We spent the last 2 days of our Kansai trip in Osaka. Unlike my previous trips where I did not cater time for shopping, we dedicated 2 days to shop around in Osaka. There are 2 main shopping areas in Osaka, 1 at Osaka Station and another at Namba area. Today we shopped around in Osaka Station Area.
Cup Noodles Museum
Our first stop today is the Cup Noodles Museum. There are 2 Cup Noodles Museum in Japan, one of which is located in Osaka. To get to the museum, we took the train to Ikeda station (this station is not covered under the 2 day Osaka Amazing Pass) and walked for about 5 mins. The Cup Noodle Museum is relatively empty at the time of our visit. Entrance to the museum is free. Once inside the museum, there are exhibits on the origins of cup noodles and cup noodles were prepared and sold in the early days. There is even a mock-up shed where the world’s first instant noodles were created and how it was created. Down the hall, there is a tunnel display of the instant noodles that was sold in Japan throughout the decades.
Nissin Cup Noodle Museum in Ikeda
Taking a wefie at the Cup Noodle Museum
Cup Noodle Museum signage
Tunnel of instant noodles
Exhibits in the museum
Wonder what is inside here
My friend inside the mock up shed
Replica of the shed where instant noodles was invented
Some of the equipment that was used to invent instant noodles
Exhibits in the Cup Noodle Museum
There was vending machines for cup noodles
Instant noodles were sold on a food truck in the older days
Exhibits in the Cup Noodle Museum
Gigantic exhibit of cup noodles
The highlight of this place is that we get to make our own cup noodles. My friend and I each bought an empty cup (at ¥300 each) and was escorted to a table where we start doodling on the cups. After we were done drawing our cup, we approached the end of the room where we customised our cup noodles with ingredients and flavouring. Our customised cup noodles were sealed right before our eyes before they were given to us as a souvenir for us to bring back. We headed to the 2nd floor of the museum where there is a class for visitors to make the ramen noodles from kneading the dough to the finished product of the noodles. My friend and I did not participate in this activity. It took us about 1 hour to finish visiting the Cup Noodle Museum.
My friend purchasing his empty cup
This is the area where we drew on our cup
Wefie with a giant cup noodle
The noodle customisation area
My friend with his artwork
Drawing our cup
The noodles
Each noodle is cut into the shape that would fit the cup
Staff showing us that the noodle is in our cup
The ingredients we can choose from for our cup noodle
The ingredients I choose for my cup noodle
Staff sealing the cup noodle
Shrink wrapping my cup noodle
Finished product
List of ingredients to choose for customisation of our cup noodle
Shopping in Osaka Station
We headed for shopping at Osaka Station. There are a number of shopping malls in the vicinity of Osaka JR Station. We headed for the HEP5 Shopping Mall, which is across the road from Osaka Station. The HEP5 Shopping Mall has 6 levels and sells mainly clothing and shoes. We saw the ferries wheel on top of this building and will be back later in the evening after the shops are closed. After shopping around in HEP5, we headed to the departmental stores right on top of Osaka station. The Daimaru store occupies 15 storeys while the Lucca occupies 10 storeys. There is another Hankyu Departmental Store across Osaka Station. We did not go into this store as the product offerings are the same in all these departmental stores.
My friend’s lunch
Lunch at Ippudo
We were surprised to find Ippudo Ramen here
This is only available in this store at Ikea
Shopping time!!
Osaka Station
HEP5 Ferries Wheel
One good thing about getting the Osaka Amazing Pass is that other than allowing us to take the subway for free, we can also visit 36 spots for free. Some of these include riverboat ride, entering the Osaka Castle and taking a ride on HEP5 Ferries Wheel. My friend and I returned to HEP5 at about 8pm, after most of the shopping malls have closed to ride on the Ferries Wheel. The HEP5 Ferries Wheel is located on the 7th floor of the building. The ride on the ferries wheel takes about 15 mins, with the highest point being 106m from the ground. The views on the ferries wheel aren’t that great as the glass looks blurry and we did not have a good view of Osaka city. I would not have ridden on it if it is not covered under the Osaka Amazing Pass. After taking the ferries wheel, we headed back to our accommodation to rest.
