Enoshima Shrine | Review by Gina C

In Arashiyama, Kyoto, what I was looking forward to most was walking along the Sagano Bamboo Grove Trail. Towering bamboo stretches along both sides, with sunlight filtering through the leaves. Walking through it really feels like suddenly entering another world. Although there are quite a few visitors, the overall atmosphere is still very pleasant.

Strolling slowly along the path, looking up at the dense bamboo, you can hear the leaves rustling when the wind blows. The scenery is really beautiful. The iconic section of the bamboo trail is especially great for taking photos, and every angle has a distinctly Kyoto feel.

After actually walking through it, I felt that this is more than just a photo spot. It’s also a great place to slow down. I recommend coming earlier, when there are relatively fewer people and it’s easier to take photos.

If you’re planning a day trip to Arashiyama, the Sagano Bamboo Grove Trail is definitely worth adding to your itinerary. Visit it together with Tenryuji Temple and Togetsukyo Bridge, and a leisurely walk around the area will let you experience the classic atmosphere of Kyoto.

The Hakone Ropeway is a part of traveling around Hakone that’s well worth experiencing, especially the ride from Sounzan to Owakudani, where the scenery along the way is truly beautiful. As the gondola slowly rises, you can look down over Hakone’s mountain scenery, and when the weather is good, you may even see Mt. Fuji. The views are very expansive.

As you approach Owakudani, the scenery becomes quite distinctive. You can see white smoke constantly rising from the valley and even smell a faint scent of sulfur, making it very different from the scenery on a typical ropeway. The mountains, forests, and volcanic terrain overlap along the way, and it’s also great for taking photos.

I think the Hakone Ropeway is more than just transportation—it’s an interesting travel experience in itself. If you plan it together with Owakudani, Togendai, and Lake Ashi, your whole Hakone itinerary will be even more varied. In particular, slowly crossing the valleys inside the gondola really gives you the feeling of traveling.

While visiting Kyoto’s Higashiyama area, I found Yasaka Koshindo to be a small and very distinctive attraction. The most eye-catching feature is the colorful kukurizaru hanging all around the temple. Clustered together like little ornaments, they’re bright and adorable, and every casual photo captures the atmosphere of Kyoto.

The temple’s official name is Kongoji Yasaka Koshindo. Although it isn’t large, it has a very special atmosphere. The colorful kukurizaru symbolize binding one’s desires and also carry the wish that prayers will come true. Seeing so many of them hanging together really makes you want to stay a little longer.

The surrounding area is part of Higashiyama’s popular walking route, with attractions such as Ninenzaka, Sannenzaka, and Kiyomizu-dera nearby, so they can all be included in the same itinerary. Walking along the traditional streets in a kimono and taking photos with the colorful kukurizaru creates a scene that feels very characteristic of Kyoto.

What I liked most about Yasaka Koshindo was its compact, colorful atmosphere. Although it isn’t a large temple, it leaves a vivid impression. It’s a great place to stop by for photos and experience Kyoto’s traditional culture, and it’s well worth a visit while walking around Higashiyama.