PM Narendra Modi visits ancient Buddhist temples, meets Kyoto Mayor Daisaku Kadokawa

Kyoto: Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the ancient Toji temple during the second day of his Japan tour on Sunday.

Accompanied by Japanese PM Shinzo Abe, Modi spent around half an hour at the temple premises, and was shown around by Chief Monk Mori.

One of the UNESCO world heritage site, the temple has a 5-storey main pagoda which stands tallest in Japan at 57 meters.

Monk Hasi, who also accompanied Modi said, "We are happy that the Prime Minister visited us. It is a matter of pride for our temple. He has a big heart".

Modi also interacted with the public during his visit to the the 1397-built Kinkaku-ji Temple.

Dressed in a white kurta pyjama and bandhgala, Modi greeted the head monk of Kinkaku-ji Temple, Yasu Nagamori, and said, “I am Modi and u are Mori.”

I am Modi and u are Mori! PM @narendramodi to 83 year old Head Priest Venerabale Yasu Nagamori of Kinkau-ji Temple pic.twitter.com/znScYU4CZa — Syed Akbaruddin (@MEAIndia) August 31, 2014

India and Japan later agreed on working together to find a treatment of the deadly Sickle Cell Anaemia disease which is found commonly among tribals in India.

Modi travelled to the Stem Cell Research facility of Kyoto University and discussed the possibility of cooperation in finding a treatment for the Sickle Cell Anaemia disease with Nobel Prize winner for Medicine, S Yamanaka.

Kyoto (Japan): PM Narendra Modi at CiRA (Center for iPS Cells Research and Application), Kyoto University pic.twitter.com/8ZwWQ6YOfQ

— ANI (@ANI_news) August 31, 201

The Indian PM also met Kyoto Mayor Daisaku Kadokawa who reportedly briefed him about "green, smart and modern yet historic Kyoto".

He is scheduled to travel to Tokyo later today.

The Indian Prime Minister began his Japan visit yesterday and was received by Abe, who flew down to Kyoto.

A traditional dinner was also hosted in Modi's honour at the Imperial guest house in Kyoto.

On the first day of his visit, Modi signed a partnership agreement to turn the Hindu holy city of Varanasi, which forms part of Modi's parliamentary constituency, into a "smart heritage city".

It is Modi's first bilateral visit outside South Asia after he took charge as Indian Prime Minister in May.