Kyoto: A Haven for Temples & Shrines Part 1: Kinkaku-ji

A great way to start your 'Architectural Treasure' experience in Kyoto is to visit the Golden Pavilion - A three storey structure overlooking a pond. Each floor was built using a different architecture style. A golden phoenix stands on the top of the gold-leafed Kinkaku-ji. I love the reflection of the temple on the water. For more information on the temple please click here

Getting There:
Take Bus number 101 or 205 from Kyoto Station
Opening Hours:
9am-5pm

Kyoto Central Market

We reached the market at 7.30am and they were already cleaning and closing up. If you are interested in the Tuna auction, do arrive at 5.30am to catch the action! Though I missed the Hustle and Bustle of the Auction but I arrived in time to see them slicing a tuna! This market is less commercialised than the Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo. This place is wonderful, if you do not want to meet hordes of photo crazy tourists!

Satisfy your growling stomach by buying pieces of sashimi. The fishmonger will gladly slice your "prized catch" for you! I paid 1000 yen for a piece of tuna and I got 15 as-thick-as-my-thumb slices for that price! Oishii

Be careful of the food transportation carts. Do not step on the wooden crates as they are used to place the fishes for sale! We have traffic policemen to direct traffic on a congested street. The market employs policemen to direct the food transportation carts!

Toji Temple Flea Market : 21st of every month

The Toji Temple Flea Market is held outside Toji Temple on the 21st of every month. The market starts at 7am and ends at 4pm! If you are classified under the category of a "BARGAIN HUNTER". Do go earlier as "the early bird catches the most worms!"

The flea market sells second hand kimonos for as low as 500-1000 yen. Do check the kimonos properly as they may have moth holes or sleeves ripped off! It is extremely difficult to remove the yellowish stains on the kimono. Other than selling kimonos the fair has many stores selling knick knacks, ranging from antique items, plants, household items, food etc. It is the perfect remedy for a grumbling stomach and those thirsting to find a gem. Jostle with the locals and tourists, as you try to fish for a bargain. Have fun fishing! After covering the flea market, you might be interested to visit the temple.

*Do leave a tag if you managed to remove them because my kimono is still stained after washing!

When you wear a kimono, always wrap the left side over the right side. An exception is when you are wearing a kimono for the deceased. There are different kinds of kimonos for the different seasons and age groups. Young ladies tend to favour bright coloured kimonos with longer sleeves and huge prints.

Hida Takayama - Sanno Matsuri or Spring Festival 14-15 April

Takayama is tucked in Northern Gifu Prefecture and often referred to as "Little Kyoto" A trip to this city reveals a rich history, charming streets lined with old buildings and breathtaking landscape of beautiful mountains! Kanpai to Tradition, Sake and Hida Beef!

Takayama Festival is held in Spring(14-15 April) & Autumn(9-10) and is considered one of Japan's Best Festivals During this period, the festival floats(yatai) are taken out of their storehouses and displayed throughout town. The floats with intrinsic details are a fine example of the craftsmanship of Takayama's "woodsmiths"! At the front of some floats, there is an extended ledge on which a mechanical doll stands. Catch the Karakuri Doll Performance and the floats parade throughout town!

If you have missed the festival, check out the floats at Yatai Kaikan!

Street Parade

The Storehouse

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Getting There by Bullet Train
Shin Osaka->Nagoya->Takayama (approx 3h30mins) vs Osaka->Takayama(approx 4 hrs)
* During the festive season, do remember to book your train tickets early, so as to ensure that you have a seat!


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