Hiroshima needs no introduction. On August 6th 1945, the name of this city forever became synonymous with the ultimate devastation that human beings were capable of inflicting, when it became the first city to be the target of the atomic bomb during WWII. Today, when you visit Hiroshima, what you see is a modern, thriving city that has evolved from its scars and has transformed itself into a symbol of peace. Every year, on 6th August, the city holds memorial services at the Peace Memorial Park to remember and honour the victims of the atomic genocide. What You Need to Know Before Visiting Hiroshima Like most people, we began our trip to Hiroshima as regular tourists, eager to learn more about the history behind the bombing, see the Peace Memorial that we had heard and read so much about in textbooks, take pictures, visit the museum, and see the memorabilia with our own eyes. Still, as we went along the Genbaku Dome, followed by the Peace Memorial, the Children's Memorial, the Peace Museum and looked around the Memorial Park, we were left completely speechless by the incomprehensible horrors that were unleashed by the nuclear bomb, curiously nicknamed 'Little Boy'. The horrors that one witnesses at the park don't end at the ghastly aftermath of the bombing alone, but by the cold calculation that went into the planning of its drop at this location. The park is located right in the heart of Hiroshima, on an island between two rivers, the River Motoyasu and the River Hon. This point has served as the Zero Milestone of Hiroshima Prefecture since 1889, and all distances from Hiroshima were measured from here. The reason this spot was chosen for the bombing was its clear visibility from the air, making it an 'ideal location' to gauge the exact impact. Hiroshima was a major military hub that had evaded any widespread destruction in the war; dropping a bomb on this 'undamaged urban hub' would give a fair idea about the destructive prowess of the weapon. The museum wears a sombre look as visitors go through the exhibits, utterly bewildered. Reading about this disaster in books is not the same as seeing firsthand accounts of people with real identities, their faces and their lives, twisted beyond recognition, very much like the metal bridges and other metallic equipment of the city that lay twisted and fused by the immense heat generated by the bomb. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park The Peace Memorial Park is an expansive area spread over 120,000 square metres, which attracts over one million visitors each year. This number has been steadily rising over the past few years. Entry to the park is free. It is very well connected by both buses and trams. You can take the tram line 2 or 6 from Hiroshima Train Station to Genbaku-Domu Mae, and a 15-minute ride will take you directly to the Peace Memorial Park. The Memorial Park houses many prominent buildings and structures that can be seen on your visit... A-Bomb Dome or Genbaku Dome The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Genbaku Dome is a part of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. The dome was originally the venue of the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall. The atomic bomb was detonated 600 meters directly above it. The reinforced steel structure was able to resist the downward force of the bomb, although the people inside were instantly killed. In 1996, this dome was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site as a reminder of the powerful, devastating force of nuclear weapons. The dome has been preserved in the same condition as it was after the bombing. No one is allowed to enter; visitors can look at it from the outside. Children's Peace Monument A short walk from the Dome to the Aioi Bridge over the Motoyasu River will take you to the other side of the Peace Memorial Park to the Children's Peace Monument. This monument tells the heartbreaking story of Sadako Sasaki, a 12-year-old girl who was only two at the time of the bombing. She was perfectly healthy till age 11 when she developed leukaemia as a result of the radiation exposure. In 1955, she finally succumbed to the illness after months of fighting the disease. The heartbreaking part of the story is that she kept making paper cranes till the very end, hoping that making them would grant her wish to live. Visitors coming to the monument can make offerings of paper cranes. You can see hundreds of paper cranes and colourful origami floating around the monument, creating an emotionally poignant scene. Cenotaph for the A-Bomb Victims and the Peace Flame Very close to the Children's Peace Memorial is the Cenotaph, a concrete structure holding the names of all the known and unknown victims of the atomic bomb. The arch shape of the memorial symbolises shelter for the souls of the victims. Under the arch is the iconic Peace Flame that was first lit on August 1st, 1964, as a symbol of a world that is free from nuclear weapons. The flame has been kept alit ever since. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum A visit to Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum is a trip down the darkest chapter of human history, as you see it gradually unfold, starting from the plight of the city that took the lethal hit, to the victims, and finally the perpetrators who engineered this dastardly act. Here are a few things to be aware of before you visit the museum... Opening hours for the museum and permanent exhibitions vary from month to month. Please refer to the official website of the park (http://hpmmuseum.jp/?lang=eng) before your visit. Massive crowds throng the museum, especially in the morning and late afternoon. To avoid long queues, it is advisable to make prior bookings, either through the official website or online platforms. The ticket price is 200 yen for adults with discounts for students, seniors and group pass holders. Please refer to the website for more information. The museum is massive. One should allocate at least 2 hours to see it, and add to it another 2 hours to see the Dome and the Memorial Park. This entire visit will take about 3 to 4 hours, depending on your level of interest, of course, to fully comprehend and appreciate the message it wishes to convey to the world. As I've discussed earlier in this post, the museum can leave you harrowed, even grieving, after seeing the level of human suffering that people had to endure. The intensely emotional graphic images of pain can be very upsetting for young kids. The East Building of the museum has kid-friendly resources like media tables with child-friendly explanations of what happened in Hiroshima. If you're travelling with kids, you can explore this area. The museum offers an immersive experience from one level to another. You will see pictures, war memorabilia and many audio-visual aids to navigate you through the history of WWII and the circumstances that led to the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Hiroshima can easily be done as a day trip from Osaka and Kyoto by taking the Shinkansen (bullet train). You can see the memorial park in the morning and visit the stunning Miyajima Island in the afternoon. We decided to stay overnight in Hiroshima and visit Miyajima early the next morning. Hiroshima National Peace Memorial Hall for the Atomic Bomb Victims Adjacent to the Cenotaph is the Hiroshima National Peace Memorial Hall for the Atomic Bomb Victims. While the museum will give you the historical, geographical and political context of the bombing, the Memorial Hall is a contemplative space for understanding this incident in terms of personal human tragedies. You will see the Hall of Remembrance with 140,000 tiles with the names of people who died in the tragedy. The Peace Memorial Park also has the famous dome with the Peace Bell, a Peace Clock, the Atomic Bomb Memorial Mound and the Korean Cenotaph. We, like every other visitor, left the park with one overwhelming thought on our mind...Is this what one atomic bomb can do to a city and its people?...followed by the inevitable uneasy afterthought...now, every country on this planet has a nuclear arsenal far deadlier than this one, but have we, as humans, learnt any lessons from Hiroshima? The next morning, we set out to see the stunning Miyajima Island, only 28 km away from Hiroshima... https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/day-trip-to-miyajima-island-from-hiroshima

