My Summer Break in Japan!
I am so excited to share the highlights of my month long trip to Kyoto, Japan over my uni Summer (in Australia) break which was their Winter.
Kyoto is located in the Kansai region of Japan and is approximately 2hrs and 49mins from Tokyo by Shinkansen (Japan's high speed bullet train). Kyoto is indeed considered by many to be the cultural heart of Japan with its historical value as the imperial capital between 794 and 1868. Nara predates Kyoto as the first imperial capital and is only located about 1hr and 18mins away from Kyoto by train. Much of what remains today is a reflection of the times from the rich cultural, religious and economic influence that stemmed from the Edo period.
Using the Lonely Planet Japan book as my trusty guide and local insight, here were my highlights during the trip:
1. Temples, shrines & zen gardens
There are numerous temples scattered throughout Japan, however Kyoto has the most by far. Amongst the most famous are the Golden temple and Silver pavilion that tourists flock to see each year. Also a definite must see, is the highly popular Kiyomizu-Dera (清水寺) temple. The location in itself is not to be missed as the view encompasses the raw beauty of the natural landscape and instills a sense of calm in oneself.
Kiyomizu Dera
Popular local wares street "Matsubara Dori" leading to Kyomizu Dera
Local shrine
Water ladle and fountain at shrine entrance for face and hand cleansing
Golden Temple "Kinkaku-ji"
Zen garden at Silver Pavilion "Ginkaku-ji"
Hilltop view of Ginkaku-ji and parts of Kyoto
Kamakura Big Buddha "Daibutsu"
2. Maiko for a day
This provided a unique experience to dress and look like a Maiko for a few hours. The place I visited is called Yumekoubou and the studio located in Gion. Having the backdrop in the Gion district gave it a really authentic look and feel.
Yumekoubou Studios in Gion, Kyoto
Yumekoubou Studios in Gion, Kyoto
3. Food
Food was super delicious here, ranging from fast food to local delights, I was never disappointed. My favourite fast food was MOS Burgers and ramen with sardines (sounds weird but was seriously so yum) was my favourite local.
Vending machines throughout Japan serve cold AND hot drinks, including hot tea and milk tea!
Delectable dessert #1: Green tea ice-cream sundae with green tea, vanilla and black sesame ice-cream, black sesame biscuit flake, fresh cream, tapioca pearls, red bean paste, vanilla sponge, matcha jelly, matcha macaron
4. Arashiyama Bamboo Grove This was such a calm and peaceful place! It's better if you go during a quieter time like early morning, weekday or later in the day.
5. Fushimi Inari Shrine The Fox Temple. When I saw Chiyo running past the bright red gates in Memoirs of Geisha, and I thought "Yep, I'm gonna make it there one day". Once there, it was nothing like I'd ever seen before. The continuous pattern of gates beholds a curious sight where the light and shadows cast a beautiful symmetry. Before the crazed bustle of this popular site, I arrived early in the morning whilst locals offered their prayers at the shrine below the gates. Inari foxes, statues of course, ferociously glare at you as you cautiously walk past the entrance with some souvenirs on the side for sale. 6. Around town This brings me to the end of my short trip in Kyoto. For me, Kyoto is a perfect mix of City, culture, history and nature. I am far from completing my adventure through Japan but I will leave a few snaps that completes my time here. If you liked these travel highlights, don't forget to add me @tatk and stay tuned for more Thoughts According to Kay in my upcoming posts! 
Delectable dessert #2: Mochi ice-cream sundae with green tea ice-cream, biscuit flake, fresh cream, tapioca pearls, red bean paste, vanilla sponge, vanilla jelly, matcha jelly, mochi skin.
"Fast food" Bento Box from the train station. Great care is taken to make even fast food look and taste delicious!
Brown rice tea "Genmaicha" is popular in Japan and has a slight burnt rice taste, very soothing with any meal
Octopus flour balls "Takoyaki"
Bamboo Grove
Fortune telling paper strips "Omikuji" at Nonomiya Shrine
Shrine goers write their wishes
Morning hustle at Fushimi Inari Shrine
Inside Fusihimi Inari Shrine
Details at the Shine
Shrine goers offer early morning prayers
Red gate souvenirs
Inari Fox guarding the Shrine
Famous red gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine
Beyond the red gates
Pagoda at midnight
Wine bears at a local town
Sakura blossom bonsai, amongst the wares on the main street heading up to Kiyomizu Dera
View from Kyoto Tower
Hidden colours of a hiking trail
Enjoying a leisurely boat ride
Mountain view from hiking trail