First stop of the morning today was a Buddhist temple called; Sanjusangen-do. The primary reason for tourists to visit this spot is because in the long (approximately 120 meters) wooden hall, it houses more than 800 statues and 1 very huge version.
The special characteristics of the statues is it has 1000-arms and 11-heads atop of its own, as if wearing a crown. Furthermore, when you read its history at the Genjusangen-do, you will learn there were more than 1 sculptor who created the 800 statues, as it took around 100 years to complete them.
Photography and any form of recording, including mobile phones, are prohibited inside the hall. Warnings placed before entry mentions the devices can be confiscated later.
The next time I visit Sanjusangen-do will be to witness an annual archery event adopted from the old Toshiya tradition. Back in the day, only men (I believe) were participants. The version of today; Oh-mato Taikai, draws male and female participants from all over Japan. The best part is most women will be dressed in kimonos when they take part. Beauty and brawn – check.
The next stop we decided on was the Toei Kyoto Studio Park. Also maybe known as the ninja village.
Inside the park was a variety of entertainment areas ranging from ninja schools, ninja theater, behind the scenes filming (pictured above) and many others. But I do have to stress this, entry fee is not the only fee you will have to pay because selected areas like the ninja school will demand you pay an additional amount too. The free entertainment (as I recall) apply to the cinema, theater and outdoor performance.
Though to get your money’s worth, be on the lookout for staff cosplaying as samurai or elegant women in kimono. 😛
On another side of the park, there’s also a mini Toei anime museum to explore their previous works such as Dragonball and One Piece to name the few I remember.
Besides the above, there’s apparently also a cinema or something like it on the 2nd floor of the building. We didn’t go up there but I think they screen some movie / anime done by Toei.
And that’s pretty much been Kyoto for me. Maybe I’m missing on some other experiences here, so I guess until next time Kyoto, during the Oh-mato Taikai – if I’m allowed to witness it. 🙂