Planning your first trip to Kyoto? This 4-day Kyoto itinerary is designed to help you explore the city's most iconic temples, cultural districts, and nearby day trips without feeling overwhelmed. From walking through the thousands of torii gates at Fushimi Inari Taisha to visiting the stunning Kiyomizu-dera Temple, seeing the thousands of statues at Sanjūsangendō Temple, exploring the historic streets of Gion, planning a day trip to Nara, plus some more attractions that make Kyoto special, this itinerary covers the best of Kyoto in a practical, day-by-day plan. Essential Kyoto Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors Before diving into the detailed itinerary, here are a few practical tips to help you plan your time in Kyoto Plan a tight itinerary There's a lot to do and see in Kyoto. If you're the kind of tourist who loves to tick all the boxes, then have a plan for each day. Arrive early Kyoto sees a massive influx of tourists. You will see crowds everywhere, in buses, in shrines and temples, and in marketplaces. The only way to beat the crowds is to arrive early. The whole experience of seeing the shrines and temples early in the morning is altogether different from seeing them once the crowds hit. This holds especially true for shrines like Fushimi Inari and Kiyomizu-Dera. Wear comfortable shoes, carry a water bottle and a road map with directions for the day Visiting the shrines and temples can be a very exhilarating yet exhausting experience, involving a lot of walking. I mean it, literally! A route map with all the transport connections to the place in question can help you save a lot of hassle. Explore day passes if you plan to see many temples and shrines Most of the shrines and temples are spread throughout the city, but are well connected by buses, trains, and subways. You can opt for a day pass, called an IC Card, which works on all kinds of transport within the city. You could also purchase a 'Kyoto City Bus and Subway 1-Day Pass' for city travel. If you have the JR Pass, it is valid on the train routes to locations such as Fushimi Inari and Arashiyama. We also had the JR Pass, so we decided to pay cash for all other travel within the city. The bus fare within the city is a flat 230 yen; all you need to do is drop cash into the fare box at the front of the bus upon de-boarding. Stay close to the stations, if possible Since there is so much walking involved at the shrines, I'm sure you would want to cut down your walking time between the bus and train stations. We were staying in Hotel Sakura Terrace, which was barely 500 meters from the Kyoto Main Station. This made life so simple. Day trips from Kyoto Kyoto also serves as a great base for day trips to cities like Osaka, Nara, Himeji, Kobe and Hiroshima, among others. If you have the JR Pass, you can plan these day trips yourself or opt for guided tours. Make a list of not-to-miss attractions in Kyoto You must keep aside one evening to visit the famous Gion District. You can explore local cafes, see the famous Geisha show, or, if you're lucky, spot some geishas, too. I'll talk about the Geisha Show later in my blogs. If you have a spare evening, then do not miss the Non Verbal show at Gear THEATRE. The show is spectacular and one-of-a-kind. It incorporates technology, mime, set design and lighting effects to create a stellar show that you will remember whenever you think of Kyoto. The 4-Day Kyoto Itinerary at a Glance Kyoto is a city with a lot to do and see. Temples, shrines, live shows, throw in a day trip too, and your itinerary will be choc-a-block. .. This is a very detailed memoir about the things we did in Kyoto in 4 days. I've broken down the memoir into many segments for easy reading, day-wise and activity-wise too. Day One Fushimi Inari Taisha Fushimi Inari Taisha is the head of all Inari shrines in Japan. It's also one of the most recognisable landmarks, with its eye-catching, brightly painted vermilion gates leading up to the summit of Mount Inari! From Kyoto Station, take the JR Line to Inari Station. The temple is right in front of the station. https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/walking-through-a-thousand-gates-a-soulful-visit-to-fushimi-inari-taisha Kiyomizu-dera Temple After spending close to 3 hours in Fushimi Inari, we took the Keihan Line to Kiyomizu- Gojo Station. From there, it's a 10-minute walk uphill to the temple. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kiyomizu-dera Temple is a popular tourist attraction, known for the iconic Kiyomizu stage. What is the Kiyomizu Stage, and what makes it special? https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/what-makes-kiyomizu-dera-temple-special Sanjūsangendō Temple The Sanjūsangendō Temple is only a 1.5 km walk from the Kiyomizu-dera Temple, and it takes about 20 minutes. If you're not keen on walking all the way, then walk downhill from Kiyomizu-dera temple and take Bus number 206 from the bus stop Gojozaka. It will take about 5 minutes to reach the Sanjūsangendō area. The temple is right there. https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/visiting-the-sanjūsangendō-temple-in-kyoto Geisha Show, Gion District After visiting 3 amazing temples on our first day in Kyoto, we had plans to see the famous Geisha Show in the Gion District of Kyoto. The show is one of the most visited attractions in Japan. Does it live up to the hype? https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/watching-a-geisha-show-in-the-gion-district-of-kyoto Day Two On the second day, we decided to do a day trip to Nara. This is one of the most popular day trips from Kyoto. Nara is a historic city known for its many UNESCO World Heritage Sites and its free-roaming wild deer. https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/a-day-trip-to-the-historic-city-of-nara Day Three Two days of intense temple-visiting in Kyoto and Nara, today, on the third day, we were desperate to explore some natural beauty around Kyoto. And nothing promises to be more beautiful than the natural paradise of Arashiyama on the western edge of Kyoto. Visiting the Arashiyama region is a complete package; you can see the beautiful Tenryu-ji Temple, the stunning Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, the Katsura Riverfront and the Arashiyama Monkey Forest. https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/exploring-the-arashiyama-bamboo-forest-and-monkey-park-on-a-day-trip-from-kyoto Day Four This was our last day in Kyoto. After having spent 3 very tiring days exploring the wonders of the city, we decided to start late and start with the one last shrine that was still left, the famous Kinkaku-ji Temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion. In the evening, we had pre-booked tickets to the Gear Theatre, the famous non-verbal show in Kyoto. The show turned out to be an absolute delight. Since this was our last evening in Kyoto, we spent it loitering around the famous Nishiki Marketplace in Kyoto Downtown, savouring local delights and doing some shopping. https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/our-last-day-in-kyoto-at-kinkaku-ji-temple-and-gear-theatre Our 4 days in Kyoto were intense but exhilarating. From Kyoto, we were headed to the most coveted destination in Japan, the famous Hakone Loop, to see the iconic Mount Fuji!

