Must See Attractions in Kyoto

March 31, 2016

Kyoto can be an exhilarating place for new comers especially for those who desired to have a peek of old Japan..  But where to begin your exploration?  Being the historical core of Japan Kyoto is packed with traditional temples, garden, shrines and if you are lucky enough you  get to see a real life Geisha.  If you were to ask me, I’d say that Kyoto is the most satisfying destinations you can have when you go to Japan. I went there twice and I'm still hoping to go back there again, knowing that there are still places waiting for me to explore.

But what are the top must see attractions in Kyoto? I'm listing down mine based on the tourist spots I visited in Kyoto. I'm lucky to have Japanese friends to tour me around there 



1. KINKAKU-JI - THE GOLDEN PAVILION

The second place that I went to when I first went to Kyoto. One of Japan's best temples located in northwest Japan. The garden and buildings, centered on the golden pavilion were said to represent the pure land of Buddha in the world. Gold foil covers the upper two levels and a shining phoenix stands on top of the shingled roof. Walking around the golden pavilion lets me wonder what's life like there before.  You can see more of my Kinkaku-Ji post HERE


2. Fushimi Inari taisha 

Listed as one of the top attractions in Japan no doubt about that. It's such a magical place to disregard. I first learned about this beautiful man made wonder when I was watching the movie Memoirs of a Geisha  and It was out of curiosity that made me dream about this place forever that is until I finally came to see the place. I simply can't hold my happiness the second I stepped out of the train that day. You know that feeling that you were so excited you wanted to run, but you can't because your legs are too heavy? Too heavy from excitement that is hahaha. I'm having butterflies in my stomach, it's like finally seeing your first love for the first time! Walking around the shrine is like walking around gates after gates which it has literally over 32,000 Torii (gates in Japanese) and each gate were encrypted with names of local people and businesses who donated and paid for the construction of these Torii's The reddish-orange color represents the sun. The shrine is built in dedication to the god's of grains "Inari" (gods of abundant crop) hence the shrine is linked with success in business.


3. Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

Ahhh Arashiyama this place I would never forget It’s one those places that I’d wish to see over and over again.  The main reason why I wanted to go to Arashiyama is to see the bamboo forest, but never would I expect to fall head over heels in love with the place. Its lush vegetation and  the cool ambience it makes me want to inhabit the place. Walking around Arashiyama is like walking into another world  
The Bamboo forest which remains as the top sights in Kyoto, no doubt about that the gigantic arrays of bamboo will transport you into a different  world. 
One of the surprising thing you'll encounter along the streets of Arashiyama =)

3. Ninja Village


Ninja’s in Japan have evolved during the historic period of the samurai It has become one of the unsurpassed elements making Japan’s history and culture exceptional. We went to this so called Ninja Village in Kyoto, it’s a remarkable place with it’s truthfully ninja-rific structural designs, it’s like going back to the past. There is so much history and culture and yes, you get to see samurai warriors, real life geishas, ninjas and you can even watch a live ninja show. 



Overall, there are so many great sites to visit in Kyoto, try to taste the glory of the place. It is an adventure that must be taken.

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