When I decided Japan would be the nfollowingcountry to visit, Kyoto became a priority. I had heard so much about the region, in the ways of its temples, picturesque scenery, and beautiful streets of the city area; I knew the conclusion could only be one thing, an unforgettable journey in Kyoto.

Unforgettable for all the places I visited in Kyoto, there are still so many attractions I didn’t have time to get to; I only hope I get back there soon enough. Unforgettable, that was the first city I visited on my first trip to Japan, and I was desperate that my journey to Kyoto would be a relevant experience.

With Kyoto concluding this trip in Japan and Osaka looming next, I needed to get the most out of the expansive region of Kyoto on days three and four of the trip. Indeed I did with the most exciting attractions in Arashiyama and Fushimi Inari Shrine, dining out with tasty Japanese food and checking out a few local markets with unique merchandise on sale.

It’s the second edition Osaka-Kyoto Diaries, and I can tell you from my perspective that it was an unforgettable journey in Kyoto that never stopped over this busy two-day period. Let’s check out the highlights of Kyoto.

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An unforgettable journey in Kyoto.

Main Highlights of Osaka – Kyoto Diaries: Days 3 – 4 – An Unforgettable journey in Kyoto

Kyoto is a city that truly has it all – stunning temples and shrines, beautiful gardens, delicious food, and rich culture. I was lucky to spend four days exploring this fantastic city, which was an unforgettable experience.

Being Mesmerised by Arashiyama

Arashiyama was the absolute highlight of my time in Kyot, Japan; it’s simply breathtaking. From the moment I got off the light train at Arashiyama from the city area, natural beauty, all with mind-blowing traditions, was around me. So much I could have spent a few days in the field rather than a few hours, which was all the time I could afford with the limited time I had in Kyoto.

For Arashiyama, I will give you a few highlights of the few hours I spent in a lovely part of japan and helped bring about an unforgettable journey in Kyoto.

Many temples are in Arashiyama.

• The Bamboo Forest Walk: The Bamboo Forest Walk is what most people think of when visiting Arashiyama. It’s a beautiful yet crowded walk, with many Bamboo trees lined up on either side of the path as an entrance into the forest. It’s a beautiful sight, there is no doubt about it, yet it is a tourist attraction packed with many tourists, and I wasn’t even there during the peak times of the year, Autumn or Spring.
  The Bamboo Forest Walk is free to enter, one of the few attractions in Arashiyama that is complimentary. No matter the crowds that stroll through the Bamboo forest walk, it is an unforgettable walk.

Look ahead to all the tall bamboo.

• Tenryu-Ji Temple: The Tenryu-Ji Temple is my favourite temple in Arashiyama. Built in 1339 by the ruling leader Ashikaga Takauji, the main building overlooks a gorgeous lake with gardens around it and the mountains not too far away. It starts with a beautiful garden walk before arriving at the mprimarytemple, which is a pretty picture.

  Just a side note, I wandered into a few temples in Arashiyama; they were all quite lovely in their way and on top of that, there are many other temples in the area I couldn’t get to; most temples do come with an entrance fee of around 300 yen.

The picturesque Tenru-Ji Temple.

• Okochi Sanso Garden: The 1000-yen entrance fee can seem a little pricey but is more than worth the price inside this stunning garden layout designed by a Japanese actor who created a film set in the picturesque settings on his estate.

  Not only is it a garden walk with plenty of lovely Japanese-themed buildings attached to the big attraction, but you also get a complimentary Green tea cake and tea, which is put on in the most splendid of locations with bamboo trees nearby. It’s a relaxing atmosphere and one of my favourite attractions in Arashiyama; I could only imagine it being much better during the cherry blossom season.

Okochi Sanso Garden.

• Katsura River: The Katsura River is extensive; it’s larg’s picturesque and full of activity of tourist boats flowing through the water and showing the tourists the stunning surroundings of Arashiyama. It’s a great time to get your camera out to click away and even take a selfie or two while taking a stroll along the river banks.

