I had been in Osaka for over 2 months and I had still not been to Kyoto. Seems I got a little to side tracked and forgot I was a tourist! It was time to correct that fault and head on over to Japan’s ancient capital for 2 days and 1 night.
Kyoto is famous for temples, its got temples everywhere so many that there is no way any tourist to visit them all without a week in town. So I did what everyone else does and I went to the major must see’s. I couldn’t say how many I actually made it to but in the photos below you will see these temples. Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion), Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), Fushimi Inari Shrine, and Kiyomizu Temple to name a few.
Kyoto visually is beautiful, in fall with the leaves and in spring with the cherry blossoms I bet it is jaw dropping stunning. But any time of year the city will be beautiful, I was there in late summer and found it wonderful.
Walking though Gion, visiting temples and shrines all day is an awesome way to spend your time. It’s clear to see why the city is so famous and why so many tourists flock there. When you are visiting the shrines and temples make sure to also take part in the culture. All of the temples sell charms, charms for everything you would want. The Japanese tourists love them and you should too. I bought charms for everyone in my family as gifts. But you can also buy candles or burn incense and say prayers. These are not just unused historic sights they are active religious sights. The Kiyomizu Temple is also home to Kiyomizu-dera where you can drink water that may grant wishes!
The best part of town was the Kiyomizu area by far. The temples, the shops the narrow streets; it was absolutely what you expect when you think of Kyoto and you cannot miss it when visiting the city. Many of the pictures are of this area.
Next time I visit the city I plan on doing it in spring with the full cherry blossoms and hopefully ill remember I am a tourist and make sure to explore the area in much more detail.
