Kyoto is just the most beautiful city I have ever seen. I loved it so much that we had to go there twice.
Formerly the imperial capital of Japan, it is now the capital of Kyoto Prefecture, as well as a major part of the Osaka-Kobe-Kyoto metropolitan area. It is nestled among mountains in Western Honshu and if you fly straight to the Kansai/Osaka Airport, it is very easy to reach. It is less than 30 minutes away by train.
With its 2000 Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines, as well as palaces, gardens and architecture intact, it is for me, the best preserved city in the world. It is also modern, chic, and urban. Kyoto Station is proof of that - the second-largest in Japan, it has a shopping mall, hotel, movie theater, department store, and a lot of restaurants under one steel and glass roof. Kyoto's municipal bus network and subway systems are extensive and confusing.
Kyoto Station
We got one-day/two-day bus pass when we were there but a combined unlimited train and bus pass are also available. There are English buses for tourists everywhere though, so it is easy to go around. You can even rent a bicycle if you want.
There are also a lot of hotels and budget inns for tourists with low budgets like me and Nunu! Econo Inn Discount Hotel (for backpackers) has Western-style private rooms and all of them have bathtubs (tiny but okay), air-conditioners and TV. They also offer discounted room rates if you stay for more than 1 night. Nunu and I loved it here because it's cheap and clean! =)
Our modest hotel room in Kyoto
Our view
view from the other side
Temples and Shrines
The walk through a forest of bamboo to Nonomiya Shrine and Okochi Sanso (a traditional house) in Arashiyama Park is something that Nunu kept on talking about months after we have arrived home.
bamboo forest
some picture Nunu took while bicycling around
Japanese shop inside the park
Japanese cemetery
Sanjusangen-do is one of a kind. It was founded in 1164 and became famous for its 1001 beautiful wooden and gold-leaf covered statues of Kannon, goddess of mercy, housed in thirty-three bays (sanjusan = thirty-three, gendo = bays) in the main hall. Unfortunately, they don't allow cameras inside the temple. But I'm telling you, the statues inside were simply breathtaking! Check out this link for pictures inside the temple:
http://www.taleofgenji.org/sanjusangendo.html
don't be fooled; it looks sunny but it's actually neg 5 degrees!
Don't move yet, taking another picture!
My turn ;)
Thanks to Aves' mom for telling us about Sanjusangen-do, it is beautiful.
drinking station
still in Sanjusangen-do
Nunu's tired and cold already
You know what, I'm getting tired too. Maybe we can walk again tomorrow? We still have to visit a lot of temples so we have to conserve our energies. =P
I promise, I will post more pictures soon! I promise! =PPP
Next: Shimogamo, Golden Pavillion, etc...
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Kyoto Sightseeing - Temples and Shrines
Anrakuji Temple is very popular in cherry blossom season, early summer for its azaleas and late autumn for its leaves of red and orange.
Byodoin Temple
Daigoji Temple and its five storied pagoda are a World Heritage Site and a National Treasure. Daigoji Temple is also famous for its cherry blossom viewing in spring.
Daitokuji Temple - A small and understated temple complex, boasting several small, secluded sub-temples.
Eikan-do Zenrin-ji Temple is famous for its fall foliage and for its prominence in the past as a center of learning.
Enryakuji Temple
Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine - Well known for the thousands of vermilion torii lining the paths to the shrine.
Ginkakuji - Silver Pavilion - built in the style of the Golden Pavilion with a famous rock and sand garden.
Heian Jingu Shine - Largest Torii in Japan plus beautiful shrine and gardens.
Honen-in Temple is a beautiful secluded temple with a thatched gate.
Hongwanji Temple
Kamigamo Shrine is one of the oldest shrines in Japan and is a World Heritage Site.
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