October Break Series: Exploring Kyoto

• Higashiyama District - I spent the bulk of my first day in Kyoto in the Higashiyama District, where I visited the Yasaka Koshin-do Pagoda and the Kiyomizudera Temple, afterwards walking the streets in search of some beautiful pottery (which I found readily available at a store called Matcha Garden). The Kiyomizudera temple was especially stunning between the details on the buildings, intricate dragon statues, and panoramic view of the city below.

• Arashiyama - As you may already know, Arashiyama is probably the most famous attraction in Kyoto because of its highly-Instagrammable bamboo forest. But I actually found the bamboo to be the least memorable part of my trip to this area of the city, and instead really enjoyed the monkey park where you can see these creatures up close, as well as the gorgeous Tenryu-ji Temple garden and Gioji Temple. I’ve also heard that the Okochi Sanso Garden is amazing, but I didn’t have the chance to get to it. Pro tip: Before doing any walking, take the Sagano Romantic Train from Torokko Kameoka Station to the Torokko Arashiyama Station for incredible views of the Hozu River.

• Takashimaya Mall - Takashimaya Mall is home to a large variety of stores, including Nintendo Kyoto and a food market in the basement, but the highlight for me was Nuunu Kyoto on the fourth floor. This place has so many bins of awesome art that isn’t too pricey because it is largely experimental work created by local Japanese artists. I was able to find some great pieces for my room and as gifts for family members as well, and out of everything I’ve bought across the four cities I visited on my trip, these are the best souvenirs I’ve gotten.

• Nabeyacho Area - Believe it or not, I found the Nabeyacho area by accident when I was walking back to my hotel after a full day and decided to turn down an alley instead of staying on a main shopping street, which was way too crowded. While I was immediately struck by the beauty of the lanterns and street signs of all the eateries on the street, it wasn’t until I did some Googling that I realized that I had stumbled upon Kyoto’s busiest nightlife area. I look forward to returning and exploring it further in the future!

Honorable mentions to the Yasaka Shrine and the Gion District, best seen in the evening. Though I unfortunately did not see any geishas, it was lovely to walk down the traditional-style lantern-lit streets and to see Shirakawa street, famed for its beauty. Next stop on my itinerary, Osaka!