π― Kyoto Sanzen-in
π How to Get the Best Tour Experience: First, you need to take off your shoes when entering Sanzen-in βοΈ Keep that in mind! It's best to wear comfortable shoes. I wore New Balance sneakers and was fine, but my friend in Dr. Martens boots felt exhausted πΏπ (I won't mention those who can wear high heels to climb mountains; gotta say, cherry blossom girls are really amazing in this regard). π πΆββοΈ Experiences: After taking off your shoes and entering the first area, you can try copying sutras βοΈ (1000 yen) and enjoy the national dish exhibition πΌοΈ. πΏπ In the Ju-Bi Garden, sit cross-legged to enjoy tea and daydream π΅ (600 yen, definitely go early to avoid peak times). Visit the Gokuraku-in to see the paintings. π₯ Dining: Shino Matsukado Located on the hillside leading up to Sanzen-in, this restaurant has a lovely courtyard with great views. πΏπ Just walk in; you can find it on Google Maps (we arrived too late and they were closed). Finally βοΈ πΏπAlthough the journey is long, as you travel from Kyoto to Ohara, you'll see the buildings gradually disappear ποΈ, replaced by mountain streams and footpaths, which will ease the fatigue from the trip. Taking the bus π up the mountain to Sanzen-in feels like entering a hidden world. Is it worth it? In a tranquil and rustic courtyard, with exquisite garden moss, adorable Jizo statues and hydrangeas everywhere, and the flowing water rustling in the wind, how could this not be healing? βοΈ πΏπ While China's landscapes are grand and majestic, Japanese gardens have their own unique charm. #EscapeTheCityNoise #KyotoTravel π
