Kyoto – Kifune Shrine 4days –

First, change into a kimono. Women will look more charming and men will look cooler! There are many rental kimono shops around Kyoto Station that will make you look great! Put on a kimono and look sharp! Your mood will be lifted! It's the start of a long day.

Huh! Here we are, the stage of Kiyomizu! It's about a 15-minute walk from the Gojozaka bus stop. There are many stores lined up along Gojozaka, so you'll be at Kiyomizu-dera soon enough! The first thing you will see is the Niomon Gate, with the West Gate and the three-story pagoda towering behind it. This is also known as a photo spot, so be sure to capture it! After passing through the gate, you will see the "Kiyomizu no Butai" (stage of Kiyomizu). The stage is 12 meters high from the ground, and is made by combining 139 pieces of wood without using any nails. Incidentally, the origin of the phrase "jumping off the stage of Kiyomizu" is from the Edo period, when it was said that if you still had breath after jumping off the stage of Kiyomizu, your wish would really come true! Even if you lose your breath, you can still go to the Pure Land in peace! Jinushi Shrine, located on the north side of the main hall, is famous for being visited by many couples because it is believed to be beneficial for marriage. Otoha Falls, a power spot that has been revered since ancient times for its purifying water, has been flowing for over a thousand years. Each of the three streams of fresh water flowing from the waterfall has its own benefits for "love," "schoolwork," and "health (longevity). Drinking three different kinds of water is said to be "greedy" and will lose the benefits.You should only drink one kind of clean water for the wish you really want to come true!

Ichinenzaka (One Year's Slope), Ninenzaka (Two Year's Slope), and Sannenzaka (Three Year's Slope) have prospered as part of the approach to Kiyomizu Temple since ancient times. Nene, the wife of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, used to walk up this slope to visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple, hoping for the birth of a healthy child. It came to be called "Sannenzaka" after the Chinese character for "safe delivery. The slope below Sannenzaka is called Ninenzaka, and the slope further down is called Ichinen-zaka. The cobblestone pavement on every street gives you a taste of Kyoto, and there
are many shops lined up on both sides, selling Japanese goods, sweets, cafes, etc. You can eat your way around or indulge in Japanese sweets!If you get hungry, you can have a luxurious and healthy lunch using yuba, one of Kyoto's representative ingredients.

This stone-paved slope leading to Kiyomizu Temple is very picturesque no matter what time of year you visit! Here on Nienzaka, the distance is longer than on Ichinenzaka, and there are many stores lining the slope, so you may forget about time and stop by.
The world's first "Starbucks on a Tatami floor" was built in 2017, and the purely Japanese atmosphere will make your trip to Kyoto even more memorable.

The Yasaka-no-to(pagoda), which can be seen when walking along Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka, is a symbol of Higashiyama and can be seen from many places in the eastern part of Kyoto. In fact, the Yasaka Pagoda is actually a temple called Hokanji Temple. Even if you don't understand the name Hokanji Temple, if you hear the name Yasaka-no-to, you will be more familiar with it. Seeing Yasaka-no-to during the day is wonderful, but Yasaka-no-to at night is also recommended! The cobblestone pavement and the pagoda are lit up by outdoor lights, creating a different world from the daytime.

Kongo-ji Temple is nicknamed "Yasaka no Koshin-san" by the locals. As you enter the vivid vermilion gate, you are greeted by colorful round bonbons! What exactly are these?
The round and colorful bonbons are called "Kukuri-zaru", which is the famous amulet of Yasaka Koshindo. It is said that your wish will come true if you give up your greed instead of holding on to your wish. It is said that if you give up your greed, your wish will come true. The unusual shape of the Kukuri-zaru (monkey) represents a monkey with its arms and legs tied up and unable to move. It symbolizes a state of mind that is well controlled, as it warns against greed. Why don't you make a wish to the Kukuri Monkey and hold back one of your desires?

