DinkLife

Hey, it’s Wes and Chanda, and welcome back to DinkLife! Today, we’re continuing our Japan travel series, and we’re excited to share our adventures in Kyoto. As we mentioned in our last video, we were in Osaka visiting Universal Studios Japan (USJ), and Kyoto was just a short bullet train ride away. So, let’s dive into our day in Kyoto!

To start our day, we hopped on the bullet train from Osaka to Kyoto. The ride was incredibly quick, taking only about 25 minutes. We made sure to grab our favorite egg sandwiches and chips from the train station to enjoy on the way. Before we knew it, we had arrived in Kyoto, ready for a day full of exploration.

Our first stop was Fushimi Inari Shrine, a highly recommended shrine in Kyoto. We had heard that getting there early was essential, so we aimed to arrive by 8 a.m. To our surprise, even at that early hour, there were already crowds forming. So, if you’re looking for those picturesque shots without many people, we suggest getting there even earlier, maybe around 6 or 7 a.m.

Fushimi Inari Shrine is famous for its vibrant orange gates, each one purchased by a company or individual with their names inscribed on them. It’s truly a sight to behold with thousands of gates lining the path. As you walk up the hill, you’ll find various stops where you can purchase souvenirs and trinkets. The walk to the top of the shrine takes about 40 minutes, and if you factor in time for exploring and taking photos, plan for a good three hours or more.

Since we had limited time in Kyoto, we only went halfway up the shrine. Even at that point, we were treated to stunning views of the city. Interestingly, during our visit in early March, we were fortunate enough to catch the cherry blossoms in bloom, thanks to the warm weather. It was an unexpected delight to see the beautiful blossoms.

One unique aspect of Fushimi Inari Shrine is that it’s located in the middle of a residential area. As you descend the hill, you’ll find yourself walking through a neighborhood. It’s fascinating to witness the coexistence of the shrine and the local residents.

After our visit to the shrine, we had an appointment at a mini pig cafe called miPig. For a relatively inexpensive fee, we got to spend over an hour interacting with these adorable little pigs. They had a strict no-shoes policy, and we had to lock away our belongings since the pigs had a tendency to chew on things. It was an unforgettable experience, and we even had free drinks included.

Once we bid farewell to the pig cafe, we set off to explore Old Kyoto, known for its traditional buildings and charming streets. We stumbled upon a Studio Ghibli store, which delighted our inner fans. The area was bustling with people dressed in traditional Japanese garments, taking advantage of the golden hour lighting for stunning photos.

One highlight of Old Kyoto was finding a matcha cafe that had caught Chanda’s attention from a previous vlog. She couldn’t resist trying their matcha parfait, which was packed with matcha flavor. Wes, on the other hand, wasn’t a fan as he prefers desserts on the sweeter side. It’s essential to know your preferences when it comes to matcha, but for matcha lovers, it’s a must-try.

As our day came to a close, we had to make our way back to the train station. The city bus seemed like the most convenient option, but due to rush hour, the lines were incredibly long. We decided to forgo the long walk back to the station.

Overall, our day in Kyoto was a whirlwind of exploration and cultural experiences. From the awe-inspiring Fushimi Inari Shrine to the adorable pig cafe and the enchanting streets of Old Kyoto, we truly fell in love with the city. Kyoto’s blend of tradition and modernity, along with its rich history and stunning natural beauty, made it a must-visit destination for us.

We hope you enjoyed following along with our Kyoto adventure in this episode of DinkLife! Stay tuned for our next video as we continue our Japan travel series and explore more incredible destinations. As always, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave a comment below sharing your favorite travel experiences or any questions you have for us. Until next time, keep exploring!