Kyoto [2016]

Kyoto was Japan's former capital for more than a thousand years, so there is no surprise that it is still a city deeply rooted in culture and tradition. Although crowded, it was still worth visiting the greatest-hits landmarks of Kyoto.

Mar 2016

© Kevin Yao, 2026

The Oi river flows through the town of Arashiyama.

The Oi river flows through the town of Arashiyama. (1 of 11)

The main shopping street of Arashiyama is packed with souvenior shops and food vendors.

The main shopping street of Arashiyama is packed with souvenior shops and food vendors. (2 of 11)

We got some dango to take down to eat in front of the river.

We got some dango to take down to eat in front of the river. (3 of 11)

The famous bamboo grove of Arashiyama. Get here early in the morning to avoid the crowds.

The famous bamboo grove of Arashiyama. Get here early in the morning to avoid the crowds. (4 of 11)

A monkey at Iwatayama Monkey Park. Must be contemplating life.

A monkey at Iwatayama Monkey Park. Must be contemplating life. (5 of 11)

Kinkakuji, the golden pavilion, is on everyone's list of places to visit in Kyoto. What is not pictured here is the swarm of tourists behind the camera.

Kinkakuji, the golden pavilion, is on everyone's list of places to visit in Kyoto. What is not pictured here is the swarm of tourists behind the camera. (6 of 11)

The phoenix on top of the pavilion.

The phoenix on top of the pavilion. (7 of 11)

A heron looking for a snack.

A heron looking for a snack. (8 of 11)

Purify yourself at Kiyomizudera. I've never seen such a thick stack of moss before.

Purify yourself at Kiyomizudera. I've never seen such a thick stack of moss before. (9 of 11)

Wooden temple and cherry blossoms, we were relatively lucky with the timing.

Wooden temple and cherry blossoms, we were relatively lucky with the timing. (10 of 11)

A pagoda overlooking the temple grounds.

A pagoda overlooking the temple grounds. (11 of 11)

The Oi river flows through the town of Arashiyama.
The main shopping street of Arashiyama is packed with souvenior shops and food vendors.
We got some dango to take down to eat in front of the river.
The famous bamboo grove of Arashiyama. Get here early in the morning to avoid the crowds.
A monkey at Iwatayama Monkey Park. Must be contemplating life.
Kinkakuji, the golden pavilion, is on everyone's list of places to visit in Kyoto. What is not pictured here is the swarm of tourists behind the camera.
The phoenix on top of the pavilion.
A heron looking for a snack.
Purify yourself at Kiyomizudera. I've never seen such a thick stack of moss before.
Wooden temple and cherry blossoms, we were relatively lucky with the timing.
A pagoda overlooking the temple grounds.