After browsing the Dogo Onsen shopping street, it's about a 5-minute walk to Dogo Onsen Station! In front of the station, the Botchan Karakuri Clock puts on its hourly show right on time, with a steam train joining in. As soon as the music starts, the clock suddenly seems to come alive, with characters appearing one after another and its mechanisms opening up layer by layer. The whole plaza instantly turns into a little theater, making it hard not to stay until the end! Afterward, slowly walk back toward Dogo Onsen and keep browsing and shopping.
Botchan Karakuri Clock | Review by wendy
Other Reviews by wendy
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Kenninji Temple
The oldest Zen temple in Kyoto and the head temple of the Kenninji sect of the Rinzai school. In 1202, Minamoto no Yorie, the second shogun of the Kamakura Shogunate, donated the temple area to the temple and founded it with Yousai Zenji as the founder.
Founded in 1202, Kenninji is one of Kyoto's oldest Zen temples. Although it is near the lively Gion district and Hanamikoji Street, it is unexpectedly peaceful. It feels like Gion draws everyone's attention, making Kenninji a very pleasant hidden attraction.
Admission is JPY 800, and you need to remove your shoes before entering. The temple houses treasured works such as the Wind and Thunder Gods folding screens, and the gardens are filled with Zen touches throughout. It's a great place to sit and take your time appreciating the scenery while enjoying the quiet Japanese atmosphere.
I especially recommend walking all the way to the main hall. The moment you step inside, you're greeted by the subtle scent of wood. When you look up and see the spectacular ceiling painting, you can't help but stop in your tracks. It's truly breathtaking.
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Kyoto Prefectural Yamashiro General Sports Park (Taiyogaoka)
The hills of Uji in Kyoto keep a local-loved haven known as Kyoto Prefectural Yamashiro General Sports Park (Taiyogaoka), a large-scale haven for nature and sports that spans a whopping 108 hectares. The park is divided into themed forest zones such as the Adventure Forest, Play Forest, and Friendship Forest, featuring giant athletic structures and outdoor play equipment that let you forget the bustle of the city.
Besides temples and historic sites, Kyoto also has a large park that's perfect for families! Taiyogaoka is located in the hills of Uji. The grounds are very spacious, with shady trees and peaceful surroundings, making it especially pleasant to walk around. The park has all kinds of play equipment where children can run, jump, try different activities, and enjoy plenty of adventure. In summer, there's also a family pool where you can splash around and cool off. It's a great place to spend anywhere from half a day to a full day. If you enjoy nature and outdoor activities, it's well worth a visit!
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Kyoto Station Building
Kyoto station is attached to an enormous building which provides shops and restaurants, as well as a hotel and cultural center. The Cube Shopping Mall occupies the ground floor and two basement floors. In its spacious confines are shops offering a wide variety of unique souvenirs and specialty desserts from Kyoto, trendy fashion items, and interesting knickknacks.
When visiting Kyoto, I think staying near Kyoto Station is really convenient! The Kyoto Station Building itself has shopping, food, souvenirs, and places to relax, and there are also many department stores, shopping centers, and restaurants nearby, making it easy to shop or grab something to eat.
If it’s your first time in Kyoto, staying near the station is also a great choice. There are plenty of hotels in the area, and transportation is very convenient. You can easily reach Kyoto’s major attractions by JR, subway, or bus.
After a long day of sightseeing, you can return to the station, have dinner, and do some shopping before heading back to your hotel. It really saves time and effort. For independent travelers, the area around Kyoto Station is a great choice where it’s “convenient to stay, fun to explore, and easy to get anywhere!”
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