The classic view of the five-story pagoda standing alongside traditional wooden houses on the stone-paved slope is amazing. It feels like stepping into a parallel time and landing in the Edo period!
Even though there are always crowds, this is absolutely one of the best spots to soak up Kyoto’s atmosphere.
Nijo-jo Castle
After winning the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600 and unifying the country, Tokugawa Ieyasu had Nijo-jo Castle built as his base in Kyoto. It is a historical monument with a history of over 410 years as a castle in the heart of the capital. It was designated a UNESCO world heritage site as a part of the “Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto” in 1994.
A peak example of the "shoin-zukuri" style from the early Edo period in Japan.
The Kano school sliding-door and wall paintings feature extensive gold-leaf landscapes, pine trees, and birds of prey on the interior walls and screens, expressing the authority and power of the Tokugawa family.
Yasaka Shrine
The shrine’s deities are Susanoo-no-Mikoto, Kushiinadahime-no-Mikoto, and Yahashira-no-Mikogami, and it is the head shrine of approximately 2,300 Yasaka Shrine and related shrines with Susanoo-no-Mikoto enshrined scattered throughout Japan.
I loved all the lanterns donated by local Gion shops. The view gets even more charming after they’re lit up at night 🤩
It’s a great place for a slow walk 🚶♀️ and to just soak in the atmosphere.
And it’s right by the Gion shopping street too!
Byodoin
An imperial authority in the Heian Period, Fujiwara Michinaga used this place as a vacation home. His son Yorimichi inherited, converted and opened it as a temple in 1052. It was designated as a World Heritage Site in 1994. The remodeling in 2014 brought it back closer to its original state. The main Amida Buddha statue in Amida Hall is worth a look. You will be amazed by the symmetrical beauty of the building.
As soon as you arrive at Uji Station 🚉, the whole vibe feels super chill. It’s absolutely paradise for matcha lovers!
Walking along Uji Bridge, it almost feels like the whole city is filled with the aroma of matcha 🍵. It’s kind of amazing!
Byodoin, a World Heritage Site, is packed with visitors.
The architecture is gorgeous, and on a nice day, the reflections in photos look extra dreamy!
The glass-built Hoshokan Museum also has a super Zen atmosphere that makes you want to just relax and zone out.
