Kinkakuji, Kitano Tenmangu, Arashiyama Highlights (4K)

Originally not on my list of places to visit as it feels decidedly over-hyped (an opinion I retain after my visit, nice though it is), but Kinkaku-ji, with its golden pavilion, happens to also be nearby to other notable shrines – like pretty much anywhere in Kyoto. In particular I was curious to visit Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, and it was hosting a market, similar to Toji Temple had earlier in the week. There is something pleasing about the business of market stalls with more of a local ambience mixed amongst the old stone lanterns and lions.

Another reason for visiting Kyoto again today was to attempt to check off two novelty railway journeys. First, I caught the Keifuku Randen line with its small self-contained engines from Kitano through to Arashiyama. From here, the Sagano Romantic Train runs through the river valley to the west. Unfortunately it was fully booked up today, but I enjoyed the riverside and the immediate vicinity, and then timed my return into Kyoto for catching the Kyo-train Garaku, run by Hankyu Railway along their main Hankyu Kyoto Line. For no extra charge, at specific times of day (and only on weekends and holidays) you can enjoy the seasonal themed carriages to add flavour to the journey back to Osaka.
https://www.hankyu.co.jp/kyotrain-garaku/en/

As for the Sagano, we will just have to see what tomorrow brings…

Recorded: 25 October 2025, 11.05
Stills: Nikon D7200, Tamron 16-300mm / Samsung S22
Video: Insta360 Ace Pro 2 (Linear, HDR, Standard stabilisation)
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#traveljapan #kinkakuji #arashiyama

00:00 Kinkaku-ji
00:50 Golden Pavilion crowds
02:00 Scenic gardens
03:50 Mausoleum of Emperor Kazan
04:10 Hirano Shrine
04:50 Kitano Tenmangu Shrine
06:15 Shrine market
07:05 Randen railway
07:30 Arashiyama station & river
09:10 Kyo-train Garaku
11:55 Hankyu Grand Building dining, Osaka
12:30 Thank you for watching!