[ultimate_spacer height=”40″]
March – Kyoto
Plum Blossoms at Kitano Tenmangu Shrine
Other than being one of the best places for international students, Kyoto is especially pretty during this time because of all the flowers making Kyoto one of the best cities to travel in Japan. Plum blossoms bloom for a longer time than cherry blossoms, so you have more chances to see them. Visit Gion to see plum blossoms next to traditional buildings. Or, go for a walk through Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, which is famous for its plum blossoms.
Take pictures of the red gates of Kitano Tenmangu Shrine with plum blossoms in front of them. Or, find creative ways to photograph the plum blossoms in Gion’s charming backstreets. Try wagashi, which are traditional Japanese sweets with plum blossom designs. Or, taste umeboshi, which are pickled plums. Have a cup of green tea or sake with plum flavor at a sake bar to make your plum blossom experience even better.
To fully immerse yourself in the beauty of Fushimi Inari Shrine, plan your visit during sunrise when the early spring sunlight casts a magical glow upon the vibrant red torii gates. Wander through the endless rows of gates, taking your time to appreciate the serene atmosphere and stunning surroundings. This spiritual journey will leave you feeling uplifted and connected to nature.
Capture the picturesque moments with your camera, ensuring you have enough memory space to capture the hidden gems nearby as there are quite a few. One such hidden spot is the Yotsutsuji Intersection, where four paths converge, offering a unique perspective and an opportunity for stunning photographs.
The shrine’s history dates back to the 8th century, and it’s dedicated to Inari Okami, the Shinto deity of rice and sake. Its significance as a sacred site adds to its allure, making it a must-visit destination in Kyoto. The entrance to the shrine is free, but donations are welcome. Remember to wear comfortable shoes as the walk through the gates can be quite long. Come prepared with water and snacks, as there are limited food options available within the shrine grounds.
The Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, located on the west side of Kyoto, Japan, is a popular tourist destination renowned for its towering bamboo groves and peaceful, almost otherworldly atmosphere. Moreover, it is part of the Arashiyama district, known for its natural beauty and numerous temples. Admission to the forest is free, and transportation options to Arashiyama from Kyoto Station include train, bus, and taxi.
Round-trip train tickets cost around 600 yen ($5.50), bus fares start at 230 yen ($2), and taxi fares vary depending on distance and traffic conditions. In addition, visitors can take the JR Sagano Line from Kyoto Station to Saga-Arashiyama Station or bus number 28 from Kyoto Station to Arashiyama Tenryuji-mae bus stop. Taxis are also available at Kyoto Station and other locations in the city.
Tips and advice for visiting the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest include visiting in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds, wearing comfortable shoes as the paths can be uneven, bringing a camera to capture the beautiful scenery, being respectful of the environment and other visitors, and combining your visit with other attractions in the Arashiyama district, such as the Tenryuji Temple and the Arashiyama Monkey Park making Kyoto one of the best cities to travel in Japan.
AloJapan.com