Japan Trip 2015: Part Three

Hi Everyone! Welcome back to Part Three of my Japan Trip Blog!

Day 7

Day 7 saw me pack up my suitcase again & jump on the Shinkansen (Bullet train) to go to Kyoto. I was super excited to go to Kyoto as it is known to have so many temples & cool old stuff to look at. Plus I had booked 2 tours through Urban Adventures, which I was really looking forward to. Once I arrived in Kyoto, I decided to have a relaxing day & wander around the place with no plan - it was great!

Day 8

This 8th day in Japan was the day I had booked myself in for the Cycling Tour with Urban Adventures (link: https://www.urbanadventures.com/Kyoto-tour-Kyoto-cycling-tour).

The tour took our group along ancient canals, which were so picturesque. I remember seeing many older men fishing on the sidewalk - there was one every few metres! We rode down the Path of Philosophy which is lined with Cherry trees - but unfortunately the Cherry Blossoms weren't in bloom.

After riding through the Kyoto, our group stopped off at our first destination - the Heian Shrine.

Heian Jingu Shrine. Image source: http://www.visionsoftravel.org/heian-jingu-shrine-kyoto/

I was impressed at how large and bright the structure was. There were quite a few people there, but I was intrigued by a large group of people that were in traditional dress. Our tour guide advised it was a Bridal Party having their wedding photos taken - it was so cool!

We then got back on our bikes & headed off towards our final destination - Nanzenji Temple. Again, I was in awe of this sheer size of the place. The grounds were beautiful & there was a real sense of zen there. And of course, there were many opportunities for awesome photography options.

A large brick aqueduct that passes through the temple grounds. Built 1868-1912

Once our group had taken our photos, we were back on our bikes cycling back towards Kyoto Station. We got to ride along more beautiful canals lined with old teahouses and traditional bathhouses among the cherry trees and traditional narrow backroads.

I really liked this tour, but I would recommend going when the Cherry Blossoms are in bloom.

Day 9

This day, I had booked myself to do the Kyoto City of Culture tour with Urban Adventures (link: https://www.urbanadventures.com/Kyoto-tour-City-of-Culture-Kyoto), however, it was cancelled at the last minute.

I was pretty disappointed, but I decided to find the sights I was meant to see on the tour by myself. So I hired an electric bike (as my legs were killing me from the day before), started up my Google Maps & off I went! Looking back, this was one of my favourite days in Japan - I had SO much fun because I was on my own schedule.

The first stop on my list & the place I was most excited to see was Fushimi Inari Shrine. And I was not disappointed. 

Iconic Red Torii Gates

Seeing the seemingly endless stretch of iconic red torii gates was AMAZING! Of course, there were many tourists - but it was well worth it. Made famous by the film Memoirs of Geisha, this location is a major must-do stop if you go to Kyoto! Oh, and it's a major photo opportunity alert!

After I had taken a zillion photos, I was back on my bike riding through Kyoto heading towards Gion, also known as the Geisha district. The sun started to set & I was lucky to see this area come alive with people and lights. I rode past the 17th-century traditional restaurants and teahouses, where many still operate for Geisha entertainment. As I was riding along the streets, I started to see many Geishas & they were all so beautiful. I felt like I had stepped back in time & I loved soaking up the atmosphere of this historic place.

Riding through Japan is such a fun experience & I would highly recommend it to anyone thinking of visiting. IT is such a unique way to see places you wouldn't normally see if you were on the train.

Until next time,
Cora
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Cover photo by Cora Corbett on Instagram