Kyoto, Japan
Kyoto is one of the most beautiful cities I have ever seen. A rich cultural history and spirituality add to the overall vibe of this wonderful place. In early July, I spent four days falling in love with the city with admiration of the magnificent temples and shrines. I've been on a journey of self-discovery and trying to decide what are the best next steps to take career-wise and visiting Kyoto was an important part of my self-reflection process.
I booked the Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kyoto-Kiyomizu Gojo hotel due to its inexpensive rates that included continental breakfast and its proximity to Nishiki Market (more on this later). The assortment of breakfast buffet options changed daily and had a reasonable variety of choices for every taste. The rooms are compact but clean and it was conveniently located close to the train station. During my stay, the weather was overcast and somewhat rainy but I could comfortably wear dresses due to the warm weather.
Kyoto Attractions
Downtown Kyoto
This is a vibrant neighborhood that is a great location for first-time visitors to find accommodations. There are many wonderful dining options and popular brand name stores available for shopping. Public transportation easily accessible and it is only a short walk to Nishiki market. Downtown Kyoto is a great area to enjoy nightlife activities as well.
Gion District
This is a popular neighborhood where geisha may be seen and traditional tea ceremonies are performed. Women dressed in colorful kimonos walking the streets add to the feeling of authenticity. Stricter regulations have recently been implemented that limit visitors from entering certain establishments but the average visitor will not notice any difference. Cute boutique shops and restaurants line the streets and this is a great place to pick up unique Japanese souvenirs. When visiting Gion, check out Kawarmachi Street along the Kamo river for a vibrant scene of Japanese brands and restaurants.
Nishiki Market
Experiencing cultural cuisine is an essential part of my travels so upon arrival my first stop was Nishiki Market. The market combines an assortment of booths and restaurants that provide sweet and savory options. The selections range in price from cheap to more expensive choices. I opted to try an assortment of small bites from different vendors so that I could try a little of everything. The grilled shrimp and chicken teriyaki skewers were some of my favorites. There are also an assortment of sake and alcoholic beverages that were reasonably priced and strong.😄 Nishiki Market provides unique dining that you should experience during your trip to Kyoto.
In Gion the most beautiful place that I visited was the Yasaka Shrine. Shrines differ from temples because Shrines are religious sites for the
Shinto religion with an entrance that contains a torii gate at the
entrance while temples are affiliated with Buddhism and have a sanmon
gate entrance. The vibrant colors and beautiful architecture of the Yasaka Shrine are unlike anything I have seen before. It is one of the most famous and revered religious sites in Kyoto. While it is always bustling with activity, during your visit take a few deep breaths and fully embrace the beauty of the grounds. This is a must-see destination while in Kyoto!
Chion-In Grounds
Stone bridge arch Chion-In shrine 🙏
This is a historical site where visitors can easily spend the entire day appreciating the beautiful Buddhist temples and admiring the surrounding natural beauty. The grounds are located in the Higashiyama neighborhood and are accessible by public transportation. Wear comfortable walking shoes because the grounds are massive. There is an onsite restaurant stand that has amazing matcha ice cream and an assortment of other options to provide energy as you explore. Upon entering the sanmon gate, the Yuen'en gardens provide a serene environment and the stone arch bridge covers a gorgeous pond. The bridge is a popular location to pause for a photo op.
Dragon Chōzubachi
Before entering temples, visitors perform the temizuya purification ritual at the chōzubachi (water bowl). Please dress demurely when visiting temple grounds out of consideration of Japanese tradition. Shoes should be removed before entering temples and placed in a bag that you may carry and photography is not allowed inside of temples but is permissible on the grounds.
Chorakuji Temple
Bamboo tree lined path Burial Grounds
This temple is a short five-minute walk from the Chion-In grounds. The temple provides a serene spiritual atmosphere. A hike through beautiful scenery provides gorgeous views of Kyoto and leads to burial sites where ancestors are honored with beautiful head stones. Being immersed in nature seemed to provide a tranquil place for those laid to rest. Massive bamboo trees lined the pathway on my journey to the burial grounds. I was unable to visit the famous Arashiyama Bamboo Grove but walking through the grounds provided what I image to be a similar experience. Chorakuji provides a unique experience through incorporating temples with natural beauty and burial grounds. I highly suggest that you incorporate this temple into your next visit to Kyoto.
Whether you are looking for a serene environment or a rich cultural experience with fantastic food, Kyoto has something to offer for every taste.
What experiences have you had or are looking forward to having in Kyoto?
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