head temple of the Tofukuji School of the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism.  Tofukuji  ( 東福寺 ) Tofukuji History Tofukuji was founded in 1236 by the priest Enni . The temple grounds cover an area of 200,000 square meters. It is presently home to the Hojo (Abbot's Hall) the huge San-mon (temple gate) and 24 sub-temples.  Tofukuji Rokuhara Gate Tofukuji Sanmon Aside from these, you can also see the spectacular checkboard-patterned garden in the temple grounds. However, to view the garden, you have to pay the 400 yen entrance fee for the Hojo and its garden.  A closer view of Tofukuji Sanmon   Tofukuji Zen Hall A closer view of Tofukuji Zen Hall Tofukuji Kuri Another part of the temple ground worth checking out is the Tsutenkyo (Bridge to Heaven) and the Kaisando . It is worth noting that the Tsutenkyo was one of the filming locations of the Japan edition music video of Clean

Located at 526 Shimokawaracho, Higashiyama District, Kyoto City in Kyoto Prefecture, Kodaiji ( 高台寺 ) is the largest sub-temple of the Kennin-ji branch of the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism.  Kodaiji  ( 高台寺 ) Kodaiji History Formally called Jubuzan Kodaiji , the temple was established in 1606 by Nene (also called Kodai-in ) in memory of her late husband Toyotomi Hideyoshi who was one of Japan's greatest historical figures. After Nene's death, she was also enshrined in the temple vicinity.  Nene/ Kodai-in Nene and Hideyoshi - one of the 9 Healing Buddha Statues of Higashiyama Kodaiji 's main hall was originally covered in lacquer and gold. It also features richly decorated interiors surrounded by picturesque Zen gardens. These gardens are presently designated as Historic Site and Place of Scenic Beauty.  The temple also possesses several objects and structures designated as Important Cultural Assets like the portrait of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the Main Gate, and the Spirit Hall. 

Nara Park was not the only place we revisited in Nara City during our 2019 Japan trip . We also got to revisit one of Japan's most famous temples - Todaiji ( 東大寺 ).   Todaiji   ( 東大寺 ) Todaiji Temple History: For those who are not familiar with Todaiji , this temple was constructed in 752 and was the head temple of all Buddhist temples of Japan. However, what makes this temple stand out among the rest is its massive size. Todaiji held the record as the world's largest wooden building even if its 1692 reconstruction was only two-thirds of its original size. Todaiji's giant gate also called Nandaimon or Great Southern Gate greets those who want to visit Todaiji Check out this wooden board with Todaiji 's history. Todaiji 's admission rates as of 2019 Aside from its massive size, Todaiji also houses a giant statue of Buddha also known as Daibutsu . This statue stands 15 meters tall and is one of Japan's largest Buddha statues. Todaiji as seen from the ti