Day 3
After traveling to Kobe, we headed to Kyoto, where we stayed at a hotel near Kyoto Station.
After checking in at the hotel, we headed to Uji, where few Singaporeans travel to.
Uji has been an important cultural center in Japan for centuries. This is the site of the Battle of Uji in 1180, marking the beginning of the Genpei War. The city also has many important temples and shrines, including the Byodoin Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Secondly, it is said that Uji is also the birthplace of the Japanese story “The Tale of Genji”. In addition, the tea produced in Uji is called Uji tea, which is the first of Japan’s three famous teas. The most famous Uji tea is matcha, which is “ground tea”.
After arriving in Uji, we first went to Irori Beniya for lunch. They are famous for grilling seasonal ingredients on a large grill using hot charcoal. The hearth and stove are also particularly eye-catching.
After enjoying our meal, we headed to Byodoin Temple. It is not only a world heritage, but the building inside – Phoenix Hall can be said to be an important symbol of Yamato culture. Not only is it printed on the Japanese ten-yen coin, but you can also see the phoenix on the roof printed on the ¥10,000 note.
After visiting Byodo-in Temple, we went to Uji Shrine and Ujikami-jinja Shrine, two ancient shrines. After visiting the shrine, we passed by the Uji River and found many migratory birds playing in the water, which was very beautiful. The Uji River is the core of Uji City, and most shops and restaurants are located on both sides of the river. We also stopped by to buy Uji souvenirs. Famous shops include TSUJIRI and Tokichi Nakamura.
Day 4
We took a 45-minute train drive from Kyoto Station to Nara Station
The ancient capital of Japan from 710 to 784, Nara is a treasure trove of history, culture, and natural beauty. It also houses several temples and buildings that are UNESCO World Heritage treasures, such as Todaiji Temple, Kasuga Grand Shrine, Heijo Palace, and Yakushiji Temple.
The best way to see all of Nara from Nara Station is to take the Nara City Main Bus, which will take you to all the temples including Todaiji Temple, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, Nara-machi (Gangoji Temple), Heijo Palace Site / Daigokuden Hall, Heijo Palace Site / Suzakumon Gate, Toshodaiji Temple, Yakushiji Temple and Horyuji Temple.
Originally, we planned to visit the Todaiji Temple, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, Kofukuji Temple, and Nara Park. But because Todaiji Temple is bigger than I thought, and also encountered heavy rain. We can only visit Todaiji Temple, Kofukuji Temple, and Nara Park.
Our first stop was to enjoy Nakatanido’s mugwort mochi, a green rice cake made from Japanese mugwort and filled with anko (a sweet red paste made from azuki beans). Due to time constraints, we were not able to see them demonstrate their super-fast mochi-pounding skills, which was very disappointing. The second stop was to enjoy takeout persimmon leaf sushi at Nara Kakinoha Zushi. Maybe they made it in advance and the taste wasn’t very satisfying.
At our third stop, we arrived at Todaiji Temple to witness the towering Nara Buddha, the largest bronze Buddha statue in the world. I also saw people crawling through the dog hole to pray and visited the nearby buildings. After walking around for three hours, we happened to encounter heavy rain. We headed to Kamameshi Shizuka Kouen-ten early to eat the famous Japanese clay pot rice. We queued for over an hour to get in. After eating it we were disappointed as it wasn’t as tasty as expected.
After lunch, the rain was relatively light, so we gave up going to Kasuga Taisha Shrine and went to Nara Park and Kofukuji Temple. Nara Park is home to hundreds of sika deer, considered sacred in the Shinto tradition. You can even feed them special deer crackers. Afterward, on the way back, we casually strolled around the Mochiidono Shopping Arcade and Higashimuki Shopping Street.
Day 5
Nijo Castle is one of the attractions closest to Kyoto station and can be reached by bus from Kyoto station.
In the 400 years since its founding, it has witnessed major events in Japanese history. Nijo Castle was built in 1603 on the orders of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Edo Shogunate (1603-1867) and the first shogun. Tokugawa Ieyasu unified Japan after the long Warring States Period and led Japan into an era of peace and prosperity that lasted 260 years. The shogunate established by Tokugawa Ieyasu lasted for 15 generations. The Edo period was one of the most stable and prosperous eras in Japanese history. After the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600, the Tokugawa family unified Japan. In 1603, Ieyasu became the general who conquered barbarians beside the emperor. After the general was appointed, Ieyasu announced the matter to the daimyos gathered in Nijo Castle. In other words, Nijo Castle became the stage that opened the most important era in Japanese history.
Then we went to the nearby Kyoto Imperial Palace and Sento Imperial Palace to visit.
The Kyoto Imperial Palace was the residence of the emperor until the Meiji Restoration when Emperor Kammu moved the capital to Heiankyo in 794. The current location of Kyoto Imperial Palace was used as the imperial residence for approximately 500 years, from the time Emperor Kogon ascended the throne here in 1331 until Emperor Meiji moved to Tokyo in 1869. During this period, the building suffered many fires and was rebuilt each time, but most of the current buildings were rebuilt in 1855.