  Riveratsura River is a perfect spot to have a bite to eat for lunch at a riverside restaurant, to enjoy a bowl of ramen or other selections of Japanese food with a cold glass of beer, while also enjoying the sounds of the River wRiveris in full view from where I had my bowl of Japanese noodle soup.

I am enjoying ramen on the Katsura River.

• Arashiyama Monkey Park: It’s the survival of the fittest when you enter the gates of the Arashiyama Monkey Park; I say that because before you even have your first glimpse of a monkey, you need to hike up the hill for a 20-minutes. It will undoubtedly have you feeling the strain on your legs.

  Monkey Park was a tad overrated; while there are a few large and tamed monkeys at the peak of the hill once you have completed the hike, I found that I got distracted by the views of the city of Kyoto in the distance.

Arashiyama Monkey Park.

• Arashiyama back streets and town-centre walk: Wandering through Arashiyama is not only about the pleasant attractions or temples; having a quiet walk along the backroads is a must, too, to view the unique township. At this time, you can witness much Japanese-style housing with a few selling unique souvenirs of fine art or jewellery or stop in for tea, coffee or a bite to eat at a selection of cafés in the area.

   

   

  

  Take a wander down the back streets of Arashiyama.

   

The town centre in Arashiyama is packed with tourists, and while I didn’t spend a great deal of time on the streets, plenty is going on in retail shopping and restaurants; it’s also the perfect time to treat yourself to the ever-popular green tea ice cream. It’s delicious.

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Lose yourself at Fushimi Inari Shrine

Without question, I saw two of the major tourist attractions in Kyoto on the same day; in the latter part of the afternoon, I was making my way over to the other side of the city and visiting the spectacular Fushimi Inari Shrine. I’m sure most of you have seen pictures of this Shrine in the past.

I had read only a little about the Shrine when researching Kyoto, but I didn’t get into much information on what was on offer at Fushimi Inari Shrine and did I expect it to turn into quite the hike? From getting off the train at Inari station, the festival begins on the street with a range of markets and food outlets, which for street food doesn’t come cheap at all, but the thousands of tourists are still getting their coins out for a taste of tasty Japanese cuisine.

The Shrine is, of course, a stunning feature with beautiful looking Japanese style buildings that have tourists gathering for the best possible photo shoot; good luck capturing a photo without a random stranger not getting in the way of the picture, especially during the heat of the day when people are everywhere.

Then you ascend further into the Shrine to the area that makes Fushimi so accessible; I speak of the orange torii gates. You know the orange-looking figures that rowed in many numbers, and you may have seen in the movie “Memoirs of a Geisha,” the orange gates represent the staple of all holy Shinto sites. Fushimi Inari Shrine has thousands of them on its grounds.

It’s at this point I met an Armenian man, a solo traveller like me, and we went hiking through the 2.4km kilometre trek through the gates, past the grave sites and further up the hill to capture views of Kyoto city, this time on this opposite side of Arashiyama. With all the food I was eating and green tea ice cream, it was good to lose a few extra calories. We even lost ourselves at one point, which made the trek a little longer and more exhausting.

Fushimi Inari Shrine is famous for its Orange Torii Gates.

The Picturesque Kinkaku-Ji Temple

Day four in Kyoto started with another temple; why not? They’re everywhere in Kyoto, which is fine because they are breathtaking in their unique design.

According to TripAdvisor, the kinkaku-Ji Temple is the number one rated Temple in Kyoto. When it comes to appearance, the Golden Temple is tucked away behind a large lake, and with the mountains in the background, it is certainly nothing short than spectacular. You won’t need to be a world-class photographer to take a good photo of the Kinkaku-Ji temple, because this Temple that was originally built in 1397 will take care of the rest.

Regarding other attractions around Kinkaku-Ji, there isn’t much more to do there than to gaze your eyes at a delightful golden structure, albeit worth it. If you’re anything like me, you’ll be back on bus number 12 within the hour and off to the next attraction, which wasn’t a temple in this case. 

