JAPAN 9 DAYS Series | KYOTO

Wanting to have a fresh start, we woke up at 5AM so we can get to our first destination early. Kyoto is a very touristy destination and we want to avoid the crowd.

Our first destination...

ARASHIYAMA BAMBOO PATH

To get there from Kyoto station, we took the JR San-In Line. It was a 35 minutes train trip and we got off Saga-Arashiyama station. From the station, it was a 20 minutes leisurely walk to the path.














































We arrived at the Bamboo Path at around 8:30AM. It wasn't hard to capture photos with no people in the background yet. We wandered slowly taking pictures here and there. We were in no rush.

We wanted to rent bicycle to really enjoy roaming the area. But my sister did not know how to ride one. Hahaha.


After our stroll in the Bamboo groves. We went back from where we came from and headed for the Togetsukyo Bridge. It was already 9:30AM, and the tour groups are coming in. In our mind, good thing we arrived early. We had a brief moment of serenity, listening to the sound of the wind, the rustling sound of the leaves, with the tall bamboo stalks swaying gently back and forth. Priceless!


We passed by a lot of interesting shops. Some are still closed. They open at 10AM.






















You can have a rickshaw ride at Arashiyama. However, even if given a chance. I don't think I can ride one.








We made a few stops to some shops, and had a quick soba noodle breakfast before we went back to the JR Line. Going back, we also went to check the Scenic Sagano Station and did some photo ops.
























Our second stop for KYOTO in 1 day

FUSHIMI INARI SHRINE 

This was my favorite stop in Kyoto. To get there from Arashiyama, we need to come back to Kyoto station, take the Nara Line to Inari station.

Since it's already 11:30AM when we reached Inari, the crowd cannot be helped. And it's a weekend!

But even all of that, it is still my favorite destination in Kyoto. The food stalls at the exit are heaven sent!




























3rd stop for the day

KIYOMIZUDERA

We reached the temple from Fushimi-Inari station via Keihan line and got off Kiyomizu-Gojo station. From the station, it's another 20 minutes walk. Didn't I tell you before that we love walking in Japan. Lols.

The temple has an entrance fee of 400 Yen. It's a bit challenge climbing the stairs and the view is quite nice. Has it been sunny, I would have enjoyed taking photos.












































4th stop

Higashiyama Street and GION

We were famished after touring Kiyomizu Temple. We walked through Sanenzaka and Ninenzaka streets, passing through a lot of dessert shops all the way to Bishamoncho, and found Yushukotei bento restaurant. Their food is so good and cheap! It's a rare find in Kyoto.














Stomach full and energy regained, we continued to walk our way to Gion - to hunt some Geisha's. Haha. It was still early though, but we found one. It was around 7-8PM I think. She was trying to get into a cab but the papparazis aka tourists were blocking her way through it. We gave up waiting. And when we did give up, she emerges from a small alley. I only got to take a glimpse of the side of her cheek. My friend says she's very pretty. Click click click and other sound of commotion is what you can hear from the background. Haha. It is such a thrill to witness.


Too bad I don't have photo of her. But check out these last photos I took in Kyoto. Tomorrow, it's gonna be a different destination.










We took a bus to Kyoto station and walked our way to our AirBnb. Called it a night and leaving you with some of the photos we took at Kyoto Station.






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