More of Kyoto: Shijyo? Yasaka?

Town by the riverside.

We meant to look for a place called "Philosopher's Path," but instead, found a shrine we weren't really looking for. But I do think it was a famous shrine...Yasaka Shrine? A scary looking warrior was "sitting" gaurd.

Lanterns of people who made donations I think.

Everything in this alter has some sort of meaning, but I couldn't find an explanation for them. I guess it's common knowledge over here. Looks like they lock up their gods in shrines??

A little girl sounding the bell to make a wish.
Japanese people are crazy about good luck charms and fortune telling. They were selling all sorts of charms here. To pass college exams, safety, marriage, to get smart, anything you can think of, they have.

One of the types of charms are these wooden boards with decorations painted onto them, and you're supposed to write your wish and hang them here. I think they get burned after receiving a blessing by the monk, so that the wishes will reach the gods.

Found this comical looking buddha in an alley, on the walk back from the shrine.