Japan Diaries: Day 9

Day 9 December 27, 2014

A Day in Kyoto City

I had an awesome solo backpacking tour of Wakayama Prefecture yesterday. This time, I'll be going on a temple tour in Kyoto Prefecture. However, instead of going on another solo trip, I will be accompanied by my wife, daughter, and my Japanese family.
Yay Kyoto!

First stop: Fushimi Inari Taisha

Although traffic jams are nearly non-existent in the area of Osaka Prefecture that we stay in, we still left early in hopes of avoiding an influx of local and foreign tourists that might flock to Kyoto Prefecture today. (It's a Saturday today that's why).
I finally saw the famous torii gates of Fushimi Inari

We arrived at Fushimi-Inari Taisha at around 9AM. It was one of Mr. Toshi's hand-picked destinations in Kyoto Prefecture. The place is well known for the hundreds of torii gates that were donated by businessmen. You would also notice the importance of foxes to the shrine as depicted by the numerous statues and images of them in the shrine complex. 
The Naihaiden of Fushimi Inari Taisha

Can you guess what's written on the bandana?

As expected there were hundreds of tourists that visited the shrine that day despite the very cold temperature. We didn't stay long nor planned to hike up Mt. Inari because we brought my baby daughter along with us. We just took plenty of photos,  bought some 500 yen barbeques (which were very expensive), and some souvenirs like the "I am #1" and "Japan is  #1" bandanas before heading to our next destination.
Somebody got tired walking up to the next destination

Next destination: Kiyomizudera

Washed my hands and drank water from Otowa Falls

We drove several kilometers and were welcomed by a crowded street. We had to look for a parking space before walking at least 300 meters uphill to our next destination - Kiyomizudera. The temple is our very first UNESCO World Heritage Site destination. It is famously known as the temple with a veranda built on the side of a hill. Aside from that, the temple is also known as the temple that's built without the use of a single nail. 
The road to Higashiyama Street

Some souvenirs sold in Higashiyama Street

Last temple for today: Kinkakuji

After our tour of the temple complex, we had lunch at a restaurant in the nearby Higashiyama Street before going to our next destination. After our hearty lunch, our Japanese family brought us to the temple that I personally wished to see - Kinkakuji. It is famously known as the Golden Pavilion because of its golden facade. Sadly, my wife was not able to come with me because my daughter was fast asleep. My wife decided to stay in the car while my Japanese family and I toured around the temple complex. Like the two places that we previously visited, there were also numerous tourists in Kinkakuji. After several minutes of touring the complex, we decided to call it a day.

Check out the Golden Pavillion

My daughter with the Peko-Chan Mascot

However, before we drove home we stopped at Fujiya restaurant to have dinner. Akiko-san and her kids went there to meet us there too. She and one of her kids were celebrating their birthdays that day. Overall, our road trip today was a very memorable one. I just can't believe that we visited two UNESCO sites in one day. It was truly an amazing day. 

Read more:

PREVIOUS: Japan Diaries: Day 7 and 8
NEXT: Japan Diaries: Day 10

Location: Kyoto, Japan

Comments

  1. rutwo dalviMarch 6, 2018 at 1:32 PM

    great places....divine

    ReplyDelete
  2. HazellifeMarch 10, 2018 at 12:56 PM

    Such a peaceful place to roam around. Nice post!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Aruna MallickMarch 10, 2018 at 1:01 PM

    Beautiful place. Nice writing too.

    ReplyDelete
  4. CalyMarch 10, 2018 at 10:04 PM

    I love Japan and their food! I went to Japan twice last year and left with a happy heart and a full stomach HAHAH. Hopefully I get to go back again in the near future. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioMarch 12, 2018 at 11:50 AM

      Wow! Twice in a year. That sounds fantastic. =) Hope I could do the same.

      Delete
  5. SunshineMarch 12, 2018 at 12:27 PM

    The pictures are so stunning and tale so interesting that your road trip had to be a great one!
    PS- your daughter is utterly cute!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioMarch 13, 2018 at 7:11 AM

      Hi Sunshine. Thank you so much. =) You should check out my other diary entries for Japan.

