What good is living
A life you've been given
If all you do is
Stand in one place
- Lord Huron | Ends of the Earth
A life you've been given
If all you do is
Stand in one place
- Lord Huron | Ends of the Earth
The sun was out when we woke up and it was such a nice day to go around. Kyoto is one of those places that whatever you do, you cannot finish seeing it all. Kyoto has a thousand shrines and it will take you years to finish it, well unless if you are a native of Kyoto. We pick and chose the spots we would like to see on this trip, planned it well so we can maximize our stay.
Read the first part of this series here. We want to continue to share with you why we love Kyoto.
Read the first part of this series here. We want to continue to share with you why we love Kyoto.
Here are more reasons why:
BECAUSE FUSHIMI INARI-TAISHA IS THE MOST IMPRESSIVE SPOT IN THE CITY
Fushimi Inari-taisha is a Shinto shrine. It is well known for the thousand of Torii gates that lines up the path to the shrine. The gates are donated by different businesses in Japan. A Torii gate is a traditional Japanese gate found in the entrance of any Shinto shrine. Fushimi Inari is the god of crops and agriculture.
Why is it impressive? Colors make us happy and so will you! The Torii gates that lined up the walking trail path to Mount Inari were just pretty amazing. The most interesting about these gates is that the gates signify how big or small the donation was. Along the path, you will first see small gates and as you walk along, bigger gates will appear. On each Torii gate, the name of the individuals or companies is written at the back of the gate. The donation costs 175,000 to 1,300,000 yen. Pretty expensive, huh?
Tip: The good part about visiting this shrine is there is no entrance fee!
Why is it impressive? Colors make us happy and so will you! The Torii gates that lined up the walking trail path to Mount Inari were just pretty amazing. The most interesting about these gates is that the gates signify how big or small the donation was. Along the path, you will first see small gates and as you walk along, bigger gates will appear. On each Torii gate, the name of the individuals or companies is written at the back of the gate. The donation costs 175,000 to 1,300,000 yen. Pretty expensive, huh?
Tip: The good part about visiting this shrine is there is no entrance fee!
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BECAUSE ARASHIYAMA IS A CLASS OF ITS OWN
Tucked in a small area down by the mountains is Arashiyama. Arashiyama shouldn’t be missed! Since it is further away from the city, people tend to miss it. Arashiyama has the Japanese vibe you are looking for, from Japanese traditional shops, ryokans (traditional Japanese guest houses) and the quaint Japanese restaurants that serve kaiseki (vegetarian Japanese meal).
Why was it worth it? The town’s backdrop is set on a beautiful landscape - mountains, trees and a river flowing in between. You will specially enjoy this area during spring and autumn, wherein nature is dancing with colors. We really enjoyed the spring season in Japan and sakura was just inexplicable. Best appreciated while walking in the heart of Arashiyama, the romantic bridge called Togetsu-kyo or the Moon Crossing Bridge.
Why was it worth it? The town’s backdrop is set on a beautiful landscape - mountains, trees and a river flowing in between. You will specially enjoy this area during spring and autumn, wherein nature is dancing with colors. We really enjoyed the spring season in Japan and sakura was just inexplicable. Best appreciated while walking in the heart of Arashiyama, the romantic bridge called Togetsu-kyo or the Moon Crossing Bridge.
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BECAUSE THE SAGANO BAMBOO FOREST SEEMS MAGICAL
In Arashiyama, you can find the famous Sagano Bamboo Forest. While you are there, don’t miss this place. The bamboo is so high and it almost covers the sky.
Why is it worth it to see? As soon as you step into the forest, you really can’t help but admire the bamboo stalks grow towards the sky. The lighting in the forest is so pretty with a little sun coming through. The ambiance and the light seem to conjure drama of a magical land.
Tip: From the station, it is at least a 10-15 minute walk or you can always hire rickshaw pullers to tour you around. Don’t get disappointed if it’s packed with tourist, they come and go in batches.
Why is it worth it to see? As soon as you step into the forest, you really can’t help but admire the bamboo stalks grow towards the sky. The lighting in the forest is so pretty with a little sun coming through. The ambiance and the light seem to conjure drama of a magical land.
Tip: From the station, it is at least a 10-15 minute walk or you can always hire rickshaw pullers to tour you around. Don’t get disappointed if it’s packed with tourist, they come and go in batches.
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BECAUSE TENRYU-JI TEMPLE IS PRETTY ALL YEAR ROUND
Tenryu-ji Temple was founded to venerate Gautama Buddha. It has been destroyed by fire over the years. The latest construction was made during the Meiji Period, 1860’s to early 1900’s. The temple’s garden is one of the oldest in Japan.
