Higashi Hongan-ji, Nishi Hongan-ji, Nijo Castle

Today I started off at Kyoto Station and headed north. Just a few minutes of walking brought me to the Higashi Hongan-ji (Eastern Temple of the Original Vow), the name and at the same time head temple of one of the dominating sub sects of the Shin sects of Buddhism in Japan, the other being the Nishi Hongan-ji (Western Temple of the Original Vow). There originally was only one sect, but the Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu split it two to reduce its power and influence.

Higashi Hongan-ji

The temple had a great gate and large, heavily decorated halls which also contain sacred heirlooms of the sect. Taking pictures is prohibited inside the halls and at the entrance of the main building you have to take off your shoes.
Went through the gates and explored the area for a bit before continuing on.

Hair rope

Found this hair rope (yes, made of hair from the followers of the sect). As the quality of ropes back at the construction of the temple was still lacking, hair was preferred. These ropes and the sleigh (below) were used to move and place the timber for the temple.

Nishi Hongan-ji entrance

Next up was the Nishi Hongan-ji, a litte walk west of the Higashi Hongan-ji. The premises seemed bigger to me, but where essentially the same. A prayer was going on there, however, the chanting of the monks was interesting to hear.

Nishi Hongan-ji bell

Nishi Hongan-ji

Both temples had the stamp areas again, one creating "check points" throughout the area to guide those collecting them.

Inner castle of Nijo-jo

I took a bus bound north to reach the Nijo Castle after the temples. I drive by this castle every day and I decided that it was time I finally saw its interior. There are two concentric lines of defence, each with a tall wall and a moat, surrounded by large gardens. Again, no taking pictures inside.
There were impressive screen-paintings in all the halls and you could take a look at the major rooms of the castle, from the Shogun's private chambers to the room he met with his subordinates.
Another interesting part of the castle is the Nightingale Floor, which is build to squeak, creak and make musical noises when stepped on, in order to detect anyone trying of infiltrate the castle. It still works!
Left the castle and strolled through the gardens.
Some pictures of Nijo-jo: