Kyoto

New Year at Tofukuji

New Year prayers under a dragon ceiling in Kyoto

Cathy Cawood Dec 25, 2014 - 1 min read

<p>I couldn't help noticing the curious slippers! </p>

<p>Sandals lined up outside the doors</p>

<p>You can see wear and tear on the wooden soles of the sandals</p>

<p>Covered walkway between buildings</p>

Notice

Three buildings designated as National Important Cultural Properties are undergoing renovations. The planned construction area will be off-limits from Mid-May 2023 to October 2025. The Kaisando Hall will still be open to visitors.

Latest on Tofukuji Temple

I was passing Tofukuji in Kyoto on the second day of 2014, and decided to take a few photos there. A number of people were crowded around the open temple doors, so naturally I went to see why. A prayer service was in progress with robed monks kneeling under a high ceiling painted with a dragon. Behind each monk sat a curious pair of slippers with turned-up toes in bright colors. When the service was over, the prayerful monks dispersed in many different directions.

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Cathy Cawood @cathy.cawood

I came to Japan in 2003 to teach English. I lived in Shiga prefecture for 1 year, and it still holds a special place in my heart. I lived in Kyoto for 9 years, then moved to Machida, Tokyo in 2014 after meeting my Japanese partner. I love to take photos, and my Japan in Pictures Facebook page ha...