The images of Japan that I've always had in my head are the same reasons why it consistently made it to the top of my list of places I wanted to visit (why it took this long to finally make it to Japan is also still a mystery to me!), and these said images, ones of old thatched roof homes, pretty cherry blossoms along the riverside and zen gardens, can be found in Kyoto, the stop where we spent most of our time and one that I was looking most forward to. There are so many recs to share but below are a few of the places I visited via photos I snapped during my time in this very magical place.
Day 1
Gion Shirakawa (Pass the Baton, bar and shop, is located here)
Obligatory tourist shot in Gion Shirakawa
Charming alleyways from the walk from Gion Shirakawa to Yasaka shrine
Also on the walk to Yasaka
Many of these restaurants are invite only
Kodai-ji
Inside Yasaka shrine
Ninenzaka path
View of the crowd below Ninenzaka
So many snacks and lovely vendors at Ninenzaka
On a shopping mission
Down below Ninenzaka
View of the pagoda from the largest temple in Kyoto, Kiyomizu-dera
Walking through to Kiyomizu-dera
Otowa-no-taki at Kiyomizu-dera (cleansing waters for health, prosperity and love)
Kiyomizu-dera is massive and you can catch cute moments like this in every pocket
Sunset over Gion on the walk to Ishibel-koji
Day 2
Sharing giggles on the train to Arashyiama
Otagi Nenbutsu-ji's 12000 buddhas AKA “The Happiest Place on Earth”
I have hundreds of these pictures, couldn't resist! So cute.
Adashino Nenbutsuji -- there's a bamboo forest at the back that's way less frequented and much more calming than the one at Arashiyama
Ichi-no-Torii gates to Saga-Toriimoto district
The walk through Saga-Toriimoto to the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Lots of quaint shops along the walk through Saga-Toriimoto
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
The walk from Gion Shirakawa to Gion Tatsumi Bridge to Shinbashi-dori at night has the loveliest vibe
Day 3
Stepping Stones by the Kamogawa River
Kamo River
Nishiki Market
Haha
Aritsugu shop
Got my very own Aritsugu chef's knife with my name in Japanese being engraved onto it
Other than knives, Aritsugu is also prime kitchen tools heaven
On the walk back to Gion from Nishiki, there are so many pretty bridges to walk on
Day 4
Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavillion
Kinkaku-ji garden
Matcha swirl and black sesame swirl softserves right by the exit of Kinkaku-ji
Nijo Castle
Early blossoms at Nijo Castle :)