Kyoto Day Trip

Six months in Japan, and I haven't made it to Kyoto yet?! I decided to remedy that this weekend, and set out for a short trip.

Kyoto is actually really close to Osaka; from my place (which is south of city center), the entire trip only took about an hour and a half. The train ride was comfortable and easy; only one transfer needed!

Because this was a short day trip, I decided to take it easy and only pick a couple things to do. After all, I can (and will) return! With that in mind, my first destination was Fushimi Inari Taisha, a shrine famous for its thousands of red gates.

Gorgeous day to sightsee!

I felt like I was walking in my sister's footsteps... after all, she had visited about 6 months ago! Her photos do the beautiful scenery MUCH more justice than my ancient point-and-shoot ever could though!

This was a holiday weekend in Japan, so the shrine was understandably mobbed. At the bottom of the mountain, there were crowds of people, all trekking through the gates. Luckily, as I climbed, the crowd thinned out.

Look at all the people!

After a half hour, there were a lot less people!

I was warned by my sister that the public map was misleading. Indeed, it seemed like I was making great pace one moment, but then slowed to a complete crawl. After 45 minutes, I was only halfway up!

Beautiful view, halfway up the mountain

I'm sad to say that I didn't make it all the way to the top. It was lunchtime, and I was hungry! As I headed down though, I overheard a group of HK tourists comment that it actually wasn't too far of a hike to the top; the map was severely NOT to scale. Oh well... maybe next time...?

Oh to be like the cat... naptime is the most peaceful thing!

Interestingly enough, although the uphill walk seemed mild, making my way down absolutely KILLED my calves. :P

After a quick convenience store lunch break, I spent the afternoon walking around the Gion district. There was a lot to see, and many tempting things to buy. Beautiful shops with handmade goods and pretty storefronts (decorated tastefully like the most upscale French chocolatiers) selling pickles... all existed in conjunction with huge modern department stores.

Passing by the Yasaka Shrine

Gorgeous park!

Gion district during the day. Most shops were closed, so there wasn't much
to see. It was MUCH prettier at night. Unfortunately, my camera's
night-time photos are so bad that I can't possibly post anything!

Rats; I forgot the name of this. I think it's the Kenninji Zen Temple? It
 cost money to go into the grounds, so I just walked around the perimeter

Kyoto is a pretty city; the old and new co-exist together harmoniously. I have only seen a small slice of what it has to offer... I shall return again!