wendy's Reviews Page 7/26

While strolling through Arashiyama, I unexpectedly wandered into a shop filled with music. As soon as I stepped into the Kyoto Music Box Museum Saga, all kinds of music boxes caught my eye, gently turning along with their melodies. The whole shop had a warm and soothing atmosphere.

There was a wide variety of music boxes, featuring everything from Japanese songs and classical favorites to familiar anime and movie soundtracks. Each one was beautifully crafted, and I couldn't help admiring and listening to them. Before I knew it, I had spent quite a bit of time there.

When visiting Arashiyama in Kyoto, I highly recommend riding the Sagano Romantic Train at least once! The train slowly travels along the Hozu River, with beautiful natural scenery all along the way. I was especially lucky this time because it was cherry blossom season. The soft pink blossoms, lush green mountains, and gently flowing streams came together so beautifully that I couldn't stop taking photos.

I rode from Arashiyama to Kameoka without having to rush, just slowly taking in the scenery outside the window. A refreshing breeze blew through the lush green mountains, and I could also see rafting activities on the Hozu River. The whole scene was filled with the relaxed atmosphere of spring in Kyoto. The Sagano Romantic Train actually offers different scenery in every season: cherry blossoms in spring, lush green mountains in summer, fall foliage in autumn, and snowy landscapes in winter. Each season has its own beauty.

However, even on weekdays, it is still very crowded. I recommend buying tickets in advance so you don't arrive only to find that they're sold out.

When visiting Arashiyama, you definitely can’t miss its most iconic landmark—Togetsukyo Bridge. Spanning the Katsura River with the mountains of Arashiyama behind it, the bridge, river, and mountain scenery come together to create a scene full of Kyoto charm. It’s no wonder this became a classic landscape in Katsushika Hokusai’s woodblock prints.

I was really lucky on this visit and had exceptionally good weather. The blue sky and white clouds were reflected in the clear Katsura River, while the distant mountains looked especially lush and green in the sunlight. The scenery was so beautiful that I couldn’t stop taking pictures. Standing on the bridge in the gentle breeze, watching the river flow slowly by, with the surrounding scenery all around me, felt especially relaxing. There aren’t many elaborate buildings, yet it has a very pure kind of Kyoto beauty.

You can enjoy cherry blossoms in spring and fall foliage in autumn, and every season has its own character. But what I liked most was the clear, beautiful weather I had this time. When visiting Arashiyama in Kyoto, take a walk across Togetsukyo Bridge, admire the mountains and the water, and experience Arashiyama’s laid-back, romantic atmosphere.

One of the places I was most looking forward to visiting in Arashiyama, Kyoto, was this bamboo grove filled with Japanese charm. As I walked along the bamboo path, I was surrounded by towering green bamboo, with sunlight filtering through the leaves. The entire path felt peaceful and dreamlike.

Although this is a very popular attraction in Kyoto and there are always plenty of visitors, walking deeper into the grove still lets you experience Arashiyama’s unique atmosphere. Along the way, you can also see rickshaws weaving through the bamboo as the drivers pull their passengers and introduce the scenery. Sometimes they even take guests along routes accessible only by rickshaw, which really adds to the travel atmosphere. I also stopped by Nonomiya Shrine deep in the grove. Although the shrine is small, it has a long history and is famous for prayers for good relationships.

This time in Arashiyama, I wasn’t rushing through an itinerary. I simply strolled slowly through the bamboo grove, took photos, and enjoyed one of Kyoto’s most classic views.

One of Kyoto’s most iconic attractions, its most eye-catching feature is the vivid vermilion color, which makes the entire shrine look especially magnificent and solemn. This time, I headed out early in the morning before sunrise and arrived before the large crowds. Heian Jingu Shrine was exceptionally quiet in the early morning. Without the bustling tourists, I could better appreciate the impressive architecture and easily take clean, beautiful photos. As the sunlight gradually fell on the vermilion buildings, the colors became even more vivid, and every photo had that distinctive Kyoto feel. Getting up early was truly worth it for this rare tranquility!