HEP5 Ferries wheel is located on top of a shopping mall
Visitors to Kyoto will bound to make a visit to Fushimi Inari-Taishi, a shrine that is dedicated to The God of Rice, Inari. The shrine was built in 711, just celebrated its 1300th anniversary recently. Our journey to Kansai today brought us to Eastern Kyoto, our first stop is The Temple of Thousand Torii Gates – Fumishi Inari-Taishi. We were hoping to get to the shrine early to avoid bumping into huge crowds, after all, Fushimi Inari-Taishi is one of the visited and photographed spots in Kyoto. I figured it would be boring (not mentioning mainstream) if we just visited the main shrine and walking through the very busy Senbon Torii, other than these sites, we planned to hike up to the top shrine in Mt Inari, hoping to get a good view of the surroundings from the top. The 4km hike up Mt Inari would take about 2 hours. Despite the drizzle, Fushimi Inari-Taishi is still packed with crowds. At Romon (樓門), the main gate of Fushimi Inari-Taishi, we spotted a single storey structure that is decked in bright red pillars and beams with white coloured walls, as the centre part built slightly higher than the side structures. A little further from Romon sits Honden (本殿), the main shrine of Fushimi Inari-Taishi. Visitors are only allowed to pay their respects to the 5 deities enshrined here at the entrance of the shrine, where 5 bells are installed for prayers to ring prior to their prayers.
We were greeted with hordes of visitors at Romon, the main entrance to Fushimi Inari-Taishi
Romon at Fushimi Inari-Taishi
The signages on the platform of Fushimi Station is very different
One of the buildings behind Romon
These are the first temple buildings we saw at Fushimi Inari-Taishi
Taking a wefie with Romon
Lantern at the main prayer hall
A very brightly painted Hondo
Hondo is where 5 deities are being enshrined
Me at Hondo with the bell
Side view of one of the prayer halls in Hondo
After paying our respects at Honden, we started our hike up Mt Inari through the first stretch Torii Gates, know as Senbon Torii (千本鳥居). Senbon Torii has the highest concentration of torii gates, estimated to be thousands. The torii gates are lined up almost back to back with very little gaps. Walking through these bright red torii gates gives me an almost magical feeling. I have been seeing pictures of Senbon Torii, and now that I am here, it just feels so surreal. Owing to its fame, the number of visitors here is also the highest. It is very difficult to take pictures of the torii gates at Senbon Torii without capturing someone in the shot. My friend and I ended up walking through the torii gates, taking very few pictures. At one point under these torii gates, we came to a split path. The right side leads upwards towards the inner shrine, whereas the left path is for visitors to descend from the inner shrine. Moments later we arrived at the inner shrine of Okusha (奥社奉拝所). There are 3 buildings at Okusha, 2 for temple administrations and 1 is where the deity is enshrined. We also spotted a queue where people seem to be touching some stone. As the queue was rather long, plus we have to cater time to hike up Mt Inari, we did not join the queue.
Walking through the torii gates in Fushimi Inari-Taishi
The first torii gates
My friend and I at the Senbon Torii Gates
The torii gates at Senbon Torii Gates
Okusha
My friend writing his wishes on the fox shaped charm
Me hanging my charm on the wall in Okusha
Fushimi Inari-Taishi consists of many smaller shrines spreading on Mt Inari, which we spotted on the hike up to Mt Inari. The torii gates pass Okusha are much larger than those we have seen so far. This part of Fushimi Inari-Taishi is where the crowd started to thin out. From here onwards, we were able to take more pictures with no people in it. Along the way, we saw Kumatakasha (熊鷹社) shrine with a large lake behind it. Along the way, we also came to a rest area. There is a small tea house looking shop that sells food and drinks. I highly recommend people making a trip to Fushimi Inari-Taishi to make a hike up here. It is here we saw Kyoto city from a higher ground. We continued our way up the peak, along the way seeing more smaller shrines. Some shrines are bigger while others seem to be a cluster of smaller shrines. At some points of the path, it felt that the shrines have merged with nature. The forest air is crisp and fresh, possibly due to the rain. We finally reached the top of Mt Inari where the shrine Inchinomine (一ノ峰) is located. We were a tad disappointed that there are no viewpoints at the peak of Mt Inari. From Inchinomine, the path turns downhill. The shrines here are more spread out. We also spotted some torii gates that seem to be newly installed. We see more nature on our way down. Once at the base of Mt Inari, we headed to Kyoto JR Station for our next destination.
