Adventures in Kansai, part 3 - Kyoto

I've been to Kyoto several times before, but there are so many sights scattered far and wide that it's always possible to see something new with each visit. For this visit my first stop was Fushimi Inari, a shrine easily reached five minutes by train from the main Kyoto station. The shrine is famous for the hundreds of red torii gates which you pass under on the many paths through the area, and the curious looking stone foxes which stare down at you from all around.

I then stopped for lunch at one of the many tiny little restaurants in the city. When I say tiny, I mean the seating area is usually just at a counter sitting right in front of the staff as they prepare your food.

The entrances of these restaurants often have "noren" hanging down, a cloth printed with the name or logo of the establishment.

Although it can seem an intimidating prospect going into these small Japanese restaurants if you don't speak the language, I strongly recommend that visitors give them a try. if there's not an English menu there's usually a menu with photos - just point! These places are much more interesting than the usual array of Western chain restaurants around the very large and modern main Kyoto station.

My next stop was a temple called Sho-ren-in. When I went here I was almost the only visitor so it was very peaceful and quiet. The temple has many rooms and some beautiful hand-painted screens on the walls and a large garden area which you can walk around. There was a light drizzle falling as I walked around the green moss-covered garden, very atmospheric and relaxing.

The final part of my day was spent wandering around Gion, the traditional area of the city where you see many old wooden houses, and following the winding paths up to Kiyomizu temple. This is one of the most touristy parts of the city, and when I was there seemed to be literally overrun with hoards of school kids. It's still worth seeing, but when you visit the city it's also well worth seeking out some of the less crowded places to really appreciate the atmosphere of the city.