By japanretreats on February 21, 2014 ( 1 Comment )

Kyoto

If you can spare 3-5 days outside of Tokyo, go to the ancient capital Kyoto! It’s about 2.5 hours by a Shinkansen Bullet train ride to the west of Japan from Tokyo station. We promise you that you will be templed-out by about third day, but it is just so lovely and Kyoto will always have some soft spot in your heart after you left.

Having said that, there is a plenty of historical atmosphere in Kyoto towns and streets and it is not all about temples and shrines although they could make you feel that you are walking on the same passages where Japanese Samurai warriors walked by some hundred years ago.

You shall enjoy its seasonal nature anytime throughout the year, however, the best time to visit Kyoto will definitely be autumn colouring leaves season – late November to early December! You will be surrounded by vivid orange, red and yellow everywhere you go! I assure you it will be one of the most memorable place of your life. It is so tranquil and simply beautiful. Have you seen anything more breathtaking than this?

Here are some highlight places you can visit. They are quite accesible either by trains or buses from the city centre of Kyoto.

Gion-cho

Gion-cho town is famous for Geisha district and is really nice to walk around and get lost in all the little streets and nice old tea house buildings. Really great to walk around at night time too.

Kiyomizudera Temple

The temple that almost represents Kyoto. This most famous lookout is a must and only 15 mins from Kyoto station, which is very easy to do on your own but may be very busy. (Maps at the bottom of the page)

Shin-nyo Do

Shin-nyo Do (pronounces as Doh) Temple is up on a hill and once you have walked all around there, you can walk down to the other side and get some nice pictures again looking back up the hill. A cozy, pretty little temple!

Kodaiji Temple

Besides the temple building itself, they have a beautiful garden as well as the bamboo walk. This is truly amazing and they are open till late for evening light up during autumn colouring leaves season! This light up walk is mysterious and we say it’s a must do! (Maps at the bottom of the page)

Nijo-jo Castle

This world heritage castle has a lot of great art work on their fusuma screens and ceilings. Nijo-jo was built in 1603 to protect the Shogun (General) during his stay at Kyoto Imperial Palace which in the neighbourhood.

The hallways of Ninomaru Palace building is called “Uguisu (a bush warbler bird) Hallway” and it makes squeaking sound like the bird chirping. It was designed this way so that they would know if the intruders are in the Palace. It was said that everyone had to walk the hallway in the same manner in order to distinguish the sound from the intruders. Interesting, isn’t it?

They also have a beautiful garden perfectly co-exists with the castle buildings.

For more details, you can visit their official website.

Kinkakuji Temple

Although the official name is Rokuonji, it is more commonly known as Kinkakuji (= Golden) Temple. This is a Zen temple. The Golden temple stands by the pond and they have a lovely garden to walk around too.

Sagano and Arashiyama

A great spot around Kyoto is Sagano and Arashiyama area. It’s less than 1 hour away from centre of Kyoto and has really nice mountain and river view with plenty of fresh air. Also great little temples and fabulous bamboo woods to walk through. This is a very interesting country side town. (Maps at the bottom of the page)

Sanzen-in / Ohara area

Another lovely country side which is also less than 1 hour away from Kyoto city by train or bus. Sanzen-in Temple is on the top of the hill and as you walk up the narrow street toward Sanzen-in Temple, you will pass through the vibrant little local souvenir shops and restaurants. When these pictures below are taken it was a cloudy day with drizzling rain but it was still a truly lovely visit. They have more than 1200 years of history and you can certainly feel it in the atmosphere!