A stay in Kyoto is at once exotic, exciting and enriching. In order to take full advantage of each hour spent there, you need to know where to go and what to do first. Indeed, Kyoto is a very lively city full of more or less hidden treasures. So here is a little guided tour…
Kyoto: its castles, temples and sanctuaries
If there are indeed places that characterize a city, in Kyoto there are countless UNESCO heritage sites. There are thousands of castles, temples and sanctuaries and it is sometimes difficult to make a choice. By providing for a trip to the city of Kyoto, it is absolutely necessary to select sites such as the Kiyomizu-Dera which is by far the most visited temple in the entire city. In spring, the cherry blossoms give the landscape a spectacular colorful appearance.
The Fushimi Inari Shrine is also a must-see because no less than a thousand red tori lead visitors to the top of a hill. From here several smaller sanctuaries are accessible and many are home to many foxes.
Finally, Nijo Castle bears a significant part of the region’s history. It would be a shame to miss it. It is the former residence of the Shogun of Kyoto.
To this list is easily added the golden pavilion, “Kinkakuji”, whose walls are entirely covered with gold leaf. 30 to 45 minutes is enough to visit the park and the pavilion. The ideal is to go there at the end of the afternoon, when the sun’s rays hit it directly, bringing out all the beauty of this building.
Iwatayama, the monkey park
The curious and nature lovers will not be left out with this park which is home to numerous macaque monkeys. These mischievous animals one day chose to take up residence there and since then, generations have followed one another to the delight of tourists who can observe them at leisure.
The place is generally very popular with younger people who do not have the opportunity to approach such animals every day. Be careful though, observing these macaques is fascinating and fun but it is better to keep your distance because they can sometimes be a little aggressive.
Next to Kyoto: the Arashayama bamboo forest
At certain times, the place is crowded with tourists but it is nonetheless very welcoming. A path winds through the heart of this forest, bordered on both sides by gigantic bamboos rising towards the sky.
However, amateur photographers should avoid going there at the end of the day, when the light has difficulty filtering between the bamboos. Conditions are difficult to take beautiful photos.
At the end of the morning or early afternoon, the walk becomes magical. A zen and almost unreal atmosphere takes the walker on a truly unique stroll through the heart of unusual nature.
Save
What exceptional places do you absolutely have to visit in PACA?
10 things and places to see or visit absolutely in France
Top 5 must-see places to visit in the USA
Sydney: 12 things to do, see and visit absolutely
Australia: 5 tourist places to absolutely see
5 places to visit during your trip to Paraguay
Hungary: the spa resorts you absolutely must visit in Budapest
10 things to visit, do and see absolutely in Peru