Just like in autumn, the cherry blossom light-up is waiting for you once night falls. So, naturally, off to the famous Kiyomizu-dera. The traffic all the way to the parking lot was so bad that I think we spent a good hour in the car. -_-;; This is exactly why you shouldn’t bring a car to Kyoto in peak season…
Having learned from last year’s failure, I brought a tripod this time. So I managed to get night shots that were a lot better than last year’s. (Though apparently shooting with a tripod isn’t allowed there.)
Kyoto cityscape
Lit-up woods
Sky
Sky 2
The woods on the way down from Kiyomizu-dera
We went to Arashiyama, said to have the most beautiful autumn scenery in Kyoto. Getting in by car took about two hours here too. Once again it hit me: Kyoto in peak season is not a place to drive around. And I made a vow that if anyone ever suggests a road trip, I’ll just tell them to go on their own.
The bridge at Arashiyama
One look at the endless crowd on the bridge and you can tell that getting here is no easy feat.
At the entrance to Arashiyama
I bet it’s even more gorgeous in autumn.
Boats full of couples
Arashiyama scenery 1
Arashiyama scenery 2
Arashiyama scenery 3
In the park at Arashiyama
On the way home we passed by the Tenjin River.
The river running along the right side of central Kyoto is the Kamo River, and the one on the left is the Tenjin River. Both have incredibly long cherry blossom promenades stretching for several kilometers. It was a truly spectacular sight. It was raining at the Kamo River, so I couldn’t really get any decent shots there. Well… if I’d been on my own I would have pushed myself to take photos anyway, but this time the circumstances didn’t allow it.
On the banks of the Tenjin River
I wanted to take things more slowly, but there were just too many places I wanted to see and too many things I wanted to do, so this trip ended up being a busy one too… I suppose with more experience, someday I’ll be able to travel at a relaxed pace. Having seen Kyoto in both autumn and spring, I have pretty much no regrets left ^_^ Next time I should head somewhere farther away… The journey continues, for a while at least…