Tag 9 - Cycling through Kyoto

Today we hopped on our bikes to explore Kyoto and be able to stop whenever something catches our eye spontaneously. We are gradually becoming more confident in left-hand traffic. In Germany, it will be a change again to drive on the right side.

Today we have the number 3 tourist attraction in Kyoto on the agenda. A bamboo forest. We are already skeptical when we start because the wild forest is hard to beat for us.

And who would have thought: The 'forest' turned out to be an artificially created large garden, which was crowded with tourists like us. It was nice to look at, but we have already seen better. That's why I would recommend everyone to plan a little more time and go for a hike instead. This is much more enjoyable for inner peace, as nature cannot be experienced as authentically here in the 'garden' as in a real forest.

Then we go to the Kinkakuji Temple, also known as the Golden Temple. We ride up steep streets and then down again. Overall, the relaxed bike trip turns into a mountain stage. Our legs eventually give up and we have to push and let the bike roll downhill.

When we arrive at the temple, we can finally breathe properly. The most difficult part of the day is over. On the way back to the apartment, it's all downhill, so we stroll through the garden of the Golden Temple, take photos for other visitors and let ourselves be guided by the flow of people.

As a reward, we treat ourselves to a matcha-vanilla soft-serve ice cream and we regain the calories we burned. From now on, it's a pleasant 4-kilometer downhill ride and we let it roll. In the blazing sun, it's a blessing to feel the wind in our hair.

The only downside to the trip is the sunburn I got. It's the first one in a long time, usually I know how to avoid the sun or apply sunscreen. But today the sun surprised us. So quickly to the nearest convenience store, buy sunscreen, apply it, and behold, the sun disappears - unfortunately for the rest of the day.

The rest of the time we spend strolling through Kyoto's shopping streets, buying souvenirs, and eating an omurice dish. An omelette on top of a pile of rice. Unassuming, but incredibly delicious.

Since we are quite tired, we go home early to plan the last day in Kyoto.