Japan in Pictures: Day 3 (Wednesday, 29 January 2014) Part 1

We decided to reserve this day for sight-seeing in Kyoto, so we left the hotel by 7:30 AM only to be caught in the rush-hour traffic as throngs of locals rushed to get to their workplace. 

Compared to the subway day-pass which we had purchased the previous day, I would say that this JR-West Rail Pass was less tourist-friendly, simply due to the lack of English. It took us a long while to get a hang of the entire railway system but by the time we left Osaka, we were very grateful for this pass. 

The pass that saved us from airport taxi fare on our way back

The temperature was really cold (much colder than Osaka) when we arrived at Kyoto station.

Kyoto Station with its impressive architecture

Our initial plan was to follow the itinerary recommended by TripAdvisor: Nijo Castle, Kinkakuji Temple (The Golden Pavilion), Ginkakuji Temple (The Silver Pavilion), Philosopher's Path, and Kiyomizu Temple. 

Do refer to this site if you are keen on making the trip on your own: Highlights of Kyoto 

It sure seemed very ambitious for a one-day trip. We purchased the Kyoto City Bus all-day pass which cost 500 yen each and headed straight to our first destination: Nijo Castle.

500 yen for an all-day bus pass 

Spot #1: Nijo Castle

If you are a fan of traditional Japanese culture and parks, you will have a great time here. We were one of the earliest to arrive.

We were so early that the doors to the castle had not even opened.

Interesting work of art at the entrance

We couldn't take photos within the castle itself but one very outstanding feature which intrigued me was the 'nightingale floors'. Some parts of the castle had wooden floors that creaked like nightingales. The purpose was to alert the inhabitants of any possible intruders lurking around.

A very unique gutter

To be honest, though, it was the surroundings outside the castle which took our breath away. Just look at the trees, for a start!

Mesmerizing trees in the castle compound

I have heard people raving about Japanese gardens and all but I guess I had never really seen a more serene one than the gardens over here. One could easily spend hours just walking around and enjoying the beauty of nature. Words can hardly explain the peace you feel as you walk around the pond.

Serene landscaping all around

Yet another weird-looking plant

A bird's-eye view from an unfinished 5-story tower

The moat surrounding the castle

No doubt, Nijo Castle is one of the most popular places for cherry-blossom (sakura) viewing. I would give almost anything to see this path filled with cherry blossoms. Since it was winter, I could only rely on my limited powers of imagination. =(

Imagine how pretty this scene must be when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom

We ended up spending much more time here than we thought we would. Even so, we did not get to walk the entire compound. There was a bus to catch and places to go.