Kinkaku-Ji temple.

Step into History at Nijo Castle

Castles in Japan!!! There are few in the country, and Nijo Castle in Central Kyoto is a must-see attraction.

I love Nijo Castle because there’s always something new to discover. Whether it’s the stunning design of the buildings, the moat surrounding the castle, the lookout towers situated on the corner of the court, or the beautifully landscaped gardens, there’s always something new to catch your eye. And, of course, no visit to Nijo Castle would be complete without looking at the fantastic artwork inside the castle buildings.

For me, it’s another reason to fall in love with Kyoto. The Nijo Castle is filled with so much history, and it’s impossible not to be mesmerised by all the different paintings and sculptures you’ll see as you venture through other rooms. It is a fascinating place and well worth the 600-yen entrance fee.

Nijo Castle was accessible to the top-five attractions I visited in Kyoto, and getting there certainly helps when the castle is in a central location. I can certainly recommend it to other tourists who come to the area.

Nijo Castle.

Wander through the Spacious Grounds of the Imperial Palace

On my journey through Kyoto, the last attraction I saw was the Kyoto Imperial Palace. Another stop with more tradition and history, the palace is free to enter and comes with complimentary guided tours in Japanese or English.

Situated on the grounds of the Kyoto Imperial Park, it’ll take about an hour or two of your time to wander around the vast palace grounds, view a few beautiful gardens and, of course, the buildings of the Imperial Palace.

I enjoyed another history lesson in Kyoto, one big history lesson. Despite only having four days in Kyoto, I’m glad I could fit in a visit to the Kyoto Imperial Palace. It’s an attraction worth seeing if you find yourself in this beautiful city.

It was a memorable four days in Kyoto, a city with such history, proud tradition and beautiful scenery that will forever remain unforgettable in the memory bank. Sadly, it ended the Kyoto leg of my journey in Japan, a bit too premature for my liking because there was still so much I needed to see.

Next is Osaka, and I can’t wait for the next edition of Osaka-Kyoto Diaries. While I am excited about Osaka, I will always have a soft spot for Kyoto. There’s something about the city that feels very magical and different from anywhere else I’ve been.

Maybe it’s the fact that it’s so steeped in history and tradition, or perhaps it’s just the sheer beauty of the place. Whatever it is, Kyoto left a lasting impression on me, and I can’t wait to go back one day soon.

Kyoto Imperial Palace.

Visiting Japan has always been a lifelong ambition of mine, filled with anticipation and excitement. It was a dream that had to be fulfilled, crossing off an item from my long-awaited bucket list.

The allure of this remarkable country, with its proud traditions and rich culture, has captivated me in various ways. From watching movies set in Japan to admiring breathtaking pictures online and even studying ancient Japan in school, my fascination grew more robust. And finally, the day arrived when I could proudly say I had made it.

Stepping off the Singapore Airlines aeroplane in June 2018, I added another destination to my ever-expanding list of countries visited. Japan, a land of enigmatic wonders, awaited me with open arms. Despite the weariness from the long flight, I was determined to make the most of every moment.

Although Tokyo beckoned, I couldn’t include the bustling capital city in my itinerary this time. Instead, I opted for Kyoto and Osaka, two contrasting cities in the Kansai Region of the Japanese island of Honshu. It was a chance to explore the enchanting beauty and discover the cultural treasures that awaited me.

So here begins the first edition of the Osaka – Kyoto Diaries, encompassing the first two days of my journey. It all started in Kyoto, a region exuding incredible beauty and a profound sense of history and tradition. The ideal location to embark on my long-awaited debut trip to Japan, which I will share in the upcoming edition of my travel diaries.

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Visiting Japan and exploring Kyoto straight off the plane.

