by Charlie
Day 4-5 Kyoto
The third stop is Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan and the former capital of Japan in history. Kyoto is worth visiting all year round, each season has a different beauty, the sea of cherry blossoms in spring, the green in summer, the maple forest in autumn and the silver in winter bring different visual feasts.
Arashiyama is an absolute must-see sightseeing spot in Kyoto! It’s famous for its breathtaking bamboo forests and incredible views along the river. In summer, the bamboo forest in Arashiyama is an absolute must for taking photos, especially in the morning mist. When you get off the train at Arashiyama Station, you’ll find a bamboo forest trail that just keeps getting more and more impressive as you go along. It’s simply beautiful to take photos of, especially from an upward perspective. It’s only 500 metres long, but it gives you the feeling of walking 5000 metres!
Kinkakuji is undoubtedly one of the most famous and incredible attractions in Kyoto. The magnificent three-storey pavilion, covered with glistening gold leaf, is not only the most recognisable building in Kyoto but also part of the UNESCO World Heritage. The reflection of the golden pavilion in the Mirror Lake Pond is particularly spectacular, and the scenery varies throughout the year, offering a unique experience each time you visit.
When you think of Kyoto, you have to think of Senbon Torii – Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine! It is the head shrine of over 30,000 Inari Shrines throughout Japan and is dedicated to the god of agriculture, Inari, who blesses commerce with prosperity and a good harvest. The film Memoirs of a Geisha, starring the incredible Gong Li and Zhang Ziyi, was filmed here! It’s also a popular spot for tourists to experience a beautiful photo shoot in a kimono.
The solemn gate of the temple and the red colour of the pavilions are very familiar, yes, when it comes to Kyoto, the attraction that Conan fans must know is the Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Kiyomizu-dera is the oldest temple in Kyoto, and like a poem of the ancient capital, Kiyomizu-dera seems to encapsulate the essence of Japan’s ancient capital, making travellers who come here unforgettable. Kiyomizu-dera is a national treasure of Japan and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Sanzenin is a must-see in Kyoto, where ancient trees, moss and streams provide the lush greenery of Kyoto’s monastic landscapes and a sense of coolness on a hot summer’s day. Take the Hieizan Train to Midorikko Forest and enjoy the lush beauty of the summer season as you travel through a lush green landscape.
