Kyoto | Bicycle Ride to Kinkaku-Ji

Date I went: 04/07/2020

Youtube video:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oritabi808/

Today I embark on my first real bicycle journey through Kyoto. My main destination is Kinkaku-ji, but I find some other unexpected sites along the way.

Heian Shrine (平安神宮)

I start my journey off around good old Heian Shrine, which gets emptier as the days go by in April, 2020. It's very surreal seeing a site like this for someone who normally comes here I would imagine, but for myself I have nothing to compare it to so it's a normal day for me.

Bicycle Route along the Kamo River

My bike route goes along the Kamo river, as there is a nice walking/bicycling path that avoids the streets and stop lights of the city.

The Sakura still bloom quite nicely in the beginning of April, but many petals are already starting to drift down from the trees.

Takara-ga-ike Park (宝が池公園)

Takara-ga-ike Park Close Up

Takara-ga-ike Park is an ideal place to get away from the normal tourist spots of Kyoto, and enjoy the nature that can be found within Kyoto. Many locals were at this park walking around and enjoying the nice weather. There are also a few hiking trails at this park as there is a hill in the center.

Around the park you can also spot many dear roaming around whom are quite friendly to humans. They don't let you get close enough to touch them, but it is easy to get within 5 feet of them.

Takaragaike Pond (宝が池)

There is a large pond at this park as well where some people were boating.

Just around the corner from the park is a cemetery. I noticed in Japan that the majority of cemeteries are built upon the hillsides. It may have a relation to being closer to heaven I would imagine.

Bicycle Route Across Northern Area of Kyoto

After the park I traveled West across Kyoto along some regular street paths towards my final destination for the day. Along this path I had to cross over the Kamo river, so I rode down the river path again for a bit. I personally think the Northern paths of the river are the most beautiful! The Sakura are really nicely spaced here, and it feels like the city is very far away.

Kinkaku-ji (金閣寺)

Kinkaku-ji Close Up

I finally reached Kinkaku-Ji, one of the most well known temples in Japan. It's located in Northern reaches of the city right at the base of the mountains. Even here there was hardly anyone due to Covid at the time. Surprisingly there are actually not many sakura at the temple.

Kinkaku-Ji: https://www.shokoku-ji.jp/kinkakuji/

Every angle of the temple is a sight to behold. I'd recommend spending at least a couple hours here.

Sekka-tei (夕佳亭)

Another cool site you can find here is this traditional Japanese tea house called Sekka-tei. I do not believe it is in use anymore, but you can toss a coin in the box for good fortune. The thatched roof on top of the tea house is of the kind the Japanese used 5,000 years ago. Even to this day some Japanese live in thatched roof houses.

As I was leaving Kinkaku-ji I found this gold leaf sake out front. It's the most Kinkaku-ju-esque souvenir I found so I bought a bottle intending to give it to my current girlfriend Chi (whom will be joining me in future adventures). If there is one thing I know about Chi it's that she loves sake!

The gold leaves are edible, but do not actually come from Kyoto I learned later. They actually come from this area called Kanazawa, which I travel to in another chapter of my journey.

Nijō Castle (元離宮二条城)

Nijo Castle Close Up

On my way back down South from Kinkaku-ji I happened to pass by Nijo Castle. The great thing about Kyoto is no matter where you go you just run into these crazy beautiful and historic cultural sites. These days many local Kyoto residents use the castle as a track to run around; it's a little over one mile around the castle.

Nijo Castle: https://nijo-jocastle.city.kyoto.lg.jp/