Me at the torii gates before our hike to the top of Mt Inari
Taking a wefie at the torii gates in Fushimi Inari-Taishi
My friend with the torii gates in Fushimi Inari-Taishi
Me at the torii gates of Fushimi Inari-Taishi
There are lesser people at this part of Fushimi Inari-Taishi
Walking under the torii gates in Fushimi Inari-Taishi
There are shrines like these along the way to the top of Mt Inari
Another cluster of shrines in Mt Inari
Kumatakasha, one of the bigger shrines on Mt Inari
My friend with the torii gates
Torii gates at Fushimi Inari-Taishi that are not crowded
A rest area on Mt Inari
Another shrine on Mt Inari
The higher we go the less people
Taking wefie near the top of Mt Inari
We got good shots of the torii gates
View of Southeastern Kyoto from Mt Inari
The Shrine on the top of Mt Inari
One last glance of Fushimi Inari-Taishi
Some of the torii gates on Mt Inari
Starting our descend on Mt Inari
My friend with the torii gates on Mt Inari
Some of these torii gates are newly installed
Finally we are at the top of Mt Inari
Ginkakuji (銀閣寺)
We originally planned to visit the Kyoto Imperial Palace after we are done with Fushimi Inari-Taishi. However, due to the downpour, we spent additional time at Fushimi Inari Taishi, which caused us to miss the English guided tour timing. We decided to change our destination and wanted to visit Kiyomizu-Dera. While queuing for the bus, we realised bus number 100 goes to both Kiyomizu-Dera and Ginkakuji. We decided to make a trip to Ginkakuji. Ginkakuji is a short walk from the bus stop we alighted. Along the way, we walked past the famed Philosopher’s walk. I told my friend we would take a look at Philosopher’s walk if we have the time after visiting Ginkakuji.
Start of the street leading to Ginkakuji
Setting out from Kyoto JR Station to Ginkakuji
There are a number of these wooden shops outside Ginkakuji
On the streets outside Ginkakuji
Ginkakuji is built in 1482 and served as the retirement villa for the owner, mirroring the Kinkakuji which was built by the owner’s grandfather. Ginkakuji was converted to a temple after the owner’s death in 1490. The named Ginkaku was given when the owner wanted to cover the pavilion with silver foil, however, this did not materialise till the day the owner passed on. Entering Ginkakuji, there is a short walk from the main gate before we reach the inner gate. Passing the inner gate, the highlight of Ginkakuji, Kannon-den (観音殿)or Ginkaku (銀閣) was on the right of the entrance. Ginkaku is a 2 storey wooden structure sitting by a small pond. The silver pavilion is much simpler and smaller than Kinkakuji, perhaps due to the owner does not want to dwarf the works of his grandfather. Ginkaku still retains its original look (and colour) the day it was built. Similar to Kinkakuji, a silver phoenix taking flight stands on the roof of Ginkaku. Having visited Kinkakuji the day before, looking at Ginkakuji feels like a knockoff from its golden version. Afterall it is modelled after its famous golden version.
Ginkaku, the Silver Pavilion
Map of Ginkakuji
Taking a wefie at the entrance of Ginkakuji
One of the wooden buildings at the entrance of Ginkakuji
There are a lot of such zen garden features in Ginkakuji
Wooden buildings and zen gardens are features in Ginkakuji
Ginkaku was supposed to be covered with silver foil
My friend and I at Ginkaku
Ginkaku by the lake
Close up shot of Ginkaku
Next to Ginkakuji is where Kogetsudai (向月台) is located. The Kogetsudai is a large open space with a volcano structure made of white sand, which represents waves and Mt Fuji. Next to Kogetsudai sits the Hondo (本堂) and Togudo(東求堂) side by side. Built of wood, the Hondo is out of bounds and is one of the largest buildings in Ginkakuji. Similarly, the Togudo is also made of wood, this is the oldest Shoin style building that has survived earthquakes and fires throughout the centuries.
The Mt Fuji shaped Kogetsudai
The sea wave patterned Ginsyadan
Outside the main hall
Ginsyadan and Kogetsudai with Ginakaku
Togu-do
Taking a wefie at Togu-do
Perhaps the most iconic feature of Ginkakuji is its zen gardens. Almost half the area is dedicated to the zen gardens. There are 4 ponds in Ginkakuji in total, of which 3 are visible to visitors. Passing the Toguko, a path that leads to the moss gardens in Ginkakuji, which leads to a viewpoint up a small hill. Walking around the gardens feels therapeutic and peaceful. From the viewpoint up in the hills, we can see the whole of Ginkakuji and the town in Northeastern Kyoto. Ginkakuji is rather small, it took us 30 mins to finish walking around the grounds of Ginkakuji. Unless one is interested in zen gardens or happens to have spare time (like us), Ginkakuji is hardly worth the time to travel to this part of Kyoto. We originally wanted to take a walk down Philosopher’s Path, however, after walking past, it felt like walking behind someone’s backyard. We gave up the idea of walking down Philosopher’s Path and headed for our next destination in Kyoto.
