Sannenzaka & Ninenzaka

Some say 'Kyoto is in Japan, but the real Japan is in Kyoto.' There are many cherry blossoms in Japan, either in clusters or a particularly large one in a courtyard style. And the most famous among them is the century-old cherry tree at Sanneizaka in Kyoto. To shoot the blue hour cherry blossom scene, one must wake up early, get up at 4 AM and arrive by 5 AM. There are hardly any people shooting, most are around Yasaka Pagoda. The beauty is visible to the naked eye, live photos straight out. By 6 AM, it starts to get crowded, and by 6:30, it's practically overflowing. (Kyoto is really competitive! 😭 Many people might not even be up by 6:30!) - 📍Location: Ninenzaka Sannenzaka, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City, 2 Chome Kiyomizu 🎫Admission: Free Shooting Date: March 29, 2024 (Currently in full bloom, viewing period is 2 weeks) 🚗Transportation: Navigate to 'Myohoyenotei', take bus routes 202, 206, or 207 to Kiyomizu-michi Station ‼️Recommended Route: Ninenzaka Sannenzaka ➡️ Yasaka Pagoda ➡️ Kiyomizu-dera ➡️ Hanami-koji ➡️ Yasaka Shrine - ◽️Tips: ☑️ Ninenzaka Sannenzaka, Yasaka Tower Kiyomizu-dera, are unique street landscapes of Kyoto. The shops along the street and the visitors wearing kimonos make you feel as if you've traveled back to the shogunate era. ☑️ The sightseeing route I recommend is along the way, and if you want to see cherry blossoms, you can also go to Kyoto Imperial Palace and Kamo River, which are both in full bloom right now. ☑️Kyoto's cherry blossom season is very crowded, so it's advised to go out early and return early for a much better experience.

Coming to Kyoto, if you haven't walked through Ninen-zaka and Sannen-zaka, then your journey can be said to be incomplete. These two districts are not only symbols of Kyoto but also places that carry a profound history and culture. Ninen-zaka, also known as 'Lower Slope,' is famous for its stone-paved roads and ancient shops. Walking on this street, you will feel a sense of time intertwining, as if you've stepped back hundreds of years in just a second. Sannen-zaka, also referred to as 'Upper Slope,' is quieter and more serene compared to Ninen-zaka. The small shops along the way sell various handicrafts and traditional snacks, tempting one to stop and savor them. In addition to enjoying the scenery, the ancient buildings of Ninen-zaka and Sannen-zaka are also a paradise for photography enthusiasts. Each building has its unique story, waiting for you to discover. Here, every step is a trace of history, and every place is an enjoyment of beauty. Why not slow down and let yourself be fully immersed in this ancient and peaceful atmosphere.

In Japan, the perfect combination of cherry blossoms and ancient architecture is truly awe-inspiring. When spring arrives, the pink cherry blossoms bloom beside the old buildings and castles, and such beauty is really beyond words. The solemnity of the ancient buildings and the delicate beauty of the cherry blossoms create a strong contrast, yet they harmonize so well. Walking in these places, you will feel a sense of traveling through time, as if you have returned to ancient times. In comparison, the cherry blossoms in the cities are also beautiful, but they lack a certain depth of artistic conception and historical sense. The backdrop of ancient buildings makes the beauty of the cherry blossoms even more dazzling, making one unable to resist capturing every moment.

Embarking on a journey to Kyoto, I found myself transported into a realm where time seemed to pause, allowing the echoes of Japan's rich history to whisper through the cobbled streets. This is the tale of "Kyoto Reverie," where the ancient city unfolds like a tapestry of cultural wonders. As the morning sun painted the sky in hues of pink and gold, I stepped into Kyoto's embrace, a city steeped in the elegance of tradition. The air carried the scent of cherry blossoms, and the streets beckoned with the promise of exploring centuries-old wonders. Kyoto, as the ancient capital, cradled stories within its cobblestone lanes. Venturing to the serene grounds of Kiyomizu-dera, I marveled at the temple perched on wooden stilts, offering panoramic views of the city below. The beauty of the wooden architecture and the tranquility of the surroundings left an indelible mark, a testament to Kyoto's timeless allure. The journey continued to the enchanting Fushimi Inari Shrine, where vermilion torii gates lined paths that led to sacred heights. Each step was a pilgrimage into the spiritual heart of Kyoto, a place where the sacred and the serene converged in a dance of tranquility. In the Gion district, Kyoto unveiled another layer of its traditional charm. Elegant women adorned in colorful kimonos graced the streets, their presence a living canvas of the city's cultural heritage. Their graceful movements and the rustle of silk skirts blended seamlessly with the ambiance of the old-world surroundings. As the day drew to a close, I found myself at the heart of Kyoto's enchantment – the Gion Matsuri. Lantern-lit streets, the resonance of traditional music, and the fluttering of festival fans created a scene straight from a bygone era. Kyoto, with its deep-rooted traditions and mesmerizing beauty, became a haven where the past coexisted with the present. "Kyoto Reverie" wasn't just a vacation; it was a transcendental journey into the heart of Japan's cultural soul. In every temple, every geisha's graceful stride, and every cherry blossom that graced the air, Kyoto revealed itself as a living canvas of history, tradition, and unparalleled beauty. #KyotoReverie #TimelessTranquility #CulturalCanvas