Within Kyoto, transportation is easily accessible via buses, trains or subways and PASSMO card ( as used in Tokyo) is a useful tool to have around for easy of taping out. Something different is that the boarding of buses is from the back door and alighting is from the front door.


1. Fushimi Inari

These orange torii gates (entrance to Shinto shrine) have become the symbol of Kyoto. We hiked upall the way to the peak and back down, a total of  12000 steps and 10000 torii gates ( and increasing), it took us a total of about 4 hours with photo-taking and resting stops in between. 

The crowd at the beginning was crazy. True to what many said, the crowd thins out as you hike up further and higher, which makes for cleaner backgrounds for your photo shoots without the human photo bombs. 

However, Fushimi Inari is not all about only the torii gates. The shinto shrine temple which worships Inari, the shinto god of rice, has a grand main shrine area upon entry, which is equally as fascinating and worth the time spent exploring. Throughout the premises, you will be able to spot many fox statues, thought to be Inari's messengers form legends (above). 

Walk behind the main shrine for the entrance to the torii gate. Ascend and stop at any point you wish. We wanted a full experience and decided to hike all the way up to the summit of Mount Inari.

The view may be the same throughout, past the half-way mid point, where many people would have returned to base, but for us it was more of personal goal to set off and complete the hike in one-go. 

Prepare water, you are gonna need them. There are toilets only at certain pit stops. As it was spring, we did not perspire much. There are some mini marts along the pit stops, but think along the line of small snacks. Prepare some in advance if you wish.

While climbing/hiking/panting, you will see many smaller shrines. This was one of the more eye-catching ones but we didn't snapped all of them as there were simply way too many. 

Finally reached the top of the mountain after a two hours climb.
A sign proclaiming the summit of Mount Inari at 233m. Yes!


And this is the Kami-no-Yashiro shrine (上之社) at the summit.










Introducing the halfway mark where you can see a panoramic view of downtown Kyoto. Very scenic isn't it?
Many visitors also turned back to ground zero from here. If I remembered correctly, it would take another 45 mins to climb up to the summit, depending on your pace.



It was mission accomplished as we scaled Mount Inari and the pilgrimage of Fushimi Inari.
Making our way down in another 2 hours later, we were pretty exhausted and hungry. Thus, best to set off in the early morning, well, just like everyone else.

Verdict: The overall hike was not difficult but can be tedious and difficult for people with arthritis problems. For the elderly who are do not exercise regularly, this hike could be challenging as you scaled up. To me it was not that steep nor difficult as the pathway were nicely paved with steps which already made the conditions ideal. We have seen parents carrying young children, travelers carrying one-piece suitcase and ladies in kimono (though certainly none, if any, could have scaled the summit in that outfit), really marveled at their stamina though. Ultimately, it really depends on what's your personal goal. No hard and fast rules! Just enjoy.

2. Arashiyama Bamboo Forest (ABF)

If it rains ( *touch wood) in the morning when you set off for the forest, don't bother heading there. Well I could not speak for all all seasons, but at least for Spring. We set off on cloudy skies and the forecast had expected rain. However we persevered and headed on to the forest with a long traveling time from downtown Kyoto. When we finally reached ABF drops fell and in an instant thunderstorm came upon us like no other. We were soaked to the brim even with umbrella. Our shoes, coats and butts. The merciless cold raindrops didn't help either. Not to mention their public toilet had no hand-dryer nor warm water tap (but that's another story). 

Even as reached about 8am-ish,  we couldn't beat the crowd. Perhaps they stayed nearby, no idea how they managed. The morning crowd stormed in ( mostly tour groups probably. they could have slept on the bus I guess, unlike free-and-easy folks). Photo taking of any kind was extremely difficult coupled with the heavy downpour. In the end, I gave up. We snapped some quick shots and dashed for shelter. Then we chanced upon the romantic train ride - Sagano Scenic Railway.

Since we were stuck, cold and drenched we thought might as well take a train.

P.S:  #Truestory. If you have planned to head outdoors for the day and it rained or is looking to rain (weather forecast apps are very accurate) better to have a change to your plans. I can't emphasis enough. The rains in Japan can be harsh, icy and windy. It is unlike a passing shower in Singapore. You will most likely be left cold, wet and unable to enjoy yourself. I know, not easy, especially if you have set off for the destination of the day, but we had experienced them twice, thrice in Japan ( Tokyo and Kyoto) and it was really not fun having to dry your shoes with the hotel hairdryer later on. 

