top attractions for cruise passengers and Activities
Fushimi Inari Shrine ( 伏見稲荷大社)
Fushimi Inari Shrine is one of the most important Shinto shrines in Japan, famous for its vermilion torii gates that line the trails behind its main structure. Inari Shrine lies on the grounds of 233-meter Mount Inari, which stands in a wooded forest.
There are many shrines dedicated to Inari, the Shinto deity of rice, but Fushimi Inari is the most important. Many fox statues can be found on the shrine grounds because foxes are thought to be Inari's messengers. A shrine dedicated to the goddess Fushimi Inari dates back to 794, long before Kyoto became the capital.
Ninen-zaka Slope & Sanneizaka (二年坂 & 三年坂)
Sannen-zaka and Ninen-zaka Slopes are iconic streets of Kyoto City that represent the good old days of Japan. You can't help taking pictures of this nostalgic and dreamy location once you arrive.
Originally constructed in 808, the stone-paved slope leads to Kiyomizudera Temple (below). Streets and surrounding buildings surrounding the slope have been preserved as Important Preservation Districts. In fact, many worshippers carry their wishes up this slope on their way to Kiyomizudera Temple.
Kiyomizu-dera Temple ( 清水寺 )
Known as the "Pure Water Temple", Kiyomizudera is one of the most celebrated temples in Japan. Founded in 780 on the site of the Otowa Waterfall in the wooded hills east of Kyoto, it was named after the fall's pure waters. Kiyomizudera is best known for its wooden stage, which protrudes 13 meters from the hillside above its main hall. From the stage, you can see the cherry and maple trees below erupting in a sea of color in spring and fall, as well as the city of Kyoto in the background.
Kinkakuji Temple, the Golden Pavilion (金阁寺)
The Kinkakuji Temple in northern Kyoto is best known for its gold-leafed top two floors. It is an impressive structure built overlooking a large pond. It was once the retirement villa of the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, the third shōgun of the Ashikaga shogunate, ruling from 1368 to 1394 during the Muromachi period of Japan. After his death in 1408, the villa became a Zen temple of the Rinzai sect. It was Kinkakuji that inspired Ashikaga Yoshimasa to build the similarly named Silver Pavilion on the other side of the city a few decades later.
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove (岚山竹林)
A world-famous forest of swaying bamboo boughs, located at the foot of the "Storm Mountains" in Kyoto, is the perfect place to relax while in the country. You can stroll along endless paths lined with towering bamboo. It has been described as peaceful, dreamlike, and other-worldly. This forest's rustling bamboo has been named one of the "100 Soundscapes of Japan" by the Japanese Ministry of the Environment.
Optional Activity: Arashiyama Rickshaw
One of the best ways to enjoy the scenic beauty of Kyoto is to take a rickshaw ride in Arashiyama. A rickshaw is a traditional Japanese vehicle pulled by a human runner. You can sit back and relax as your guide shows you the highlights of the area, such as the bamboo forest, the Togetsukyo bridge, and the temples and shrines. The rickshaw ride is fun, comfortable, and informative. You will learn about the history and culture of Kyoto while admiring the stunning views. A rickshaw ride in Arashiyama is an unforgettable experience that you don't want to miss!
Optional Activity: Nishiki Market (錦市場)
In Nishiki Market, there are more than one hundred shops and restaurants lined up along a five-block street. As "Kyoto's Kitchen," this lively market offers a wide variety of seasonal foods and Kyoto specialties, including Japanese sweets, pickles, dried seafood, and sushi. It is a great place to explore Kyoto's culinary delights. Numerous stores in the market have been run by the same family for generations
Optional Activity: Kyoto Arashiyama Train
One of the best ways to experience Arashiyama is to ride the "Sagano Sightseeing Train (Arashiyama Train)" and admire the stunning valley views along the route. The train runs slowly and elegantly along the Hozu River Valley. The total distance is 7.3 kilometers. It takes about 25 minutes one way and about an hour round trip. There are five carriages in total, and the seats are made of wood. Carriage No. 5 (Fugui) is an open carriage. Along the small train, there are cherry blossoms all over the mountains and fields in spring, fresh green in summer, red leaves in autumn, and silvery white world in winter. You can enjoy the four seasons of Kyoto by taking the small train. style.
Optional Activity: Kaiseki Dinner with Geisha
Experience a traditional Japanese Kaiseki in a quaint restaurant hosted by a real Kyoto geisha. Kaiseki cuisine is noble cuisine because of the precious ingredients and the presentation and dining environment. In Kaiseki cuisine, food is tasted sequentially and slowly, which is the essence of the cuisine.
You can book one or two geisha performers to join your dinner. She/they will perform two traditional dances, drink and chat with you, conduct some game interaction, and invite you to take photos. The geisha show will last 90 minutes and your dinner can last two hours.
Optional Activity: Samurai and Ninja Museum with Experience
Have a fun day at the family friendly experience museum! You will be amazed by the stories and secrets of the samurai and ninja, the legendary warriors of Japan. You will also get to try some martial arts moves and learn about the culture and history of this fascinating country. The friendly and knowledgeable guides will show you around the museum in English and answer all your questions. Don't miss this unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of samurai and ninja!
Optional Activity: Kiyomizudera Starbucks Tatami
Kiyomizudera is one of the most famous temples in Kyoto, Japan. It is known for its wooden stage that offers a stunning view of the city and the cherry blossoms in spring. But did you know that there is also a Starbucks near the temple? Yes, you heard that right. A Starbucks that blends in with the traditional architecture and culture of the area. The coffee shop is located in a renovated two-story house that features tatami mats, sliding doors, and a small garden. You can enjoy your favorite drink while sitting on the floor and admiring the beauty of Kiyomizudera. It is a unique experience that you don't want to miss!
cherry blossom Festival NIght extended tour
Nijo Castle Sakura Light Show
One of the most popular attractions in Kyoto for sakura lovers is Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that boasts about 500 cherry trees of different varieties. The castle grounds are open to the public from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. every night during the blooming season, offering a spectacular display of light and color. Visitors can admire the illuminated trees against the backdrop of the historic buildings and enjoy a unique atmosphere of beauty and history.
The Philosophical Path
The Philosophical Path connecting Ginkakuji Temple and Nanzenji Temple is located on the east side of Kyoto University in Japan and is about 1.8 kilometers long. It is called the Philosophical Path because the former philosopher Kitaro Nishida often walked here to explore profound philosophical issues. road. The paths along both sides of the canal are filled with cherry blossoms, so it is recommended as one of the most romantic walking paths and one of the best spots for cherry blossom viewing in Kyoto. It is relatively quiet outside of cherry blossom season.
Gion
Gion is the geisha district of Kyoto, and it can be said to be the representative area of Kyoto. This place still maintains Japan's most traditional street style and architectural features. Walking here is like returning to ancient Japan, elegant and leisurely, and comfortable. The cherry blossoms are in full bloom and the streets are covered in a light pink color. In the Gion area, there is a small river called "Shirakawa" running through it, making the scenery on the bank even more beautiful. On spring nights, the blooming cherry blossoms on the bank of Shirakawa are illuminated by various lights, making it even more charming.
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