I went to Kyoto for the weekend to celebrate my birthday. This was my first trip since Japan has opened up to foreign tourists again. Usually I travel by slower, cheaper, local trains. With covid cases on the rise in Japan (again), I don't feel comfortable taking the slow/crowded/local trains, so I opted for the shinkansen, which was very fast.
I'll give you all the details in the days ahead, but here is a brief bit on my trip.
I arrived in Kyoto at 8:00 am and went first to Fushimi Inari Shrine because I thought it would get more crowded as the day went on. It did, so I was happy I got there early.
Next, I visited Fushimi Momoyama Castle.
Then I went to Ryukoku Museum.
I wanted to visit the Costume Museum, but found out it is closed December 1 to February 3. Too bad!
After that, I went to Honganwaji Temple.
On Day Two, I left my hotel and started walking. I happened upon the Fushimi Inari Taisha Otabisho and stopped to look.
I passed by the Witch's House, but didn't stop.
Next, I went to Toji Temple with the five story pagoda.
Near Toji, I visited some other temples and places.
As I was getting ready to leave this area, I was looking at google maps on my gadget and a Japanese woman on a bicycle stopped and was happy to give me directions in English. She also gave me a bookmark she made from kimono fabric.
Santa and his helpers were giving the reindeer a rest.
My next stop was Higashi Honganji. I didn't recognize the name, but when I got there I realized I visited a few years ago!
After that, I went to Shosei-en Garden, another place I had been to before. It was very pretty the first time, but the autumn colors this time were striking.
This was in front of a hotel near the Kyoto Tower.
Many students visit Kyoto for school trips.
Finally, it was time to go home. Here is Kyoto Tower, taken from Kyoto Station.
It was a nice weekend trip, but felt much different than previous trips. I chose not to take the crowded city buses or subways, as I had previous trips, so I did a lot of walking. There were too many tourists in crowded places not wearing masks.
I'll have more photos and details in the days ahead.
Autumn leaves in Kyoto are wonderful. If I went in November, it wonderful have been bingo. But at that time, there are too many people, so you can't go sightseeing slowly. Most of the time I went to Kyoto was the same as you. End of November to mid-December. A little less people. So personally, I think you went to Kyoto at a good time. And good route. It's also correct that I didn't stop by the witch’s house. Perhaps. I look forward to your next report.
We only had a day, maybe less than that, in Kyoto years ago and saw some things but I don't remember many specifically so it's extra fun to see your photos. I'll look forward to more from your birthday trip.
What a great trip. The colours of the trees are stunning. xx
ReplyDeleteAutumn leaves in Kyoto are wonderful. If I went in November, it wonderful have been bingo.
ReplyDeleteBut at that time, there are too many people, so you can't go sightseeing slowly.
Most of the time I went to Kyoto was the same as you. End of November to mid-December. A little less people. So personally, I think you went to Kyoto at a good time. And good route.
It's also correct that I didn't stop by the witch’s house. Perhaps.
I look forward to your next report.
I'll look forward to your detailed posts, but the overview was wonderful!
ReplyDeleteWe only had a day, maybe less than that, in Kyoto years ago and saw some things but I don't remember many specifically so it's extra fun to see your photos. I'll look forward to more from your birthday trip.
ReplyDeleteKyoto is such a lovely city. I recognized a couple places from these pictures, so I'm looking forward to reading more about your trip!
ReplyDelete