We had wanted to head to Tenryuji temple, walk around and view the Togetsu-Kyo Bridge after the ABF. But alas, because of the train ride we diverted our course.

3. Nara Park 

Nara Park was huge, larger than we expected. We had wanted to visit Todaiji and the Park together. But having took a longer time at Fushimi Inari, we had not much time left (again) before Nara Park closed for the day.

You would have read about those deers. Seemingly cute on the outside but with a larger-than-life attitude on the inside. I meant those aggressive chasing. chewing and bumping. Just listen for the occasional shrills and screams when you are there (myself included). 

Temperamental and unpredictable deer? One moment I was feeding one and the next moment it came on me with its 2 seemingly non-existent antlers! Ouch! I was stunned and yelped. Frozen. Thankfully Bae was around to pull me away. I didn't even provoke that deer, what's up!
It was a "risk" taking those photos, but a happy one at that, peppered with a great sense of achievement and fun. I would strongly recommend you to visit at least once in your trip to Kyoto.

If your deer is happy it will give you a lick...

...or a kiss.







Tip 1: Keep your deer biscuits hidden away and only take them out when you are ready to feed. We took them out one by one. Else the whole gang might just come for you if they spot a whole stack of feeds. For sure, we had fun interacting with the deer.

4. Kinkakuji

It was my 2nd time to Kinkakuji, a world heritage site and yet I am still not impressed and felt the same looming 'distance' as I had from my previous visit. We couldn't enter the golden temple overlooking a massive pond and could only viewed it from afar. Pity. Not much explanations on the history were given on site. Pity. Everyone contoured around the same pathway before exiting, which was a really quick business, seemingly nothing much to explore on the grounds.

The best angle for your shot with Kinkakuji, we thought (and so do many others), was no secret. 




#Truestory #nofilter. Colours on a rainy, gloomy day. 
Guess one will need lots of filters to brighten up the golden-roofed temple

5. Ryoanji Temple

Ryoanji, also listed in the UNESCO World Heritage site, was a short bus ride away from Kinkakuji and way more enjoyable for me with its zen facade and instilled calmness. It also had lesser tourist crowds.

Firstly, we had to circle the ancient ponds famous for its mandarin ducks sightings and crossed the huge garden compounds filled with different floral.






After a stroll in the gardens, we reached the centerpiece of Ryoanji. The rock garden consists of 15 rocks laid out in a formation to convey the spiritual enlightenment teachings of Zen Satori. The amazing thing is that at any one vantage point, only 14 rocks can be seen, grouped in various clusters of various numbers - fives, threes and twos. Footwear must be off when in the compound.

It would have been nice to sip tea while letting your mind go blank right? Just thinking.


The wall surrounding this garden, as I understand, is made of clay now aged over the centuries. Notice those orange, reddish tones. 

6. A Night Walk - Gion and Yasaka Shrine

i. Gion 
I wonder if it would have been better to visit Gion, the famous Geisha district, along Hanamikoji Street in the day. We went at night where the hustle and bustle was supposed to happen. But no, there was nothing going on on the streets. What went on behind those closed doors however, would be a mystery to us curious visitors.

We kept our eyes peeled and saw the occasional ladies in their geisha getup, but they walked so fast and it was so dark, we could not see much of anything. Of course, we wouldn't (and couldn't) pry. All the other shops selling sweets and confectionery were closed by night time. So if you wish to get a clearer, in depth walk in Gion, go in the day.

Otherwise, it was nothing more than an ordinary street. There are always opportunities to book an appointment for geisha entertainment or tea appreciation at one of the tea houses from a simple online search, but they do not come cheap. More affordable options will be to join private walking tours in Gion.



You may not be able to see clearly, but this is the one of the most famous tea houses around with over 300 years of history - Ichiriki Chaya. With its striking red walls, this place offers geisha entertainment strictly by invitations only. A meal there with entertainment sets you back from 5000 USD.

ii. Yasaka Shrine

Located in the main bustling streets of Kyoto, you can take buses or train from Kyoto Station. We walked en route from Gion District, a short 10 minutes. In summer, this temple is famous for its Gion Matsuri.


Here's the dance stage just besides the main hall, stealing the limelight with those lanterns bearing the names of the local businesses in Kyoto and lighted up every evening. Beautiful right?



The main hall whiled closed for entry at night, still allows devotees to pray while standing outside - ring the bell, 2 bows, 2 claps,  pray, 1 bow, toss your offering. We observed many locals doing the same.



7. Teramachi Shopping District, Shinkyogoku Shopping Street, Nishiki Market