Why is cool? The temple garden is a site to see. Visit it all year round and the garden will give you the promise of spring, the lotus blooms of the summer, the colorful autumn leaves and snow covered ground that makes the temple gardens very attractive. Any time of the year, there is something for you to see.
Tip: You will pass this temple before seeing the Sagano Bamboo Grove.
Why is cool? The temple garden is a site to see. Visit it all year round and the garden will give you the promise of spring, the lotus blooms of the summer, the colorful autumn leaves and snow covered ground that makes the temple gardens very attractive. Any time of the year, there is something for you to see.
Tip: You will pass this temple before seeing the Sagano Bamboo Grove.
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BECAUSE ALL THAT GLITTER IS GOLD AT KINKAKU-JI TEMPLE
Kinkaku-ji Temple or the Golden Pavilion is the place to see in Kyoto. Do not miss it for the world. This is the top spot to see while in Kyoto. Kinkaku-ji is a Zen Buddhist Temple.
Why is it impressive? The top two stories are actually made with gold leaf. The design is a perfect example of the Muromachi Period in Japan wherein architecture should correlate with its settings in an artistic way. The zen garden complements the structure perfectly while it glistens a stunning gold reflection on the pool.
Tip: There is only one way in and out. This is the iconic spot in Kyoto so do not fret with huge crowds. The traffic is quite manageable though you will be annoyed with the selfie sticks.
Why is it impressive? The top two stories are actually made with gold leaf. The design is a perfect example of the Muromachi Period in Japan wherein architecture should correlate with its settings in an artistic way. The zen garden complements the structure perfectly while it glistens a stunning gold reflection on the pool.
Tip: There is only one way in and out. This is the iconic spot in Kyoto so do not fret with huge crowds. The traffic is quite manageable though you will be annoyed with the selfie sticks.
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BECAUSE KAMO-GAWA RIVER IS A RELAXING SPOT TO SIT AND PEOPLE WATCH
Feeling tired of the overwhelming sights that Tokyo has to offer? Perhaps the Kamo-gawa River is the good spot to sit down and relax. This is a popular walking spot for residents. It is a sight to behold during sakura season since the cherry trees are lined up along side the river.
Why not go? If the cherry trees are not reason enough, probably the lovers along the riverside will hypnotize you to pick up your camera and take candid shots! Oftentimes, those stolen moments captured on camera are way better than the sight itself. At least for us, we like taking those kinds of shots.
Tip: You might want to wait sunset over here while relaxing.
Why not go? If the cherry trees are not reason enough, probably the lovers along the riverside will hypnotize you to pick up your camera and take candid shots! Oftentimes, those stolen moments captured on camera are way better than the sight itself. At least for us, we like taking those kinds of shots.
Tip: You might want to wait sunset over here while relaxing.
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BECAUSE THE CHERRY BLOSSOMS AT PONTO-CHO DISTRICT IS A SIGHT TO BEHOLD
Sometimes some places are left unexplained let the visual storytelling capture you. If you are just thinking where to go to get lost in little streets, this is the spot for you. Right in the heart of Kyoto is Ponto-cho District. It's quite wonderful to stumble upon the back alleys of Kyoto to have a glimpse of its old world charm.
Why visit? Experience its authenticity for all its worth! You have to visit day and night to experience the difference.
Why visit? Experience its authenticity for all its worth! You have to visit day and night to experience the difference.
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BECAUSE YOU MIGHT BE ABLE TO SPOT A GEISHA
Ah, yes... the elusive geisha! Sadly for us, we didn't see one but maybe it will be a different story for you. In Gion and Ponto-cho Districts, you feel like you are in the past. The streets are lined up with traditional Japanese buildings.
Why go? There are plenty of entertainment options in Gion, perhaps watch a geisha show or try speciality restaurants or traditional Japanese food.
Why go? There are plenty of entertainment options in Gion, perhaps watch a geisha show or try speciality restaurants or traditional Japanese food.
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Kyoto was awarded the World's Best City in 2014 by Travel + Leisure Magazine. It is a city that shows its strong ties to its traditional culture without making it a cliche. Yes, its a city that attracts a lot of tourists but Kyoto does it without being too gaudy. It is a city that upholds its pride and shows off its heritage with class.
Perhaps, Kyoto and us have some unfinished business because we weren't able to spot a geisha. Maybe, next time.... There is always a next time.
Perhaps, Kyoto and us have some unfinished business because we weren't able to spot a geisha. Maybe, next time.... There is always a next time.
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