Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Located in the far west of Kyoto, is Arashiyama, one of the nicer places we’ve been to during our trip (very vibes)! And of course at Arashiyama, we would have to visit the ever so famous Arashiyama Bamboo Grove~

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I would say it’s worth visiting the grove at least ONCE in your lifetime, otherwise it would be deemed as a little underwhelming… If you search up pictures of the grove on Google, it’s super aesthetic and other-worldy, but in reality… IT’S PACKED WITH TOURISTS!! A good time to visit would be around 8AM to 9AM, so as to avoid the incoming crowd coming in at peak hours (faster take a nice picture for the grams and LEAVE). 

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Make sure to stop by Tenryuji Temple which is now registered as a world heritage site!

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Address: Sagatenryuji Susukinobabacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8385, Japan

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Shiawase Pancakes

This particular pancake place is popular amongst the locals and foodies all over the world! When we went there, the queue wasn’t SUPER long, but definitely would take awhile. Sadly due to our urgent schedule, we didn’t manage to try the pancakes (I WAS SUPER SAD). But if you did, do let us know your reviews!

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Apparently they have the best fluffy soufflé pancakes with manuka honey and Hokkaido milk cultured butter (wah sounds damn atas). At the Kyoto branch, they have two specialities that are only available there: Roasted Green Tea Tiramisu with Mascarpone cheese cream and Organic Matcha Pancakes with Red Bean Butter. SOUNDS DAMN GOOD, WHAT THE HECK???

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Address: Japan, 〒604-8066 Kyoto, Nakagyo Ward, Iseyacho, 354-1 伽羅ビル 2F

Gion

Kyoto’s most famous geisha district, GION! If you’ve watched the anime, Demon Slayer and managed to reach the Entertainment District Arc, Gion looks EXACTLY like that!!! With the traditional wooden machiya merchant houses, it really brings you back to the olden days of Japan!

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We didn’t manage to catch a glimpse of a geiko or maiko, but if you’re there and you do see one, make sure to act respectfully. Gion is quite big (trust me, we got lost for close to an hour), so make your way to the Shirakawa Area which runs along a beautiful canal! There are also many Kimono shops around the area, so why not rent a Kimono and take a picture while you’re at it!

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Maple Tree Tunnel

AGAIN, we didn’t manage to go due to the time constraint, but we’re definitely not going to gate keep this! Starting from Demachiyangi Station, the Maple Tree Tunnel is a 20 min ride away, between Ichihara Station and Ninose Station. With over 280 maple trees, it makes up the “Momiji” Tunnel which is absolutely STUNNING in autumn!

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They even have a lantern event during the evening time where the tunnel lights up! The train will run at a slower pace while the lights are turned off, so that passengers can fully enjoy the autumn foliage for two minutes.

Conclusion

Kyoto is definitely one of the most beautiful places we have ever visited, so if you’re taking a trip to NIHON, make sure to stop by and experience the rich culture for yourself~ You may even wish to consider staying for a few days rather than JUST a day trip, I promise you it’s super worth it!

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Only a few places have been mentioned in this article, but there is definitely so much left unexplored. If you wish to recommend any places worth visiting in Kyoto, drop us a DM at @overkillsg and maybe we can make another trip there??? WE REALLY WANT TO GO BACK!!

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Check out our Japan itinerary next!

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