Who exactly is Gion-san? Gion-san, as the locals call it, refers to Yasaka Shrine, famous for the Gion Festival, one of the three major festivals in Japan! It is also the headquarters of Yasaka Shrine, one of more than 2,000 shrines in Japan, and is said to be the home of the "blue dragon" that protects the "east" of Kyoto. There are nearly 20 shrines surrounding the main shrine, and various gods are enshrined in the precincts, among which the "Utsukushigozen" shrine is the most visited by women from all over Japan. Three goddesses are enshrined here, and as the name suggests, they are the gods of beauty, entertainment, and wealth. For this reason, the shrine is a "power spot for beauty" and is visited by many women interested in beauty, including Kyoto's maiko (apprentice geisha). In front of the shrine, there is a spring of divine water called "beauty water," and it is said that just a few drops on your skin will make your skin beautiful! It will definitely make you feel beautiful in body and mind.

Tasting sweets in Kyoto is one of the purposes of travel, isn't it? There are so many things that you want to eat that you get lost! If you are tempted to eat this and that, that's okay! It's a great way to get away from the daily grind and reward yourself for your hard work 💛

Hanamikoji is the main street in Gion. It is a street that crosses the center of Gion from north to south and is about 1 km long, running from Sanjo Street in the north to Kenninji Temple in the south. Hanamikoji Street is lined with teahouses full of Gion's atmosphere, and if you are lucky, you may be able to see maiko and geiko on their way to the teahouses. If you take a stroll through the picturesque scenery in a kimono, which you don't usually wear, you may find that you have a new appreciation for the beauty of Japan.

Ponto-cho is one of Kyoto's Hanamachi districts, with narrow stone-paved streets lined with stores. If you wander into the old-fashioned back alleys, your curiosity will be aroused. The streets are lined with houses that are typical of Kyoto, and are densely populated with teahouses, rehearsal spaces for geisha and maiko, restaurants, bars, and other stores. The atmosphere is different from that of Gion, and you can enjoy just walking through the alleys with your camera in hand. Do you want to have Kyoto cuisine with a view of the Kamo River for dinner? Or how about Kyoto Yakitori with local sake?

The appeal of this hotel is the convenience of its direct connection to Kyoto Station. Away from the hustle and bustle of the station, you can enjoy a relaxing and luxurious time in the high quality rooms, and the superb cuisine served in 10 different restaurants. The hotel offers a wide range of sophisticated facilities, including esthetic clinics, swimming pools, and beauty salons. With the aim of creating a "warm place full of humanity," our knowledgeable and experienced concierge and hospitable front desk staff will welcome you.

The Kurama and Kibune areas of Kyoto have a mysterious atmosphere and have long been known as Kyoto's backwaters, a place where aristocrats have come to seek healing and coolness. Kuramadera Temple, with its many legends, is famous as the most powerful spot in Kyoto, where the entire mountain has mystical power. When you arrive at Kurama, you will be greeted by a large Tengu (a kind of flying dog). But why a Tengu? There is a legend that Yoshitsune Minamoto, known as Ushiwakamaru in his childhood, learned swordsmanship from a Tengu. It seems as if there really is a Tengu in the lushly vegetated mountains. You can feel the power of Kuramadera Temple, which is filled with the energy of the universe and surrounded by mystery.

Arriving at Kurama Station! After being welcomed by the Tengu of Kurama, we walked right up to Kuramadera Temple, where we saw stone steps and the Niomon (gate). Yes, yes, yes! This is what I wanted to see! It makes me feel so good.With the crisp, clean winter air, we started our hike today. There are two ways to get to the Honden Kondo: on foot or by cable car. If you don't feel like walking or don't have much time, we recommend the cable car. Mt. Kurama itself is the object of worship at Kurama Temple. As you pass through this gate and enter the sacred area of Mt. Kurama, please read the instructions for entering the mountain carefully and start walking with a sacred heart.