Witnessing the iconic Mount Fuji is on every tourist's wishlist who travels to Japan. We were no different. Visiting Mount Fuji from Odawara with the Hakone Loop Pass is the most touristy way to see Mount Fuji and the breathtakingly beautiful Owakudani Volcanic Valley. If you are also planning to visit Japan and see Mount Fuji, then you've come to the right place. In this blog, you'll get all the tips that could help you plan your Mount Fuji trip seamlessly. Let me start by saying that you don't always get lucky with views of Mount Fuji. Stunning natural sights such as this are always elusive, since the peak can remain hidden even on clear days. We got lucky with spotting this beauty on our train journey from Kyoto to Odawara. The majestic mountain stood imposingly above a bed of clouds, and its peak was visible in all its glory in the morning sun! How to Visit Mount Fuji from Odawara using the Hakone Loop Pass The Hakone Loop Pass will take you through the following route - - Odawara to Hakone Yumoto Station by train - Hakone Yumoto Station to Gora by train - Gora to Sounzan by funicular railway - Sounzan to Owakudani Volcanic Valley by cable car - Owakudani to Togendai by cable car - Togendai to Moto-Hakone by Pirate Ship on Lake Ashi - Lake Ashi to Hakone by boat or back to Hakone Yumoto or Odawara by bus The Hakone Loop Pass can be bought for 2 or 3 days online, at the Odawara station or at the Hakone Tozan Line station vending machines. The pass gives access to unlimited travel on all modes of transport in the region, train, bus, funicular, ropeway and ship. A 2-day pass from Odawara costs 6000 yen, and a 3-day pass costs 6400 yen. As I've mentioned, the pass will lead you seamlessly from one point to another by just following the queues. Mount Fuji from Odawara: Our Experience using the Hakone Loop Pass We had plans to stay overnight in Odawara, very close to the railway station, buy the Hakone Loop pass, and see the entire Hakone region at leisure. We had the option to take the Hakone Tozan Line or Hakone Tozan Bus since the pass is valid on both. We opted for the train, which is known for its scenic ride through the Hakone region. 8 modes of transport connect the route all the way up to the Owakudani valley, and the pass gives access to all of them, which can save a lot of time and make navigating the massive crowds easier. You just have to follow the queues and line up for the next mode of transport. Before I go any further to discuss what we saw and did in Hakone, this short video clip will give you a quick peek into our journey from Odawara to Mount Fuji... Odawara to Hakone-Yumoto by train We opted for the train since it is known to go through a very scenic route lasting about 15 minutes. Hakone Yumoto is a small, charming, touristy town that is the gateway to the Hakone region, known for its Onsen that cater to day-trippers. Apart from Onsen , you will find many typical Japanese experiences like staying in a Ryokan (traditional Japanese inn), Geisha Shows and restaurants offering local specialities like Onsen Manju (hot spring buns). We decided to keep travelling further and see Mount Fuji first and then come back to Hakone Yumoto later in the evening, if time permits. Hakone-Yumoto to Gora by train We saw massive crowds at the Hakone Yumoto station and long queues to get into the train to Gora. This historic train zigzags its way through the mountainside and switches direction twice on its scenic route. The train is also called the 'Hydrangea Train' since it chugs past tracks laden with hydrangea blooms from June to July. Gora to Sounzan by Funicular Once you reach Gora Station, you will be led into a long serpentine queue to take the funicular to Sounzan. The queue was so long when we reached that one couldn't see where it started or where it ended. A person was standing with a placard announcing the end of the queue. The point I'm trying to make is to try to start early to beat the crowds. Sounzan to Owakudani Volcanic Valley by ropeway This is one of the most exciting modes of transport in this region. On a clear day, one can see Mount Fuji very clearly from the cable car on the right and the breathtaking Owakudani Volcanic Valley on the left. The day we reached, it was extremely windy and overcast, so we couldn't see Mount Fuji. On Day 2, on our second ride on the cable car, we spotted Mount Fuji, although its famous snow-clad peak was hidden under a thick cloud cover, we saw this beautiful mountain rising majestically above the valley. Stunning views of the Owakudani Volcanic Valley and Mount Fuji from the cable car View of Mount Fuji from the Owakudani Valley Owakudani to Togendai by ropeway After spending about an hour taking in the mesmerising beauty of Owakudani Valley and Mount Fuji, we came back to the cable car point for a further trip to Togendai, from where we boarded the boat, a pirate ship, to cruise on Lake Ashinoko. Togendai to Moto-Hakone by Pirate Ship on Lake Ashi Lake Ashi to Hakone-Yumoto by bus The cruise on Lake Ashi lasts about 35 minutes. Once you reach the other end, you can visit the Hakone Shrine, and after that, you have the option to either take a bus back to Hakone-Yumoto or take the cruise back to Togendai. The bus goes through the vibrant town of Hakone-Yumoto. On the way, you will come across the Hakone Open Air Museum. The museum is not included in the Hakone Loop Pass, and the entry ticket costs 2000 yen. Please check their official website for more details. You can also make a stopover in the town of Hakone Yumoto, visit an Onsen for day-trippers or shop at the local market. A lot of people also plan to stay in Hakone-Yumoto for easy access to train stations and to enjoy the vibe of this town. Last view of the Hakone Shrine and Mount Fuji as our trip came to an end...

