First stop was Tofuku-ji. Rebuilt in 1890, it's famous for its 4 zen gardens (one on each side) designed by some famous landscape designers in 1939. The gardens represent an abstraction of the 8 aspects of Buddha's life. It's so serene there since the temple is surrounded by nature on all sides. Very peaceful atmosphere.
Next was a trip to Tenryu-ji, which is in Arashiyama part of Kyoto on the eastern side. This temple is a World Heritage site, also known for its gardens. What I enjoyed most was the famous bamboo forest (Chukurin no michi) nearby. A bamboo forest is such a different experience, I can't describe it really, just very cool and completely green. I really loved visiting there.
From there visited Fushimi-inari Shrine, noted for its thousands and thousands of closely-spaced red 鳥居(torii). These red torii appear in many photos/postcards/advertisements. It's one of the most known visual symbols of Kyoto, I think. Also, the route is veeeeery long, and mostly uphill, so be forewarned. Not a good spot for the high-heel-ed. Bring water too. :P
After all that sight-seeing, it was nice to relax at a 旅館 (ryokan-japanese hotel). I actually messed up the reservation and went to the wrong hotel, but fortunately the one I went too still had a room. Turned out to be a great place to stay in a very charming, traditonal part of Kyoto called Gion, where you can spot 舞妓（maiko) from time to time. Maiko are not geisha, but most visitors can't tell the difference. Their kimono, hair, makeup, and even sandals are different, acutally. The women kind enough to pose in the photo above were neither Maiko or Geisha, just visitors getting into the feel of Kyoto, probably.
The 懐石料理(kaiseki ryori or many japanese dishes served in courses) was really very nicely done. You could see the late fall theme in the pic on the far left. Kyoto's kaiseki is most famous in Japan, being the historical center of culture. Also 京野菜（vegetables grown in Kyoto) are known thoughout Japan for being supremely tasty. I can't disagree with that...everything was wonderful. I especially liked 'hamo', which is a white fish, served in a broth famous in Kyoto.
On the morning of the last day, took a quick visit to Nishiki Market, which is a busy, popular market for the locals. You could see many of Kyoto's specialties here and sample as well. They had some grilled scallops-kabobs that looked too incredible to pass up. It was hard to leave here!! haha....
I would like to return to Kyoto again someday and explore more of this city that has so many different attractions, as well as more of it's delicious foods! :P
Next: Nara