The torii gate of Yuki Shrine, famous for its fire festival, came into view! You can also see a magnificent 800-year-old cedar tree. It is said that if you pray with all your heart, your wish will come true. In the precincts of the shrine, there is a rare pair of komainu (guardian dogs) holding a child, and they have long been worshipped as gods of childbirth. Next to Yuki Shrine, there is a hall called Kawakami Jizo-do. Legend has it that when Yoshitsune was feeling lonely after being separated from his parents, he paid a visit to this Jizo. After leaving the Yuki Shrine, let's go up the 99-fold path. In the Heian period (794-1185), Sei Shonagon famously wrote, "Far and near, the path is called Kurama no Tsurabori. Here, it's just you and nature. There's no rush to get here. Take your time and breathe in the wonderful scenery as you walk.
＊The cable car does not stop here.

At an altitude of 410 meters, the main hall finally comes into view after climbing up the stairs! It is said that this "Main Hall" is built in a place where a powerful energy called "Ryu-ana (Dragon's Hole)" erupts. What is said to have the strongest power here at Kuramadera is the "six-pointed star" of triangular stones in front of the main hall, which is known as a place to connect with the universe. It is said that if you stand here, you will become one with the universe, receive energy from the heavens, and your wishes will come true. The six-pointed star is often used in fortune telling and spells. By standing in the center of the hexagram, you can receive the power of nature, which is said to improve your luck. It's a very spiritual space, isn't it?
In the main hall of the temple, there are three enshrined deities called "Sonten": Bishamonten, the god of light, Kannon, the god of compassion, and Gohoumao, the god of vitality. The "A-Un" tigers that sit in front of the Golden Hall are the guardians of the principal deity, Bishamonten. The name "A-Un" has the meaning of encompassing everything in the universe, as the Japanese syllabary begins with "A" and ends with "Un".

After leaving the main hall, head further into the inner sanctuary. It is a 1.5km hike to the Kifune Shrine, surrounded by a mysterious forest. From here, the atmosphere changes drastically and becomes more solemn and mysterious. A dense cedar forest and exposed roots of trees can be seen in the distance. It is said that the bedrock in this area is so hard that the roots of the trees are so close to the surface that they are exposed to the ground. There is a legend that Ushiwakamaru practiced asceticism against the Tengu here.

It is said that 6.5 million years ago, one of the heavenly deities, Gohou Maou-son, landed on the earth from Venus. For this reason, this place is said to be the biggest power spot of Kuramadera Temple. The name "Maou-son" may sound scary and evil, but he is the symbol of the spirit and power of the earth. The air in the area is clean and rather quiet, making it a peaceful place to spend some time. It's not an easy path to get here, but it's worth it and a quiet time that only those who have come will understand. Once you leave the Maoden, your goal is almost here! After descending a rather steep slope, the West Gate is just around the corner. The final destination, Kibune Shrine, is only 100 meters away from here. But first things first, let's get some food!

After a lot of walking, enjoy a luxurious lunch of peony hot pot... Bright wild boar meat arranged like peony flowers. It is high in nutrients and full of collagen! Eating wild boar meat, which is said to be very good for your beauty and health, will blow away the fatigue of walking.

Located in the valley between Mt. Kibune and Mt. Kurama, this is the main shrine of the 500 Kibune shrines in Japan, which are known not only in Kyoto but also in Japan as one of the best power spots for "matchmaking. It is also known for its kawadoko (river terrace) in summer. Just walking along the Kibune River, rich in nature, is sure to give you a refreshing feeling. The bright red lanterns lining the approach to the shrine create a wonderful contrast with the nature during the day, and the flickering lights of the lanterns at night create a mysterious atmosphere.
The Kifune Shrine is dedicated to the god of water, who is said to have the power to make it rain and stop it from raining. It is said that water is the source of life and purifies dirt.
SSince you've come all the way here, you should try "water fortune-telling". You can also take home the "sacred water," which is said to have never run dry. It is no wonder that people believe there is a special power in the sacred water, as it is the birthplace of energy and luck. What will you see and feel in this other world filled with dense divine energy?