Planning 3 days in Munich? This itinerary will give you an overview of the vibrant Bavarian capital, considered one of Germany's most touristy cities! The name Munich is synonymous with Oktoberfest, which, interestingly, is celebrated towards the end of September. Some things to know about Munich Munich is a big city. To travel around the city, the Munich Day Ticket is the best option. It covers all modes of transport, such as the U-Bahn (underground Metro line) and the S-Bahn (suburban rail network), connecting the main city with the broader metropolitan region. Munich is a melting pool of cultures, so to speak. Different places in the city can give you an entirely different feel. The same applies to the city's architecture, too. You will see a mix of Roman, Baroque and Gothic architecture in its many old buildings. I'd read on some forums about Bavarian Germans being very rude to foreigners. This is not true at all. We came across a whole lot of nice locals, friendly and helpful. The same cannot be said for the city, though. It's crowded, over-crowded at some places and dirty too in places like the Old Town. We reached Munich from Innsbruck, which is also very touristy and yet squeaky clean, hence the comparison. Munich is safe for tourists and locals alike. Little wonder, then, that the city boasts of a vibrant nightlife. Munich has some of the best breweries in Germany. While in Munich, a visit to a brewery and the famous beer halls must be on your to-do list. The fairy tale Disney Castle of Neuschwanstein is quite close to the Bavarian Capital. If you have an extra day in Munich, then this castle is a must-see attraction. 3 Days in Munich: Overview We had 3 days in Munich. Our itinerary included architecture in the form of churches and a palace, shopping streets, nature and gardens, and the city's famous cultural hotspots, Beer halls. Day One in Munich: Old Town Highlights Marienplatz This is the name of a busy Old Town Square in the heart of Munich in the Altstadt. There are hordes of people jostling with each other to get from one end of the square to the other. The square is lined with shops, big departmental stores, eateries, ice cream parlours, and much more. The main attraction of this 12th-century square is the Gothic-style Rathaus or Town Hall with its Clock Tower or Glockenspiel. In front of the Rathaus is a tall column with a statue of the Virgin Mary at the top. Quick Tip Try to hang around the Clock Tower at 11 am, 12 pm and 5 pm. This is when this old medieval Clock Tower comes alive with its bells and chimes. It's amazing to see this architectural marvel still with its working mechanism intact. Rathaus, New Town Hall The New Town Hall is a massive complex that sits imposingly in the centre of Marienplatz. It is the seat of the government in Munich. The Town Hall with its Glockenspiel is impressive from the outside. Quick Tip We did not have time to see the interiors, although the hallways are free to enter and explore. But mind you, if you take a tour of the complex, then it's 20 euros per person. If you've done such town hall tours earlier, give this one a miss! Munich Residenz This is the former Royal Palace of the Kingdom of Bavaria. Just walk about 1 kilometre from Marienplatz, and you will reach the Royal Palace. The opulent palace is the largest palace in Germany with...how many rooms? Can you guess? 130 rooms! At any given time, most visitors can see about 60 or 70 of them, depending on what is open on the day of your visit. Quick Tip The Residenz is a stunning piece of architecture. If you have limited time, go only for the Residenz since a lot of ticket options are available. You can buy separate tickets for the Residenz, the Museum and the Treasury. Day Two in Munich: Palaces and Culture English Garden The concept of an English country garden generally includes small garden patches connected by beautiful pathways, a lake, some small covered porticos and rows of trees. Quick Tip The garden took us by surprise. This is one of the largest urban parks in Munich. If you have time, this can be a great outing. There is a Japanese Tea Garden, a Pagoda and a beautiful Greek Temple. But you will need at least 2 to 3 hours to see this garden, which runs along the River Isar and is almost 5.5 kilometres in length. Asam Church A 7 to 8-minute walk from Marienplatz will take you to this catholic church in Munich. The church is small but every bit lavish with elaborate interiors swathed in gold. Beautiful frescoes adorn the ceiling and the heavily embellished walls. Must-see. The baroque facade of the church is very different from anything I've ever seen. St. Peter's Church Right across Marienplatz is this 11th-century cathedral that has very beautiful interiors. This is the oldest church in Munich; it is free to enter and, if you decide to go to the top of the tower, you get spectacular views of the Bavarian Alps.   The inside of the church is simply stunning; we simply sat and marvelled at the interiors for about half an hour. Frauenkirche Frauenkirche stands out in Marienplatz with its distinct onion-shaped domes. The church is the seat of the Archbishop of Munich. I learnt that no other building around the church is allowed to be built higher than the church's domes. There is a Devil's Footprint at the entrance of the church. A lot of legends and beliefs surround this footprint. The area around the church is called Frauenplatz, with nice places to sit or stroll. Since it's so close to Marienplatz, you will just have to spend 20-odd minutes to reach it and see it. Viktualienmarkt This colossal food market lies in the heart of the Altstadt, very close to Marienplatz. This is a daily market except on Sundays and public holidays. Viktualienmarkt is like a very chic version of a farmer's market. A lot of gourmet dining options, apart from a vast array of meats, cheese, fruits, vegetables and flowers are available. Don't miss this one while you're in Munich. Maximilian Strasse This street is the most happening street in Munich. There are elegant stores and uber-luxurious shopping avenues. The street extends from Maximilaneum near the Bavarian Parliament to Max-Joseph Platz with beautiful buildings lining the street. Not everyone can afford to shop here, but it's surely worth spending an evening along the beautiful boulevards. BMW Museum I have put this under the Top 10 things to do in Munich, although I did not visit this museum myself since we had just one evening left in Munich and we wanted to spend it in a brewery. But we had read some rave reviews about this museum, so if you have time, then try to fit this into your itinerary. The museum is about 7 km away from the city, but it is easily accessible by the S-Bahn or U-Bahn. Directly opposite the BMW Museum is the BMW Welt. The iconic building of BMW Welt is known for its unique architecture. Entry to BMW Welt is free. Beer Halls of Munich We spent our last evening in Munich in the Augustiner Brewery, one of the popular beer halls in Munich. It was an experience worth remembering https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/a-visit-to-the-famous-beer-halls-of-munich-the-land-of-the-oktoberfest   Day Three in Munich: Neuschwanstein Castle Day trip to Neuschwanstein Neu Schwanstein has been on my bucket list for many years. The easiest way to see this fairy tale castle is from Munich. In all honesty, we planned a trip to Munich so we could see this castle on a day trip, and that's exactly what we did. https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/day-trip-from-munich-to-neu-schwanstein-the-fairytale-castle-in-the-bavarian-alps The attractions in Munich do not end here. About 30 km away from Munich is the little town of Starnberg on the banks of the Starnberger Lake. There are loads of fun water activities to indulge in. If you have extra time, you can also visit the Nymphenberg Palace. It features on the Hop on Hop off bus tour of Munich. I would love to hear about your experience in the capital city of Bavaria! Do write back to me.... For more useful travel tips, click here

The beautiful town of Blue Mountains lies about 180 kilometres away and is roughly a 2-hour drive from the centre of Toronto. A day trip from Toronto to the Blue Mountains can be a riveting experience. The town is a great getaway in summer and winter alike and offers recreational facilities for people of all age groups. The town of Blue Mountains is located on the southern shore of Georgian Bay on the Niagara Escarpment*, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. Blue Mountains boasts an enviable coastline with great beaches ideal for summer activities like kayaking, swimming, sailing and many other water sports. Apart from water sports, you can go zip lining, play golf or mountain biking. In winter, the most popular destination of the town, Blue Mountain Ski Resort, comes alive with skiers. Winter activities like snowshoeing, ice skating and tobogganing take centre stage. We went to the Blue Mountains in the peak of winter in mid-January. The Blue Mountain Village and the adjoining hills were covered in a thick snow cover... We started our outing with the Blue Mountain Village... The Village has a very welcoming air.....there are fireplaces with comfy chairs for people to sit around with loud music playing on the PA system. So, even if you don't want to go for rides or skiing, you can still have a nice time strolling around the village and soaking in the winter vibe. There are some great eating options ranging from fast food joints to fine dining, shopping avenues, bars, spas and more! If you want to stay overnight, then there are rental options aplenty. Tickets for most outdoor and indoor activities can be purchased on the same day. You do not need to make advance bookings despite the crowds. A day pass would give you unlimited access to most rides, but remember, skiing is not included in it. There is also an option to buy tickets for individual rides. We did not buy the Day Pass for two reasons: One, we felt the only truly thrilling ride was the Ridge Runner Mountain Coaster. We saw the Snow Tubing area, which was on a tiny slope stretch and did not look exciting or worth the money. Two, it was snowing heavily that day and the possibility of rides getting suspended seemed very high. And that's exactly what happened....we bought tickets only for the Ridge Runner but because of heavy snowfall the ride was suspended and we had to go in for a refund. But rides or no rides, the Blue Mountain Village is still loads of fun. It's like a summer and winter carnival with fun rides, food, dance and music with stunning mountain scenery as a backdrop! *Escarpment is a steep slope or bottom of a cliff where the elevation of the ground changes suddenly.

