Kyoto's top 5 travel place recommend - Kyoto, Japan

  Traveling to Kyoto, Japan? Is visiting Kiyomizu-dera enough? Top 5 recommended must-visit travel courses!!  

If you're heading from Osaka to Kyoto, you're probably planning a day trip to Kyoto. However, it would be a shame to only visit Kiyomizu-dera and return. Kyoto is safe for solo female travelers and has a "low" difficulty level! I'm here to recommend healing travel destinations in Kyoto. Although there are many places to visit, I'll just focus on the BEST attractions!

1)Arashiyama + Bamboo Grove

If you desire peaceful riverside scenery and the tranquility of a bamboo grove, visit Arashiyama! Although it's a bit far from the center of Kyoto, you can easily reach it by bus or subway. (There's even a bus that goes directly to the bamboo grove!!) On my way there by bus, I noticed the bustling crowd, so I got off at the next stop, which happened to be near the Togetsukyo Bridge in Arashiyama Station area! From there, I walked into Arashiyama Park, including the bamboo grove and Kameyama district. There's a café street along the way, including Arabica Coffee (% café), which was bustling with people. At the end of February, I could enjoy the warmth of the sun and sit anywhere to relax.

It felt like a free and lively atmosphere, just like Hangang Park in Seoul!! Sitting and enjoying a matcha latte while looking at the river and bridge...When I entered Kameyama district, it wasn't as crowded, and I could take a walk among beautiful cherry blossom trees. Although cherry blossoms are famous, I only saw early-blooming plum blossoms! From here, I walked through the bamboo grove, feeling the fresh air amidst the towering bamboo trees.

However, this area tends to be more crowded, and due to the height of the bamboo, it was a bit difficult to take the perfect photo. Everything was great, but there were a lot of tourists...!! The admission to enjoy this far is completely free, and on the way out, there's a beautiful temple called Tenryuji (entrance fee), so keep that in mind!

2)Heian Shrine + Inner Garden

Heian Shrine exudes a tremendous presence even from the outside! While it's free to explore the shrine itself, I highly recommend paying an additional 600 yen to visit the Heian Shrine's inner garden! Up to this point, it's free to see~~ 😋 I didn't have high expectations, but as I walked around Heian Shrine, experiencing the narrative of the southern, western, northern, and eastern gardens, I was deeply moved;;;. 

I wondered if this was the place where Totoro was born, as it was a beautiful and peaceful garden. Feeling purified by the sight of the lush trees and ducks playing together, it was comfortable to roam freely without a set path. Among many attractions, I would choose this place as the most beautiful garden!

3)Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion)

Don't miss the beautiful golden reflection of Kinkakuji on a sunny day! Under the blue sky, Kinkakuji truly looked like a work of art. The admission fee is 500 yen! It was nice to walk along the path that surrounds Kinkakuji and explore various aspects. When you pay the admission fee, they also give you a charm like this (Ginkakuji has the same)! In Japan, there's a developed belief" Please note that the original text seems to be cut off, and the translation might not be fully accurate.

4) Fushimi Inari Shrine

Have you seen numerous photos of endless rows of torii gates? You can see them firsthand by visiting Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto! I entered the shrine before sunset and came out after it got dark. It was a bit eerie passing through the torii gates in the darkness, but since many people visit even at night, it felt safe. The night view from outside the shrine was incredibly beautiful! 

Visiting a shrine in Japan may sometimes evoke uncomfortable feelings. I also had some negative preconceptions, but when I thought of it as simply appreciating the sculptures without attaching any particular meaning to them, I was able to enjoy the visit without feeling too uncomfortable. I hope this information is helpful. 😉

5)Kiyomizu (Kyotogosho, Kyoto Imperial Palace) + Kyotogoen

It used to be a palace where the Japanese emperor and empress resided. I want to introduce a hidden place within the expansive Kyotogoen Park. You can enter Kiyomizu for free, but finding the entrance to the park itself is quite challenging. Many people give up after walking around the park endlessly. I also almost gave up but managed to find the entrance after circling Kyotogoen for an hour. (I was determined... 🔥) Oh, by the way, Kyotogoen is truly beautiful as well... ^^ Anyway, the entrance I found was the ★West Gate of Kiyomizu★. The entrance is not prominently marked with signs. If you get closer, you will see a sign about the size of an A4 paper that says 入口 (entrance), so please keep that in mind. You will go through a light baggage inspection and receive a visitor badge. Inside, you can freely explore the palace in a designated order. Take your time and soak in the atmosphere. Additionally, on the east side of Kiyomizu, there is "Kyoto Eienkan" which offers guided tours at specific times (2,000 yen).

* Additional Information

If you have time, it's great to visit Kiyomizu alongside Ninen-zaka and Sannen-zaka. Watching the sunset from Kiyomizu was truly breathtaking. Ninen-zaka Starbucks is famous for its tatami seating (though it can get crowded...!)

Lastly, if time allows, visit Engakuji (Jishoji) and the Philosopher's Path. It's especially beautiful during the cherry blossom season for a leisurely flower viewing experience in Kyoto! That concludes my honest review of authentic travel destinations in Kyoto from Jenniwoman's perspective.

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