Japan, part 2: Kyoto

After Tokyo me and my friends took s Shinkansen train to the Kyoto. See previous post.

I was struck by how calm and... spacious (I could see the sky and hills near Kyoto, and we were living near Kyoto Station, so... a city center?) old capital city was. I loved every part of the city – from busy shopping streets to hills outside the city (more on that later, lol).

Also I loved how green the Kyoto was with all these flower pots near two- or three-store houses! And, of course, I took some pictures of plants (I know, I know...)

Next morning I decided to walk around our hotel, and stumbled upon a Buddhist shrine – Byōdō-ji (Inaba-dō) Temple. It is dedicated to healing & medicine – at least that's what reviews on Google Maps says. I loved just being here – calm, quiet, tranquil place.

Some Kyoto streets were photographed by me too, of course!

There were a lot of walking around during next days, but nothing really interesting – mostly shopping (I was searching for tea & incenses, my friends were searching for other stuff). Not a lot of photo opportunities because I had little time to stop & look around. That's a traveling with a group for you!

...but I stumbled upon fascinating shrine called Zenkyo-an Temple.

Unfortunately, we got there at dusk, so... not a lot of photos weer taken. Sorry for that. The temple itself is full of wild boar statues, but the meaning of these sculptures were unknown to me. Google Map reviews say that this shrine is dedicated to good luck and victory (in battle, I guess? Or maybe just general success in battles life is giving us, lol).

Arashiyama station was our next stop – we saw a Tenryu-ji Temple, been on the Saga Toriimoto street and a strolled through a beautiful Gio-ji Temple grounds (with a view on the city from above).

Can't say I was fascinated by Tenryu-ji and Arashiyama district because of crowds, but... it's fine, I guess.

On the next day I visited a Higashi Hongan-ji Temple. Can't say much about it – a big, spacious, calm Buddhist temple.

I also visited a Thousand Cannon Statues Temple (San-Ju San-Gen-do Temple?). I mean, I am not a real buddhist, I just happen to know a little about that religion/philosophy, but it was breathtaking stroll through the hall with the statues. Worth a visit IMO.

On one of the last days I got to the mount Daimonji through Romon falls path.

Well, that's kinda it, I guess.

It was fun, would travel again in 2026 (if there will be no WW3, lol).