What kind of food is "Obanzai"? Obanzai" refers to the side dishes that are mainly prepared in Kyoto as part of general home cooking. One of the characteristics of Obanzai is that it uses seasonal vegetables from Kyoto, and the leaves of the vegetables are used up in a creative way. Obanzai has a simple flavor that makes the most of the original taste of the ingredients, but it is a flavor that you will never get tired of even if you eat it every day. Try this Kyoto home-style cooking, passed down from mother to daughter, and daughter to son, to enjoy the taste of inexpensive seasonal foods!

After leaving the hotel, let's take a leisurely walk to Toji Temple, which was founded in 1200 and is the setting for a well-known Japanese commercial. The 55-meter five-story pagoda is the tallest wooden pagoda in Japan. It was destroyed by fire and earthquake several times, but the existing five-story pagoda was rebuilt by Ieyasu Tokugawa. From Toyotomi Hideyoshi to Tokugawa Iemitsu, many famous feudal lords have been associated with Toji. In addition to the five-story pagoda, the Mieido is also famous for being the home of Kobo-Daishi Kukai.

Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, nicknamed "Inari-san," is the head shrine of the 30,000 Inari shrines in Japan. It is believed to be beneficial for prosperity in business, safety in the home, and improvement of the performing arts, and is crowded with tourists from Japan and abroad throughout the year. The biggest attraction of this shrine is the "Senbon Torii (Thousand Torii Gate)". The mysterious vermilion color is said to represent the power of life, earth, and production as the work of the spirit of Inari no Kami. But don't you wonder why there are so many torii gates? The reason is that it was customary to dedicate a torii as a token of gratitude to Fushimi Inari Taisha for granting one's wish after visiting the shrine and making a wish. If you walk around the shrine, you will see statues of foxes, the messengers of Inari-God, placed here and there. If you take a closer look, you'll see foxes holding something in their mouths and dressed in various ways.Checking them out is one of the fun things to do!

When you get off the station and walk around, you will see many stores. Since you've come to Arashiyama, you'll want to enjoy the famous gourmet food, right?
On the way to Togetsukyo Bridge, there are many stores that you may be interested in... Mitarashi dango, strawberry daifuku, Danish taiyaki, curry buns, tofu soft ice cream, rice crackers, and more. Even if you don't have time for a leisurely lunch, there are plenty of gourmet foods for you to enjoy on your walk!

The symbol of Arashiyama is the "Togetsukyo Bridge"! Since the Heian period (794-1185), this bridge has been a favorite vacation spot for aristocrats. According to an anecdote, the name "Togetsukyo" came from the fact that it looked like the moon was crossing the bridge. The bridge over the flowing Katsura River was designed to blend in with the scenery and nature of Arashiyama, making you feel that you are in Kyoto.

Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple is located away from the hustle and bustle of Arashiyama. The temple is located at a high altitude in the deepest part of Sagano and is known for its beautiful stone Buddha statues, one of the best in Kyoto. You can't help but smile at the happy faces of the Arhats. Each of the 1,200 hand-carved arhats dedicated by visitors to the temple is unique and heartwarming, with some smiling with their big mouths open to the sky and others with calm faces.

Along with the Togetsukyo Bridge, the 400-meter-long bamboo path is a symbol of Arashiyama. The way the bamboo stretches toward the sky is truly spectacular! Wrap yourself in the fantastic space and listen to the sound of the bamboo swaying in the wind, and you will feel that you are in Kyoto. Just walking along this healing path, you can feel the beauty of nature. It is also recommended to take a rickshaw ride around the walking course!

This shrine is also mentioned in the Tale of Genji, the world's oldest full-length novel, and is famous for being the god of good marriage, childbirth, and learning. It is said to be especially beneficial for marriage and childbirth, and there are many ema (votive picture tablets) on the shrine grounds with requests for love written on them. To the left of the main shrine, there is a stone called "O-kameishi," which is said to bring good luck in marriage and childbirth within a year if you make a wish while stroking it. Many women visit the shrine because it is dedicated to the gods of good marriage and safe childbirth. The unusual torii gate at the entrance is known to be the oldest torii gate in Japan.Nomiya Shrine is also a sacred place where the Saio, who served the gods on behalf of the emperor, used to purify himself before going to Ise Shrine. In "The Tale of Genji" , there is a description of the princess who was chosen to be the Saio and the Nomiya Shrine where she purified herself.

