Kyoto, Osaka, Nara

This time, I want to talk about Kyoto since I just went there a few days ago. The trip wasn't my first one to Kyoto but like the previous times, I still like Kyoto a lot.

Kyoto is a very interesting place in Japan as it has once been the capital of Japan. Therefore, there are many old structures, temples, gardens that are preserved as World Heritage. For this reason, Kyoto is considered as one of the most well-preserved town in Japan.

This time, we went by Shinkansen (bullet train). We bought this special package 3 days/2nights for JPY33,000 (approx. USD330). It is considered to be a very very good deal since a return ticket on bullet train already costs JPY25,000. The hotel that we stayed was called Shin Hankyu Hotel which is just across the road from the Kyoto station. It is located in a very good location although not close to the attractions. But, it was good.

First day, we went to the Kiyomizu Temple. We bought a bus day pass which costs only JPY500 and took the bus to the Temple. The bus has electronic boards in the front of the names of all the bus stops so it's very easy to navigate around.

This is the entrance of the Kiyomizu Temple.

Kiyomizu Temple is a very nice temple and is considered the most beautiful one in Kyoto. It is in the structure very similar to Chinese temples because during that time, Japan sent out architects to China to learn structure makings and therefore, many temples in Kyoto are similar to the ones in China.

The entrance to the main lobby of the temple.

One of the most famous fact for this temple is that the structure was built WITHOUT any knobs or nails!!!

Then we talk the little streets just next to the temple. The streets are also preserved by government and the maintenance rules are very strict for these houses to preserve heritage.

Then we went to Gion, the place where Maiko-sans and Geishas used to live and places where they used to perform. For those who has read the book "Memoirs of Geisha", this is the place wok was staged. This river is called Gion Shiragawa.

We then took the bus to Ginkakuji, the silver temple. but, unfortunately, it was under renovation, so, it was closed at the time we went.