The zen gardens of Ginkakuji
One of the 3 ponds in Ginakakuji
A small waterfall in Ginkakuji
The pond beside Togu-do
View of Ginkakuji and northeastern Kyoto from the hill in Ginkakuji
One of the ponds in Ginkakuji
The moss gardens in Ginkakuji
View from the hill in Ginkakuji
There are streams like this that flow through Ginkakuji
Walking up the hill in Ginkakuji
Ginkaku seen from the gardens
The gardens in Ginkakuji
Kiyomizu-Dera (清水寺)
We took the same bus that brought us to Ginkakuji to Kiyomizu-Dera, which is one of the more iconic temples in Kyoto. It took us 7 mins to walk from the bus stop to Kiyomizu-Dera, passing by some wooden buildings along the way. Walking on this street feels as if we are being taken back in time. The street is now filled with shops selling souvenirs. Kiyomizu-Dera is at the end of this street, the first indication of arriving at the temple is the bright red 2 stories main gate. The 14m tall Nio-mon (仁王門) is the main gate that welcomes visitors daily. Sitting on top of a flight of stairs, Nio-mon looks commanding. Walking past Nio-mon, just right behind it, is where the Sai-mon (西門) is located. We were not particularly impressed with the Sai-mon, but are more captivated by the 3 stories red pagoda behind it. From Sai-mon, we spotted another pagoda across on the other side of Kiyomizu-Dera.
The streets outside Kiyomizu-dera
Wefie time
The streets outside Kiyomizu-dera gives one a feel of olden Kyoto
Nio-mon, the main gate to Kiyomizu-Dera
Nio-mon
3 storey pagoda behind Nio-mon
Zuigu-do Hall behind Nio-mon
Another prayer hall at Nio-mon
We can spot another pagoda at Nio-mon
As it was approaching closing time (we only had 45 mins at the time we arrived at Kiyomizu-Dera). My friend and I wasted no time and headed into the main hall – Hondo (本堂). The Stage in Hondo is the most iconic feature in Kiyomizu-Dera, thanks to the location it is built on. The Stage is essentially a veranda, protruding out of the Hondo, built on the steep cliff, supported by 18 pillars that measure 13m tall. However we were a tad disappointed to learn that Kiyomizu-Dera is undergoing preservations works, most the iconic Kiyomizu Stage is covered in canvas and scaffolds, except for a small section that allowed us to take a peek down from the veranda. After offering our respects to the god in Hondo, my friend and I proceeded to the other parts of Kiyomizu-Dera.
Entrance to the main prayer hall, Hondo
Hondo is constructed entirely out of wood
The corridor leading into Hondo and the Kiyomizu Stage
Another prayer hall next to the entrance to Hondo
Taking a wefie at the corridor towards Hondo
Hondo in Kiyomizu-Dera
The Kiyomizu Stage is under restoration works
There is a small section that is still open for visitors to look down at the Kiyomizu Stage
Inside Hondo
My friend with a gong in Hondo
From Hondo, there is a path that splits into lower and upper path in Kiyomizu-Dera. We took the upper path as this is where we can get a good view of Hondo. There are a couple of buildings on this side of Kiyomizu-Dera, the Okuno-in Hall (奧の院) resembles Hondo, but at a smaller scale. Similar to Hondo, there is a veranda at Okuno-in Hall where we got great shots of Hondo (if not for the hideous canvas). We continued on the path leading to the pagoda located opposite Hondo. From Hondo, this pagoda seems far, but the distance between the 2 structures is not as far as it seems. Arriving at this pagoda, it looks the same as the first pagoda next to Nio-mon. As Kiyomizu-Dera is closing soon (announcements were being made on its closing time), we headed for the waterfalls in the temple grounds.
Okuno-in Hall in Kiyomizu-Dera
Okuno-in Hall next to Hondo
Okuno-in Hall
Part of Okuno-in Hall
The veranda at Okuno-in Hall is a great picture spot of Hondo
The veranda at Okuno-in Hall is where we area able to capture the entire Hondo
Wefie at the veranda in Okuno-in Hall
I can imagine how beautiful Hondo is without the canvas
Pagoda at the other end of Kiyomizu-Dera
The 3-storey pagoda opposite Hondo
View of Hondo from the Pagoda
Coming from the pagoda, we took the lower path that leads to the waterfall. Otowa no taki (音羽の瀧) is one the iconic features in Kiyomizu-Dera. It is the pure waters from the mountains here that gives the temple its name. Otowa no taki is a pavilion that has 3 streams of water flowing down from the mountains. It is believed that each of these streams grants different wishes, but drinking from all 3 streams will bring bad luck. I tried drinking from one of the streams, the water tasted like tap water and is very refreshing. One of the good thing about coming to Kiyomizu-Dera when it is about to close is the absence of large crowds, my friend and I did not have to queue for the spring water nor are there crowds that obscure us from taking pictures. If one were to come here when it is about to close (the temple closes at 6pm), do come at least 1½ hours before it closes.
