The next morning, we woke up to a dark grey sky and pouring rain. Thankfully, the Hyatt Regency Kyoto had large umbrellas for us to borrow and rather than fleeing indoors, we braved the elements and started walking towards the Heian shrine alongside the Okazaki Canal.
The ordinarily dull looking canal looked spectacular with Sakura trees on both sides in full bloom. Even during the rain, boats continued to ply up the waterway, albeit with few passengers.
Along the way, we got a glimpse of the Keage incline, which looked splendid without the usual tourist crowds.
We arrived at the Heian shrine, home to one of the grandest gardens in Kyoto.
A traditional Japanese wedding was taking place: with the bride wearing a wataboushi, a traditional headgear which covers the face and is meant to symbolize purity.
We then wandered around the gardens, watching the rain droplets creating beautiful patterns on the many garden ponds.
If you look closely, you’ll find the exact stones that Charlotte steps over in Lost In Translation.
Afterwards, we took a taxi up north to Ginkafuji temple, one of Kyoto’s most famous temples.
Built in 1490, the historical temple is most famous for its Mt Fuji sand pile.
Typically, the temple filled to the brim with tourists, but due to the rain, the crowd levels were much more manageable.
Moss hill overlooking temple
Adjacent to Ginkafuji temple is the Philosopher’s path, probably the city’s most famous cherry blossom spot.
The Sakura tree-lined route follows a small winding canal.
Thanks to the rain, we were able to enjoy the trail in relative wet solitude.
Can’t Escape the Selfie Camera
Along the Philosopher’s path are numerous smaller temples that are worth a quick detour.
My favorite was the Hoen-in temple, which located up a small hill, and whose moss grounds look stunning in the rain.
Afterwards, we called it an early day and headed back to the Hyatt Regency, wet and exhausted, but glad to see some of Kyoto’s most popular attractions without the significant tourist crowds.
