Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka
After breakfast, visit the
Nagoya Castle, Edo-era fortifications built to guard the country’s ruler based in Edo, present-day Tokyo, at that time against rebellions in the west. As one of the largest historic castles in Japan, it gives off a stately air and takes you to a bygone era.
Continue our drive for about 2 hours to Kyoto. Check in at the hotel and your tour in the ancient capital of Japan begins. Start from the
Pure Water Temple, a 1,200-year-old temple dedicated to Kannon, the Bodhisattva of Compassion. You can pray before the deity and stand on the terrace of the main hall to look over Japan’s unique seasonal colors around. Then, take a walk along the
Ninenzaka &
Sannezaka, sloping stone pedestrian streets, to find local food and souvenirs in traditional wooden buildings. To warn people of some weirdly steep parts at Sannezaka, a local saying has it that “if one trips and falls here, they will die in three years”, while another states that the curse can be broken by buying a gourd, and there is actually an old gourd shop just at the foot of the ramp. No doubt it’s without grounds, but the meaning is well. We will slow our pace while walking these parts.
After a few dozen minutes’ walk to the north, we’ll arrive before the
Yasaka Shrine, which hosts Japan’s grandest annual festival, Gion Matsuri, celebrating their victory over a terrible plague in the remote past, and thus enjoys a national fame. Nearby lies the
Gion geisha district, where you’ll pass by geishas’ workplace - the original Edo-period teahouses and restaurants - and possibly geishas with their graceful gait. Today’s guided visit will end at Gion’s Hanamachi Street, the oldest geisha street in Japan. Why not take your free time to soak in all Gion has to offer, and stop by a restaurant for dinner?
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Gracery Kyoto Sanjo or similar
► Tip: If you set out during Mar. 18 to Apr. 22, we’ll add the Philosopher's Path for you to appreciate the flowering cherry trees along it. If you come during Oct. 21 to Nov. 18, we’ll arrange the Arashiyama Area for you to savor Japan’s unique autumn colors.
Pure Water Temple
Sannezaka Path, Kyoto
