Fushimi Inari Shrine
Traditional and beautiful Kyoto has plenty to make visitors stare in awe, but one place that will stay with any visitor to this historic city is the Fushimi Inari Shrine. This shrine, believed to be the abode of Inari, Shinto god of rice, sake, and prosperity, is famous for its vermilion torii, which climb up a mountainside in winding rows.
It would be surreal to see these varicolored gates, each with a different name of the donor who contributed toward its making. As one climbs up the pathway, it would seem as though there are three times as many gates, forming a tunnel in hues of red into the distance, stretching on, and over and over again. A rather overwhelming and humbling experience this-the thinking on the power of faith and continuing traditions that endure.
Beyond the famous gates, Fushimi Inari Shrine also hides a number of cultural and historical treasures. The main shrine building itself is representative of elaborate architecture and carvings, standing testimony to the skilled artistry of Japanese craftsmen. Within the shrine grounds, one may tour a number of smaller shrines and temples-all each with its own character and important reason.
The surrounding forest, known as Inariyama, is a tranquil fugue from the busy city, taking in the air with birdsong and rustling of leaves to a serene and meditative ambiance. There are many trails a hiker might take up the mountain that offer views across Kyoto and its surroundings.
A visit to Fushimi Inari Shrine can hardly be said to be sightseeing but is a plunge right into the heart of Japanese spirituality and culture. And the fact that this shrine has been popular for centuries speaks volumes about the depth of its impact on visitors: inspired, rejuvenated, and plugged into something bigger than themselves-that’s how they leave this shrine. Whether one is an old traveler or just on their first visit to Japan, Fushimi Inari Shrine is absolutely a must-see destination.
Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Renowned for its rich history, stunning temples, and vibrant culture, Kyoto was once an ancient capital of Japan. One popular site here is Kiyomizu-dera Temple which is celebrated for its outstanding traditional architectural design as well as being considered as a representation of the city’s spiritual legacy over time. Located on a hillside with panoramic views of the busy town below are homes built a hundred years ago. Kiyomizu-dera, one of the Buddhist temples in Kyoto, offers both beautiful sceneries of the city far below and leisurely refuge from noise of the streets.
The most recognizable part of this temple is the iconic wooden stage recognized as the Kiyomizu-dais. This stage is quite large and reaches out dramatically from the edge of the hill it sits on which then affords tourists an amazing view of Kyoto’s vast cityscape. This awe-inspiring vista, on a fine day, covers also encompassing mountains and neighbouring villages. 
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Kyoto is a city with rich traditions and history, where many sights attract a lot of foreigners. The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is one of those very special and memorable places that tourists have rarely ever seen or experienced. This beguiling beauty lies in the west of the city and is among the most iconic tourist spots in Kyoto.
Upon arrival at the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, enter a world of your own. The towering stalks of bamboo rise to heights over 40 feet and create a cathedral-like verdure. Sunlight breaks through the dense canopy to lay intricate patterns of light and shadow on the forest floor. As one strolls along the well-kept path, soft rustling leaves of bamboo surround him with a soothing serenade.
The beauty of this grove is not just a thing of vision; it is rather enormously sensory. The air is fresh, invigorating, and filled with the smell of damp earth and the subtler fragrance of bamboo. The soft crunch of fallen leaves beneath your feet adds another layer to the immersive experience.
Apart from the aesthetic beauty, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove has cultural connotations. For centuries, locals and visitors have been attracted to this place for pilgrimage and contemplation. It is believed that such serenity in the atmosphere will usher in peace and spiritual rejuvenation in the individual.
The softness of both morning and late afternoon light is best to experience the magic of Arashiyama Bamboo Grove with fewer people. The walk through the grove takes time, observing minute details of bamboos, listening to the sounds of nature, and letting yourself be mesmerized to take you to a place all tranquil and just wonderful.
Of course, the main attraction is the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, though the other activities going on around the area are priceless. A short walk from this grove, there lies a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Temple of Tenryu-ji, very famous for its beautiful gardens and traditional buildings. A little further away along the Hozugawa River, one can enjoy a boat ride together with the beautiful scenery of the surrounding mountains and countryside.
Kyoto’s Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, therefore, is one of those sites in nature that show the beauty and strength of it. It is here where one can get away from the hustle and bustle of today’s world into isolation with oneself and the world around them. The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is one of the places to pay a visit to while in Kyoto, especially for those long-distance travelers or people visiting Japan for the first time in their life.
