Kyoto Temples

The Golden Pavilion

Inari Temple

Ginkakuji Temple

Our trip to Japan back in April also included a stop in Kyoto for 3 days. We took the Bullet train which was also an experience in itself and arrived in Kyoto rather quickly.

Whilst in the train station we visited the tourist office and asked what were the main sights to visit. The lady gave us a lowdown on basically the most popular ones. So after we checked into our hotel we set off to visit one of them, The Golden Pavilion. It was very serene and tranquil place, in spite of the fact it was very busy still even though it was closing soonish. We wondered around and it didn`t take so long to walk through the complex.

The next day we visited two more temples, Inari and Ginkakuji. Inari is a little out of Kyoto and on the base on a mountain or hill. We started the walk to the top but give up, but it is a very bright orange temple. Lastly Ginkakuji, which is a World Cultural Heritage Site, again you follow a defined path and there is no wondering around alone off the beaten path.

All three temples are easily reached by public transport and the system is very good, with English announcements too. Also Japanese people were always very helpful to us when we got lost and really tried to speak some English.

Photo of the Week - Cute Post Office

When we saw this Post Office in Kyoto we both thought it was so cute! Hope everyone is having a good week, already Thursday tomorrow! That means for me only one more working day!

Photo of the Week - Lanterns Galore!

Photo of the Week comes from Kyoto, Japan! I have not posted much about our stay in Kyoto, but suffice to say it was amazing! Here are some lovely lanterns from Kyoto to keep you all going until I get round to posting.

Photo of the Week - Kyoto Tower

Kyoto Tower is an observation tower at 131m, the tallest structure in Kyoto and the observation deck is at 100m. I did not go up, but you have 360 degree view of Kyoto and the surrounding areas. It is situated opposite Kyoto station and stands on top of a commercial building.

Kimono Time!

This lovely lady helped us to find Shinjuku!

During our time in Japan we saw quite a lot of people wearing Kimonos, and to us it was really fascinating to see. I was not really sure if they were wearing the Kimono for a celebration or just some people like to wear them. It did seem like it would be difficult to walk wearing one, as they are tied quite tight and the shoes have that bit like in flip flops for the toes. Having said that presumably they are used to wearing a Kimono and know how to walk properly.

The last five photos were taken at the Meiji-ji Shrine, there seemed to be a few weddings on. I guess they must be used to tourists being at this shrine and taking photos of the many weddings that take place here. This wedding passed like a procession and of course I like many took lots of photos, but the bride did look really amazing.

Cherry Blossom in Japan

At the Imperial Palace garden area

Arlene trying to catch the cherry blossom!

In Kyoto at the castle

Again at the castle

One of the many many reasons to visit Japan is to see the amazing cherry blossom season. Sadly we missed the actual season as we arrived mid April, but we were still lucky to see the odd tree here and there. The first 4 photos are in Tokyo around the Imperial Palace area, when you see a cherry tree especially since the season is finished you get excited. The wind was blowing, so all the blossoms were flying around, hence Arlene trying to catch them.

The last 4 photos are in Kyoto outside the castle in its garden, there are whole cherry blossom areas but only these few were still in blossom. It makes you think just how truly amazing it would have been to see loads and loads of cherry blossom trees in bloom. I could have easily taken much more photos of these trees, they were so beautiful to see.

So the whole trip was pretty amazing and as you can imagine there will be lots of posts about Tokyo and Kyoto! I hope you do not get bored!!