When I was first planning our trip to Japan, we did not think for very long that Kyoto was the city we wanted to spend most of our time while here. Friends who have been here suggested this as well as a few travel shows had featured the city. Everything that we saw and read about Kyoto made us feel that we wanted time to explore all it has to offer. As we come to the end of our time in Kyoto, we’ve realized our decision to be here 5 nights was the right one.
Japan has over 150,000 religious sites between Buddhist temples and Shinto Shrines. You can find over 2,000 of these sites in Kyoto. While here we visited the several including Nansen-Ji Temple, Kiyumizu Temple, Kinkakuji Temple, Ginkaku-Ji Temple and the Fushimi Inari Shrine. Each one of these religious sites is unique and has history that goes much further than 250 years. Some have needed reconstruction due to a fire or natural disaster, but all of them hold that space for peace and worship to all who visit. They are places to strength your faith and elevate your hope for humanity.
Kyoto is surrounded by mountains; therefore, nature is much more accessible. By train or bus, you can get away from the city in an hour’s time and enjoy nature. Whether its forests or rivers or plant life, they are here to let us know we are connected to something greater than ourselves. At this moment in time when so much is uncertain, Mother Nature is there to ground us and instill calmness in us.
Kyoto is also a food rockstar! We’ve enjoyed some fabulous meals here. The city is home to over 23,000 restaurants from Michelin-starred fine dining to traditional casual eateries, you can find something that will satisfy a craving and fit within your budget. You will not go hungry in Kyoto.
There are many more things to do and see in Kyoto while visiting. We definitely needed more time to explore this vibrant city further. However, I feel blessed to have had the chance to do as much as we did. One day, we will return!
And Here We Go... 
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