Left my heart in Kyoto....

Me in Gion

Travelling has always been my passion. Started travelling when I was little, about 7years of age, and the first country I visited was Australia. I can still remember all the memories I had as a child. Well, I guess it helps having a dad who was working with an airline company. Hmmn, to think of it, me and my siblings grew with the airline. So, I can safely say that the airline company has actually influenced us through out our growing years. Travelling is a MUST for my whole family!

Ever since I read the book “Memoirs Of a Geisha”, I have always wanted to explore Kyoto, Japan’s famous historical city. I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to make that dream a reality when my sis and husband decided to spend a weekend in Kyoto when I was visiting them in Nagoya, last year. Kyoto is known for its many majestic palaces, shrines, buddhist temples, gorgeous landscapes, gardens, theaters , art galleries, refine cuisines and geishas/maikos. Kyoto is very ancient, the culture and tradition is very refined. In fact, they are more than 1600 Buddhist temples, hundreds of Shinto shrines, two hundred classified gardens, a clutch of imperial villas and several first-rate museums. We had to prioritise the list of places to visit as we had little time.

The hotel we stayed in Kyoto was within the Kyoto tower station vicinity, it was very near to the bus station. Early in the morning, we hopped onto the sightseeing bus which cost us 500 yen for a daily pass. The shuttle brings you back and forth to all the tourist destinations. The first stop was the Kiyomizu-dera temple, Kiyomizu-dera, also known as the "pure white temple” has been there standing strong in the wooden hills of eastern Kyoto since 780. I saw many people from all over the world taking sips from the natural spring water found in a man made fountain or wooden tubs. It is believed that the water has a "healing" power. For me, the view was breath taking, it was a beautiful sight. The temple has a wooden structure and I am just amazed with the fine architecture. Just a beautiful scene that makes it kinda difficult for me to express it in words.

Kyomizu Temple, just look at the architecture, awesome!

Gion was our next stop. Gion is Kyoto’s most famous Geisha district. I like the narrow back alley with wooden walking planks. As you walk along the alley , you would see cute sized shops with sliding wooden doors. The doors are closed most of the time, which explains why Kyoto is known for its secrets and mysteries. You will find it difficult to identify what is going on in those little shops or restaurants until you make the effort to go nearer and take a peek or knock on the doors. As for Geishas, you might be able to spot a Geisha or apprentice Geishas called Maikos. I saw a beautiful Maiko passing by and was wondering how lovely she looked. Her kimono was made from beautiful silk material.

Picture taken in Gion

While we were in the bus heading back to the hotel, saw many tourists hopping in and out of the buses. They even have tourist police to ensure safety is implemented at every crowded tourist spots. If you read the travel guide, they will say that the best time to visit Kyoto is in spring, where you can enjoy the scenic views with different shades of colour and also the “cherry blossoms”. Ahhh, so lovely, unfortunately I was there in winter.