Welcome to Kyoto!
I went on the trip of a lifetime in June of 2023, and spent two weeks in Japan. I think the best pictures came from our time in Kyoto, where we visited markets, the Imperial Palace, bamboo groves, and all sorts of shrines and temples. (So many shrines and temples). Ready to take a look? Let's go!
Shrines and Temples
Kyoto is home to some of the most famous shrines and temples in Japan. Fushimi Inari with its 10000 gates, Kinkaku-Ji with its golden pavilion, Kiyomizu-Dera's panoramic platform, and many others. Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples peacefully coexist across Japan - sometimes even in the same sites.
Imperial Palace
Kyoto literally means "Capital City" in Japanese. Kyoto was the capital of Japan for over a thousand years, and the Imperial Palace was built to inspire awe in any people who visit it. My favorite part of the palace was built to calm, not awe: the emperor's personal garden, off to the side of his residence.
Kyoto and Nishiki Market
The city of Kyoto itself had lots of fun stuff to do. My favorite part of the trip was a foodie market tour of Nishiki Market. (Food is my thing, after all). Arashiyama bamboo grove was a bit of a disappointment, mainly due to how crowded it was by the time we got there. If you want time alone with the bamboo, make sure to get there early!
If you want to see a bunch of the famous temples before the crowds get too thick, I can personally recommend the Kyoto Early Bird Tour through Viator. If you're looking for a fantastic Nishiki market tour or cooking classes - I did both - get in touch with Cooking Sun's Kyoto cooking school.
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