Here's an awesome albeit belated post on my travel to Kyoto over Lunar New Year this year! I'll be covering some of Kyoto's rural Onsen destinations and go-to places, alongside with TONES of scenic, food and interesting pictures!
(First and foremost, I would like to credit ChangiRecommends for being so awesome!)
(Portable WiFi Device for my travel which was a HUGE help compared to the SIM cards & devices that Japan provides. Generally lasted a good solid 8-10 hours per day without having to worry about lousy signal)
(MUCH LOVEEE!)
Took an SQ flight out to KIX (6 hours ish) before taking a train to Kyoto Central. Train rides can be super tricky in Japan. I thought I purchased the right ticket (and amount), hopped on the train with the directions given, but the conductor requested a top-up from me after a routine check. Couldn't make out what he was trying to explain to me but I paid anyway. I have utmost trust and faith in them XD
(One of my favorite things to do in Japan: Taking trains, especially reallyyy long ones. You'll see why!)
Always take the Haruka Express Train operated by JR West when you are heading to Kyoto from Kansai International Airport. Took only 75 minutes to reach Kyoto instead of the usual rides, some that can go up to 6 hours! $40 for the ride was super worth it.
(ARRIVED!!)
I was staying in Hotel Granvia Kyoto for the night which is located just in-front of the Kyoto Station. Superbly convenient if you are traveling between different parts of Kyoto. The station itself is sardined between malls, several hotels and plentiful of restaurants. Great to start off your journey from there!
(Super clean and comfortable. Get rooms that overlook the city! Well worth it.)
(Guess where's our first stop?)
(Junction before the climb to Kiyomizu!)
The alley up to Kiyomizu was my favorite. I was dazzled by all the interesting shops, selling goodies, handmade items, local restaurants and stores that were offering rental of kimonos for both men and women.
Yes, you don't even have to be shy. Countless of tourists were all decked in kimonos that you might thought a festival was underway. I didn't bother since I tried it once. But for first timers, I'll definitely suggest giving it a go! Great for pictures in the temple and a chance for you to know how it's like to feel suffocated for an hour.
Kidding, it's awesome.
(Here we go!)
(If you've been to Japan, you would know that they have prepared your journey with LOTSA STAIRS)
(A MUST visit when you are in Kyoto!)
(Crowds and more crowds)
There were some construction works going on while I was there but most parts of it were still open. Don't let the crowds and loud-noisers dampen your spirit though. Soak in the sight and feel the atmosphere around you, you'll fall in love with the architecture and old wood smell. Trees were all withered due to winter but it was another kinda alluring beauty to me.
(I'll definitely be back!)
(Benches strewn along the pathway)
So inside Kiyomizu, there's this really interesting love shrine (Jishu Shrine), dedicated to the deity of love and matchmaking. Inside the shrine, you can find two stones being set apart from each other (at least 18 meters!) and legend says, if you can find your way from one stone to the other with your eyes closed, you'll find true love (or well, your partner is your true love I supposed?)! You can also engaged certain help in directions but that would mean your path to true love would require a go-between as well.
(Donate before you start!)
(Many love pursuers in the small shrine)
(Don't lose hope if you can't find the stone. Buy tones of expensive love charms!)
(Left an Ema and hope all that I wish will come true)
So, a little tip for Shrine/Temple (which has 2 very different meanings) goers in Japan. Shrine are usually named 社, whilst Temples are 寺. They both have different steps and manners when it comes to paying your respects. Shrines are associated with Shintoism whilst Temples are generally associated with Buddhism.
(Shrines are usually adorned by Tori-Gates)
In Shrines, you will often notice a purification trough, which usually consists of a small fountain and plenty of ladles that rests on them. Those are for you to 'cleanse' yourself and you can often find them before entering a shrine. Take one of the ladles, fill it with water and rinse both hands. Next, pour some water into your cupped hand, rinse your mouth and spit the water beside the fountain. Please DO NOT drink directly from the ladle!
Once you are in the offering hall, toss a coin (it is believed that 5 or 50 yen coins are the best as it has holes in it, which will bring more luck!), ring the gong if there's any, bow deeply twice, clap your hands twice, bow deeply again and pray.
Most of all, be respectful and behave calmly.
(Kiyomizu is a Temple and you can usually find temples in colors as such)
In Temples, note to show your respect by offering a prayer in front of the sacred object followed by tossing a coin into the prayer box and a prayer after. Most of the time, you'll be asked to remove your shoes and enter the premises in your socks.
You can usually find incense burners in temples. Purchase a bundle, proceed to light them and tap lightly to extinguish the flames instead of using your mouth to blow them out. You can then proceed to put them in the burner and fan some of the smoke towards yourself! Which is said to provide healing powers. Likewise, be respectful and behave in a calmly manner!
(Last picture before we move to the next location!)
(The famous Fushimi Inari Shrine)
But of course, when you are in Kyoto, you can't miss out this Shrine. Made famous by the thousand rows of Torii Gates. Beyond the Senbon-Torii gates, you can find an awesome hike trail that leads up to the summit of the mountain and along the way, you'll find smaller shrines and even restaurants that offers local dishes!
(Main area of the shrine where you can purchase Ema, Omikuji and small bites)
(Entrance to Senbon-Torii. All these gates are donated by companies or individuals but at a rather hefty price)
(Impossible to capture a good picture with all the crowds :( )
(Donors names are all engraved on the gates)
(Wish Bubs was around to take some awesome photos XD )
(Start of the hike up!)
About 20-40 minutes up, I had to give up due to the sun setting and I didn't want the folks to wait too long for my return. It will take about 2-3 hours back and fro if you are a slow hiker and it's much quieter when you keep going, with many interesting sights every step you take. Worthwhile if you have the time and physicality.
(Found these darlings on the way back, super well fed!)
(Golden hour approaching)
(Found Guan Yin Ma!)
The entire Shrine will probably take half a day to cover, that is if you are keen on the hike. Likewise, please go early to avoid crowds and ruckus. We missed out some eateries around the area so if you have tried any, let me know which is awesome!
(I'm in love with these small little alleys in Kyoto)
(Risking my life for this shot)
Left the area and proceeded to the famous Shijo Street for dinner! We took cabs ALOT during the first day and despite destinations being near, still not recommended for the tight budget travelers. Always opt for trains/buses.
(Beautiful street lights adorning the whole stretch of Shijo)
(The whole of Shijo Avenue is a shopping paradise for all! Also leads to the famous Gion district.)
(You can find all sorts of Kyoto snacks in this area, great as gifts!)
We ended the night with a super scrumptious dinner (sorry no pictures cause food too good) and we actually found my FAVORITE STORE in Japan through the wonders of google! Surprisingly, there's only one accessible Don Quijote in the central area and its not as extensive as the ones in Tokyo. Had to wait in the cold for 20 mins for a cab back too T_T
Day 2 next!
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