Travel Note of Kyoto for Cherry Blossoms Part 9 (Final): Arashiyama , Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, Gion Shirakawa etc.

[Introduction]

I traveled to Kyoto to view cherry blossoms for three days and two nights. Although the weather was not always good, cherry blossoms in Kyoto were marvelous. In this article, I will write about Arashiyama (Bamboo Grove), Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, Gion Shirakawa and Kenninji Temple as part of Day 3.

[Series of articles]
* Day 1 (1) Heian Jingu Shrine and Okazaki Canal (Jikkokubune Boat Ride)
* Day 1 (2) Keage Incline and Nanzenji Temple
* Day 1 (3) Philosopher’s Path
* Day 1 (4) Takenaka Inari Shrine, Munetada Shrine, Shinnyodo Temple and Konkai Komyoji Temple
* Day 1 (5) Maruyama Park, Nene Road, Yasaka Pagoda and Kiyomizu-dera Temple (evening illuminations)
* Day 2 (1) Kyoto Gyoen and Kyoto Imperial Palace
* Day 2 (2) Honmanji Temple, Nijo Castle, Shinsen-en and Kiyomizu-dera Temple
* Day 2 (3) To-ji Temple (including evening illuminations) and Rikuson-no Shrine
* Day 3 (1) Arashiyama (Bamboo Grove), Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, Gion Shirakawa and Kenninji Temple [This article]

[Travel Date]
2016.04.05-07

[Main Part]

It was the 3rd day (i.e. the final day) of my Kyoto trip. However, it wan raining all day. In addition, the rain was so hard that I hardly took photos 🙁 I took less picutres than usual and here are some of photos I took on the 3rd day.

Arashiyama

First, I visited Arashiyama.

Bamboo grove.

I visited there, because I expected that bamboos would protect me from having rain to some extent. However, they didn’t 🙁

Apart from bamboo grove, I visited Nomiya Shrine and,

I stopped by Yojiya Cafe.

Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine

Next, I visited Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine. Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine is one of the most famous tourist spots in Kyoto and I expected less crowds due to the rain. I was surprised, however, to see so many visitors in spite of the rain.

Lunch near Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine.

Gion Shirakawa

After lunch, I came to Gion Shirakawa. I visited there in 2014. Last time, I took the following photos that included a Japanese woman with traditional Japanese cloths. I expected to take similar photos again, so that’s why I re-visited Gion Shirakawa.

However, such a miracle event didn’t occur this time and I just took some photos.

Talking of Gion, there is the main shop of Saryo Tsujiri, one of the most popular cafe in Kyoto. Usually, there is a line in front of the shop, but when I passed by it, nobody was queuing. So, I stopped by Saryo Tsujiri and ordered parfait.

Kenninji Temple

I also visted Kenninji Temple, which is located in Gion area. I didn’t have any specific purposed to visit there, but I happned to see a couple who visited the temple for wedding photos.

After Kenninji Shrine, I visited Nishiki market etc., but I did’t take photos so much due to the rain. Then, I retuned to Tokyo.

[Useful Websites]

For your reference, I will pick up some websites that were useful for my trip.

JR Tokai Tours

This time, I used “JR Tokai Tours” to arrange my travel to Kyoto. This travel agency offered a variety of travel plans that included round-trip Shinkansen tickets and accommodation. The price was less expensive than if you book Shinkansen tickets and accommodation separately.

Hearton Hotel Kyoto

This time, I stayed at Hearton Hotel Kyoto, which is located in Karasuma Oike area. The hotel was not so gorgeous like luxurious hotels, but it was clean and offered enogh service. In addiotion, regarding Karasuma Oike area, it was convenient for sightseeing as you can use two metro lines and there are several tourist spots such as Kyoto Gyoen, Kyoto Gosho and Nijo Castle within walking distances.

JR Kyoto station carry service

JR Kyoto station carry service provides the delivery service from Kyoto station to Hotel, Inn, Guesthouse, etc. and also opposite way is available. If you would like to travel light, you may consider this service.

[Closing]

That’s it for the article about Arashiyama (Bamboo Grove), Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, Gion Shirakawa and Kenninji Temple as part of Day 3. Although the final day was rainy all day long, I enjoyed Kyoto very much. There are still lots of places I would like to visit in Kyoto, so I will visit Kyoto again in the future 🙂