Kyoto Sightseeing
Dear readers,
I'm thrilled to be writing to you from Kyoto, Japan on my second day of exploring this beautiful city. Today, I continued my adventure through Kyoto, visiting some of the city's most famous landmarks and immersing myself in Japanese culture.
My day started with a visit to the Fushimi Inari Shrine, one of the most iconic and breathtaking sites in Kyoto. The shrine is famous for its thousands of vermillion-colored torii gates that line the hiking trails up the mountain. It was a bit crowded, but I managed to make my way through the crowds and take some stunning pictures of the torii gates and the mountain views.
Next, I visited the Kinkaku-ji Temple, also known as the "Golden Pavilion." This stunning Zen temple is covered in gold leaf and sits on the edge of a peaceful pond. The reflection of the pavilion in the water is truly stunning and makes for some great photo opportunities. While it was a bit crowded, I was still able to enjoy the serenity and beauty of this temple.
After the Kinkaku-ji Temple, I visited the Gion district, famous for its geisha culture and traditional Japanese architecture. I walked along the historic streets, admiring the beautifully preserved wooden buildings and taking in the lively atmosphere. I even saw a couple of geisha walking to their appointments, which was a real treat!
For lunch, I decided to try some local Kyoto cuisine and went to a small restaurant that specializes in tofu dishes. I had a delicious tofu hot pot with vegetables and rice, which was both healthy and satisfying.
In the afternoon, I visited the Nijo Castle, which was built in the 17th century as the residence of the Tokugawa shoguns. The castle's architecture is a mix of traditional Japanese and Chinese styles, with stunning gardens and moats. The castle also has some interesting features, such as "nightingale floors" that squeak when walked upon, which were used to alert the shoguns of intruders.
As the day came to a close, I decided to unwind by visiting a traditional Japanese onsen (hot spring) near my hotel. The onsen was relaxing and rejuvenating, with natural hot water that eased my sore muscles and left me feeling refreshed.
Overall, my second day in Kyoto was filled with breathtaking sights, delicious food, and cultural experiences that I will always treasure. I can't wait to see what the rest of my trip holds
Kyoto
