Kyoto: Part Two — Temples, Trains, Bamboo & Summer Heat

Kyoto began the moment the rain stopped in Osaka. I woke early, packed my bags, and walked to Station for my first Shinkansen ride — the legendary bullet train that slices across Japan at nearly 300 km/h. The station was alive with commuters, rail staff in immaculate uniforms, and a choreography of chimes that felt almost cinematic. “The sound of a Japanese station is like you being in the Hunger games… Everything chimes, giving everything s distinct sound!”

My Green Class seat was peaceful and luxurious — until a group of tourists began arguing about luggage space — but before I could settle in, Kyoto arrived. What takes 30–40 minutes in England took just 15 on the Shinkansen. I dashed off the train “as if jumping out

at 20,000 feet,” and stepped into the organised chaos of Kyoto Station.

“The sound of a Japanese station is like you in the Hunger games… Everything chimes!”   A morning of rain clearing, commuters flowing, and my first bullet train waiting — Kyoto ahead at 300 km/h.

First Impressions of Kyoto

I crossed the road to the Hilton, my base for the night, and I let the calm of Kyoto wash over me. That first evening, I wandered along the river, spotting familiar wildlife the same characters I see along the Thames in Marlow. “Herons, Swans, Cormorant and Egret’s can all be found in a short walk by the river.”

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The next day I switched hotels to meet my Intrepid Classic Japan tour group. Dinner was lively, and the food — whether meat, fish, rice or ramen — was consistently brilliant. The tour group was small group of 9 which was I think just right. It was a mix of Americans Aussies and us brits…

Nijo Castle & Ryōan-ji Zen Garden

Our first full day began at Nijo Castle, the Kyoto residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu. The vast ornamental gates, empty tatami rooms, and quiet corridors made it a dream for photography. Shoes off, no photos inside — classic Japan.

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The Golden Pavilion and Ryoan-ji Zen Garden were a beautiful place to site and take in the beauty of the Golden Pavilion the surrounding lake and gardens. As you can see from my pictures below

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Kinkaku-ji & Gion

The Golden Pavilion shimmered across its mirror-like pond, framed by immaculate gardens. Later, we wandered Gion — Kyoto’s famous geisha district. Due to tourist misbehaviour, photography is now restricted in many areas, with fines for photographing geishas. Understandable, but a reminder to travel respectfully.

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Dinner ended with some of the best ramen I’ve ever had.

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest & Daihikaku Senkō-ji Temple

The next day was a free day. I teamed up with Rachel, my new Aussie friend, and we headed to Arashiyama. The bamboo grove we entered was smaller than expected, but still photogenic. We climbed to Arashiyama Park viewpoint for sweeping views of Rankyo Gorge and the Katsura River.

From above, we spotted a colourful building — Daihikaku Senkō-ji Temple — and decided to hike down to the river, cross Togetsukyō Bridge, and climb up to the temple. The walk was lined with fishermen, summer heat, and women carrying umbrellas to shield themselves from the sun.

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At the temple, a Buddhist monk gave a talk. I didn’t understand a word, but his expression and presence made him a brilliant communicator.

Senbon Torii — The Thousand Gates

Later we met other travelers and climbed the Senbon Torii — the Thousand Torii Gates. The temperature soared past 36°C as we ascended through the dark woods. It was tough, sweaty, and absolutely worth it. A photographer’s paradise.

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Leaving Kyoto

The next morning, we packed up and headed off toward the next adventure — but Kyoto stayed with me: the temples, the heat, the bamboo, the river, the chimes, the quiet moments.