Daitokuji Temple Complex & Kyoto Imamiya Festival

Hi everyone~ 

Continuing my journey on Children's Day, I walked from Omiya-dori to Kuramaguchi-dori. It was quite a tough walk because it was such a hot day and some parts of the way were hilly. When I looked at Google Maps to find my way to Sarasa Nishijin Misa, I noticed that I had to pass through Daitokuji. Misa from STARDUST recommended me that temple, so... yeah. I kind of went there! (just a quick walk across the area. I didn't really go inside any of the temples)


After a quick googling, I found out that there are maaaaaaany sub temples in the Daitokuji (it's like the main temple). And, some of them are only open on some occasions. The day I went there, some temples were open. Like these:


How the complex generally looks like:








So many walls and paths and pretty Japanese Zen gardens! Definitely worth a visit if you're interested in Zen gardens and Japanese architecture. I didn't really have the time to thoroughly enjoy the complex of temples, but I can say that it looks like an interesting place. Do go there if you have time. 
 

I'm too lazy to explain everything since I didn't really go deep. Finally, I'm out of the complex and on my way to Sarasa!

But! 

I got stopped by the traffic! Of people! 


I was wondering what happened, but it was actually a festival. I asked an old lady who was watching the preparation of the Imamiya Festival. Apparently, that area was near the Imamiya Shrine. The festival lasts usually from May 5 to May 15, and May 5th was the day when they had the parade of carrying of their portable shrine called Shinko-sai. Lucky me! 








I don't know the story behind this but everyone let the 'dragon' bit their head! Hahaha. I did it too!!
 












They were all very cute and full of spirit. Despite the day being overly hot, they were all excited and festive. Nice day indeed!

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