My Japan Travel – Brief report on 3-day travel to Kyoto

I’m now on my travel to Japan and found myself freezing in the city of Tokyo! Sitting at the Starbuck Coffee outlet at Skytree tower, taking out my iPad and start writing this post. This is a brief report on my Japan travel in Kyoto, summarizing some of my favorite events happened during this 3 days in Kyoto. It’s a short report as I’m rushing for my next destination after my coffee break. Enjoy!

My favorite Koyo spot

Kiyomizudera temple

I came to Kyoto during the peak Koyo season in late November 2012. Autumn colors were seen everywhere I went to, especially in the gardens and compound of temples and shrines. Among the best and popular Koyo spots in Kyoto, I went to a few of them included the kiyomizudera, Tofukuji, Kinkakuji, Heian shrine, and Chion temple. The best of the best Koyo viewing destination with vibrant red, orange and yellow colors that found surrounding the devotees of temple on top of the hill is the Kiyomizudera temple which located nearby the Gion district.

My favorite photo spot

Kinkakuji

One of the most famous landmarks in Kyoto is no other than this golden pavilion of Kyoto. This golden architecture is sitting at the shore of a lake with beautiful landscapes growing surrounding it. It is located slightly out of the Kyoto city centre and you need to take bus or subway to get there from downtown Shijo-Gion in about 40 minutes. Entrance fees is 400 Yen. The best thing to do in Kinkakuji is to snap as many photos of the golden pavilion as you can.

My favorite tourist spot

Fushimi-Inari shrine

My favourite tourist spot is Fushimi-Inari shrine in Southern Kyoto, which can be reached by taking either the Keihan or JR Nara line from Kyoto station and get down at the second station named Inari. It features hiking treks up the mountain with endless Tori gates along the way. You can have a clear view of the city on top of the mountain. The best part of the temple is the serene environment that let you clear your mind and breathe the fresh airs. Other than the temple and its walking paths, another attraction is its local Inari sushi and the grilled birds.

My favorite shopping spot

Gion and Shijo market

Gion is the best shopping area in downtown Kyoto. There are many shops selling the local delicacies such as the soft cakes, biscuits, green tea biscuits, green tea ice cream, and others that you won’t find them elsewhere, even in other cities of Japan!
Crossing over the river, you will come to the modern part of Shijo shopping district with upscale shopping malls and restaurants. Nishiki market is just next to Shijo road that features various seafoods and snacks.

I had a fantastic time in Kyoto. After this 3-day sightseeing and food tasting trip in Kyoto, I traveled on Shinkansen train to Tokyo! 🙂 – Travel Feeder, the ultimate travel photo blog

About The Author

Cecil Lee

The author is an avid traveler and photography hobbyist who loves to share with others his travel and photo-taking experience in many popular tourist destinations around Europe, Asia and Australasia. Read the exciting stories with many photos captured on his journeys.