Nanzenji Temple was built by Retired Emperor Kameyama and is one of Kyoto’s most iconic Zen temples. From the path beside the Keage Incline, you can walk gradually uphill to reach Nanzenji Temple. The entire temple has a peaceful and relaxed atmosphere, with different scenery in every season. It’s a great place to slow down and fully experience Kyoto’s Zen spirit.

However, after visiting, I felt that Nanzenji Temple was somewhat similar to Tofukuji Temple—the grounds are very large and divided into many different buildings and attractions, and most areas require a separate admission fee. Each one costs around JPY 500–600, which really isn’t very visitor-friendly. Fortunately, the areas of Nanzenji Temple that are free to visit are actually very extensive. Even if you don’t pay to enter the buildings, simply strolling around outside and taking photos is already well worth it.

The red-brick arches of the Suirokaku Aqueduct have a strong ancient Roman European style, creating an interesting contrast with the surrounding Japanese temple buildings. It’s also one of Kyoto’s most iconic historic sites. With its red-brick arches, weathered walls, and natural scenery that changes with the seasons, it looks atmospheric from every angle.

The five-story pagoda, visible in the distance from the Tokaido Shinkansen, has always been one of the most iconic Kyoto sights to me. This time, I happened to visit when the cherry blossoms were in full bloom, and Toji Temple looked even more historic and beautiful against the sea of pink flowers. I especially recommend visiting Toji at night. As you slowly approach the five-story pagoda from the outer grounds, the towering wooden structure becomes more and more impressive. The impact is truly difficult to capture fully in photos. Photography isn't allowed inside the Kondo and Kodo halls, but the solemn Buddhist statues and temple atmosphere are well worth experiencing in person.

What also left a deep impression on me was taking part in the 6:00 a.m. sutra chanting at Miedo Hall. Chanting with the monks and other visitors,
and experiencing the temple at its purest in the quiet morning, was a very special and unforgettable Kyoto experience. Seeing the cherry blossoms during the day, viewing the five-story pagoda at night, and then ending the trip with early-morning sutra chanting. Visiting Toji at different times of day lets you experience completely different kinds of beauty.

Stretching from Ginkakuji Temple to Kumano Nyakuoji Shrine, this approximately 2-kilometer path is one of Kyoto’s classic walking routes. We were very lucky to visit when the cherry blossoms were in full bloom. As we walked along the canal, both sides were lined with blooming cherry trees, and the soft pink sea of blossoms complemented Kyoto’s streetscape beautifully. It was so beautiful that we didn’t want to walk too quickly. We didn’t plan anything in particular and simply took our time walking and enjoying the scenery along the way, which made it even easier to appreciate the charm of spring in Kyoto.

When visiting Gion in Kyoto, you definitely shouldn’t miss Hanamikoji Street, which is full of the old capital’s charm. This lovely street runs north to south through the heart of Gion and is lined with historic buildings that preserve Kyoto’s traditional character. Many of the old buildings have been renovated into restaurants, teahouses, and unique little shops.

You don’t need any special plans when strolling down the street. Just walking slowly and admiring the machiya townhouses on both sides is enough to experience the distinct atmosphere of Kyoto. Perhaps the most exciting thing about Hanamikoji Street is the possibility of an unexpected encounter. If you’re lucky, you may spot a geisha or maiko dressed in a kimono and walking gracefully, adding even more classical charm to the Kyoto streetscape.

When visiting Kyoto’s Higashiyama district, you definitely shouldn’t miss this iconic landmark—the Yasaka Pagoda. The historic Hokan-ji Temple stands quietly among the streets of Higashiyama. With the towering Yasaka Pagoda surrounded by streetscapes full of Kyoto charm, walking around here really makes you feel as if you’re in the ancient capital.

This time, I specifically chose to visit during cherry blossom season, and the cherry blossoms along the way added a touch of romance. Even though it was a weekday, it was still extremely crowded, with a constant stream of tourists. It was really difficult to take a photo without anyone in it. Still, the combination of cherry blossoms and the scenery of the ancient capital made me want to keep pressing the shutter and capture beautiful memories of spring in Kyoto.