Highlights of Osaka-Kyoto Diaries – Days 1-2  – Visiting Japan for the very first time

In 2018, I embarked on my inaugural trip to Japan, filled with anticipation and curiosity to delve into the vibrant cities of Osaka and Kyoto. Osaka, exuding a bustling and cosmopolitan vibe, juxtaposes Kyoto’s traditional and historical ambience.

Let me take you through the memorable highlights of my first two days in Japan, commencing with the spirited atmosphere at the Osaka airport and the enchanting train journey to Kyoto. Get ready to embark on a captivating adventure!

Getting to Osaka and Onwards to Kyoto

I arrived at Osaka’s Kansai International Airport, filled with anticipation, ready to embark on an exciting journey with Singapore Airlines. This renowned airline offers a significant upgrade from the budget airlines I usually choose while exploring Asia. Leaving behind any concerns about luggage, seating, and in-flight meals, I was eager to experience what this highly anticipated flight had in store.

The voyage was long but well worth it. Starting from Perth, Australia, I had a five-hour layover in Singapore, followed by an overnight six-hour flight to Osaka, Japan. Arriving in the Land of the Rising Sun, I couldn’t contain my excitement as I took my first steps on Japanese soil.

Although time was limited, I didn’t want to miss the opportunity to explore Osaka. Following my meticulously planned itinerary, I hopped on a train and went to Kyoto. Including any wait times, the entire journey from Kansai International Airport took approximately 90 minutes. And just like that, my adventure in Japan had officially begun.

Let’s kickstart this incredible journey—I’m thrilled to see what awaits me!

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On the train bypassing Osaka onwards to Kyoto.

Accommodation in Kyoto – Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Shijo

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I stumbled upon this delightful boutique accommodation through user-friendly search engine websites. Its numerous positive reviews from previous guests immediately caught my attention, which spoke volumes about its stellar reputation.

Let me introduce you to the Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Shijo, an exquisite boutique hotel nestled in a central location that effortlessly blends style and convenience. Its proximity to popular attractions in Kyoto, including the renowned Nijo Castle and vibrant Nishiki Markets, ensures your stay is filled with exploration and discovery.

Now, let’s talk about the Mitsui experience itself. As a solo traveller staying in a cozy single room, I found this hidden gem an absolute dream. Its immaculate cleanliness and attention to detail truly set it apart, while the affordability of a 3-star hotel in Japan made it even more enticing. And let’s not forget the pièce de résistance – an incredibly comfortable bed that ensured a truly restful night’s sleep, accompanied by the invigorating warmth of a refreshing shower.

Granted, one might argue that the room can be described as “tiny,” but let’s face it – when you have such a captivating city like Kyoto beckoning you, spending ample time within the confines of your cozy haven might seem like a waste. The Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Shijo is an impeccable choice for those seeking to maximize their time exploring the enchanting wonders of Kyoto while still having a comforting abode to retreat to at the end of the day.

There you have it – a portrait of the Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Shijo, where impeccable service, prime location, and a cozy haven converge to create an unforgettable stay in one of Japan’s most captivating cities.

A miniature garden set up at the Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Shijo.

It Begins at Nishiki Market

On my first evening in Kyoto, I was fortunate enough to stumble upon the lively Nishiki Market, a bustling hub of activity that quickly became a significant highlight of my trip. As I ventured through the city, my eyes were immediately drawn to this vibrant marketplace, brimming with a lively ambience that was contagious.

Within the market’s sprawling expanse, a kaleidoscope of sights and sounds captivated me at every turn. The energetic atmosphere resonated with an upbeat vibe as people hurriedly moved in all directions, each immersed in their unique experience. It was a harmonious blend of locals and tourists, intermingling and revelling in the enchanting street market.

The aromas wafting through the air were an invitation to indulge in the culinary delights that lay within. From sizzling grilled meats to mouthwatering sushi and delectable crepes to steaming bowls of ramen, there was a treasure trove of Japanese cuisine waiting to be savoured. Among the myriad food options, one treat that stood out was the refreshing green tea ice cream, available in abundance and on various market corners.