Me drinking from the water at Otowa no taki
My friend at Otowa no taki
Hondo viewed from Otowa no taki
Taking the last wefie before we leave Kiyomizu-Dera
We hurried out Kiyomizu-Dera as it was about to close. As it was dinner time, my friend and I had dinner in one of the small bento eateries (they were delicious and not pricey at all). We spent the rest of the night shopping in Kyoto before heading back to Osaka.
For the next 2 days, our travels in Kansai region will be spent visiting the sites in Kyoto. There are a lot of historic places to visit in Kyoto and it would not possible to see everything given the time we will be spending in Kyoto. Numerous guides online provide guides for visitors to Kyoto. I was initially planned on following one of these guides. After some planning, I was telling myself why settle for some guides with places that I am not interested in? A few iterations later, I finally settled on the places I wanted to visit in Kyoto, the beauty of a free and easy trip. We spent our 1st day visiting the sights northwest Kyoto and 2nd day in the southeast Kyoto.
Arashiyama (嵐山)
We started our Kyoto travels with Arashiyama, which is famed for its scenic views of the river and the Bamboo Grove. There are 3 train stations that serve Arashiyama area namely Hankyu-Arashiyama Station (阪急嵐山駅), Randen-Arashiyama Station (嵐電嵐山駅), and JR Saga-Arashiyama (嵯峨嵐山駅) located at the south, central and north of Arashiyama, respective. We opted to take the train to the southeast of Arashiyama so that our journey will start from the south and end up in the north of Arashiyama where we will catch the Sangano Scenic Railway.
Hankyu-Arashiyama Station is located on the southern side of Togetsukyo Bridge
Raiden-Arashimaya Station in the middle of Arashiyama Town
Togetsukyo Bridge (渡月橋)
Leaving Hankyu-Arashiyama Station, we headed towards the Katsura River (桂川), where the famed Togetsukyo Bridge is located. We reached Katsura River within minutes and there lies the 155m Togetsukyo Bridge in a distance. The view from the riverside was beautiful. With Togetsukyo Bridge in the foreground and the spring green trees on the hills behind the bridge, no wonder visitors flog here for a picture on the bridge. We walked towards the bridge and was treated to more scenic views of a small raised dam, which looked like a waterfall on the river bed. There are sightseeing boats that dock in the nearby pier. Crossing Togetsukyo Bridge, we came to the built-up area of Arashiyama. The view of the bridge from this side of the river presents a different view, however, I prefer the view from the side near the Hankyu-Arashiyama Station, mainly due to a lesser crowd there.
Panoramic Shot of Katsura River from Togetsu Bridge
Walking towards Togetsukyo Bridge
Some of the shops next to Katsura River
This stream joins Katsura River
Togetsukyo up close
Togetsukyo Bridge up close
Togetsukyo Bridge crosses over Katsura River
One of the streams that flows into Katsura River
Our first glance of Togetsukyo Bridge
Arashiyama Rickshaw Ride (京都人力車)
The buildings in this part of Kyoto looks rustic and as though they are from a page out of a history book. As we were waiting to cross the road, we saw rickshaws with visitors on them. Though not in part of our plan, nonetheless we tried a 30mins ride on the rickshaw. Despite being touristy, riding the rickshaw through Arashiyama is a good way of orienting ourselves around Arashiyama. It is also a good way of seeing the sights around this town for those who have little time in this area. Our rickshaw driver introduced us to the various sights along the way. Everywhere in Arashiyama town is crowded with visitors, our rickshaw driver is very skilful in manoeuvring the rickshaw through the hordes of visitors, especially when he was turning into the Bamboo Grove. The main highlight of the ride is the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. As the rickshaw driver pulled us through the Bamboo Grove, he suddenly turned into a small road that is free from visitors. The rickshaw driver explained this is a road that is reserved for rickshaws. On this road, we can feel the peacefulness in the Bamboo Grove. The Bamboo Grove is split into 2 parts, the area before the train track is crowded with visitors. as compared to the area after the train track. There is a small Shinto shrine near the train track. Somehow this is where all the visitors turned back and headed back to the town. We made mental notes of where to go to after we are done with the rickshaw ride. The driver pulled us pass the train tracks to the part where there are lesser people. It is here that the rickshaw driver made a brief stop and took pictures of us on the rickshaw. We made a u-turn and head back to Katsura River where we boarded the rickshaw. As we thought that our ride will be ending soon, the rickshaw driver made a turn into a side road. On this road, we felt the peacefulness of Arashiyama once again. There are some rustic buildings on this road. Soon we were on the side of the road that we boarded the rickshaw. This marks the end of our rickshaw ride. After a few pictures with the driver, we headed back to Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.