      Delete
  6. anshulMarch 12, 2018 at 11:20 PM

    Japan is so colorful, so extravagant. I am fascinated by its culture since a long long time. Your blog sparked the motivation to visit there in near future.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioMarch 13, 2018 at 7:11 AM

      You should visit Japan Anshul. You would surely love it there.

      Delete
  7. Eric GambleMarch 13, 2018 at 7:32 AM

    This is so amazing. I would love to walk the torii gates of Fushimi Inari. They just always blow my mind when I see them. I love all the temples you went to but the Golden Pavillion & the Kiyomizu-dera are truly beautiful! That is truly amazing that the built that entire temple without nails. People are so amazing when they build things. This is all definitely on my bucket list!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioMarch 14, 2018 at 7:31 AM

      These are but few of the temples in Kyoto. Given a chance, I'd return to this historical prefecture and explore it more.

      Delete
  8. UNTAMarch 13, 2018 at 2:47 PM

    This is one of the reasons why I want to visit Japan, beautiful architecture and parks. Seems you spent a great time with your family.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioMarch 14, 2018 at 7:33 AM

      Hi UNTA, I did. I had a great time bonding with them in Kyoto. I hope to do it again soon.

      Delete
  9. FS PageMarch 13, 2018 at 10:51 PM

    I liked the way you write and would love to visit your previous blogs in the series. The Golden Pavilion temple is so beautiful. Great photographs. I will be glad to visit these places sometime in future on my trip to Japan.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioMarch 14, 2018 at 7:38 AM

      Thank you so much Fairytale Studios. That made my day. Hope to see your adventures in Japan too.

      Delete
  10. UnknownMarch 14, 2018 at 4:18 AM

    A beautiful place, but the number of tourists worries me. Does the place not lose its charm when it is so crowded?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioMarch 14, 2018 at 7:41 AM

      Hi Anna, sometimes it does. Spring and autumn brings in the most people. There are times that you would want to skip the famous temples as it is crowded. Try visiting during winter, there are less tourists during that time.

      Delete
  11. Mo&JoMarch 14, 2018 at 7:00 AM

    This place looks awesome. Love your pictures and all of the colorful themes.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Book your hotel thru KLOOK

Klook.com
Subscribe and get updated with the latest travel articles of The Backpack Adventures

Popular posts from this blog

Imus City Plaza - Cavite

Image
Located in the center of the Poblacion or town proper of Imus City in the province of Cavite, Imus City Plaza is one of the city's scenic and historical attractions. Imus City Plaza Imus City Plaza Details This plaza is located in front of the equally historical Imus Cathedral and Imus City Hall . Imus City Plaza is also the first place to greet you if you're heading to the cathedral via Sapinoso Street.  Imus City Plaza - Imus City, Cavite General Licerio Topacio The general guarding the flag Checking out each angle of the monument Imus City Plaza History Imus City Plaza is probably easily remembered because of the monument with two vintage artillery flanking it. The monument stands as an honor to the children of Imus who joined the fight for the independence of the country against Spain. As for the man standing on top of the monument, he is General Licerio Topacio . He is one of the most notable sons of Imus. He is famously known for honorably declining
Keep reading

Casa Hacienda de Tejeros - Cavite

Image
Located in Rosario in the province of Cavite, Casa Hacienda de Tejeros is famously known as the location of the historic Tejeros Convention of 1897. Casa Hacienda de Tejeros Casa Hacienda de Tejeros history Casa Hacienda de Tejeros was originally built in the 17th century. The hacienda and its surrounding lands were formerly owned by the Augustinian Recollects. The estate was once the largest and grandest estate in the country. It once covered as much as 1,125 hectares with the casa occupying 4 hectares of it. Casa Hacienda de Tejeros - Rosario, Cavite The NHI Marker of the Casa Hacienda de Tejeros The name tejeros came from the Spanish name tejer , which means "to weave". It's due to the fact that the weaving industry is one of the major industries of the municipality of Rosario. Going back to its historical importance, Casa Hacienda de Tejeros played an important role in 1897 when it hosted the assembly that the new leaders of the revolution were elected.
Keep reading

