Kiyomizu-dera is a Buddhist temple overlooking Kyoto, Japan. It’s beautiful, full of history, and was shortlisted as one of the new seven wonders of the world. It didn’t win one of the coveted spots, though. Nope, the seven new wonders of the world are the Great Wall of China, Petra, Colosseum, Chichén Itzá (we’ve been there!), Machu Picchu, Taj Mahal, and Christ the Redeemer. Out of the seven listed, I’d like to see Petra next, I think. What about you? Okay, enough about that and…

Fushimi Inari Taisha is a shrine in Kyoto, Japan. The trail is about 4 km long and when crowds are busy, the path can take about 2 hours. You’ll most certainly put in more than 5,000 steps if you take on this adventure. It’s easy, yet long – bring water and the shrine is best visited in the morning, when temperatures (and crowds!) are cooler. Okay, let’s check out some photos. First, a tip – the train station is very close, so don’t stress about…

The Kyoto Imperial Palace – did you know it’s been destroyed and rebuilt eight times. You can’t walk inside the palace, not without a tour, and you can’t take any photographs on the inside. You can take as many photos you want walking around the outside, though. From the architecture to the simplicity, it’s worth visiting. And, it’s worth seeing all the other tourists, aka, people watching. Kyoto Imperial Palace The palace is inside the national gardens, as you can see from the map below.…

The Kyoto Botanical Gardens are a stunning place to visit – enjoy nature, enjoy tranquility, and enjoy people watching. We visited on the weekend (either a Saturday or a Sunday) and there were so many activities happening. From face painting to bonsai tree pruning lessons, to first responder dress-up stations for children. It’s a peaceful place to visit. Let’s check out some photos. Kyoto Botanical Gardens First, getting there via the train is quite easy. The train station pops up right at the entrance, so…

The Togetsu-kyo Bridge is a beautiful space just outside of Kyoto – it’s a neighbourhood that has quite a few tourist sights, so be sure to check it out. It’s lovely to see the countryside in Japan and this area is stunning. The first bridge was built in 836 and the one that currently stands is almost 100 years old. Togetsu-kyo Bridge After visiting the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove we took a detour through the park and made our way to the town centre were the…

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove – it’s such an awesome place to check out if you’re in Kyoto. Like most places, the photos online are vastly edited. In person, the bamboo is very, very green. It also sways back and forth in a calming, soothing way. Let’s check out some photos. Arashiyama Bamboo Grove We took the train from Kyoto station and if you see other tourists on the train, you’re probably headed to the same neighbourhood. There are about 3-4 sights in that area. The walk…

Kyoto Tower is a sight – it 100% reminds me of the Jetsons, much like the Seattle Space Needle. Get tickets and get ready to see Kyoto from above – we spent about 30 minutes here, it’s not that big of a place, and it’s worth visiting at night (and during the day, if you’ve got time). Photo time! Kyoto Tower That’s Kyoto Station – the epic glass looking building?! So many trains and so many people. I couldn’t believe how big Kyoto was until…