Arashiyama Bamboo Groove, Fushimi Inari Shrine, Golden Pavilion, Gion District and Daigoji Temple are just few of the popular places to visit in Kyoto. Known as the city of thousands of temples, a few days is not enough to visit them all. Aside from places, food is also as exciting! Ramen, takoyaki, okinomiyaki, katsudon and sushi rolls are just few to try. Most trees turn into red during autumn which is magical - just imagine how breathtaking it would be during spring or Sakura season. Truly, Kyoto is a must visit city as it offers ‘real’ Japan experience. If that excites you to travel in Kyoto, then this is for you!

After a long nap in the afternoon, we headed to Kiyomizu-dera Temple. From our guesthouse, it was about 22 minutes away by foot. Since we haven’t explored the neighbourhood yet, we decided to walk. Along the way we saw plenty of small restaurants and traditional tea shops.

Daigoji Temple

From Fushimi Inari Shrine we headed to our next stop, Daigoji Temple. It is a large complex by Shingon sect of Japanese Buddhism located south of Kyoto and designated as world heritage site. Daigoji Temple is famous for its grand temples, five-storey pagoda and its alluring gardens.

Fushimi Inari Shrine

6:00 am | Day 3 | Kyoto

Day 3 in Kyoto and we woke up very early. The weather was better than the day before - though a bit cloudy. It was nonetheless, a perfect day to cope up with our missed itinerary. Our plan was to visit 3 places - 2 in the morning and 1 in the afternoon. These were in south-east of Kyoto and a little bit far from our usual route.

Gion District

8 am | Day 2 | Kyoto

When travelling, one should be flexible with his schedule since weather can be unpredictable at times. That happened on our second day in Kyoto. We were awakened by a heavy rainfall that day. We were supposed to see more of Kyoto’s historical places but because of that we had to change our plans.

"Yasaka Shrine, also known as Gion Shrine, is one of the most famous shrines in Kyoto. Founded over 1350 years ago, the shrine is located between the popular Gion District and Higashiyama District, and is often visited by tourists walking between the two districts.." [ref: japan-guide.com]

Nanzenji Temple

"Nanzenji Temple, whose spacious grounds are located at the base of Kyoto's forested Higashiyama mountains, is one of the most important Zen temples in all of Japan. It is the head temple of one of the schools within the Rinzai sect of Japanese Zen Buddhism and includes multiple subtemples, that make the already large complex of temple buildings even larger." [ref: japan-guide.com]

Eikando Temple

"Eikando, formally known as Zenrinji Temple, belongs to the Jodo sect of Japanese Buddhism. Located just north of the large temple complex of Nanzenji, Eikando is very famous for its autumn colors and the evening illuminations that take place in fall. The temple has a long history, and there are a variety of buildings and a pond garden that visitors can explore." [ref: japan-guide.com]

1:00 pm | Day 1 | Kyoto |



After Ginkakuji, we headed to Eikando Temple. We rode Bus 32 using ICOCA card. The walk was a bit far from the bus stop but it was all worth it when we got there. Starting from the entrance gate, it was already crowded. People were taking picture everywhere of the maple trees. Some were just fine not entering the temple since from the ground itself is already beautiful. We were hesitant at first because of the huge crowd but in the end we decided to check the place. Surprisingly, we were in awe seeing lots of maples trees in full autumn colors. No wonder why this place is named as a must visit during autumn.

Ginkakuji

"Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion) is a Zen temple along Kyoto's eastern mountains (Higashiyama). In 1482, shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa built his retirement villa on the grounds of today's temple, modeling it after Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion), his grandfather's retirement villa at the base of Kyoto's northern mountains (Kitayama). The villa was converted into a Zen temple after Yoshimasa's death in 1490." [ref: japan-guide.com]

9:30 am | Day 1 | Kyoto |

<K> Seeing the Ginkakuji in person feels like being transported in ancient Japan.

From Heian Shrine we rode Bus 204 and paid using ICOCA Card. Buses in Kyoto have English voice prompts so there is no need to worry. In between transit, it will prompt what tourist spot is near. We disembarked to the bus stop nearest to Ginkakuji and walked to the entrance. Along the way there are lots of restaurants and souvenir shops. We arrived there around 9:30 am and it is already crowded.

After a long day of travel, we woke up energized to start our day. Since Kyoto has too many places to visit, we sorted it by area. Day 1 is on the east side. Full of enthusiasm, we headed on our first stop.

Heian Shrine

<R> The entrance of the shrine with it's captivating colors.

"The shrine was built on the occasion of the 1100th anniversary of the capital's foundation in Kyoto and is dedicated to the spirits of the first and last emperors who reigned from the city, Emperor Kammu (737-806) and Emperor Komei (1831-1867). Heian is the former name of Kyoto. Heian Shrine can be reached by Kyoto City bus number 5 or 100 from Kyoto Station in about half an hour (230 yen). Alternatively, take the subway via Karasuma Oike Station to Higashiyama Station (20 minutes, 260 yen), from where the shrine is a ten minute walk." [ref: japan-guide.com]