Kyoto: Fushimi Inari-taisha, Tofukuji Temple

At five in the morning, I was dropped off in Kyoto from my overnight bus. At 11 degrees, it was the coldest I’ve ever been. I grabbed my scarf from my backpack, put it on, and started my kilometer-long walk in the cold to my hostel. The streets were empty, and if it were any other place like *coughs* Philippines *coughs*, I would be shitless scared to walk alone. And while I was a little bit scared, I was happy to be there and was fascinated by the difference of Tokyo and Kyoto.

I found a way to perfectly describe Japan, from what I’ve seen on the trip – TIME TRAVEL! From the tall buildings, bright lights, modern toilets (would never fail to mention that) of Tokyo to Kyoto, with the black, brown and gray hues on establishments and houses, cobblestone steps and street lamps that look straight from a different decade. Ahh, just so beautiful! <3

Anyway, this is the morning of my first day in Kyoto. I took way too many photos on this day that I have to make two separate blog posts for it. I went to Fushimi Inari Taisha, which was pretty but way too crowded, then to Tofukuji Temple, which was a pleasant surprise. I honestly did not expect much of Tofukuji Temple since it’s not extremely popular, but it turned out to be amazing!

Street food on the way to Fushimi Inari Taisha

I did not plan my meals for this day. I decided to eat on the way, and thankfully there was a street of food stalls on the way to Fushimi Inari. I was feeling adventurous and tried out this street food. It was just okay, and I couldn’t finish it.

Fushimi Inari Taisha

In my head, Fushimi Inari Taisha was just 10,000 tori gates, nothing more. To my surprise, there are many other structures within the area.

Mandatory outfit shot. Thanks, stranger!

Here’s a few of the thousands of tori gates. It was so crowded inside, like Sinulog. I did not bother to walk farther.

Tofukuji Temple

Since it’s called “Tofukuji Temple”, I expected there to be just one big temple. To my surprise, there were multiple huge temples.

Tofukuji Temple (Garden)

I was just about to leave when I found a hallway full of people. I tried to go where they were coming from. A man stopped me and told me it was the exit. To my surprise, there is a freakin’ garden inside, and it only costs 400 JPY to enter! Honestly, I hesitated. But I always told myself, “Oh well, I’m already here so let’s do it.” Best decision! I was so overwhelmed by the autumn leaves! I’m gonna let the photos do all the talking.

In case you were wondering… No, this is not a painting.

Ahh, autumn feels! Next, I head to Eikando Temple (even more amazing), the famous UNESCO World Heritage site – Kiyomizu Temple, and Gion where I saw a geisha!