In 1994, Tenryuji Temple was registered as a World Heritage Site. With cherry blossoms in the spring, fresh greenery in the summer, autumn leaves in the fall, and snowy scenery in the winter, you can always see the beauty of each season. The highlight of Tenryuji Temple is the Sogenchi Garden. Mousou Soseki, the first abbot of Tenryuji Temple, who created this famous garden, was also responsible for several other gardens, including Nanzen-in Temple and Eirinji Temple in Yamanashi Prefecture, which was associated with Shingen Takeda. Although the buildings of Tenryuji Temple were rebuilt after the Meiji era (1868-1912) after suffering from several fires, the garden still retains its original appearance of 700 years ago. 700 years later, the garden still fascinates people. You can't go back to Tokyo without seeing it!

For dinner on the third day in Kyoto, it would be nice to experience the history and traditions of Kyoto and taste the Kyoto culture! We recommend Kyoto's vegetarian cuisine, Kyoto Kaiseki, and Yudofu... How about a dish that combines traditional Japanese cuisine with French cuisine, or how about Nishin Soba for a quick meal? There are many choices to choose from, so please choose your favorite dish.

Speaking of Kyoto, this is the place! The official name of the temple is Rokuonji Temple, but we are all familiar with Kinkakuji Temple. This temple is known for its golden glow, and is visited by tourists from all over the world and students on school trips. The highlight of the temple is the Shari-den Hall. It is called Kinkaku (Golden Pavilion) because of its golden color, which is how it became the common name "Kinkakuji". The contrast between the lush greenery in the summer and the white snow in the winter and the glittering gold of the Shari-den Temple. The contrast of the colors is so beautiful that it will captivate you no matter how many times you have visited the temple before! On a good day, you can even see the "Golden Pavilion in reverse" in the surrounding Kyokochi Pond! Please visit Kinkakuji Temple, which looks great no matter where you take your photos.

Nijo Castle is the castle that witnessed the dawn of the Edo period, the height of the Edo period, and the end of the Edo period that lasted 260 years. The castle was built by Ieyasu Tokugawa, the first shogun of the Edo shogunate, to protect the Kyoto Imperial Palace and as a place to stay when visiting Kyoto. During the reign of Iemitsu, the third shogun, the castle underwent extensive renovations, and by welcoming the emperor to the magnificent castle, it showed the world that the rule of the Edo shogunate was stable. In 1867 In 1867, the 15th shogun, Yoshinobu, announced his intention to return power to the Meiji Emperor in the hall of the Ninomaru Palace, which is very famous in Japanese history. This place is a must-see for history buffs!

This 400-meter-long arcade has been around since the Edo period (1603-1868) and offers a wide variety of Kyoto's unique culinary culture, including Kyoto vegetables, Kyoto pickles, fresh seafood, prepared foods, obanzai (traditional Japanese dishes), and sweets. It's roofed, so you don't have to worry about rainy days... and you'll find lots of things to buy as souvenirs to take home!

The first thing that catches your attention when you enter the temple grounds is the huge gate, one of the tallest in Japan at about 22 meters high. In the Kabuki Kyogen "Sanmon Gosan no Kiri," Ishikawa Goemon, the great thief, says the famous line, "What a spectacular view!.” If you go up to the top of the temple gate, you will definitely see the "spectacular view"! In addition, one of the most famous views of Nanzenji Temple is "Suirokaku". It is often used as a stage for TV shows, anime, and movies, so you must have seen it before! The combination of the shabby atmosphere of the Zen temple and the retro atmosphere makes it a great photo spot.

If you forgot to buy a souvenir, go to Kyoto Station! There are many great souvenirs at Kyoto Station... I hope you arrive at Kyoto Station with a little time to spare. Have fun picking out your last souvenirs for Kyoto!

See you soon, Kyoto♡