Bonifacio Shrine in Indang - Cavite

Image
Located in Barangay Limbon, Indang in the province of Cavite, the Bonifacio Shrine of Indang is one of the historical landmarks dedicated to the Father of the Philippine Revolution -Andres Bonifacio.  Bonifacio Shrine of Indang Bonifacio Shrine in Indang History Bonifacio Shrine in Indang marks the location of the nipa hut where Andres Bonifacio was seized and captured by the soldiers of his political rival and fellow revolutionary Emilio Aguinaldo in 1897. It was also here that Bonifacio was gravely injured after he was shot by an arresting soldier when he was being dragged to Indang town proper to be imprisoned. Bonifacio Shrine in Indang , Cavite This is how I look like pre-sneeze. The arrest of Bonifacio Philippine Historical Commission marker Presently, the historical nipa hut did not win against the tests of time. A small public park was constructed where the nipa hut was said to have once stood. The park features a statue of a seemingly very surprised Andres
Keep reading

Fukagawa Roadside Station – Hokkaido

Image
Fukagawa Roadside Station  ( 道の駅 ライスランドふかがわ ) is one of the 128 roadside stations spread across Hokkaido. It is located at 59-7 Hirosato, Otoecho in Fukagawa City, Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan . Fukagawa Roadside Station Fukagawa Roadside Station details Fukagawa Roadside Station is officially called Roadside Station Riceland Fukagawa . It follows the theme “Fukagawa, the city of rice”. It is a place where visitors can buy high-quality Fukagawa rice and also a place where visitors can learn about rice and agriculture. Fukagawa Roadside Station - Fukagawa City, Hokkaido Prefecture Fukagawa Roadside Station was registered last August 13, 2002, and was given registration number 17.  Photos outside Fukagawa Roadside Station At present the roadside station has the following amenities: General Information It is located right after you enter the front entrance of the roadside station. Motorists can get information about tourist spots, restaurants, public facilities, and even road info and we
Keep reading

Jose Rizal Shrine in Calamba - Laguna

Image
Located at Francisco Mercado Street corner Jose P. Rizal Street, Barangay 5 Poblacion, Calamba City in the province of Laguna, Jose Rizal Shrine  ( Dambana ni Rizal ) is the birthplace of Dr. Jose P. Rizal -the National Hero of the Philippines. Jose Rizal Shrine (Calamba) Jose Rizal Shrine History Jose Rizal Shrine is probably well known as the ancestral house of Rizal's family. The house serves as a museum that contains furniture and items that belong to the Rizal family. Jose Rizal Shrine - Calamba City, Laguna Young Jose Rizal with his dog I wonder what Young Rizal had in mind Rizal Shrine NHI Marker For those who don't know, the house that stood in the lot is actually only a replica of the old ancestral house which was destroyed during the Second World War. The replica was constructed right after the war. The construction was supervised by the late National Artist Juan Nakpil. It was inaugurated in 1950. The entrance to Jose Rizal Shrine
Keep reading

A Guide to Collecting Eki Stamps

Image
Japan is undeniably a collector's paradise. As a matter of fact, there are a plethora of different things to collect here that are catered to every collector's unique taste and preference.  Anime fans have their usual toys, mangas, and memorabilia. Pokemon fans have numerous Pokemon Centers that sell an assortment of Pokemon merchandise. Kitkat collectors have more than 300 flavors of Kitkat to try out. Pilgrims have the temple stamps called goshuin which I wrote about last time. These are but some of the numerous possible things to collect in Japan . A Guide to Collecting Eki Stamps However, since I'm promoting budget travel, my article today talks about something that you can collect for FREE . Yup, you read that right. All you need to have is a clean notebook or tickler and an ever-watchful eye. A Guide to Collecting Eki Stamps Eki stamps , also called train station stamps, are rubber ink stamps that are typically found in most train stations in Japan. These stamps f
Keep reading