If you decide to go to Montreal during the Christmas weekend, then you will find the city pulsating with the lights and warmth of Christmas. But the thing to remember is that many attractions will be closed on the Christmas weekend. So, what you will be able to do is see the entire city lit up, visit one of the Christmas markets, see the splendid winter scenery from the top of Mount Royal and soak in the revelry all around! The impressive Jacques Cartier Bridge over the mighty Saint Lawrence River is all lit up ... Montreal is the largest city in the province of Quebec and the second-largest French-speaking city in the world, after Paris. But that doesn't deter English-speaking tourists from thronging this vibrant metropolis since most locals are bilingual. Situated on an island in the Saint Lawrence River, Montreal is named after Mount Royal, the mountain peak in the heart of the city. There are many routes one could take from Toronto to Montreal; the shortest, straight route is about 560 kilometres and takes about 6 hours. For this route, you can hit 401 Highway and drive along Lake Ontario. This is the route we took and reached Montreal in the evening. The city had come alive with lights and Christmas decorations.... The next morning, we set out to explore the city with our first stop at Mount Royal . Mount Royal, called Parc du Mont-Royal in French, is a public park that lies on a mountain at an altitude of 764 feet above sea level and offers amazing views of the Montreal city skyline from its vast open terrace. Entry to the park is free, and it's always open. There are many ways to reach the park; the easiest is to drive along a wide, circular motorable road that leads directly to the parking area. If you're more adventurous, there is a hiking trail with a series of steep wooden walkways that lead to the top. It starts from the staircase on Peel Street. We learnt there were 339 steps to the top. Climbing 339 steps in the winter chill....phew! We decided to take the motorable road. Once you reach the top, you can head to the vast terrace area called Kondiaronk Belvedere Lookout, which offers picture-postcard-perfect views of the Montreal skyline. The lookout has a sturdy stone balustrade lining its outer walls for people to safely lean on and take pictures of the surrounding scenery. Driving up the circular road in winter! On the other end of the Kondiaronk Belvedere Lookout is the  Chalet Du Mont-Royal. This rustic chalet is perched on higher ground with a massive staircase leading up to it. One gets a nice bird's-eye view of the skyline from here. Inside, you will find restrooms and some basic refreshments. You will also find large paintings on the walls depicting the history of Montreal. For us, the Chalet served as an escape from the chilly winter morning wind on Christmas Day. It was noon by the time we came back to the city from Mount Royal. In the second half, we decided to go to see Notre Dame Basilica  in the Historic District of Old Montreal. Close to one million people visit the Basilica each year. The imposing outer facade of the basilica oozes an old-world charm, and it is world-renowned for its Gothic Revival architecture. We had to contend with seeing it only from the outside since it was Christmas Eve, there were crowds everywhere and a long queue of people waiting to enter the basilica for the evening mass. Right across the road from the basilica is the famous Place d'Armes Square . The square has a lot of historical significance since it has witnessed many military events. In the centre of the square is the impressive statue of Paul de Chomedey Maisonneuve , the founder of Montreal. Next to this monument is an intriguing statue of a very well-dressed man holding a pug in his hand, looking at the Notre Dame Basilica with a look of superiority, with an air bordering on disdain. Next to the statue is a placard that clarifies the meaning of this strange statue. Notre Dame Basilica is the symbol of religious influence on French Canadians. The man, presumably English, depicts the cultural distancing between the English and French Canadians. I honestly could not fathom the reasons behind this bizarre work of art. We strolled around the Place d'Armes Square for some time before finding refuge from the winter chill in the underground pedestrian walkway called RESO. I realised why Montreal is called the 'Underground City' after entering the path, there is an entire city in this lower level, with over 1600 shops and arcades, restaurants, fountains and benches for people to sit, signage connecting the path to the many prominent landmarks of the city in this whopping 20 miles of tunnels!! The challenge is to find an entry into this labyrinth of walkways and tunnels. To do so, just type 'Nearest RESO entry' on your Google Maps, and you will be directed to it. Well, it was not so easy; we still had to ask around the good old way to reach the nearest point of entry to RESO. In the evening, we stepped out into the amazing Christmas Market in Montreal Downtown - Quartier des Spectacles on Sainte-Catherine Street to be greeted with Christmas carols, live music and all the fun that comes with it!

