3 days in Kyoto

Back in Japan, and back in Kyoto for the third time.

First time was in 2017, during the golden week. Not exactly the best time of the year to visit a touristic hot spot, especially after having spent weeks in the quieter Shikoku. 

Second time was in 2018, just an overnight stay while touring in Kansay, with a quick greeting to the police and a visit to the bamboo forest. 

This year, instead, we have stopped here 3 days at the beginning of our trip, staying again in Arashiyama.

We have visited the Fushimi Inari Taisha, the Kiyomizu-dera and enjoyed walking along the Kamogawa, visiting the imperial Palace and the narrow streets packed with izakaya and karaoke bars.

This time, with no rush, we have been able to experience the city better.

Despite the obvious abundance of tourists, the city is more chill and relaxed than Tokyo, and sitting on the riverside is an amazing way of relaxing during a warm afternoon in October. Adding the nice bonus of practicing the shinobue in the shadow made us blend better with locals.

Once again, closing the day in the onsen close to the hostel was a magnificent way of relaxing our muscles after a day of walking. And Arashiyama at night, with no crowd on the streets, gives off a completely different vibe.