Day 3- When in Kyoto

5:26 PM

The Fushimi-Inari Taisha Shrine

This is Part 3 of a 5 Part Series that describes in detail my family’s 6D/5N Trip to Osaka, Japan.

Like Nara, Kyoto also used to be the capital of Japan. As a center of learning and culture, Kyoto is an important part of one’s travel plans to Kansai. I have to admit, however, that the schedule that I have allotted for this trip was relatively insufficient to fully explore this magnificent city.

Kyoto can be accessed through the Keihan Line which stops at train stations such as Fushimi-Inari, Tofukuji, Gion Shijo and Jingu Marutamachi, which are right next to major tourist attractions in the City.

The Keihan Line is not accessible from the Train Station in Namba. Thus, from Namba Station, we rode the train to Yodobashi via the Midosuji Line (180 JPY) where another train would take us to Fushimi-Inari. The train ride to Fushimi Inari costs 400 JPY. Be sure to ride the Limited Express train to cut down on travel time. Please note that there are different types of trains at the Keihan Line - some trains stop at certain stations while one stop at every station. Be sure to read pertinent information at the station or near the platform. If all else fails, use the Maps App on your iPhone or Rome2Rio.com to know which option is best for you.

We got off at Fushimi Inari, the train station which is nearest to the Fushimi-Inari Taisha Shrine (the shrine, however, may also be accessed through the JR Inari Station). The Fushimi-Inari Taisha Shrine is considered as an important Shinto Shrine in Southern Kyoto. It is likewise famous for the torii gates which were featured in Memoirs of a Geisha.

At the entrance to the shrine where people line up to offer their prayers, purchase talismans and burn incense

Since it was only the Second Day of the New Year, thousands of people flock to the shrine, offering prayers, burning incense and purchasing talismans which are said to bring about good luck for the new year. Food stalls line the entrance to the shrine, giving a festive atmosphere similar to what we have experienced in Nara. Indeed, it was another chance to experience a Japanese festival to welcome the start of the New Year. Unfortunately, because of the volume of the people, it was difficult to take a picture by the Torii Gates. I really wanted a shot similar to that which was featured in Memoirs of a Geisha (Hahaha!).

From the Fushimi-Inari Taisha Shrine, we headed North, walking by the side streets to reach to Tofukuji Temple. It may also be accessed through the Tofukuji Station from both the Keihan and JR Lines. As my brothers were not really fond of temples, we did not enter any of the temples in the complex. Instead, we admired the landscape and buildings from the outside, taking countless of pictures.

We boarded the train at the Tofukuji Station to Jingu Marutamachi which is approximately 10 minutes away from the Imperial Palace. However, one may opt to ride the subway at Marutamachi or Imadegawa Station instead. These stations are closer to the entrance gate of the Imperial Palace.

As we have been walking for quite some time, we had lunch at one of the restaurants near the Palace. Again, I do not know the name because I cannot read Japanese. Nevertheless, they do serve authentic Japanese Katsu.

After lunch, we started walking to the Imperial Palace again. Alas, the palace is closed for the holidays. It was to open only on January 5, which is also the date of our return to the Philippines. Nevertheless, we were able to take good pictures by its entrance.

We boarded a cab to the Gion District. For 1625 JPY, the cab driver brought us to the Minamiza Theater, the starting point of every walking tour of the Gion District.

Gion is Kyoto’s most famous geisha district. It is located around Shijo Avnue between the Yasaka Shrine in the East and the Kamo River in the west. Gion is filled with shops, restaurants and ochayas (teahouses) where geishas and maikos entertain.

We couldn’t fit in one cab as there were six of us. We all agreed to meet at the Minamiza Theater, the primary Kabuki Theater in Japan. As a center of culture, Kabuki Performances in Gion have been considered as important cultural properties. However, we did not get to see any performances as we have decided to admire the façade from the outside.

The Minamiza Kabuki Theater

We headed East to reach to the most popular area of Gion, the Hanami-koji Street. Thee street and its side alleys are lined with preserved machiya houses that function as restaurants that serve Japanese cuisine and other local and international meals. Japanese guides say that if you are lucky enough, you may catch a glimpse of geishas and maikos as they run around Gion. Unfortunately, I was not lucky enough.

As it was a holiday, it was impossible to find seats at the different restaurants along the district. We continued walking for twenty more minutes, admiring the sights and the Yasaka Shrine from afar. We rested for a while and had coffee at Caffe Comme Ca. As it was almost 6pm, I decided not to drink coffee and have the Kyoto Special Drink instead (more popularly known as Matcha Latte).

After a short rest, we made our way to Gion Shijo Station where we boarded a train to Yodobashi (410 JPY) where we transferred to another train which would take us back to Namba (180 JPY).

With this itinerary, I know for sure that we have not made the most out of our daytrip in Kyoto. No, one day is not enough to explore the old imperial capital of Japan. It is best to stay there for a night or two at a traditional Ryokan (Traditional Japanese Inns) in order to fully explore the magnificent seat of culture and learning. I’m definitely going back to Kyoto!