The roaring, cascading waters of Niagara Falls look as captivating and stunning in summer as they do in winter. Anyone who has seen Niagara in the summer should plan to do so in the winter months too because it's an altogether different world out there in winter when the entire area of Niagara Falls State Park gets enveloped in a thick snow cover... There are two vantage points to see the falls. From the Canadian side, you can see the entire stretch comprising the three falls, the American Falls right in front of you, the Bridal Veil Falls next to it and the Horseshoe Falls that you can watch from up close. If you're watching from the US side, then you get a sidelong view of the American and Bridal Veil Falls and a straight yet partial view of the Horseshoe Falls. The Rainbow International Bridge joins the two shores of the mighty Niagara River on the American and Canadian sides. Interestingly, this glorious natural wonder has never made it to the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage Sites list. The reason is that the area around the falls, both in Canada and in the US has been developed to cater to mass tourism while the UNESCO Heritage Sites have to adhere to strict environmental and other factors before they can be included in this list. It's easy to cross the bridge and see the falls from both ends, provided you have the requisite visa. What you get to see and what you miss in winter Let me start with what you will miss in Niagara in winter. You miss a ride on the Maid of the Mist , the mesmerising sightseeing boat tour that takes visitors right into the thick of the falls as they fall in a deafening roar right in front of you. The ride gets suspended in winter and re-opens only in April, depending on ice conditions. In any case, going up and close to Niagara Falls is a very wet experience; doing it in the sub-freezing winter temperature would be suicidal! The ride generally takes place between April and early November. And now, what you do get to see in winter is a glorious winter wonderland with ice-coated trees, white mammoth rocks and spiky icicles jutting out from the edges of the falls as they plunge into the abyss below. If you have it in you to bear the numbing chill and the lashes of cold winds hitting against your face, and a taste for a grey and exciting scenery, the falls will not disappoint you in winter. The iconic tour of Journey Behind the Falls is open all year round. In winter, the Lower Observation Deck is closed because of icy conditions, but you may still take the elevator to the Great Falls Portal behind the falls and walk up to the Upper Deck very close to the falls. I cannot comment more on this since I have never dared to do this tour in winter. An exciting activity that you can also do in winter is go up to the Skylon Tower . The 764-foot-high tower offers panoramic views of the falls from its indoor and outdoor observation decks. You can also save yourself from the chill by spending time at the various entertainment areas the tower offers. Another fun activity that is open in all seasons is the Niagara Skywheel on Clifton Hill . This 10 to 12-minute ride will give you a spectacular view of the scenery all around with a vantage point as high as 175 feet above ground. The Skywheel has air-tight climate-controlled gondolas that ensure that you soak in the glorious views all around in comfort. But one splendid view that you miss neither summer nor winter is the Niagara Falls light up at night... The view in winter... And the glorious view in summer....

The historic city of Nara in Japan is a popular day-trip destination from both Osaka and Kyoto, as it is easily accessible from both. Why should you visit Nara? Nara is a Japanese city that escaped the destruction of WWII, allowing it to preserve its ancient temples and the history surrounding them. When you visit Nara now, you will see a city steeped in culture and traditions. As you step into the famous Nara Park, a highly rated tourist attraction, you will see hundreds of wild deer, estimated at 1200, roaming freely and bowing respectfully to visitors for food. These wild deer are considered to be messengers of the Kami, the revered deity in Shintoism, symbolising the deep harmony between nature and humans. These deer have inhabited the Nara Park for over 1300 years!! A day trip to Nara will give you access to 8 stunning UNESCO World Heritage Sites, since all these 8 locations fall under the aegis of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara. One of the most popular of these 8 monuments is the Todai-ji Temple, home to Daibutsu , or Great Buddha, one of the largest bronze statues in the world. Apart from Todai-ji Temple, Nara has the beautiful Kasuga Taisha Shrine, known for its thousands of bronze and stone lanterns, and Horyu-ji Temple, home to the world's oldest surviving wooden structure. Nara is also famous for the mochi pounding show at Nakataniduo. Tourists flock to see the show, which is free to watch, as two people pound rice dough with a mallet to make soft mochis (rice cakes), then sell them to onlookers. I believe these intriguing facts should be reason enough to visit the beautiful city of Nara. Our day trip to Nara...some BASIC TIPS to help you plan your journey... Nara is about 46 km from Kyoto and 32 km from Osaka. From wherever you start, the best way to reach Nara is by train. If you have the JR Pass, then take the JR Line, or you can also take the Kintetsu Line. Kintetsu Station is closer to Nara Park, so if you don't have the JR Pass, opt for this line. We had the JR Pass, so we opted for the JR Line. Once you reach Nara, take a bus or a taxi to Nara Park because there is a lot of walking around within the city. Don't tire yourself out in the morning itself. This bus ride into the city will be paid. The day we reached Nara, it was raining. We decided to see the most important sight before the weather worsened, so we set out for the Todai-ji Temple. I'll talk about this temple in detail later in this blog. After spending close to 3 hours at this beautiful temple, we headed to the Kasuga Taisha Shrine, which is about half a kilometre from Todai-ji. You walk through a very calm and scenic path through lush green landscape dotted with small shrines and temples along the way, and not to forget, deer. My Tip: Take time to stroll along this scenic path and watch the playful deer herds. The path to the inside of the Kasuga Taisha Shrine is beautiful, with broad steps leading to the main temple and large stone lanterns covered in moss that the temple is famous for. I'll discuss this temple later in the blog. If you wish to take a bus back to the train station, there is a bus stop very close to the shrine, maybe a 4 to 5-minute walk away. Apart from visiting these two shrines, we had plans to hike up to Mount Wakakusa to get panoramic views of the city. We had to call off this hike because of the rain. But we'd heard great reviews about this scenic spot, so go for it if you can! Nara is also known for Kofukoji Temple and its famous 5-Storey Pagoda. The temple is home to many national treasures of Japan. We skipped this temple because the Pagoda is under repair until 2031. There is a nice marketplace called the Naramachi District where you could spend some time exploring traditional cafes and shops. That's exactly what we did before heading back. Visiting the famous Todai-ji Temple Visiting the Todai-ji Temple in Nara is a feast for the eyes and balm for the soul! You will see hundreds of tourists jostling with each other, navigating their way through the street lined with shops and eateries and walking around herds of deer to reach the main gate of Todai-ji Temple, called Nandaimon (see photo below). This huge gate is guarded by two guardian statues, called Nio, on both sides. You will be led through a wide path to reach the main temple complex, which houses the Great