Togetsukyo Bridge from Arashiyama town
Some of the wooden buildings in Arashiyama town
These wooden buildings give Arashiyama an ancient feel
There are no lack of such wooden buildings on the streets of Arashiyama
Streets on Arashiyama
Map and rate of the Rickshaw that we rode in Arashiyama
My friend with the rickshaw driver
The street of Atashiyama is very crowded
Our rickshaw driver bashing through the crowd
Taking a wefie on the rickshaw
Our rickshaw driver pulling us through the streets of Arashiyama
On the rickshaw with Togetsukyo bridge in the background
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Streets of Arashiyama from the Rickshaw
Streets of Arashiyama from the Rickshaw
Streets of Arashiyama from the Rickshaw
Streets of Arashiyama from the Rickshaw
Streets of Arashiyama from the Rickshaw
Streets of Arashiyama from the Rickshaw
Tenryuji (天龍寺)
As we were walking towards the Bamboo Grove, we came to Tenryuji, one of the temples on the main road in Arashiyama that we have passed by on the rickshaw just now. My friend and I headed into the compound of this temple. There are quite a number of visitors to Tenryuji. The attraction of this temple is its zen gardens. After walking for another 5 mins, we came to the Kuri (庫裏). Entering the compounds of the temple is free, however, there are different charges on the admission to various buildings and gardens. Kuri is a relatively small white building triangular roof and is built in 1899. The Kuri is considered one of the 7 major buildings according to the principles of Zen. We felt this place is a little touristy and did not enter Kuri. As we were rushing for time, we exited Tenryuji and headed for the Bamboo Grove.
Kuri in Tenryuji
The main gate at Tenryuji
One of the monestary buildings in Tenryuji
Entrance to Tenryuji
Kuri up close
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove (竹林の小径)
Minutes later, we arrived at the entrance to the famed Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Having been here moments earlier, we know exactly which spot to go to where there are lesser people. In the area before the train tracks, we couldn’t really appreciate the bamboo grove. Most of the time we were squeezing with other visitors and this area is very bad for photos. As we were making our way past the train tracks, we made a brief stop at the Shinto Shrine in the midst of the Bamboo Grove. Nonomiya Shrine (野宮神社) is a small shrine that the locals come to pray for marriage. There are several small structures in Nonomiya Shrine, consisting of the main prayer shelter and several boards for visitors to hang this wishes. As the shrine is rather small, we exited the shrine after taking some pictures.
Taking a wefie at the entrance of Nonomiya Shrine
My friend in Nonomiya Shrine
A small shrine in Nonomiya Shrine
Nonomiya Shrine
Nonomiya Shrine
The main shrine in Nonomiya Shrine
The train tracks that cut the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove into 2 parts is right next to Nonomiya Shrine. We continued our walk in the Bamboo Grove past the train tracks. This is where we felt peace in the Bamboo Grove. There are significantly lesser visitors to this part of the grove, making strolling in this part of the grove a relaxing one. It is here we can hear the rustling of the bamboo leaves as they dance to the rhythm of the wind. My friend and I turned into a small area where we stopped by on the rickshaw earlier to have our photo taken on the rickshaw. This is a perfect spot for pictures with the Bamboos and lesser people. It is recommended for those visiting Arashiyama Bamboo Grove to walk past the train tracks and come here to get away from the crowds.
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
This part of Arashiyama Bamboo Grove after the train tracks is less crowded
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
The train tracks that cuts Arashiyama Bamboo Grove into 2 parts
On the rickshaw in Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Taking a wefie in Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Sagano Scenic Railway (嵯峨野トロッコ列車)
Leaving Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, our next stop is the Saga Torkko Station where we planned to board the Sagano Scenic Railway towards Kameoka. The station about 7 mins walk from the rear exit of the Bamboo Grove. The 25 mins Sagano Scenic Railway runs along Hozugawa River between Arashiyama and Kameoka, after which it will turn around and return to Arashiyama. There are 5 carriages on the Sagano Scenic Railway, 1 of which is open air. We originally wanted to take the open air carriage but was told all seats in this carriage are taken. Our plan of taking the train up to Kameoka was also changed on the spot as the next train available is some 2 hours later. We did not want to wait and opted for the return train ride from Kameoka instead. As our JR pass is still valid, we took the JR towards Umahori Station and waited for our train to come by. Arriving at Umahori Station, we took a 5 mins walk from the JR station to the Scenic Railway station. Along the way, we saw some farmlands in rural Kyoto.
