Kyoto: Higashiyama and Hanami

The day after my family and I went to Osaka, we decided to have another day in Kyoto, this time in the Higashiyama area.

First of all, we went to the Gion area and to Yasaka Jinja. There were a tonne of Yatai (food stalls) inside, so we got lunch, and then had a little look round the shrine grounds. There was some kind of event going on (it was sakura season) so there were tonnes more stands than usual, and even a haunted house! (お化け屋敷ーObake Yashiki) I didn't go in, sadly, but if you see one, I'd recommend it- The obake yashiki I went into at my Uni's cultural festival was hilarious! One of the stand owners called me 'Barbie', hehe. There were a fair few people there for hanami, and a lot of girls had worn or rented kimono too- so cute.

Right behind Yasaka Jinja is Maruyama Koen, supposedly one of the best places in Kyoto for Hanami parties! Not all of the sakura was in full bloom, but some were blooming really prettily! There was an area set out for hanami with mats on the ground and seats, and I think they lit it up in the evening too. We bought some food and had a mini hanami <3

After that, we walked round some of the pretty, old style streets in Gion, which is an old Geisha area. 

Next after Gion was Pontocho, another old Geisha district. Their symbol is the plover bird, which is why it's on all the lanterns.

Lastly, when we were on our way home we stumbled on this gorgeous river with sakura trees blooming. I also decided to attempt a sakura selfie... when in Rome, right?

Thanks for reading! This post was super picture-heavy, sorry. I still have a tonne more sakura pictures to share with you, so keep your eyes peeled ;)

Want some more Kyoto? Check out: Fushimi Inari Taisha//Arashiyama // Kinkakuji// Ryoanji //Nijo Castle // Kiyomizudera // Ginkakuji

-Amy xoxo