There are also gardens on the premises, such as the Oikeniwa (Pond Garden), which is a walk-around garden centered around a pond, and the Inner Garden, which has garden stones and lanterns, where you can enjoy the changing seasons while admiring the trees and flowers.
Sento Imperial Palace is the palace for the abdicated emperor (retired emperor), and Omiya Gosho is the palace for the empress of the retired emperor. The current location adjacent to the Kyoto Imperial Palace dates back to 1630 when it was built for the retired Emperor Gomizunoo and his consort, Tokugawa Masako.
The Xiandong Miscellaneous Garden has two large ponds, North Pond and South Pond, and two teahouses. The road bypasses North Pond and crosses the earth bridge on the canal connecting North Pond and South Pond. After exiting South Pond, you will see a beach covered with flat pebbles. In spring, you can see cherry blossoms, wisteria, azaleas, and other flowers, and in autumn, you can see the red leaves on the trees.
please register on the following website, before visiting Kyoto Imperial Palace and Sento Imperial Palace.
https://sankan.kunaicho.go.jp/english/about/kyoto.html
https://sankan.kunaicho.go.jp/english/about/sentou.html
The entrance to the Kyoto Imperial Palace is at Sakuhei-mon Gate, and the entrance to the Sento Imperial Palace is near the Kyoto Omiya Imperial Palace.
After visiting the Kyoto Imperial Palace and Sento Imperial Palace, we headed to Nishiki Market in search of delicious food. A very famous food street, but also very commercial.
Day 6
There are many shrines and temples in Kyoto. Here are some of the more famous ones: Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Tofukuji Temple, Yasaka Shrine, Chionin Temple, Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, Seimei Shrine, Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion), Shoden-ji Temple, Honnoji Temple, Mibuji Temple, Toji Temple, Ginkakuji Temple (Silver Pavilion), Nanzenji Temple, Kamigamo Shrine, Heian Shrine, Ryoanji Temple, Tenryu-ji Temple, Matsunoo Taisha Shrine, Daitokuji Temple, Higashi Honganji Temple, Nishi Honganji Temple.
We chose to visit Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Yasaka Shrine, and Tenryu-ji Temple in the next two days.
Because Hokan-ji Temple, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, and Yasaka Shrine are next to each other, we chose to see them all at once.
Early in the morning, we hurried to Kiyomizu-dera Temple to avoid the crowds. On the way to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, we casually checked in to Yasaka Pagoda at Hokan-ji Temple. Kiyomizu-dera Temple is probably the most popular temple in Kyoto and one of the World Heritage Sites. The temple is located halfway up Mount Otowa, with balconies jutting out from the side of the mountain supported by 13-meter-high wooden pillars. The main hall has a unique hip-shaped roof, located at the rear of the balcony, which houses a statue of the priceless goddess Guanyin. From the balcony, you can enjoy a beautiful view of Kyoto to the west. It is an auspicious place to watch the sunset and also explains the romantic atmosphere of the temple. We entered from Kiyomizu-dera Niomon Gate, visited the three-story pagoda, then bought tickets to enter The Stage of Kiyomizu and the main hall, and took photos along the Jizoson, Shakado, Amidado, Okunoin, and Otowanotaki Falls.
After visiting Kiyomizu-Dera Temple, we went shopping along Kiyomizuzaka and Sannenzaka and then entered the Starbucks coffee in Ninenzaka to drink coffee and check-in. Because this Starbucks coffee is so famous, it was very crowded.
We chose to give up and continue to Yasaka Shrine. Along the way, we found many people washing clothes in Ichinenzaka. Yasaka Shrine is an ancient shrine that existed before the capital was moved to Heian Kyo (794). It is the headquarters of the approximately 2,300 Yasaka and Susanoo-no-mikoto Shrines. The main god of Yasaka Shrine, Susanoo-no-Mikoto, is the god who wards off all kinds of disasters. It is also enshrined as the god of marriage and the god of beauty.
After visiting the Yasaka Shrine, we headed to Maruyama Park to look for autumn leaves. Maybe it was too early and there weren’t many autumn leaves.
When lunchtime came, we went to Izuu to eat sushi. The sushi was pretty good but there were not many choices.
After lunch, we crossed the street and walked along Hanamikoji Street to Kenninji Temple. Then go back to Gion and visit Gion Shinbashi Bridge, Tatsumi Bridge, and Tatsumi-jinja Shrine. Cross the Shijo Bridge and head to Pontocho, Pontocho is one of Kyoto’s most atmospheric dining areas to check-in. After visiting Pontocho, we walked across Sanjo Bridge to Sanjo Station and took the subway to Fushimi Inari Shrine.
Fushimi Inari Shrine is the head shrine of approximately 30,000 Inari shrines nationwide. Its history is earlier than that of Heian Kyo, and it is said that it was built in the 4th year of Wado (711). The biggest attraction of the extremely popular Fushimi Inari Shrine is the “Senbon Torii”. The sight of a row of vermilion torii gates is truly breathtaking! It is said that this is because, since the Edo period, the custom of enshrining torii gates has become popular as a way to express gratitude for wishes coming true or for wishes to come true. Considering it’s 1,300 years old, it still feels fresh.