Jigokudani - Hokkaido

Image
Jigokudani ( 登別地獄谷 ) or Hell Valley in English is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Noboribetsu City. It is located at Noboribetsuonsencho/Noboribetsu Onsen Town in Noboribetsu City in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan . Jigokudani Jigokudani details Nestled at the western foot of the active volcano "Katataraku" lies Jigokudani , a geothermal wonderland that forms a part of the "Noboribetsu Volcano" along with Oyunuma and Hiyoriyama . With a diameter of approximately 450 meters and covering an area of around 11 hectares, Jigokudani serves as the source of Noboribetsu Onsen , a renowned hot spring town where high-temperature fumaroles and hydrothermal activity continue to mesmerize visitors. In recognition of its unique ecological importance, Jigokudani has been designated as a "Special Protection Area" within the Shikotsu-Toya National Park . Jigokudani - Noboribetsu City, Hokkaido Prefecture The formation of Jigokudani can be traced back to vo
Keep reading

Agusan Del Sur: Bunawan Ecopark and Wildlife Reservation Center

Image
Found in Barangay Consuelo, Bunawan in the province of Agusan Del Sur, Bunawan Ecopark and Wildlife Reservation Center became famous for its world known centerpiece exhibit. Bunawan arc That exhibit is named Lolong , the world's longest salt water crocodile ever caught. Lolong was captured in Bunawan Creek, a part of the vast Agusan Marsh on September 3, 2011. Lolong In November of the same year, an Australian crocodile expert from the National geographic measured Lolong and confirmed that the crocodile was indeed the longest ever caught. the enormous Lolong measured 20 feet and 24 inches from snout to tail beating the Australian croc named Cassius which formerly holds the said title. A young kid views the croc 5 times his size Six months later, Lolong was officially certified by the Guinness Book of World records as the " World's Biggest Crocodile in Captivity ". Bunawan Mayor Elorde with some foreign guests Bunawan Mayor Cox Elorde t
Keep reading

Kamay ni Hesus Shrine - Quezon

Image
Kamay ni Hesus Shrine,  or simply Kamay ni Hesus   is a famous religious shrine and grotto. It is l ocated in Barangay Tinamnan, Lucban in the province of Quezon. Kamay ni Hesus Shrine Kamay ni Hesus Shrine History Also known as  Via Dolorosa Grotto , Kamay ni Hesus Shrine was built under the initiative of Fr. Joseph "Joey" Faller in 2003. He is known as a gifted healing priest. Due to Fr. Faller's healing masses, Kamay ni Hesus Shrine became one of the country's most visited healing centers. Kamay ni Hesus Shrine - Lucban, Quezon Statues of saints can be seen in different areas of Kamay ni Hesus Shrine A replica of Pieta by Michelangelo Pilgrims look like ants from a distance. Kamay ni Hesus Healing Church Inside the Kamay ni Hesus Healing Church One of the highlights of Kamay ni Hesus Shrine is the 50-foot statue of Christ with his arm wide open found on the top of a hill. This statue is often referred to as the Risen Christ or Ascending
Keep reading

Daisetsuzan National Park - Hokkaido

Image
Daisetsuzan National Park ( 大雪山国立公園 ) spans 2,267 square kilometers and encompasses 16 peaks, offering diverse trails, abundant wildlife, and alpine flora. This is the largest national park in Hokkaido, Japan . This vast park covers parts of Kitami City, Asahikawa City, Furano City, and the towns of Higashikawa, Kamifurano, Minamifurano, and Kamishihoro. However, a large part of the park is inside the town of Kamikawa but for this article, I will write about my experience in the Higashikawa part of the Daisetsuzan National Park . Daisetsuzan National Park  Daisetsuzan National Park details Nestled in the heart of Hokkaido, Japan 's northernmost prefecture, lies the breathtaking Daisetsuzan National Park . Known affectionately as the "roof of Hokkaido," this expansive park is a haven for nature lovers, adventurers, and seekers of tranquility. Daisetsuzan National Park - Hokkaido Spanning an impressive 2,267 square kilometers, Daisetsuzan National Park is home to the awe
Keep reading