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579-16 Higashi Shiokojicho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, 600-8216, Japan
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Heian Shrine
Kyoto Imperial Palace
Clean up tiime
Kitano Tenmangu Shrine
Hi Guys,
I read that Shirakawa Dori is one of the prettiest streets in Kyoto and it is in Gion alongside the Shirakawa Canal.
However, when I look for it in the map I see "Shirakawa-minami Dori". The "Shirakawa Dori" that I see in the map runs pass the Kyoto City Zoo northwards. So which is the pretties street? Shirakawa-Minami Dori? If yes, please let me know we should walk along it from Kawabata Dori Junction to which junction?
Thanks,
Mel
The one that travels through Gion (Shirakawa-minami dori) may be prettier, due to the traditional buildings in the area. It will probably also be more convenient. I would say it's most beautiful within the Gion area. The cherry blossoms and autumn leaves will both be nice to view here.
The one that travels to the south of Kyoto Zoo through the Okazaki area is beautiful, as well, but I think it is only worth it if you will be spending time at Heian Shrine or other sites in the area. If you plan to visit Nanzenji Temple, then walking along this river is a great idea. During the cherry blossom season, the blossoms in this area billow out over the river! It's a nice walk on the way to Nanzenji and the Philosopher's Path.
Hi Rabbityama,
We plan to go to nanzenji and on to Ginkakuji passing Philosopher's Path. I was going to jump on the bus from Ginkakuji Bus Stop. Now if you suggest that I walk south from Nanzenji then I will do so. However, we will be there 2nd weekend of December. Will it still be pretty?
Mel
Oh, I didn't see that it was a December trip. In that case, I think the bus will be better in that area. It won't be worth taking the time to walk, I think.
If you want to see the canals, then the one in Gion will definitely be better at that time of year!
There MAY be autumn trees, because autumn has begun late this year in Kyoto, due to the extreme heat of the summer, but that also means that the leaves will probably not last as long. Hopefully you'll still get to see some!
Hi Rabbityama,
I had been praying that the the autumn leaves will start later! I wanted to go to Kyoto in November but someone in our group can only do so in December...
Thanks so much for your feedback!
Mel
Hi Rabbityama,
I read somewhere that Ginkakuji is under renovation? But I can't seem to find out anymore about it. Would you know anything about that? As in should I just skip it altogether if it is under renovation? No use to pay entrance fee only to see constructions...
Mel
Ginkakuji completed rennovation in March 2010, so everything should look very nice now! When they did the rennovation, there was a sign before the entrance saying that, but I think the sites you went to were from before March 2010 or they didn't update.
If it is your plan to go, then I think you should go!
Go during the autumn (early Oct - mid Nov, depends on places). You will see lots autumn leaves on the road and the trees is all color with red, brown and green. Very beautiful, very romantic. The night view and the autumn leave was just amazing in this small old town.
Just a small backpack to carry your gloves and water and some gifts you bought from the different temples going back to your hotel room. Warm jackets, gloves and good pair of walking shoes if you are travelling in the winter of Fall season. Water. Make sure to take your vitamins before heading out to the temples Sony Cybershoot. Extra chip and make sure to charge your battery before heading out from your hotel. Water is needed because there is a lot of walking needed to get into the many temples and shrines
If you will go around Kyoto by bus, getting on the bus more than twice in one day, you will normally spend at least 660 yen (220 yen per ride). If that will be your situation, I recommend you to buy a City Bus All-Day Pass. With only 500 yen, you can ride Kyoto city buses freely in one day within the allocated zone of the city (see website for details). There are so many sightseeing spots in Kyoto that you can visit using the pass, such as Kinkakuji, Ryoanji, Nijo Castle, Gion, Kiyomizu-dera, Yasaka Jinja, Sanjusangendo, Toji, Tofukuji, Fushimi Inari Taisha, etc.
The pass can be bought at JR Kyoto Station bus terminal (station's North Exit).
Tradtional kyoto sweets are a must try. It's made of red bean paste and artfully pressed into shapes to represent the seasons of the year. You can even see the chef making it at the counter if you want to. And no, you don't gulp it in one mouthful. you're supposed to use the toothpick-like stick to cut it and eat it daintly.
This is the first temple that we visited on our return to Kyoto. It was a rainy day...but so hot that it hardly mattered. We skipped between the halls and the pagoda whilst it rained heavily, and when it let up a bit we had a wander in the garden and around the pond.
The temple was first established in 794. A lot of the temples were destroyed in the 15th century due to fire. The lecture hall and the main hall were re-built in the early 1600's. The magnificent 5 storey pagoda was last rebuilt in 1643...it had burnt down 5 times previous to that. It is the highest pagoda in Japan (57 metres).
Open daily 8.30am - 4.30 pm
Entry fee is 500 yen
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Address: 579-16 Higashi Shiokojicho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, 600-8216, Japan
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