On our second day in Kyoto, we headed to the Northwest (Arashiyama) area, to explore some gems.
We first took the city bus to Kinkakuji temple ("Golden Pavillion") which is something like the Taj Mahal of Kyoto. It was swarming with tourists as well as locals! It was a retirement estate for a shogun and then a Zen temple. It has burned down a couple of times and has had to be rebuilt, but it is a beautiful sight to see!
There is a similar pavillion in silver (Ginkakuji) across town that we didn't make it to.
There are quiet gardens amidst the temple complex.
We then walked to Ryoan-ji, another aristocrat's villa-turned-Zen-temple.
It houses Japan's most famous rock garden, a 25-meter-long dry landscape garden where you can look out and meditate.
Iver enjoyed rather playing in the pebbles en route to the actual rock garden.
We then headed by taxi to Arashiyama's bamboo grove forest, which was a very scenic area in which to stroll. Iver wanted absolutely nothing to do with the stroller on this day, so we ended up taking turns carrying him and dragged it along beside us.
We had a tasty lunch of udon noodles and sweet treats, and continued south to the Monkey forest.
(Green tea/vanilla softserve)
Scenic Togetsukyo Bridge ("Moon Crossing Bridge")
We had great views over Kyoto!
After a nice, long afternoon siesta, we took the subway back to the Gion area and visited Nishiki market.
We snacked on tiny octopus, and then had a streetside noodle dinner.
Iver was a fan!
We strolled the shopping district.
Hello Kitty in a kimono!
On our last morning in Kyoto, we killed some early morning time wandering at nearby Higashi Honganji, a Buddhist temple close to both Kyoto station and our apartment.
Kyoto tower is also a pretty landmark.
Kyoto is a very charming, beautiful city. I only wish we had more time to spend here, exploring, and maybe just chilling in a teahouse somewhere...
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