Kyoto: Heian Shrine

Heian Shrine was one of the most impressive temple complexes that we visited and we almost missed it!  It wasn't even on our radar, but there was a martial arts supply store that I wanted to visit, and the nearest landmark to tell to the taxi driver was Heian.  Boy, did we luck out. 

 

Notice the wire to keep birds out.

 

 

This large courtyard is completely surrounded by buildings.

 This lion fountain was to the left after entering the main gate.

 And the dragon was to the right.

 

Look at the embroidery on the banner.  The banner was about 18 inches wide by 30 yards long.

This giant torii gate stood outside the main gate.  About a quarter of a mile on the other side is where we celebrated New Year's Eve.

The temple also had a very large and famous garden, but we didn't go in because it was fairly expensive, we were cold, and we wanted to see (ok, maybe just I did) the samurai stuff.

I didn't take pictures but the swords were awesome.  There is a martial art called Iaido which uses swords as part of a physical exercise.  Those swords were made out of aluminum because real swords have to be registered as deadly weapons.  The store had some old, historical blades that were amazing to see.  

The store had a video about how Japanese samurai swords are made.  We sat down and watched the whole thing.  The process is long and intricate.  No wonder a real sword costs a few thousand dollars!  I'm sure my inlaws were bored way before I was, but I guess that just goes to show they aren't huge nerds.