Table of contents
#1
INARI SHRINE
I know, I know, this is arguably one of the most famous spots to go to in Kyoto, but getting to walk through ONE THOUSAND torii gates is just an awesome experience! Some are hundreds of years old with lush green moss growing on them while others are newly built, and some are even made of Stone(Those were my particular favorites). Throughout the trail are several prayer stations and small shops where you can eat or buy souvenirs. Personally I picked up a nice set of tea cups. There are also many fox styled statues which are the messengers of Inari, the god which shrine was built for. On my ascent I met a wonderful elderly couple and we had quite the pleasant exchange in Japanese and English. I was very thankful to be able to meet them.
When to go: Now, I am a wake up early and seize the day kind of traveler which meant barely any people were there when I arrived(around 7 am), but it got CROWDED by the time I was headed back towards the entrance. So if you are not a fan of larger crowds, the early bird gets the worm here!
How to get there: Getting to Inari shrine is also easy! simply take the Kyoto Stations main JR line until you arrive at Inari station, and when you step out it’s right in front!
#2
KYOTO AQUARIUM
I have to come clean with you guys. I’m from the Midwest in the United States where there are no real aquariums (that’s right I’m calling you Shedd in Chicago!). So being able to see an actual aquarium was such a treat! From a wide variety of unique ocean fish to the king himself, the emperor penguin, marvel at the wonder of life in the waters surrounding Japan at Kyoto Aquarium. They also have a whole section dedicated to jellyfish which was by far one the most unique experiences there. (If you’re also a lover of aquariums, check out Osaka aquarium too!)
Price: Admissions tickets are 2,400 yen
How to get there: Kyoto aquarium is a 20 minute walk west of Kyoto station. You can also take a nice walk through Umekoji park which is right next to it!
#3
BAMBOO FOREST
and
MONKEY MOUNTAIN
You read that right. Monkeys. On a mountain. After a 20 minute gentle incline hike up to the top of monkey mountain you will find yourself surrounded by…well…MONKEYS! These little guys are fast, unpredictable and entertaining BUT Do not make direct eye contact or mess around with these guys. They mean business and will attack you if threatened. It was thrilling watching them hop around and climb on the buildings! Pair it with seeing the Arashiyama bamboo forest beforehand(which is only a 20 minute walk away) in the morning and you got yourself one good start to a day!
Price: The admission for monkey mountain is 500 yen and the bamboo forest is free!
How to get there: To get to the Bamboo forest take the San-in Kyoto line from Kyoto station to Saga-Arashiyama station. From there its about a 15 minute walk west. Once you finish at the forest, head south and cross the Katsura river where Monkey mountain is waiting on the other side!
#4
MOUNT HIEZAN
If you’re more of the adventurous type, Mount Hiezan is a great option! Located in the northeast area of Kyoto, Mount Hiezan starts with a steep incline that gradually turns into a more level path. It isn’t the most difficult hike but it will get your heart pumping for sure! There are several paths and areas you can go to on your way up the mountain including a temple. On rare occasion there are bear sightings in the area, but they are very seldom.
Once I reached the top I decided to take the Sakamoto rail cart back down. The waiting area for the cart was like a building out of a Studio Ghibli movie and IT. WAS. MAGICAL. calming music echoed out of old speakers filling the still air as a foggy mist was crossing the skies. The relaxing ride down was just what I needed before continuing my plans for the rest of the day. It is 500 yen for a ticket down, and worth every yen. Make sure to read the rail schedule though! It is different depending on the day and time of year.
How to get there: If you are near Kyoto Station, you have a few options:
By train, you will have to take the Nara line to transfer to the Heizan Line. From here you will take the Heizan line until you reach Demachiyanagi station and transfer to the Eizan main line(its about a 4 minute walk to another builiding.) Take this to shugakuin Station and hop off! From here you’re going to follow the main canal (in the direction of the mountain) until you get to the beginning of the trail!
You can also take a city bus to the same station from Kyoto station!
#5
TEMPLE HOPPING
Kyoto is a historic city filled with temples and shrines that have been standing for hundreds of years. Taking a few hours, or even a whole day, to explore them and get their cultural background is fantastic was to steep yourself into Japans dynamic culture. My favorite temple was the Otagi Nenbutsu-Ji temple. Here there are 100s of statues carved out doing various things! There is one with a cat head and even one playing tennis!
Fun fact! Most temples sell stamp books and you can purchase a unique stamp from each temple for collection! Each stamp ranges from 300-500 yen though so be sure to budget it in if you’re a collector. I recommend making a list of all the temples you want to see and walk between them all for a day trip!
Whew!
These are just a few of the things you can do in Kyoto on your travels, but man is the list HUGE! There are Onsens, museums, night life and much more! Kyoto is truly a wonderful place to explore and experience the rich cultural treasures of Japan!
Till next time, wander responsibly!