Japan Series: Kyoto (3/4)

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Kyoto

Kyoto is what everyone pictures when they think of Japan: the classic shrines and temples, the tree lined streets with traditional homes, and parks full of cherry blossoms. It's the Japan of your dreams.

Tenryu-Ji Temple is a lovely temple next to Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. There is a beautiful garden in the back. There is a fee to go inside the temple but the garden is free. I saw fall leaves in the garden and I hear there are cherry blossoms trees too.

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is a real bamboo forest. It's breathtaking. It's also super crowded. You are walking shoulder to shoulder with others the entire length of the forest. The forest is open 24/7 so you should go in the early morning or late evening if want to take pictures without hoards of people.

Philosopher's Path is a stretch along a tree lined street next to a canal with multiple temples along the way. Historically, there was a famous philosopher that always walked this path on his way to the university. I don't have any pictures of this area. You're just going to have to trust me that it's pretty.

Eikando Temple is a well known temple that's famous for it's fall foliage in it's very large garden. It's illuminated at night so it's really popular day and night. The garden also has a lovely lake and lots of interesting statures.

Nanzen-ji Temple has an exquisite garden with a large aqueduct that you can walk on. It's another popular spot for fall leaves that is especially cool next to the brick red aqueduct.

Kiyomizudera Temple is high up on a mountain so you have spectacular views all around. It's a popular spot for viewing cherry blossoms and fall foliage. It also has a waterfall that gets diverted into three streams down the temple. Visitors are encouraged to drink from it. I did not do this but I saw lots of people who did. 

Kinkaku-ji is also known as the Gold Pavilion for obvious reasons. I remember when we went it was cloudy so it wasn't as striking as it would have been in bright sunlight. But it was pretty nonetheless.

Yasaka Shrine is another popular shrine. It's home to the annual Kokura Gion Festival. The bright red exterior is visible from miles away.

Food is amazing. That is all.

You don't want to miss the last part of the Japan series. Next up is Osaka!

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