Yet, the market’s charm extended beyond just the culinary realm. Scattered amongst the food stalls, many Japanese-style souvenir shops beckoned eager shoppers like me. Adorned with stylish chopsticks, traditional artworks, and many other goods, these stores offered a perfect chance to bring a piece of Kyoto back home, preserving the cherished memories of my holiday.

Reflecting on my experience, I couldn’t help but feel captivated by the unique atmosphere that embraced me during my short time at Nishiki Market. It served as a mesmerizing glimpse into Kyoto’s diverse tapestry and left me eagerly anticipating the adventures that awaited me during my rest.

Great food in Nishiki Market.

The Delightful Heian Shrine

On day two of my adventure in Japan, I eagerly rose from bed and stepped out into the early morning. The anticipation of exploring Kyoto filled my heart, knowing that the next few days would be filled with captivating sights and unforgettable experiences. As I ventured to the city’s eastern side, a plethora of magnificent temples, shrines, and awe-inspiring mountains awaited me, creating a truly picturesque landscape that seemed straight out of a fairytale.

A brisk thirty-minute walk from my hotel, or perhaps a bit more, led me to my first destination: Heian Jingu Shrine. Words failed to capture the sheer beauty before me as I approached the shrine. The advantage of arriving early meant that the crowds had yet to gather, allowing me to appreciate its grandeur in tranquillity. This secret to enjoying Kyoto’s attractions became clear – seize the opportunity to explore early, as the bustling crowds later make their presence known.

The main shrine area boasted exquisitely crafted Japanese architecture adorned with vibrant colours and intricate textures. Despite being a relatively recent addition to Kyoto’s history, constructed in 1895, the Heian Jingu Shrine symbolises reverence for the emperors who once ruled this ancient city. Four main buildings gracefully sit horizontally; outside the shrine’s grounds, white limestone flooring adds to its allure.

For me, the true highlight revealed itself as I strolled through the enchanting gardens that enveloped the shrine. While entering the main shrine required no admission fee, a small charge of 600 yen granted access to these mesmerising gardens, a fee worth paying. Serenely landscaped paths guided me through meticulously designed Japanese structures, serene lakes, and breathtakingly beautiful flora. Simply put, the gardens justified the admission price, taking my breath away with every step.

Click here to find the best tours in Kyoto and visit places like the Heian Jingu Shrine!

The Heian Jingu Shrine in Kyoto.

Visiting the Yasaka Shrine

As I made my way towards The Yasaka Shrine, I couldn’t help but notice that the crowds had significantly increased. The atmosphere was exciting as tourists, locals, and elegantly dressed Japanese women in Geisha attire filled the shrine grounds.

The Yasaka Shrine, a captivating Japanese structure, welcomes visitors for free and offers a delightful display of vibrant colours, unique architecture, and rich Japanese culture. While it may not quite reach the heights of the Heian Shrine, it certainly leaves a lasting impression and is well worth a visit, much like many of Kyoto’s other attractions.

Not far from The Yasaka Shrine, you’ll find the picturesque Maruyama Park and the magnificent Chion-in Temple. These nearby gems offer the perfect opportunity for a natural stroll, allowing you to soak in the serene ambience before moving on to the next breathtaking attraction just a short distance away.

The Yasaka Shrine.

The Picturesque Kodaiji Temple

On my second day in Japan, I had the incredible fortune of experiencing another captivating historical gem in Kyoto: the Kodai-Ji Temple. This enchanting Japanese structure, nestled harmoniously amidst the majestic mountains, boasts a mesmerizing blend of beautiful and uniquely designed buildings. The meticulously landscaped gardens surrounding the temple add to its allure and provide a serene backdrop.

Founded in 1606 as a tribute to Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Kodai-Ji Temple exudes an aura of rich history and profound beauty. To have the privilege of setting foot on these hallowed grounds is genuinely awe-inspiring. I can already sense that the memories forged here will be cherished for years as I carefully preserve the photographs I captured during my visit.