A model of the Sagano Train at the station
Saga Torokko Station where we bought our train tickets
The ticketing counter
Wilderness in Arashiyama
This is the station we alighted from the JR
Farmlands in rural Kyoto
Farmlands in rural Kyoto
Kameoka Sagano Train station
Ornaments by the Sagano train track
Our train ride arrived on time and we boarded the train as soon as passengers alighted. The cabin of the train is made of wood, giving the train a rustic feel to it. As the train left the station and started on its 25 mins journey towards Arashiyama, we were treated to views of the wilderness in Kyoto. The dramatic scenery saw Hozugawa River turns from being peaceful to angry with rapids in certain areas. The river also widens and narrows as the train runs alongside the river. We saw the hills on the opposite side of the river donning on their spring green coats and at some point of the journey, the hills gave way to the river as Hozugawa River snakes through the mountain ranges. We even saw boats at some point of the river, where visitors chose to brave through the rapids of Hozugawa River as their return option towards Arashiyama. Initially, we were worried that the seats we were assigned will not give us much of the river view as one side of the train tracks will be facing the mountains. We were lucky to have assigned seats on the left side of the train as we realised on the return trip the left side has more time with the sceneries of the wilderness of Arashiyama.
The train is leaving the station
Our Sagano train tickets
Hozugawa River from Sagano Scenic Railway
This part of Hozugawa River is claimer
Hozugawa River
Bridge over Hozugawa River
Hozugawa River flowing into the mountain ranges
Rapids at Hozugawa River
Hozugawa River viewed from Sagano Scenic Railway
Hozugawa River
Hozugawa River
Nijo Castle(二条城)
We headed back to Kyoto after alighting from Sagano Scenic Railway. As we were riding on the JR towards Kyoto, I realised there is a JR station near Nijo Castle, which is our next stop in Kyoto. We alighted at the station and headed towards Nijo Castle. The walk from Nijo Station to the castle takes around 15 mins. Soon we found ourselves at the entrance of Nijo Castle. Nijo Castle is built in 1626 as a residence for the Shogun who was tasked to protect the Kyoto Imperial Palace. Unlike Himeji Castle, Nijo Castle is rather flat. We passed through the main gate – Higashiote-mon (東大手門). Higashiote-mon has a rather simple design, the bottom half of the gate and this walls surrounding Nijo Castle are built with stones and the top part is painted in white. The main gate looks rather modest in size with traces of gold plating and looks very well preserved.
One of the watch towers in Nijo Castle
Higashiote-Mon up close
Watch tower in Nijo Castle
Higashiote-Mon, the main entrance to Nijo Castle
Passing Higashiote-mon, we came to another gate. The Kara-mon (唐門) is more elaborate in its designs. Though not as tall and big as the Higashiote-mon, Kara-mon is work of art. There are more traces of gold plating on this gate, making it look more royalty. The beams are engraved with vibrantly coloured flowers, with a couple of Japanese Cranes in flight from the front of the gate. The second beam has carvings of dragon and tiger.
Kara-mon in Nijo Castle
Wefie at Kara-mon
Kara-mon in Nijo Castle
Kara-mon viewed from the side
Passing Kara-mon, the first building that we saw is the Ninomaru Palace (二の丸御殿). Ninomaru Palace consists of 6 connecting buildings, which we were made to walk in a pre-determined fashion through these 6 buildings. Photography is strictly not allowed in the palace and there are staffs stationed around in the palace to enforce this rule. Walking through the buildings, we saw lots of empty rooms, most of which with elaborate paintings on the walls. Some of these rooms are larger than others. These larger rooms tend to be near the entrance to Ninomaru Palace, which served as audience rooms. There are some statues placed in the audience room give visitors a glimpse of what it looked like when Nijo Castle was functional. The rest of the rooms are empty with paintings on it. We walked around the 6 rooms in Ninomaru Palace like zombies as everyone visiting the palace felt like going through the motion of passing through these rooms, and the no photography rule baffles me. Finally, we exited Ninomaru Palace and headed to other parts of Nijo Castle. We followed the pre-determined path round Ninomaru Palace to the gardens behind the palace. As I am not a garden person, I find this a tad boring.
Ninomaru Palace in Nijo Castle
The gardens in Nijo Castle
Part of Ninomaru Palace
Ninomaru Palace from the gardens in Nijo Castle
Gardens in Nijo Castle
Ninomaru Palace from the outside
The path leads us to a small bridge crossing a moat inside Nijo Castle. Crossing the bridge, we came to Honmaru Yaguramon (本丸櫓門), which functions as a defensive gate for the main keep inside. The path took us to another garden inside the moat. Little that we realised we can only see the main keep from outside, there are no indications or openings that allow visitors to enter into the main keep. The flat structure of the main keep (本丸御殿), make this main keep feels more like some old Japanese houses rather than a palace. We wandered through this garden in the pre-determined path and headed out Nijo Castle. Personally, I find Nijo Castle not worth visiting with most parts of the palace being out of bounds and the restrictive photography rule inside the only building that is open to visitors. Unless one is an avid garden lover, visiting Nijo Castle is a waste of time.
