Renata's Sadhana

Option One: Omihachiman and Hikone Omihachiman, often called the "Venice of Biwa," is a charming town nestled on the shores of Lake Biwa. Enjoy a leisurely boat ride through its picturesque canals, then take a ropeway to the top of a nearby mountain for breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding area. Continue your journey to Hikone, home to a stunning castle famously featured in the TV miniseries "Shogun." Explore the castle's beautiful gardens and stroll along the historic merchant street. Don't miss the opportunity to savor the region's renowned Omi Wagyu beef. Omi Hachiman Travel Guide Omi Hachiman Station is located along the JR Tokaido Main Line (also referred to as JR Biwako Line) between  Kyoto  and Maibara. Option Two: Sekigahara and Yoro Falls Immerse yourself in history at Sekigahara, the site of a pivotal samurai battle that unified Japan under the Tokugawa Shogunate. Visit the battle camps and the interactive museum for a fascinating gli...

 

Kiyomizu Temple: One of the oldest Buddhist temples. Most visited tourist spot. Near Yasaka Shrine. Near Gion district. Fushimi Inari Shrine: 1000 gates . The most picturesque spot. Near Tofukuji temple (famous during the Fall). Go early in the morning or late afternoon. Kinkakuji Temple: Golden Pavilion. Picturesque view but not much to do nearby. Arashiyama Bamboo Forest: Standing amid these soaring stalks of bamboo. Monkey Park : You can hang out with monkeys. Nijo Castle: Historic castle with nightingale floors. Closes early (4pm). Kyoto Samurai & Ninja Museum: Guided tour of Japan’s history, samurai and ninja experience, and more. Nishiki Market: One of the most well known flea markets. Great for food lovers. Geisha Experience Gion MAIKO CHAYA: The venue that holds tea ceremony and show led by a real geisha. Teramachi shopping arcade: Many souvernir shops and specialty stores. Imperial Palace: The residence of the emperor until the Meiji period. Ginkakuji Temple: A temp...

My Maps Google Kyoto Explore a world of temples. There are more than 1600 temples in Kyoto.  Bamboo Forest Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Fushimi Inari Gates OMAMORI >>> Fushimi Inari-taisha Gion District Kyoto Onsen Silver Pavilion (Ginkakuji Temple) - #1 SPOT during the Sakura Season Also known as the Silver Pavilion , the Ginkakuji is a Zen temple located along the eastern part of Kyoto in Higashiyama. The villa was modeled after the Kinkakuji, and built as the retirement home of Ashikaga Yoshimasa. After Yoshimasa’s death, the residence was converted into a Zen temple in 1490. Kinkakuji (‘Golden Pavilion’) Drop by the zen garden when you visit the Golden Palace This is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the most calming zen garden in my opinion. Ryoanji means the “Temple of the Dragon at Peace”. It became internationally famous after Queen Elizabeth visited the temple in the ’70s. This zen garden has 15 rocks placed in a rectangular area but mysteriously you cannot see all 1...