Kibune to Kurama hike in Kyoto

I realize this now that the pictures are starting where we ended technically. I went with a companion to Kibune town to see the shrine and then we took the hike over Kurama mountain to the town of Kurama. It was a great hike and I recommend it to anyone. I say I got tired and the stairs going up were steep but I past people in there 80's that looked like it was an afternoon stroll. It was fascinating in that it seamed like an ancient forest with these straight and tall cedar trees but there was something magical about it since I am use the the Appalachian Mountains where you don't have tall narrow Cedar's. 

You get a good view once in a while from points on the trail and here is one over Kurama-dera...

Studio Ghibli Shop in Higashiyama

I may or may not be able to find this again but there are two shops in the Higashiyama area near Kiyomizu-dera temple going north to Yasaka Shrine. They had a ton of Studio Ghibli things to buy it was wonderful. They even had a massive stuffed Totoro by the front of the shops. 

Yasaka Shrine in the Evening

So I stopped by Yasaka Shrine in Kyoto while walking around the downtown area of Shijo. There was a lot of activity, plenty of travelers and people that I helped out. I also  tried some street food that was delicious. It is a busy time of the year but lot of life going on more so then when I went a year previously, you can check out that post here. It is open all the time which is great too!

Peace House Sakura - Kyoto, Japan

So I stayed at Peace House Sakura in Kyoto, it is nice and small and cheap. Price was good and I got a three person dorm and shared ti with either one or two other people which was fine by me. It was WiFi and you can use the kitchen and living area all you want. There was where everyone would gather and it was nice to talk to the others that were staying there. I had a pleasant experience there and would recommend it to anyone. It is within walking distance of Kiyomizu-dera and Higashiyama hills to walk around old Kyoto. Also not far to walk to Kennin-ji (oldest zen temple in Kyoto) and Kamogamo River. It is a good location if you want to do a lot of things in the downtown area. You can also rent a bike for a day there and can use a washer and dryer. 

International Manga Museum - Kyoto, Japan

The International Manga Museum is something interesting to check out if you are really into Manga. I will tell you know there is not that many English manga there but there is SO much Japanese manga's there. It has quite a collection and this museum is in an old Elementary school, Tatsuike Primary School. The lo-cal university and the city did this as a joint project. It is a great collection of work and hosts different exhibits of local work and award-winning work. There is also a room there that you can reserve some time in and do research. It started in November 2006.

I went on a rainy day and heard about it on my first trip to Japan but didn't go.

Mt. Hiei Rope-way - Kyoto, Japan

I am assuming if you get to do this or plan to then you will also do the cable car from Yase station! This was a delight. I have not done anything quite like this other then a ski lift for skiing. This as great and there was some interesting weather when I went up and down this rope way. The sky was clearer on my way back down the mountain. The price for the round trip of the cable car and rope way is 1640 Yen.

I had the car to myself back down the mountain!

Mt. Hiei Cable Car Yase - Kyoto, Japan

The Cable car that I took up to Mt. Hiei was a great experience. It was early and the side of the mountain was covered in cloud cover. It added a mystifying feel to it but I still could see the bright colors outside the windows. To get to it you would take the Eizan railway up to the Demachi-yanagi Station and just follow the signs or the groups of people that are most likely going up the mountain. One way is 260 Yen but I would go ahead and get the round trip for the Cable car and rope way for 1640 Yen as yo have to pay separate otherwise for the rope way. Remember that in December to early March the rope way or cable car is not in operation. 

Kennin-ji Temple a walk through - Kyoto, Japan

This temple is the oldest Zen temple in Kyoto and that says something. It was started in 1202 by Yousai and it belongs to the Renzai sect. Yousai was ordained by 14 and studied on the temple on Mt. Hiei. It is located near the Gion district next to all the hub bub of Kyoto. It was a nice temple to walk around especially when it was a few blocks from my hostel. It had people coming and going from it all the time since it was located in the busy area of Kyoto.