View of Hinmaru-goten Palace
Honmaru Yagura-mon
Part of Hinmaru-goten Palace
The Hinmaru-goten Palace is out of bounds to visitors
Kinkaku Rokuonji (金閣鹿苑寺)
Leaving Nijo Castle, we headed to Kinkaku Rokuonji. The temple is famous for its Kinkaku (Golden Pavilion) hence people usually refer to this temple as Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion Temple). When planning for this trip, I read that Kinkakuji is very crowded most of the time. The best time for visiting this temple would be either early morning when it first open or 1 hour before it closes, where the crowd would usually thin out. We chose to visit Kinkakuji 1 hour before it closes hoping to see the golden pavilion at the time when crowds are lesser. After paying for our tickets, we entered the grounds of Kinkakuji, the golden pavilion sitting on the side of a lake is immediately in our sight. Kinkakuji is a 3 storey building, with the ground floor of Kinkakuji being semi-open. From the front of Kinkakuji, we can see into the rather empty ground floor with its walls painted with some flower mural. The entire 2nd and 3rd floor are enclosed. It is these levels where the walls are covered in gold foil, giving Kinkakuji its name. A phoenix statue stands right at top of the Kinkakuji with its wings spread out, as though it is ready to take flight. It is said that a Buddha relic is stored on the top floor of Kinkakuji. Kinkakuji looks especially charming with the rays of the setting sun shining onto it, making the top 2 floors of Kinkakuji glow like a gem. Indeed there are lesser people at the time we entered Kinkakuji. We can easily take pictures of Kinkakuji with no people in the background.
Kinkaku up close
Kinkaku by the lake
One of the buildings next to the ticketing counter in Kinkakuji
Wefie with Kinkaku
At the rear of Kinkaku
Wefie with Kinkaku up close
There is a small pier on the side of Kinkaku
The phoenix on top of Kinkaku
Kinkaku
My friend and I followed the designated footpath making our way out of the temple grounds. Along the way, we came across Fudo-do (不動堂), a small shrine dedicated to the Buddist deity Fudo-myo-o (不動明王). We paid our respects to the deity enshrined here before making our way out of Kinkakuji.
Fudo-do in Kinkakuji
The gardens in Kinkakuji
My friend tossing a coin for luck in Kinkakuji
Strolling in Downtown Kyoto
We left Kinkakuji on a local bus bound for Kyoto JR Station. As we were near our destination, we realised there is a shopping strip where the bus was plying through. We hit the buzzer and alighted on the next stop the bus calls on. There are numerous shops and departmental stores along this main road. As we were walking, we saw this small alley that seems to be crowded and turned in to check it out. Little that we realised that we are in the Kamo River (鴨川) dining district. One of the things to do in Kyoto is to dine at one of the restaurants that have an outdoor terrace that faces the Kamo River. This dining experience is only available from May to September each year and has existed for over 400 years in Kyoto. People would flock here to enjoy the cool river breeze while dining during the hotter months of the year. I have wanted to experience this before I came to Kyoto and by chance, we stumbled into this area. We walked along the alley from restaurant to restaurant searching for the food that we like. Dining here is a tad pricey. As we were walking along the alley, I spotted a Geisha walking discreetly to her next place of work. I read that Geishas are a rare sight in Kyoto these days, I must be lucky to have spotted one on my very first time (and first day) in Kyoto. We settled in a restaurant for dinner, dining here is indeed a unique experience.
Downtown Kyoto
Downtown Kyoto
There are quite a number of shopping in downtown Kyoto
Geisha spotted rushing to her workplace
Kamo River Dining district
The shops here looks rustic
Taking a wefie in Kamo River dining district
There are numerous restaurants here
Kamo River Dining district
Dining in one of the open terraces along Kamo River
Gion District (祇園)
After dinner, we headed across the Kamo River to check out if there are any other shops there. We stumbled in a quiet Gion District, where most of the old wooden buildings are located. Tourists flog here partly for the feel of olden days in Kyoto, partly hoping to catch a glimpse of Geishas as they usually ply through here for work in some of the restaurants here in Gion District. Walking in the streets of Gion District is as though we have been transported back in time. Most of the buildings here are restaurants and have ceased operations at the time we were there. Nonetheless, we enjoyed the peacefulness of the street, which makes strolling in Gion District pleasant. We headed back to Osaka to rest of the night after we believe that we have covered most of Gion District.
Gion at night
Gion is full of wooden buildings that gives this part of Kyoto an ancient feel
Most of the shops in Gion District are restaurants