We chose to arrive at Inari Shrine later in the evening because we hoped to see the sunset and the lights at night. It lived up to expectations.
Day 7
It was the same today. To avoid the crowds, we hurried to Arashiyama early in the morning.
Arashiyama is a famous attraction in Kyoto with many places worth visiting. Here are some of Arashiyama’s famous attractions:
Stroll on the Togetsukyo Bridge, visit the bamboo forest path to heal your body and mind, meditate in front of the beautiful garden of Tenryuji Temple, take the Sagano Sightseeing Train to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the valley, take the Hozugawa River Cruises to experience the thrill of riding the rapids, and ride a rickshaw to enjoy Sightseeing in Arashiyama, making a wish for a happy marriage at Nonomiya Shrine, taking a beautiful photo with lots of likes at the Kimono Forest, visiting % ARABICA Kyoto Arashiyama to taste internet celebrity coffee, enjoying Japanese desserts and buying souvenirs at YOJIYA CAFE To buy goods, taste the famous yutofu at Yutofu Bamboo Village, go to Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama to see Japanese macaques up close, admire Japan’s oldest garden pond at Daikakuji Temple, and admire the green maple leaves or flaming red maple leaves at Jojakkoji Temple Maple leaves heal the body and mind, experience the dreamy foot bath of Arashiyu to relax your body and mind and Strolling Arashiyama Shopping Strip.
We chose to visit Togetsukyo Bridge, Bamboo Forest Trail, Tenryuji Temple, Nonomiya Shrine, taste % ARABICA internet celebrity coffee, take photos in the Kimono Fores and ride the Sagano Sightseeing Train.
First stop: Bamboo Forest Trail: This is a trail surrounded by bamboo and is another famous attraction in Arashiyama. Here you can enjoy the beauty of nature and feel the fragrance of bamboo.
Second stop: Nonomiya Shrine: This is a shrine with a long history and one of the famous attractions in Arashiyama. Here you can make a wish and enjoy the beautiful architecture and scenery.
We chose to go to the Bamboo Forest Trail first. I heard that there are a lot of people here normally. We visited Nonomiya Shrine along the way, a very small shrine. Then we admired the bamboo forest and took photos while heading to the Arashiyama Park Observation Deck. The scenery here is beautiful and worth climbing up.
Then we went to visit Tenryuji Temple. Fortunately, we came early. On the way back, we saw that crowds of people had begun to gather in the bamboo forest.
The third station: Tenryuji Temple is a temple with a long history and one of the famous attractions in Arashiyama. You can enjoy beautiful gardens and buildings here.
We entered from the north gate of Tenryuji Temple, which is relatively close to the bamboo forest path. When we entered, we saw the Suzuriishi. Then we passed the Garden of Hundred Flowers, the Kannon and Fountain, the Hall of Many Treasures, Abbot’s Little Quarters, and the Abbot’s Grand Quarters, and arrived at Sogenchi Pond Garden, the focus tourist area of Tenryuji Temple. , we left Tenryuji Temple from the Royal Gate along the Dharma Hall.
The fourth stop: Togetsukyo Bridge is a 155-meter bridge built across the Katsura River, it is one of the most famous attractions in Arashiyama. There are beautiful views from here and it’s a great place to take photos.
For lunch, we chose Arashiyama Yoshimura handmade soba noodles. Since we had to wait to get in, we went nearby to taste % ARABICA internet celebrity coffee. After drinking the coffee, we arrived in time to eat.
I highly recommend dining at Arashiyama Yoshimura. Not only is it delicious, but it also faces the Arashiyama Katsura River. You can enjoy the scenery of the Togetsukyo Bridge and Katsura River while eating noodles. It can be regarded as one of the great enjoyments in life.
The fifth stop: Arashiyama Kimono Forest is an attraction located next to Arashiyama Station. It has a path composed of 600 Kyo-Yuzen kimono pattern columns, which is very suitable for taking pictures.
The sixth stop: the Sagano Train is a train that travels through the valley and offers beautiful scenery. This is a trendy attraction, so booking in advance is recommended.
After lunch, we visited the Togetsuki Bridge and went straight to the Kimono Forest to take photos. After taking the picture, it was almost time to board the Sagano Sightseeing Train. We hurried to the Torokko Saga Station to wait. There is also a free small train museum that is worth visiting. Those who take the Sagano Sightseeing Train to Torokko Kameoka Station, if allowed, please choose to sit on the right side facing the front of the train, because the valley scenery here is richer.
Arriving at the small Torokko Kameoka Station, we chose to take the San-in Line from Umahori Station train back to Saga-Arashiyama Station. On the way to Umahori Station, we could admire the nearby farmland. There is also a small beverage shop here where you can drink while enjoying the pastoral scenery.
Arriving at Saga-Arashiyama Station, we walked to Togetsuki Bridge to enjoy the night view. Togetsuki Bridge has a different beauty during the day and at night. After watching the night view, we went back to Arashiyama Shopping Strip for dinner. This time we chose Mendokoro Kobayashi, which tastes good at a reasonable price.
Our trip to Kyoto has also come to a successful end.
Back to Kobe
Next Osaka