Konnichiwa!

I'm so glad that my recent post got 100 views in just 3 days!

Thank youuu dear readers! I hope what I shared will be very useful for you who plan to visit Japan ^^

So let me continue my story in Japan.

The next day after Universal Studios day is Kyoto one day trip :)

Kyoto is very famous with its historical temples, Shinto shrine, and the Geisha.

It's one the best places to get away from the busy and packed area in Tokyo. Kyoto's weather in spring is rather warm and a bit sunny, compared to Tokyo which was very windy, so it's perfect to enjoy sightseeing around the city. Just don't forget to put your sunglasses on.

How to go to Kyoto?

From Shin-Osaka station, we took Shinkansen Hikari to Kyoto station for only 15 mins (included in JR Pass). From Tokyo, you can also take the Shinkansen which took around 2,5 hours, it is 1 station before Shin-Osaka. If you depart from Tokyo, I recommend to have at least one night stay in Kyoto, since it is best to explore Kyoto from the early morning :)

Arashiyama

I suppose some of you have seen that picture of the road surrounded by green wall of bamboo in instagram, where you'll feel like you find your inner peace. It's nowhere but Arashiyama. Arashiyama area is basically consists of temples surrounded by a scenic forests, and its most famous bamboo forest.

To reach the iconic Bamboo Forest, you can take JR to Saga Arashiyama station, then you can walk around 1.3 km or rent a bike in rentals nearby the station. Don't be afraid of getting lost, since there are signboards you can follow to reach Arashiyama. Well it seems that for us Indonesian, 1.3 km walk is quite far especially during the sunny day, but trust me the journey is worth it, since you will walk pass by these cute and traditional Japanese houses.

Fushimi Inari

Fushimi Inari is one of the most famous Shinto shrine in Kyoto and a must visit place for tourists. The shrine is very famous with the Torii (orange) gates, which was initially a donation from companies or individuals, in which they have their names carved on each gates. The walk through the Torii gates is a bit uphill, so it is best to wear your most comfortable outfit and shoes (not recommended wearing kimono here). The further you go, the better to take photos since it will be less crowded (less photobomb). If you hike further you will reach the Yotsutsuji intersection in about 45 mins. It's a rest area to enjoy the view from the hill and having lunch there.

My sister and I however only walk around 20 mins, after we managed to take some decent photos. 

Kiyomizu-dera

Last stop in Kyoto is one of UNESCO World Heritage, the one and only, Kiyomizu-dera. Kiyomizu temple is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Japan, and it is situated within the hills and a waterfall name Otowa waterfall, which is why the temple is named Kiyomizu, that means "Pure Water". The waterfall itself is divided into three different streams, which represents three most important aspects of life: age, career, and love life. It is said that if you drink the water from the three streams, you'll have a longevity, success career, and a happy love life (AMEN to that).

How to go to Kiyomizu-dera?
From Fushimi Inari you can take JR Nara Line and transit in Tofukuji, then continue with Subway Keihan Line (Non JR) to stop at Kiyomizu-Gojo station, then walk around 1,7 km.
The other alternative to shortened the distance to 800 m walk is, from Tofukuji station, take the Bus no 202, or if you from Kyoto Station, take the Bus no 206.
Once you arrived, be ready to walk the 800 m steep road, known as Gojo-zaka, to enter the temple. However, it wasn't that long and tiring walk, if you can see (and took photos) of the authentic Japanese houses that you'll rarely find in Tokyo.

A lot of unique Porcelain shops too

Maybe it seems that you have arrived once you see a Pagoda surrounded by beautiful garden, but that's still not yet the temple, and you'll still need to walk up a bit until you find a Ticketing Stall. There's an entrance fee charged around 400 Yen (for Adults) to explore the REAL Kiyomizu temple. Once you enter, the walk will be uphill to explore the area, but trust me, the view there is awesome!

Ottowa Waterfall

Once you finish exploring, you can stroll down the Sannen-zaka where there are a lot of souvenir shops and food stalls.

Kawaii Neko

In case you're wondering how did we change to kimono, we rented the Kimono in Yumeyakata Kimono, located in Gojo-zaka, around 400 m before reaching the temple entrance. You may check their collection or book online HERE. Be sure to inform which branch you would like to visit to rent the kimono, because they have two or three branches in Kyoto only. 
Wearing the kimono was basically like when you're wearing the Indonesian kebaya, only the difference is the outer of kimono is loose, so it will make you ladies quite hard to walk faster and you'll have to walk elegantly with all smile and wave

We didn't stay until night in the temple, since we'll have to catch the train back to Tokyo. I heard that during the night there will be Illumination festival, held in Spring and Fall season only. Have you seen them?


Until then, see you in next post!