【Kyoto and Nara Day Trip】Nara Park / Fushimi Inari Shrine / Kiyomizu-dera Temple / Yasaka Shrine / Hanamikoji Street / Kamo River

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Attractions on the itinerary:

● Nara Park

Nara Park, situated at the foot of Mount Wakakusa, is a vast park where lively and friendly deer can be seen everywhere. The natural environment is exceptional, with temples built amidst unspoiled forests and lakes teeming with turtles and carp. Compared to the repeatedly renovated buildings of Kyoto, Nara's temples and shrines are older and more unique.

● Todai-ji Temple

Todai-ji Temple, also known as "Temple of the Four Heavenly Kings of the Golden Light," was built during the Nara period by Emperor Shomu, who revered Buddhist teachings and vowed that all things in the world could attain happiness. He thus began the construction of a great Buddha statue (Vairocana Buddha). Upon its completion, a grand "Great Buddha Eye-Opening Offering Ceremony" was held in 752 AD. Following the construction of the Great Buddha, the entire vast temple complex was subsequently built. Because the temple was located east of Heijō-kyō (Heijō-kyō), it was called Todai-ji.

● Fushimi Inari Shrine

Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, famous for its "Thousand Torii Gates," is the head shrine of all Inari shrines in Japan, enshrining Inari Okami, the god who blesses bountiful harvests and prosperous businesses. The seemingly endless rows of bright orange torii gates along the road to Mount Inari are breathtaking and one of Japan's most famous sights.

● Kiyomizudera Temple

Kiyomizu-dera Temple is a must-see for first-time visitors to Kyoto. This oldest temple in Kyoto was built on a mountain in 778 and is named "Otowa-yama". It has appeared frequently in Japanese literary works such as "The Tale of Genji" and "The Pillow Book" since ancient times, and is even listed as a World Heritage Site. Whether it is cherry blossoms in spring, waterfalls in summer, maple leaves in autumn, or snow in winter, it has its own unique beauty, and therefore it is always crowded with people.

● Ernianzaka & Sannianzaka

Located in Kyoto, the Ichinenzaka, Ninenzaka, and Sannenzaka slopes have flourished since ancient times as part of the pilgrimage route to Kiyomizu-dera Temple. The slopes are lined with traditional Japanese buildings deeply rooted in Kyoto's atmosphere, many of which are souvenir shops. Furthermore, the presence of famous temples nearby, such as Kodai-ji and Yasaka Pagoda, makes this a popular tourist route with Kiyomizu-dera as the main attraction. This area offers views of the three-story pagoda opposite traditional Japanese houses and the numerous temples scattered throughout, all imbued with the charm of the old capital.

● Yasaka Shrine

Walking along Shimogawara-dori from Yasaka Tower will take you to Yasaka Shrine, located in front of Shijo in Kyoto. This shrine is the head shrine of more than 3,000 Yasaka Shrines throughout Japan. It is located in Gion and is also known as Gion Shrine. The Gion Matsuri, one of Japan's three major festivals and a month-long summer festival, is held by Yasaka Shrine in Kyoto. In the 11th year of the Zhenguan era of the Tang Dynasty, due to an epidemic, the Japanese people prayed to the deities of the temple for peace, and the Gion Matsuri was born. During the festival, the Yoiyama and Yamahoko processions are considered the climax of the festival. It is a festival event with a history of more than a thousand years.

● Hanamikoji

One of the must-visit places for tourists coming to Kyoto is Hanamikoji Street in Gion. Located in the bustling area of ​​Kyoto, Gion is a popular "geisha district" for its maiko and geisha dancers. It was also one of the filming locations for "Memoirs of a Geisha". If you have enough time, I recommend finding a restaurant to sit down, as Gion has many traditional townhouses and the antique dining environment adds to the Kyoto atmosphere!

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● Kamo River

The Kamo River is a renowned Class I river in Kyoto, flowing through the city and nurturing Japanese civilization. It's a must-see for many tourists visiting Japan. Famous Kamo River attractions include the Demachi Willow Tree (a scenic spot with a turtle-like appearance), the Starbucks Nayuka (a traditional Japanese bed-couch bed) experience, the Hanki no Michi cherry blossoms along the river, the Kiyamachi cherry blossoms, and the Kamo River cuisine in Pontocho – all must-see spots. With its clear, clean, azure waters and lush green banks, the Kamo River offers a tranquil escape from the bustling city, a place to slow down, relax, and cool off.