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200 Maoyacho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, 600-8211, Japan
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Miko in Yabusame Procession at Shimogamo Shrine
Horinji Temple
Kiyomizu temple
My sister Nora at the temple
I am planing on going to japan to stay with a freind within the next 12 months.
I have recently found out that I may have a 3 week Christmas break from work, and due to me already needing a week off during august, I am thinking of having my 2 weeks in japan over new year rather than sep/oct time.
I will stay with a freind in Kyoto, although it might be a bit weird with a lot of closures due to the holiday, and with my freind being with his family a lot. That said, when he came to the UK for a year to study he spent 2 weeks over the easter holiday and 2 weeks over the christmas holiday with me at my parents house, and came on most of the family meetings. It would also be good that he should be off work most of the time i may be there.
I wouldn't 'follow' him around for 2 weeks. I would like to explore a little of the kansai area too, and don't mind doing that alone. I don't think the temperature will bother me. It'll be winter and it's what is to be expected.
What do you reckon?
Hi,
if you can manage to be in Japan for the new Year, this is certainly interesting. If you can arrange that, it will be a great experience to spend the new Year time with your friend's family. The new Year is the equivalent of Christmas in the west, the big family party.
New Year is a very family affair in Japan. However, even if you cannot go to your family's friend, you can still enjoy the special atmosphere in temples, especially on new Year's eve and the next days. A visit to Ise shrine (the mother shrine of Japanese shinto) is especially impressive.
I have written a short story about the new Year some times ago there.
http://uchimizu-en.blogspot.com/2008/01/christmas-and-new-year-in-japan.html
thank you for that. A very interesting read.
Especially the bit about KFC on christmas day!
kyoto is traditional city.there are many temples and shrines.the view of kyoto from Mt.Hieizan is so fine.
In kyoto,you would see Japanese Maiko girl.she ware Kimono
and has Japanese traditional hair.(nihon gami) Gion is vest place to play night life.
many Maiko girls live in Gion.
If you look closely to the mountain of Kyoto, you will see that there are some Japanese characters on the spot that was denuded. Do you know what this is?
This is where the residents of Kyoto put tons of firewoods and light them on August 16. The festival is called Gozan Okuribi. This is the lighting fires on mountains to guide the spirits home.
You have to look closely at the picture because it is hard for me to take a good shot between the two buildings. The picture was taken close to the bus stop on our way back to the hotel.
Kyoto City Bus is the most convenient way to get around Kyoto. Most of the tourist sights are reachable by bus. Many of the bus routes used by foreign visitors have announcements in English. Take note of the bus schedules in bus stops and they are usually very accurate. You get on from the rear end of the bus and get off in front wherein you have to pay. Bus drivers are very friendly, they say 'thank you' to every passenger getting off! Don't forget to ge tthe bus route map from Tourist Information Center when you first arrive in Kyoto. Oh and yes, passengers line up religiously to get in the bus!
Kappa sushi is a Japanese rotating sushi chain, they do however also have this EXTREMELLY popular restaurant on Pontocho. There is usually a line-up on Friday or Saturday evening. We went on a weekenight however and got tables right away. There are counter seats as well as tables with views over the Kamo river. The atmosphere is very relaxing and actually a little upmarket, considering it's connection to that tacky rotating-chain... The sushi is prepared before your eyes of course and very fresh and delicious, . It's double the cost of most rotating sushi, ie. 100Yen for one piece instead of two, but cheaper than other sushi restaurants. Chuu-toro.
The Kiyomizu-dera Temple is one of the oldest temples in Kyoto and a must see on any visit to this beautiful Japanese city.
The name of this temple means "Pure Water Temple", and the temple itself was founded in the year 780. The temple is surrounded by a large terrace, which offers beautiful views of the Kyoto landscape. Below the terrace, you can taste the spring water which gave the temple its name and which is said to have healing power.
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Q: Any suggestion for the hotels in Kyoto Centre which less than 10 min walk to JR Kyoto station? "Hi there, I’d try online booking for Shimizu Ryokan near the JR Kyoto station for dates: 8, 9 & 10 Jun. But it's fully book...."
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