Kyoto is one of the most popular cities to visit next to Tokyo and I had to visit during this trip to see Fushimi Inari Shrine and the Bamboo Forest. Although I enjoyed many sights and attractions, I think it was my least favorite city but I think I’m bias to the fact I wasn’t feel 100%, got agitated with the long lines for food, the rain and the noticeably more tourists and tour groups.

Kiyomiza-dera Temple

The higashiyama district led us to the temple and there were a pedestrian-only route lined with boutique shops and restaurants. There were sections that were crowded near the temple but other areas were too bad. 

Izuju Sushi

We tried Kyoto-styled sushi at Izuju Sushi which usually uses cooked ingredients like tofu or cured fish and isn’t served with wasabi or soy sauce. It was different and pretty good! Perfect for a person who doesn’t eat raw fish (aka me). 

Yasaka Shrine

We visited at night to see night lanterns. It was a rainy night and we even wandered into Maruyama Park to see locals enjoying beer under the now falling cherry blossoms. 

Fushimi Inari Shrine

All my research advised us to go early to avoid crowds. We arrived around 7am and started hiking up. There were already a couple of tourists sharing our hike but incomparable to the hundreds when we descended and left around 10:00am. 

It was magical to hike up and nothing can compare to this tunnel made from the red Tori Gates of all different sizes. 

Miyako Odori Geisha Performance

Of course, I wanted to see geisha perform and lucky us were visiting in April when the community puts on one of the best shows in the country called Miyako Odori. We start by having tea with a Geisha. I snuck a couple photos here but otherwise, we aren’t allowed to photograph them. 

The music, wardrobe and dance was incredible and I loved seeing the entire performers on stage at once. Watching 10 synchronized geishas and maikos (Geisha’s in-training) was mesmerizing.  

Yamamoto Menzou 

This was Kyoto’s best udon shop and we saw the popularity with the long wait. Our first attempt failed when we found a 2hr queue during Saturday around 1pm and we were scheduled to visit Kiyomiza-dera Temple before it closes. Our second attempt at 4pm on a Sunday had a 1.5 hour wait and although Chi was ready to go elsewhere and Cassie had no opinion, I was adamant to try it. It must be good if these locals are waiting to have it. We waited and when we finally tasted it, it was the best udon I’ve ever had… maybe even one of the best noodles in soup ever. There was so much umami flavor in the broth paired with chewy fresh udon noodles. It was worth the wait. 

Gion District

This was actually pretty small and disappointing compared to Kanazawa or Takayama. There were no shops just some restaurants and cars driving through the street. 

Kodaji Temple

Cassie advised me of the night illumination at this temple and so we had to go! It was surprisingly amazing. The garden was colorfully lit up, there was a interesting projection with music and even a mini bamboo forest to walk through. 

 Kinkaku-ji Temple

This was a postcard golden temple of Kyoto. It’s highly packed with tourists and you just take your post-card photo or selfie before moving on. 

Arashiyama 

About one hour north of Kyoto is Arashiyama, a popular tourist area with the infamous Bamboo Forest. We had fantastic coffee at Arabica, where a line formed even before they opened. 

Saguro Bamboo forest

We went early to avoid crowds around 7-8am but that wasn’t early enough! It was already busy and the most annoying aspect was these retro cars driving through what I thought was a pedestrian walkway. Regardless, it was quite the sight and looked surreal. 

Okochi-Sanso Villa

Chi urged me to check out these gardens despite the pricy admission of $10. However, because of the pricy admission we almost had the entire garden to ourselves and I really enjoyed it. We were able to see a beautiful view above the city and enjoyed tea at their tea house.  

Tenryuji Temple & Gardens

We visited this world heritage Zen temple and it was quite different from other temples. The buildings had large open spaces and it was peaceful to walk around despite the many visitors. 

Ostuka Steak

It started pouring in time for lunch at Otsuka Waygu Beef. The steak was melt in your mouth goodness but I think I preferred Hida Beef. Cassie, who had Kobe but not Hida also said Kobe was superior. God, I need to try Kobe Beef next time I’m in Japan. 

Owl Forest

Due to the non-stop rain we went to an owl petting zoo. Chi loves Owls and we were going to do an Owl Cafe in Tokyo but instead it was a great rainy day activity. You walk through this indoor path with faux forest decor and pet real owls of all shapes and sizes. The small to mid-sized owls were adorable and the larger ones looked intimidating. They were very soft and gentle. 

Monkey Park

We had to come back a second day to visit the Monkey Park due to pouring rain on the first day. It was worth the journey. The monkeys were super fluffy, silly and gentle when you feed them behind a fence. 

Unagi Hirokawa

Another reason I came back to Arashiyama was to have the chance to eat at a one Michelin star Unagi Restaurant. This time we waited in line at 10:15am, an hour before it opens. Luckily, we were in the first seating and also scored the private dining room! 

They serve Unagi donburi and you’re just ordering what size portion you want. It arrived in a cute box with rice and it was one of the best things I’ve ever had. It is so simple yet so delicious. The unagi had perfect sweetness and smokiness that just melts in your mouth. It was paired with lightly sauced rice that was equally as good.