I arranged my trip based on type of transportation. 1st day at Kyoto encompassed sights accessible by bus and 2nd day subway. Therefore, I bought the one-day subway pass at JPY 600.
Main highlight of day 5 was a trip to UNESCO World Heritage site - Nijo-jo (Castle). It was within the walking distance from Nijo station and cost JPY600. This is a flatland castle, resembling a fortified palace for families of Tokugawa Shogunate and subsequently Imperial members. There was a castle keep but destroyed by lightning in the 19th century leaving just the foundation. A very distinctive feature of Nijo-jo is the nightingale corridors in Ninomaru Palace, which squeaks upon impact from footsteps. This is a type of primitive alarm, able to warn occupants if there was intruders during the night. Surrounding the palace is Ninomaru Garden, a standard Japanese landscape garden featuring carefully arrange rocks and trees around or on a pond.
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| An Introduction - A corner sentry on the outer wall |
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| The main gate - Higashi Ote Mon |
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| Ninomaru Palace - Also appeared in Fridge Magnet, Key Chain, Postcards etc |
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| The side of Ninomaru Palace |
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| Ninomaru Garden - Get enough these pictures and one can start make calender. |
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| Neither DSLR nor advance photography skills is required to capture the beauty of Japanese Garden |
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| Inner Moat |
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| Seiryu Garden - Constructed in 1965, lack of historical aura but rich with scenic beauty |
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| Sorry, it's neither autumn nor spring. Imagine how its beauty can be amplified during cherry blossom or red leaves. |
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I visited Nishiki Market in afternoon as well as Nishi and Higashi Hoganji (Temple) afterwards. I loved this clean market which sells all sorts of marine products, dried foods and snacks. Did a little shopping here before heading to the temples.
Nishi and Higashi Hoganji is located not far south from Kyoto Station, and be reached within 20 minutes by foot. These two temples are less popular and spectacular than the temples from previous days, but it is less crowded, thus giving more space to examine the design of the wooden structures if it interest you. If you have extra time, why not? After all, the admission is free.
Nishi and Higashi Hoganji is located not far south from Kyoto Station, and be reached within 20 minutes by foot. These two temples are less popular and spectacular than the temples from previous days, but it is less crowded, thus giving more space to examine the design of the wooden structures if it interest you. If you have extra time, why not? After all, the admission is free.
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| Nishi Hoganji - Probably the absence of any Japanese Garden diminishes its popularity. |
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| The dragon pool? It's for washing hands, not for drinking. |
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