A beautiful morning to start the day with, especially with the aftermath of Typhoon Hagibis.
Kōdaiji was established by Kita-no-Mandokoro (yes, the one who married with 三日月宗近🌙 as her bridal sword) in memory of her late husband, Toyotomi Hideyoshi.
Even though Kōdaiji was said to have the earliest fall foliage, there was sadly only a few trees sporting the beautiful momijis at this time.The entrance ticket can also be used to access the museum right across to view the artefacts.
Decided to try getting a haircut in Japan.
Definitely would visit again! (Probably in a different season)
The Shūgakuin Imperial Villa offers free tours, but will have to register beforehand via the Imperial Household Agency website since you can’t enter the premises freely.
Surrounded by fields, and located at the foot of Higashiyama, the imperial villa boasts a breathtaking view of Mount Hiei and the faraway mountains.
There are three sections to the villa - upper, middle and lower. As their name signifies, each Villa is situated at a different height, and produces a harmonised panoramic view of both villa gardens and faraway mountains.
One of the most recognisable temples in Kyoto.
However, the famed viewing platform was still under construction when I visited.
Souvenir-shopping!!!
And a visit to the Starbucks that has tatami-flooring (a little cold in this season, but should be rather cooling if you visit during summer in a yukata)
Journey up Mount Hiei, the birthplace of Japanese Buddhism.
Definitely to come here in comfortable clothes and shoes suitable for walking - there’re lots of slopes, steps, and roads.
There used to be a hiking path where people can use to travel between the different regions of the temple, but it seemed to have been damaged by the typhoons in recent years. So the only way to travel around is by car or public bus. (Be careful to take note of the schedule, since the bus only arrives once every hour or so, hence the need to plan carefully how much time you’re taking at each area)
Came here at the recommendation of the Navitime Japan Travel app. The egg sandwich is so rich and creamy~ Had the matcha banana shake too, which was a seasonal special.
So famished...
Ordered a venison rice bowl topped with seasonal matsutake fungi, which really brings out the flavour of the meat.
If you stay somewhere in Osaka or Kyoto and would want to see the wonders of the traditional thatched roof farmhouses, you can travel to Miyama instead of Shirakawago (which is closer to Nagoya).
A contrast to the fast-paced city, here you can enjoy the tranquility, and listen to the sound of river flowing.
Sending postcards to friends back home :)