Buddha. All along this path, you will encounter hundreds of deer chasing, gently nudging or bowing in front of you for food. You will see many tourists buying rice crackers from roadside shops to feed the deer. Keep walking to reach the great wooden hall, called Daibutsuden, the largest wooden hall in the world! As you step inside, you will be greeted by the awe-inspiring 15-metre-tall bronze statue of Buddha in a sitting position. This is the largest bronze Buddha statue in the world. The statue is placed on lotus petals symbolising the enlightenment of Buddha and his awakening from the material world to the spiritual realm. There are many other statues around the hall that you can walk around and explore. As you step out of the hall, you will see a life-size statue of Binzuru, one of the disciples of Buddha who had mastered the art of occult sciences. As per popular belief, touching the part of Benzuru that hurts in your body brings healing and relief. So, you will see many visitors touching the statue to invoke blessings. You can see that the area around the knees looks heavily rubbed.. My Tip Plan to spend at least 2 hours at Todai-ji to fully appreciate the craftsmanship of this beautiful statue and its surrounding statues. Entry to the outer temple grounds is free, but you need to buy a ticket to enter the premises of the main temple. The ticket price is 800 yen per person, and only cash is accepted at the counter. Entrance Gate to the Todai-ji Temple, called Nandaimon, built in 1203, is a National Treasure known for its massive wooden columns Two mammoth guardian statues, called Nio, flank the entrance gate of Todai-ji Temple on both sides Daibutsuden, the wooden hall that houses the Giant Buddha in Todai-ji Temple and the largest wooden building in the world! 15-metre-tall Bronze statue of Buddha inside Daibutsuden Visiting the Kasuga Taisha Shrine If you're doing a day trip to Nara and you have to pick only two shrines, then Todai-ji Temple and Kasuga Taisha Shrine are the top choices. Todai-ji for the epic Buddha statue and Kasuga Taisha for the 3000 lanterns that adorn the pathway and the inner ramparts of the temple. As I've mentioned earlier, the path leading to the Kasuga shrine goes through a beautiful jungle trail where you can see some more shrines and temples and herds of deer all around. As you reach closer to the shrine, you start seeing the lanterns that the shrine is famous for! Hundreds of stone lanterns line both sides of the moderately uphill path with broad steps to make the climb effortless. Entry into the temple complex is free. You can stroll around the central courtyard and see the famous rows of lanterns in the temple. The beautiful Kasugayama Primaeval Forest surrounds the temple complex. You will see a thick cover of cedar and cypress trees, with more stone lanterns erected along the forest path, making this entire belt look ethereal. Entry to the Kasuga Taisha Shrine Stone Lanterns everywhere!! Metal lanterns inside the temple complex Thick woods at the rear of the temple and more stone lanterns... My Tip Entry into the main temple complex costs 500 yen, and you will need about 2 hours to see the inner corridors filled with over 3000 lanterns. We decided to skip going inside the temple because we had limited time, and we wanted to utilise it to see the beautiful, thick forest around the temple grounds, which makes for a very scenic walk. To sum up, Nara is a great place for a day trip. Beautiful shrines, scenic trails, and thousands of wild deer walking around the city can make it a very rewarding experience.

Sumiyoshi Taisha, one of Japan's oldest shrines and the head of all Sumiyoshi shrines, will leave you spellbound by its picturesque gardens and tranquil ambience. About Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine This is one of Japan's oldest shrines, dating back to the 3rd century, before the advent of Buddhism. There are over 2000 Sumiyoshi shrines across Japan, and they worship Kami, the gods who protect fishermen and sailors. Sumiyoshi Taisha is considered to be the protective shrine of the Port of Osaka. ope This is the shrine of celebration for the people of Osaka...around 2 million people come to visit the shrine each year in January, a ritual called Hatsumode, meaning the traditional first shrine visit of the year! This is the time when tens of thousands of people throng this shrine to pray for good luck and draw their paper fortunes, called Omikuji , a practice that is prevalent throughout Japan across all shrines. Sumiyoshi Taisha is a Shinto shrine. Shinto religion embodies a belief in the Animistic religion that is centred on the worship of Kami, the supernatural entities or gods, believed to inhabit all animate and inanimate objects. These supernatural entities inhabit all living and non-living objects, including trees, rocks, sacred animal messengers, and landscapes. We were drawn to this shrine owing to the amazing similarity it shares with Hinduism in its belief in Kami. Interestingly, you will see many colourful statues of rabbits and cats, believed to be divine messengers. Cats are believed to bring good fortune. Visiting Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine in Osaka Sumiyoshi Taisha is very easily accessible by local trains. You can take the Nankai Line from Namba Station. The shrine is located very close to the Sumiyoshi Taisha Station; from there, it's barely a 5-minute walk to the shrine. The shrine is open from 6:00 am to 5:00 pm daily. Entry is free. As you enter the shrine, you will be greeted by the beautiful vermillion-coloured bridge, the Sorihashi Bridge. From there, you can walk into the main pavilion of the shrine. Plan to spend about an hour at the shrine and soak in its calm vibrance. The shrine is very close to Tempozan, the giant Ferris wheel and the Osaka Aquarium. https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/a-day-at-kaiyukan-one-of-the-world-s-largest-aquariums-in-osaka This was a bright, sunny day, and we had plans to visit the Osaka Castle after this. Coming up next...

The Sanjūsangendō Temple in Kyoto is a cherished national treasure of Japan. As you enter the temple grounds, you will see the Great Hall, a huge wooden structure measuring about 120 metres, the longest wooden building in Japan. About Sanjūsangendō Temple As you step inside the Great Hall, you will be greeted by the awe-inspiring sight of 1001 life-size, exquisite wooden statues of Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy, made of Japanese cypress and decorated with gold leaf, standing in multiple rows. In the centre of these statues is the 3.3-metre-tall giant seated figure of the thousand-armed Kannon, the presiding deity of the temple, considered to be a masterpiece of Japanese Buddhist sculpture. This figure is so grand and intricate that we spent almost 15 minutes just taking in the details of this mammoth idol. In front of these 1001 statues are 28 statues of 'Guardian Deities' of Shiva, Vishnu and other demigods with origins in Hinduism. The Great Hall offers a mesmerising sight, and one can easily spend about an hour looking at these stunning statues and reading about them. My Tip If you're looking for an unspoiled spiritual experience right in the city centre, then Sanjūsangendō is a temple you must visit. The relics that you see here are unparalleled in their beauty. The only downside is that photography is strictly prohibited, but in a way, that brings a calming effect to the whole experience. Don't forget to pick a free pamphlet from the temple premises. The photos posted above are taken from the pamphlet. This is a revered place of worship, so visitors are expected to take off their shoes before entering the Great Hall and deposit them in a locker provided on the premises. Entry to the temple is paid, 600 yen for an adult. The temple is generally open from 8:30 am to 5 pm daily.

