Having visited the western and southern part of Kyoto, I went back to Central Kyoto again after 6 years. For first time travelers, it would be a good idea to get the Kyoto City Bus day pass. Basically in Kyoto, the fare is a flat 200Y for each time you board the bus. If you were to buy the day pass where you can board unlimited times during the day for 500Y, it'll be all the more worth while. Now, even Arashiyama is covered! The link to the city bus coverage can be found here.
This is one of the gates that will bring you to the Kyoto Imperial Park. There's a bus stop on the sight seeing route which will stop near this gate so it's probably going to be on your to-do list. Do note that you can only visit the grounds of the palace if you're booked on the tour and the only English tour is available twice a day. Check out the timing before you go so you don't feel disappointed!
From there, we took the sight seeing city bus again and we passed by this beautiful scenery enroute to Shimogamo shrine. One thing good about the bus is that it is a pretty comprehensive network such that there are at least 2 buses that will head to the touristy location so you don't have to worry about missing the only bus.
A word of caution though - the above map does not tell you the exact bus stop. Some bus stops share the same name so you'll need to observe for a map near the bus stop to know if you're actually at the right stop to transit to another bus, if that is your plan.
The shrine is located at the junction of the Takano and Kamo rivers. If I get the information right, there are 53 buildings in total and they're all part of the important cultural buildings.
It is a reminiscent of the historical and dynastic culture of Kyoto. The outer part of the temple is free for anyone to access but if you want to further explore the grounds of the shrine, you'll have to pay an admission fee of 500Y.
The next place we visited was the Yasaka Shrine. It is right at Gion, and it was once called the Gion shrine.
Remember in my previous posts, I mention that you can shake a bottle and then get the number interpreted? This is how it looks like and apparently you can choose based on the subject that you're asking for. It could be studies, relationship or work etc.
This shrine is actually very famous for its summer activities. If you're planning to visit in July, be sure not to miss out the Gion Matsuri celebration. It involves a grand procession with many participants.
We visited the Higashiyama area next. Higashiyama is an old part of Kyoto where most parts of its aisle and streets are still in cobblestones. It reminded me a little of Bukchon Hanok in Seoul as there are still local residents living there although there dare curious visitors and tourists looking around on a daily basis.
As you explore, you're bound to find a few more smaller shrines and temples along the way.
This would be the old Higashiyama street which you'll see in several web pages that introduces Kyoto to you. It is very near the Yasaka Pagoda.
This structure is also commonly known as the Ho-kanji Temple and it is a symbol of the Higashiyama district. This is the oldest pagoda in Kyoto and the roof design is special to protect the structure from rain and strong wind. The very roof structure is also known as the honkawara-buki style.
Just opposite the pagoda, you'll find this tiny little shop that is also the Museum of Music boxes. You can find many miniature cute souvenirs in it.
This beats the puppy eyes anytime right? So cute!
I've actually never seen a yuzu tree before prior to my visit so it was a pure pleasure to find it planted in the compound of the Yasaka Pagoda.
We wrapped up our Kyoto Trip by visiting the glorious Kinkakuji. The Golden Pavilion is designated as a world cultural heritage site. The current structure was rebuilt in 1955, after the structure was unfortunately set ablaze by a fanatic monk in 1950.
And that wraps up our adventure in Kyoto. Thanks for the wonderful time, Kyoto!
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