Kyoto again

Another Saturday, another day of sightseeing in Kyoto. It was a warm and sunny autumn day, the perfect weather to visit some autumn foliage sites in Kyoto. Apparently, that was what everybody else was thinking, too, so the trains and most popular spots were PACKED.

The hard facts:

• visited 5 temples and 1 villa, of which 2 are UNESCO World Heritage Sites
• paid 1650 Yen transportation
• paid 3300 Yen admission fees
• tried to walk a little less today, but had only limited success (12.5 km, have a look at the track)
  

One thing that occurred to me that day is that Japanese tourists are really focused. They come to see autumn foliage, and autumn foliage only. All spots that don't boast red or yellow leaves right now are very nearly empty. The spots that DO have colored leaves, however, are packed and people queue up to take photos from the best viewpoints. And yes, when it comes to taking pictures, the Japanese are as thorough in Japan as they are in Europe: take a picture of the sight first, then have someone take a picture of yourself with the sight. Proceed to the next sight (which might only be 5 meters
away), rinse, repeat.

1 - Tofuku-ji
Apparently, this temple is THE most popular autumn foliage spot in Kyoto. And, I have to admit, it did really look beautiful - just have a look at the pictures below. The crowds, however, were crazy. I had worried about finding the temple because it is a 10 minute walk from the train station - but there was a constant stream of people heading there, so no problem at all. The queue in front of the ticket counter was impressive, and inside it was like one big queue around all the best spots.

The green parts of the temple were pretty empty, so I could have a good look at the gate (see below), which is supposed to be the oldest temple gate in Japan. On my way back, I stopped at one of the good viewpoints to take some more pictures when somebody in a uniform approaches me, gestures wildly and shouts "No photo"! I left because I was done anyway, but still I was confused - everybody was taking pictures at that spot. WTF??

2 - Tenryu-ji
Back to the train station, and one trip through Kyoto later, I arrived at this Word Heritage Site which is famous for its Zen gardens. Thus, I only visited the garden and didn't go inside the temple.

In the gardens, I found out why Japanese gardens always look so neat and tidy: they employ tons of people who constantly clean up the waste that Nature tries to spoil the gardens with!

3 - Okochi Sanso

On the way to this villa, I pass through the famous Arashiyama bamboo grove. I like the atmosphere inside a bamboo grove. It's like being in a forest, but in a very light and elegant one.

The entrance fee to the villa included green tea and a small sweet, providing me with a very welcome five-minute break.

The villa's gardens were beautifully designed and not too crowded (a very welcome alternation on this day).

4 - Jojakko-ji

Another temple sporting gorgeous autumn colors and, being located on a hill on the outskirts, a nice view over Kyoto.

5 - Nison-in

This temple has a large graveyard on its grounds where some famous poet is supposed to be buried. It also featured crowds at the usual (autumn-colored) spots.

6 - Ryoan-ji

Finally, a short tram ride later, the last temple (and second World Heritage Site) for today. The most famous part is its garden featuring several rocks scattered over a neatly raked gravel bed. Apparently, the designer didn't bother to explain whether it has some kind of meaning or not. The temple also has a pond with beautifully colored trees at its shore.