So, Kyoto was the easy part. We stayed in a very nice Western-style hotel, knew exactly what we wanted to see and if we did not rely on our feet, we just hopped into a train or taxi to get to the next sightseeing spot. If we were unsure were to go, there was always… Continue reading Travelling from Kyoto to Takayama
Tag: Kyoto
Sakura in Kyoto
Every year in spring it snows in Japan - and it could be nice, warm and sunny but it will still snow. Why? Because of the cherry blossoms, which will fall to the ground as soon as there is a little wind. We had timed our trip accordingly and took into account that it might… Continue reading Sakura in Kyoto
Kyoto: Zōri and Origami
While walking through Gion I noticed a few shops selling interesting looking footwear. Initially I thought that these are the typical shoes for Geishas, but then I did some research and found that Geishas wear two types of sandals. The wooden sandals, which can be very high, are called Geta. They can be worn with… Continue reading Kyoto: Zōri and Origami
Kyoto: Night falls at Kamo River
After strolling through Gion the night was falling. We walked over the bridge at Kamo River, which is popular with residents and tourists. A few people were walking along and sitting next to the pathways running alongside the river. The water level of the river was quite low, but we enjoyed the reflections of the… Continue reading Kyoto: Night falls at Kamo River
Kyoto: Geishas in Gion
On our last day in Kyoto we spent a few hours in Gion. Initially we had plans to explore Nara, but the weather was bad, it was cold and rainy and we did not want to venture too much outside. We wanted to stay close to coffee, tea and cheese cakes - which sounded like… Continue reading Kyoto: Geishas in Gion
Kyoto: Nishiki Market and pickled vegetables
Nishiki Market is a narrow, five block long shopping street (conveniently covered for the rain - given that we were not so lucky with the weather) lined by more than one hundred shops and restaurants. It known as 'Kyoto's Kitchen' and our guide book said 'f it can be eaten, it can be found here'… Continue reading Kyoto: Nishiki Market and pickled vegetables
Kyoto: Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion)
One of Kyoto's highlights is the Golden Pavilion, a Zen temple whose top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf. The pavilion was built in 1408 and has burned down numerous times throughout its history including 1950 when it was set on fire by a fanatic monk. The present structure was rebuilt in 1955.… Continue reading Kyoto: Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion)
Kyoto: Nijo Castle
Next on our list of sightseeing top spots was the Nijo Castle, which was built in 1603 as the Kyoto residence the first shogun of the Edo Period. It was expanded by his grandson by adding a five story castle keep a few years later. From 1867 onwards the Nijo Castle was used as an… Continue reading Kyoto: Nijo Castle
Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Shrine
This is the most amazing shrine I've visited in Japan so far, it is very beautiful with fox statues and thousands of red torii gates lining the hills. It is one of the oldest (founded in 711 AD) and most revered Shinto shrines, and dedicated to Inari, the god of rice, sake, and prosperity. While… Continue reading Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Shrine
Kyoto: Gioji Temple in Arashiyama
This is a very unusual temple - it is more like a secret garden. It is a little bit tucked away and might not be THE temple to visit according to your guide book, but it is very unusual with the moss garden, quiet and peaceful. The temple is named for Gio, a dancer from… Continue reading Kyoto: Gioji Temple in Arashiyama
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