Kyoto is one of the most loved city of Japan, it was once the capital city. City is famous for its classical Buddhist temples and many shrines. Where Tokyo as regarded as ultra modern, Kyoto is seen as city of traditions and culture. It is rightly said as the holy city of Japan.
I am preferably a solo traveler. I went on a solo trip to Japan covering Tokyo, Kyoto and Hiroshima. I traveled in the month of November, which is an autumn season in Japan. The season is famous for its colourful autumn leaves, and its perfect time to watch its vibrant colours with shades of orange, red, yellow and brown and November is also onset of winter, the weather is very pleasant. But days get shorter, generally sunset is around 5pm, so you need to plan your days accordingly.
Kyoto is 456 km from Tokyo. The best way to travel is through Shinkanesen, and with Japan Rail Pass its all very convenient. Bullet trains was my dreams. I was staying in Tokyo, like an enthusiast child I woke up early morning and boarded the very first Shinkansen at 5:55 am from Tokyo Station to Kyoto, within 2 hours 30 minutes I was at the Kyoto Station.
During my travel to the city I visited few of its amazingly beautiful places.
Nijo Castle
For my first day in Kyoto, I visited the Nijo castle. The castle can be reached from Kyoto Station by Kyoto City Bus number 9, 50 or 101.
It’s UNESCO World Heritage Site. It shows the power warlords, once held over the emperor during the Edo period (1603-1867). It is one of the best-known castles in Japan.
Castle is divided into three areas: the Honmaru (main circle of defense), the Ninomaru (secondary circle of defense) and gardens.
Kinkaku-ji Temple
It is also called as “Temple of the Golden Pavilion” was my next stop. Board the city bus number 12 or 101 you’ll reach Kinkaku-ji in 20 minutes.
It is also UNESCO world heritage site. It was built in 1397 as a retirement home for Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, the shogun of Japan. Per his wishes, it was donated to Zen Buddhist monks after his death.
Kiyomizu-dera Temple
It is one of the most celebrated Buddhist Temples of Japan. The temple is UNESCO World Heritage site.
Take bus number 206 from Kinkaku-ji, it goes direct to the temple, within 1 hour you’ll reach. The story of temple dates back to the late 8th century.
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
One of the most photographed sight in the city. Famous for its tall Bamboo Grove.
Standing amid these soaring high bamboos is like being in another world. To reach from Kyoto Station take the JR Sagano/San-in Line to Saga-Arashiyama Station and walk for about 10 minutes.
Fushimi Inari Taisha
It is one of the most important of several thousands of shrines dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice.
Famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates. It is located just outside JR Inari Station, the second station from Kyoto Station along the JR Nara Line.