Out of all the temples in Kyoto, Kodai-Ji undoubtedly stood out as my personal favourite. When exploring this magnificent region, I recommend adding this picturesque sanctuary to your itinerary.

Click here to discover the best day trips in Kyoto, including stunning temples. 

The Kodai-Ji Temple.

The traditional Ninenzaka in Kyoto while visiting Japan

Japan, a vibrant country steeped in culture and history, boasts numerous awe-inspiring tourist attractions that embody its rich heritage. One such captivating destination is Ninenzaka, an enchanting street market exuding traditional Japanese charm. As you navigate this bustling marketplace, you’ll marvel at the kaleidoscope of tourists, geishas, and friendly locals, making it a truly immersive experience.

A visit to Japan wouldn’t be complete without exploring Ninenzaka. Here, you’ll find many inviting shops and irresistible food outlets that will surely leave your taste buds tingling with delight.

But it’s not just about the delightful array of offerings — the surrounding Japanese-style housing adds an extra touch of allure, ensuring your journey through Japan is an experience to be cherished.

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Ninenzaka Street. 

The Stunning Kiyomizu-Dera

The crowds went to another level at Kiyomizu-Dera, and a lot of that had to do with the school students who were out and about on a field trip, and the students even enjoyed approaching me to be included in a photo or two. My humble self certainly felt like a celebrity for all but a minute; I was certainly flattered.

Kiyomizu-Dera temple, which means “pure water”, is said to be the most attended temple in Kyoto and judging by the crowds in presence, I would say that’s the truth. It’s believed to give you magical powers upon touching the pure water, and waiting in line suggests that the belief in that theory is strong. The most popular thing at Kiyomizu-Dera is to go to one of the three waterfalls and touch the particular water.

The Kiyomizu-Dera temple is a popular choice for all visitors; the temple is situated in the mountains, with lovely designed infrastructures and an electric atmosphere that seemed to have been brought over from the streets of Ninenzaka. One thing to know when standing inside the Kiyomizu-Dera temple is that it was founded in the year 778, which was over 1200 years ago. To be in a country with such a rich history is phenomenal.

Kiyomizu-Dera Temple.

A Walk Through Gion  

When visiting Japan, many travellers want to see the famous geishas in Kyoto’s Gion district. Though I did not see any geishas during my visit, I did enjoy exploring the area and checking out the various shops and restaurants.

Gion is set up like many other street markets in Japan, with plenty of options for souvenir shopping and Japanese dining. These markets usually lead to major attractions, so if you follow the road of culture and Japanese-style housing, you’re likely to end up at another great destination.

In this case, the next stop on my itinerary was the Kennin-Ji Temple.

Click here to find the best tours in Kyoto and visit places like the Heian Jingu Shrine!

The streets of Gion.

Kenninji Temple

On the second day of my adventure, I immersed myself in Kyoto’s vibrant culture. The day was filled with excitement, from exploring two stunning shrines and three magnificent temples to wandering through charming street markets.

Among the temples I visited, Kennin-Ji stood out with its unique charm. Though relatively compact compared to the grandeur of Kiyomizu-Dera and Kodai-Ji Temple, Kennin-Ji enticed me with its rich history and captivating beauty. Founded in 1202, this temple seamlessly blends traditional architecture with a serene garden, enhanced by the surrounding mountains and its proximity to the city center.

What a delightful surprise to stumble upon Kennin-Ji as I returned to the hotel through the enchanting streets of Kyoto. I couldn’t resist the urge to explore another temple, thinking, “why not?” It’s always thrilling to uncover hidden gems.

As day two unfolded with its action-packed itinerary, I couldn’t help but eagerly anticipate what was in store for days three and four before I continued my journey to Osaka. Stay tuned for the next edition of my Japan travel diaries as I uncover more fascinating destinations and share the tales of my exploration.

Outside the Kennin-Ji Temple.