Things to Do in Japan
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What travelers are saying
- Amelia MarlinJaipur, India11 contributionsVisiting the Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine with friends in March was a memorable experience. The weather was perfect, with mild temperatures and the early signs of cherry blossoms starting to bloom, adding to the shrine's already breathtaking beauty.
The famous torii gate path is as stunning in person as in photos, winding its way up the mountain and offering plenty of opportunities for amazing group photos. The vibrant red gates contrast beautifully with the lush greenery of the forest, making every turn a picturesque moment. We spent hours exploring the trails, and the hike to the top was both invigorating and rewarding, with spectacular views of Kyoto below.
The shrine itself was less crowded in March than during peak tourist season, which allowed us to take our time and truly appreciate the serene atmosphere and intricate details of the shrines and statues. We enjoyed sampling the various street foods from the vendors at the base of the shrine; the grilled mochi and yakitori were particular highlights.
One of the best aspects of visiting with friends was sharing the spiritual and cultural significance of the site. We each wrote and hung up our wishes on the wooden plaques (ema) and took turns drawing our fortunes from the omikuji stands, which added a fun and interactive element to our visit.
However, the signage could be a bit confusing at times, and we found ourselves occasionally uncertain about the correct path to take. Also, some of the more popular spots were still a bit crowded, even in March, which sometimes made it challenging to get those perfect photos without other people in the background.
Overall, visiting Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine in March with friends was an enchanting and enriching experience. It's a place that offers not just beautiful scenery but also a deep connection to Japanese culture and spirituality. Highly recommended for anyone traveling to Kyoto with a group of friends!Written May 26, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Amelia MarlinJaipur, India11 contributionsVisiting Kinkakuji Temple in March with friends was an unforgettable experience. The temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion, is a stunning sight with its top two floors covered in gold leaf, reflecting beautifully in the surrounding pond. The serene atmosphere of the temple grounds provided a perfect backdrop for our visit.
March was an ideal time to visit, as the early spring weather was cool and pleasant, making our stroll through the gardens very enjoyable. Although the cherry blossoms were not fully in bloom yet, we could still see hints of pink here and there, adding a touch of color to the lush green surroundings.
The well-maintained paths guided us through the scenic spots, offering numerous photo opportunities. We particularly enjoyed the viewpoint across the pond, where we could capture the perfect reflection of the Golden Pavilion. The tea garden near the exit was a lovely spot to relax and enjoy a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, providing a peaceful end to our visit.
While the temple was quite busy with tourists, the overall experience was still very positive. The staff were friendly and helpful, ensuring that the flow of visitors was well-managed. The only downside was the crowd, which made it a bit challenging to fully immerse ourselves in the tranquility of the temple.
In conclusion, our visit to Kinkakuji Temple in March was a delightful experience. The combination of the beautiful architecture, serene gardens, and pleasant weather made it a great outing with friends. Despite the crowds, the charm and elegance of the Golden Pavilion left a lasting impression on us. I highly recommend visiting this iconic landmark if you find yourself in Kyoto.Written May 26, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Amelia MarlinJaipur, India11 contributionsVisiting Kiyomizu-dera Temple with friends in March was an unforgettable experience! The temple is absolutely stunning, perched on the hillside with breathtaking views of Kyoto. The cherry blossoms were just starting to bloom, adding a magical touch to the already picturesque scenery.
We spent hours exploring the temple grounds, marveling at the intricate architecture and the serene atmosphere. The wooden stage that juts out from the main hall provides a panoramic view of the city and the surrounding mountains—it's truly a sight to behold.
The Otowa Waterfall, where you can drink from streams of water that are said to grant health, longevity, and success in studies, was a fun and refreshing stop. We also enjoyed browsing the little shops along the way to the temple, filled with unique souvenirs and tasty snacks.
The whole experience was enriched by the friendly and welcoming locals, and the peaceful, spiritual ambiance of the temple made it a perfect spot for reflection and bonding with friends. I highly recommend visiting Kiyomizu-dera Temple if you're in Kyoto, especially in March when the cherry blossoms add an extra layer of beauty to this historic site.Written May 27, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - CantergrovegalKennewick, WA82 contributionsWe all were moved (to tears) to see the museum. So much history to take in. Especially for this American of Japanese descent. Took our kids (their first trip to Japan) and we all learned and experienced so much.Written May 26, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Julie Smossley344 contributionsThis is a lovely temple with lots of different buildings to see and a great shopping area. You need to be prepared to take your time getting around as, even on a week day, there were huge crowds of people there. It's definitely a place you should visit if you are in Tokyo.Written May 25, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- BarrySingapore, Singapore213 contributionsA very nice national park sitting in the middle of a very busy urban city 🌳 Saw a lot of people here after lunchtime and people were just strolling around and relaxing 😌😌Written May 21, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Jose A7 contributions+ Good food with lots of choices. Shopping street with lots of choices. Very vibrant atmosphere.
- Too crowded. May get harassed by drunk teens esp near bars and side streets. Touristy prices.Written May 25, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Beth Anne P64 contributionsOk, this place was brutally crowded - like uncomfortably so - and I liked other shrines and halls on the grounds to the northwest of Todai-ji better. But the temple is just so historically important and architecturally interesting. The Great Buddha is breathtaking, as are the other statues within the temple, as is the great gate leading up to it. Do spend money on the audio guide and combine it with the museum which isn't large and well worth it to more fully understand the temple and the role it played during the Nara Period and in early Buddhism in Japan (as well as to understand Buddhism more generally, if you don't know much about it...which I didn't). Together, a trip to both the todai-ji museum and the temple are really educative and you learn a lot. I think Nara is an important place to visit on a trip to Japan so if you can make it to Todai-ji, you should.Written May 18, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Franziska KMulhouse, France140 contributionsBest shrine in Tokyo. Not too many tourists, very nice parc and large forest to walk around and take pictures. Don't miss it when in Tokyo.
