Category: Kyoto
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Blooming Miyama
Like last year (in Ohara), we head north of Kyoto to enjoy the cherry blossoms away from the crowds. We first drive toward Takao, then through the countryside to the Miyama Fureai Hiroba rest area. We have lunch there and try some ice cream made with local milk. We then visit Kayabuki no Sato, a…
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Ninose – Ohara
+700m / -650m / 13km I reach Ninose by train around 9:30am. I get ready and head north after crossing the river. On the right, a small opening in a rockfall fence marks the start of the trail. The first 500 meters are not very inviting: the route is hard to make out, fallen trees…
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A snowy Sunday
I glance out the window this morning and, just as the forecast said, big snowflakes are falling. I decide to get up and go take a few photos. I would like to head to Kurama-dera (seen in autumn), which is easy to reach by train. I also plan to make a small detour on the…
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Hiking Along the Water, Again
+50m / -100m / 8km Today we’re back on the same route as two months ago, between Takao and the Hozu Gorge. We catch the bus around 9:50 at Marutamachi Onmaedori. We don’t stop at Jingo-ji and head straight for the riverside trail. This time, the sun is out. Leaves in every shade imaginable reflect…
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Hiking along the water
+230m / -290m / 9km The forecast says cloudy all day. I don’t feel like climbing a summit just to find the view blocked, so I pick a valley-floor hike instead. The trail follows a river between Takao and Hozukyō for 9km, with a 5km option leading to Arashiyama. I buy a picnic at Fresco…
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Ayabe
It’s fireworks season. Each city holds its own display on a different date, so it’s possible to see fireworks every weekend throughout July and August. This year we choose Ayabe. We wander around the town in the sweltering heat, then, as the day fades, we climb up to a park on higher ground to watch…
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Ohara in bloom
Ohara is a rural area about 40 minutes north of Kyoto by bus. It’s not very far, but it’s usually cooler up there. The cherry blossoms bloom a few days later than in the city center. We do a bit of shopping upon arrival, then follow the Takano River south. It’s hot! I’ve got a…
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Hanami in Higashiyama
After yesterday’s walk, we head to Higashiyama and the Philosopher’s Path. There are more people under the trees, but it’s still a pleasant stroll.
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Around Tofukuji
After the plum trees, the cherry trees bloom in turn. We start from Tofukuji Station and head East to visit a few temples. Then we walk along the Kamo River and through Kiyamachi to reach the city center.
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Loose pictures: Winter 2025
Views which did not ended in a post of their own.
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The plum trees of Jounanguu
Spring is here! The cherry blossoms aren’t out yet, but the plum trees are ahead of them. I head to the modest Jounanguu Shrine to explore its garden. There are quite a few people strolling through the narrow paths, but plenty of blossoms for everyone.
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Loose pictures: Fall 2024
Views which did not ended in a post of their own.
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Momijis in Kyoto
After Kameoka, stroll in Higashiyama around Nanzen-ji.
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Momijis in Kameoka
The momiji season has arrived later than usual. First outing in the countryside of Kameoka, West of Kyoto.
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Gion Matsuri
This festival is one of the most popular in Japan. Every year around mid-July, people come from all over the country to attend the festivities, which are centered around two parades held one week apart. Twenty-three wooden floats are assembled a few days before the first procession. The construction sites are scattered across the city…
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Loose pictures: May / June 2024
Views which did not ended in a post of their own.
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Loose pictures: April 2024
Views which did not ended in a post of their own.
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Trip to the sea of Japan
We reserved the last two seats on the bus from Kyoto to Amanohashidate at the beginning of the week. To travel on the first weekend of Golden Week, you either need to plan well in advance or be a bit lucky. Departing from the station around 9am, we arrive at Amanohashidate Station 2h later. We…