We finished our time in Japan in May, but the end of our school year and “summer vacation” style traveling with family and friends have put us behind on writing and photo sorting. Three more international countries and lots of wind-down thoughts will be coming your way. For now, please enjoy this photo-heavy account of our last week in Japan. -Kate
We left the Tokyo region and headed for the cultural and historical heart of Japan, the Kansai peninsula. The Shinkansen trains are impressive high speed trains and the best way to travel long distances quickly.
Kyoto
We stayed in Gion and loved the architecture, trees, and the daily glimpse of people in traditional dress taking photos in this iconic neighborhood.
Southern Higashiyama
Our first “temple day” had lovely weather and masses of peopleKiyomizu-dera Buddhist TempleMaruyama ParkYasaka-jinja Shinto Shrine
Himeji Castle Day Trip
Himeji-jo: World Cultural Heritage 400 year old feudal castle is one of the best preserved in Japan and a little over an hour from Kyoto by shinkansen train. A beautiful and highly recommended day trip.Defensive features include layers of fortified gates, labyrinthine pathways, portholes, rock chutes, steep walls and stairs, plus the weapons stored in the keepMain keep interior
Fushimi Inari Taisha
This is the primary Shinto shrine of the deity Inari (agriculture/industry), plus an excellent hike and photography destination. The sacred mountain path features many shrines, tea houses, and over eight hundred vermilion torii gates donated and placed in rows by businesses as either gratitude for prosperity or a wish for the future.Foxes (kitsune) are the messengers of Inari and seen all over the many shrines along the 4km (2.5 mi) winding path. Thousands of small torii wishes are left on the shrine altars.This hike was so interesting and unique and it’s beauty made this my favorite day in Kyoto
Northern Higashiyama
“temple day 2” focused on Nanzen-ji Buddhist Zen Templeadjacent aqueduct and hiking areaPhilosopher’s Path walk (headed to Ginkaku-ji, but it closed before we made it). I guess we took too long to do school and the conveyer belt sushi for lunch!
Knife Shopping
One of Pete’s favorite things in our last week was knife shopping in the foodie cities of Kyoto and Osaka. Beauty and function made them irresistible souvenirs.These fun vending machines have all kinds of fun little random prizes. One of our Christmas tree ornaments came from here!
Osaka
We flew out of Osaka so spent our last evening exploring the famous Dotonbori Street for some street food and people watching.We really enjoyed our time in the Kansai Region and will share more stories and thoughts in the future…
Thanks for reading to the end. Next up: Vietnam! Don’t forget to check out our past stories and subscribe for future articles as well. Find us on Facebook and Instagram for bonus content! Please note that any links or business names provided are for information only, we did not receive any compensation for our opinions or recommendations. As always, if you are planning a trip to any location we visit we are happy to provide more details and opinions, so feel free to contact us!
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2 responses to “Kansai Region, Japan”
LOVE THE PICTURES
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Oh, the photo journey and your photos are amazing. What a neat way for me to see your world. See you soon. 😻
🌿🌸🦋🌲🌝 Mom 📚👩💕🎶
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