1 Kinkakujicho, Kita Ward, Kyoto, 603-8361, Japan

Kinkaku-ji is a temple located in the heart of Kyoto, Japan.

Although officially named Rokuon-ji, this Zen Buddhist temple is one of the most famous buildings in all of Japan. The temple is also known as the Temple of the Golden Pavilion. On days where the breeze blows calmly, the reflection of the pond resembles a mirror and visitors can see the pavilion perfectly in the water.

Kinkakuji was built to echo the opulent Kitayama culture that flourished among the wealthy aristocrats of Kyoto during Yoshimitsu's time. Each floor represents a different architectural style.

The first floor is built in the Shinden style used for palace buildings during the Heian Period, and with natural wood pillars and white plaster walls contrasting but complementing the gilded upper floors of the pavilion. Statues of Buddha Shaka and Yoshimitsu are housed on the first floor. Although visitors are not permitted to enter the room, the statues can be seen from across the pool, as the first floor front window usually remains open.

The second floor was built in the Bukke style used in samurai homes, and the exterior is completely covered in gold leaf. Inside is the seated Kannon Bodhisattva surrounded by statues of the Four Heavenly Kings.

Finally, the third and top floor is built in the style of a Chinese Zen Hall, gilded inside and out, and topped with a golden phoenix. The Kinkakuji complex and grounds are open to the public from 09.00 to 17.00 local time, every day without holidays. Admission is 400 yen for adults and 300 yen for elementary and middle school students.

Take the Karasuma Line from JR Kyoto station to Kita-Oji station (approx. 14 minutes). Walk 2 minutes from Kita-Oji station to Kitaoji Bus Terminal, where a number of Kyoto City Buses (#101, 102, 204, or 205) will take you to Kinkakuji-michi bus stop (approx. a 10 minute bus ride).

I immediately rushed to enter the shop.

oh my gosh, it's really cute!

This shop sells various kinds of Peter Rabbit knick-knacks and cute cakes with pictures of Peter Rabbit.

The interior itself is very detailed.

I would love to rest longer here, but I have to immediately catch my next bus.

I hope I have time to come back to this place!

One of the things that attracted me to Japan was Studio Ghibli. Previously I wasn't interested in this, but after watching the My Neighbor Totoro anime, my curiosity increased

While in Sanenzaka, one of the places on my wishlist that I wanted to visit was the Ghibli Shop. Because when I was in Tokyo yesterday I didn't get a ticket to the Ghibli Museum. It's very difficult to get entry tickets.

The shop was a bit invisible, so I even asked the fruit seller where the Ghibli Shop was. and he was so kind to show me the shop which turned out to be not far from his shop.

As soon as I entered I was really stunned by the amount of Ghibli merchandise from their various anime titles.

I think everyone wants to buy it!

Starting from stationary, dolls, postcards and others are sold here. I also bought totoro and black cat miniatures. If you go to Sanenzaka and Ninenzaka, don't forget to stop by this Ghibli shop.

One of the famous streets in Kyoto is Sannenzaka-Ninenzaka Street in the Higashiyama area. Along the street there are many traditional Japanese style shops & restaurants. This place is not too far from Kiyomizudera Temple, which is the most popular temple in the Kyoto area. Before or after going to Kiyomizudera, it would be a good idea for you to enjoy the route exploring Sannenzaka.

The meaning of Sannenzaka itself is a 3 year staircase path, while Ninenzaka is a 2 year staircase path. These two words emerged because of ancient stories or beliefs that have been learned from generation to generation. It is said that if you fall while exploring Sannenzaka, you will die within 3 years, whereas if you fall in Ninenzaka, you will die within 2 years.

At Sannenzaka Ninenzaka you can meet in person and see the friendliness of Kyoto residents. Several neat wooden buildings line either side of the road, creating a rare panorama that can still be enjoyed there. Then there are a number of local houses, restaurants with delicious cakes, souvenir shops, and even tea places.

From Kyoto Station, you can use bus No. 100 and 206 to Kiyomizu-mihi stop or Gojo-zaka stop. The ticket price itself is 240 yen and takes approximately 15 minutes. Then from there, you can walk 10 minutes until you find Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka.

1 Chome-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0862, Japan

Japan has many unique buildings with impressive architecture and full of philosophical meaning. One of them is Kiyomizu Dera, a Buddhist temple located in the eastern region of Kyoto, Japan.

As an inseparable part of the Historical Monuments of Ancient Kyoto, this temple presents special natural beauty and spiritual richness.The name 'Kiyomizu' itself has a deep meaning, meaning pure water or clean water, a symbol of cleanliness and holiness which is reflected in every corner of this complex.

Kiyomizu Dera Temple is rich in Japanese history and culture that has been preserved for more than a thousand years. The temple also offers panoramic views of the city, enriching the spiritual experience with stunning natural beauty. This temple is one of the oldest temples in Japan, built in 773 AD (1,251 years old) although construction was only completely completed in 1663.

Interestingly, not a single nail was used in the construction of the entire complex. The architectural design used in this period to build it ensured that not a single nail was needed to hold the structure in place. The complex is designed in such a way that it can accommodate several people at once. The main hall of Kiyomizu Dera has a large veranda supported by tall pillars.

The best way to reach the shrine is to take bus number 100 or 206 from Kyoto Station and get off at the Kiyomizu-michi or Gojo-zaka stops. From there, you have to walk about 15 minutes uphill to the temple.

 68 Fukakusa, Yabunouchicho, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto-fu

One of the places in Japan that must be visited is Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto. This place is very famous and iconic because of the row of red Torii (shrine gates) at the edge of the entrance.

Fushimi Inari Taisha is one of several Shinto shrines in Japan. It is characterized by thousands of bright red Torii lined up along the entrance to the shrine.

Around the temple there are also many fox statues. Foxes are considered sacred and intelligent animals in Japanese mythology. As a form of respect for foxes, fox statues were made at Fushimi Inari Taisha.

Usually tourists who come to visit will take photos in the Torii row. This place is the most popular photo spot in Kyoto. If you are satisfied with taking photos at the front, you can enter the temple and walk around. This temple, which was built in 794, was originally intended for the god of rice and is always crowded with traders who ask for blessings in their business.

Then you can also climb the hill behind the temple. If you make it to the top, you can see a very beautiful panorama of Kyoto city from a height. However, to reach the top it takes around 2 to 3 hours on foot.

To visit this temple you do not need to pay for tickets. Because admission to Fushimi Inari Taisha is free. You can also visit at any time because this place is always open to the public 24 hours.

To get to Fushimi Inari Taisha, you can try taking the local JR Nara Line train from Kyoto Station then get off at JR Inari Station. Travel time is relatively short, only around 5 to 10 minutes. From the station you just have to walk to the temple.

The beauty of Japan's Katsura River has been famous since ancient times. This river became a very popular tourist destination in the Heian Period. The Heian period itself lasted from 794-1185 AD.

In the past, people from the upper middle class and famous people in Kyoto made this river a frequently visited tourist spot. The reason is of course because the scenery here is beautiful!

Along the Katsura River Japan, various kinds of trees grow. One of them is the Sakura tree. In spring, when the cherry blossoms start to bloom, the view here will be very beautiful. Sakura flowers can be enjoyed from the boat.Boat rental services can be easily obtained while here. They use traditional boats with long bamboo sticks as tools. Apart from that, several other attractions along the river are Togetsukyo Bridge, Matsuo Shrine, and Iwatayama Monkey Park. Everything will make your holiday even more memorable.

 To get to the location, Traveler Friends only need to take the train from Kyoto Station to Saga-Arashiyama Station with a travel time of around 15 minutes.