Our Kyoto itinerary was choc-a-block from the word go. We had allocated 4 days to sightseeing in Kyoto, and this was Day 2 of our Kyoto sojourn. We had spent the entire day visiting 3 beautiful shrines, Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Sanjūsangendō Temple, and for the evening, we had pre-booked tickets to this famous Geisha Show in the Gion District, located about 2 km from the Sanjūsangendō Temple. Watching a Geisha show in Japan is one of the most sought-after activities on all Japan itineraries. Add to that the old-world charm of the Gion District in Kyoto, the hub for watching a geisha show, which draws visitors in droves from all over the world. So, is it really worth all the hype that surrounds this coveted show? In this blog, I am going to share only my very personal experience of watching a Geisha show at the Gion Corner in the Gion District of Kyoto. About the Gion District Gion District is Kyoto's most iconic district, easily distinguishable by its traditional Japanese teahouses called Ochaya, hidden from public view by wooden blinds. One of the most popular streets in the area is the Hanami Koji Street . With its old-world charm all intact, this is the best place to spot geiko and maiko . Geiko are trained geishas, and maiko are young apprentices, still learning the geisha ways. Even if you don't plan to see a Geisha Show, you must visit this part of Kyoto for its inimitable Japanese vibe. The best time to visit the Gion District is in the evening, when the quaint streets of this area are lit by lanterns, and eager tourists fill the tea houses and gape at geishas as they travel to their appointments. Watching a performance at Gion Corner Gion Corner is a popular theatre in the Gion Entertainment District of Kyoto. The show comprises 6 or 7 elements that will give you a quick peek into the traditional performing Japanese art forms. The show starts with a tea ceremony. If you've purchased a ticket that includes tea being served, then you will sit in the first row next to the tea counter and will be served tea with some sweets. Then comes Ikibana , the Japanese flower arrangement, followed by Gagaku , ancient court music and dance. This performance is followed by Kyogen , the traditional Japanese comic theatre, and then by Bunraku , the Japanese puppet theatre. The last part of the show is the Kyo-mai dance by two geishas: one is a Maiko, the apprentice geisha, and the other is an older, mature geisha, a Geiko . My Tips about watching a Geisha Show in Gion Corner I want to start by stating that the opinions expressed about the geisha show at Gion Corner here are personal and strictly my own, in the capacity of a patron watching the show. A lot of people might not agree with me; they are welcome to their opinion. Apart from the geisha show, we also watched two other shows in Japan, a sumo performance in Tokyo and the famous non-verbal GEAR Theatre in Kyoto. So, a comparison with these two great shows is inevitable. This might come as a spoiler, but I found the show very dull and uninspiring. Photography is strictly prohibited during the show, but the standard practice is that patrons may take pictures with the performers at the end of the show. Here we were just led out of the hall since the next show was about to begin, and huge crowds were waiting in the queue outside as we were leaving. Even the start of the show was quite nonchalant. It took us a few seconds to realise that the tea ceremony had begun in one corner of the hall. Although the show timings say a one-hour show, it actually lasts barely 50 minutes. The last part, the geisha dance, was quite nice, but it was too short for anyone to be able to appreciate it. By the time we settled into watching it, it was over. The other performances were ok, but they felt more like fillers, nothing worth mentioning. A multitude of options are available for watching the Geisha Show, with varying prices, starting from an affordable 1-hour show to a private dinner / private tea ceremony with a geisha. After watching this show, I felt we should've gone for something more interactive and engaging. The most important thing to remember is that these shows sell out very quickly, so it's best to book as early as possible. We made bookings more than a month in advance and still had to buy the most expensive tickets to the show because everything else was booked. To sum up, Gion Corner was not a tourist trap but a let-down. Reason? Like all places that lose their lustre because of over-crowding, Gion Corner is also catering to massive crowds each day, the theatre is not able to live up to patrons' expectations and the hype around watching a geisha show in Kyoto. However, the Gion District is an amazing place to be in the evening. Don't miss that!

The beautiful Zen Buddhist temple of Kinkaku-ji in Kyoto was the second-last item on our must-see wishlist, and the only temple left to visit on our 4-day Kyoto trip. We had also planned to visit the famous non-verbal Theatre in Kyoto, GEAR, on our last evening, located in Kyoto's Downtown district. In this blog, I'll give you tips about visiting the beautiful Kinkaku-ji Temple, about watching the riveting Gear non-verbal show and spending time in the Nishiki Marketplace in the heart of Downtown Kyoto. Visiting Kinkaku-ji Temple The World Heritage Site of Kinkaku-ji Temple is one of the 17 Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto, and a visit to this stunning temple reiterates its rightful place in this prestigious list. Owing to its surreal beauty, the temple has also been named as a designated World Heritage Site and a National Special Historic Site. Kinkaku-ji Temple, also called the Golden Pavilion, is built on the edge of a small pond called Kyoko-chi, or Mirror Pond. When the sun's rays hit the gold-leaf-covered exterior facade of the temple, it casts a luminous golden shadow in the mirror pond, creating a surreal effect. What to Know before visiting Kinkaku-ji Temple, Kyoto Kinkaku-ji is located in the Kitayama District of Northern Kyoto. Access to the temple is easy. Close to the temple is the Kinkakuji-michi bus stop with direct connections from all over the city. The entry fee for Kinkaku-ji Temple is 500 yen for adults and 300 yen for children. Entry inside the temple is prohibited for all visitors. You can only walk around the pond with this ticket on a one-way path. So, take your time to see the temple and to take pictures. You will need about an hour to go around the temple on this short loop. There are some more smaller shrines along the path, a small marketplace and some eateries, too. Like most tourist spots in Japan, this temple also attracts hordes of visitors throughout the day. The best time to see it is early in the morning, so you can enjoy the serenity of this place. An Evening at GEAR Non-Verbal Theatre in Kyoto After spending a serene afternoon at the Kinkaku-ji Temple, we made our way to Kyoto Downtown for an evening that turned out to be just as memorable, this time at Gear Theatre. The unassuming small space that Gear Theatre occupies in Downtown Kyoto can never prepare you for the complete sensory experience that awaits you inside. The title of the 90-minute show is 'In the age of AI, what does it mean to be human?' Mime, Juggling, Magic, Acrobatics, Comedy, special effects executed to perfection and a human story that will leave you completely speechless! The theatre is small, so there are no good or bad seats. We were provided with protective glasses to wear at the start of the show. We were still wondering what they could be for... until the show started... We had booked our tickets way ahead, after reading such rave online reviews about the theatre, but I saw some people walking in to buy tickets on the spot. So, you can take your chances if you're not sure about making bookings beforehand. Photography inside the theatre during the show is strictly prohibited. I made some videos for my personal use, but I'm obliged not to use them publicly. I would not like to delve deeper into what we saw and experienced at the theatre because it might work as a spoiler, but if you have an evening available in Kyoto, then don't miss this show. After watching this riveting show, we spent our last evening around the Nishiki Marketplace in Downtown Kyoto. This is a great spot for sampling traditional Kyoto-style foods and picking up souvenirs. Like all touristy markets, it's crowded and a little more expensive, too. But go there to see the vibrant Kyoto vibe! So, that was our last day in Kyoto. From there, we were headed to Odawara for our next Japan adventure...