Kyoto, Japan
Kyoto was the capital of Japan in 794. It has an old town
feel, there are people wearing kimono everywhere. At first I thought they are
locals, then I realized they are all tourists. The city has breathtaking
temples, calming zen gardens, and century old palaces that aren’t disturbed by
modern amenities like huge shopping centers.
We arrived Kyoto from KIX (Osaka airport) via JR Haruka
express train. It took us 90 minutes.
When we arrive in Kyoto, we see a futuristic station with
stories high ceiling. As you walked out of station, you will see the Kyoto
Tower (131 meters= 430 feet)
People are really nice in Japan, I drop my scarf on the way
to hotel, and the people behind me chase after me to give it to me.
We checked in Dormy Inn in Kyoto
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5 minutes walk from Kyoto station
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Nice onsen
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Free ramen from 9-11pm
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Room is ok (kind of small, feel like tiny house)
We ate at Porta (restaurants down in the basement from the
station.)
We spent the next day taking the Kyoto and Nara tour
Nijo Castle
Built in 1603, used to be home to shogun Edo period. You
take off your shoes to go inside, the most interesting feature is the famous
nightingale floors, which makes sqeaking sounds so that intruders could never
sneak in. Once you exit the palace you
will come to a beautiful garden with ponds, rocks, and trees.
Golden Pavilion
Bus then took us to Kinkakuji, commonly known as the Golden
Pavilion due to its bright yellow façade. The 3 story temple sits on a quiet
pond with green forest surrounds the temple, making it a picturesque
scene. Walk along the path you will see
people throw coins at statue for good luck.
Kyoto Imperial Palace
This is where prince and princess stay when visit Kyoto. You
can’t go inside, but stroll outside you can see nice garden.
Nara
The bus then took us to Nara (1 hour from Kyoto)
Todaiji Temple/Nara Park
Our tour guide took us directly to see Budda first, he says
don’t get distracted from the deer (oh deer).
After we see the Budda, then we went out to get deer food and feed the
deer. One side note, who picks up the deer poop? the worker, insects, or the
tour guide?
Kasuga Shrine (Shinto)
Finally we stopped by souvenir shop and head back to hotel.
The next day we took a tour with Cycle Kyoto.
Peter is our guide, he is from Bay Area!
Toji Temple
5 tier pagoda
Honganji Temple
Kamo River
Gion
Tofukuji Temple
Fushimi Inari Shrine
Took JR to see
Monkey Park- This is the only place I know that humans are in the cage (in the cabin), and monkeys are outside roaming around.
Kimono Forest
Bamboo Forest
You can not come to Arashiyama without visiting bamboo forest. So beautiful!
On the last day in Kyoto we visited Sky Garden in Isetan
Explore Gion
Nishiki Market
