Kyoto & Kobe: Japan’s Cultural Gems

Kyoto & Kobe: Japan’s Cultural Gems

Hi, I am Prem. I’m Latha. Hello everyone and 
welcome to our Third Episode “Latha & Prem Around the World. So far we have traveled 59 countries, across 
six continents. Thank you so much for watching our first two episodes. We really appreciate all your 
feedback. If you’re joining for the first time, make sure not to miss Tokyo, Mount Fuji, and Nara in our previous two episodes. [Music] Now, Welcome to Episode 3 : Japan – Kyoto and Kobe. 
In this episode you will see our experience in bullet train from Tokyo to Kyoto. In Kyoto you’ll see Shrine and famous Torii Gates. Then Arashyama Bamboo Grooves and a fun ride on the 
Sagano romantic train. Later the Kyoto Imperial Palace and Kyoto Tower at night. Finally dazzling trip to Kobe Harborland at night. Please don’t miss Latha’s Tamil Song in Kyoto Bamboo. We were thrilled to ride the bullet train from 
Tokyo to Kyoto, again. The journey typically takes 2 hours and 15 minutes. These incredible trains can reach a maximum speed of 300 km per hour, making the scenic trip a swift and smooth 
experience across Japan. Our Shinkansen Bullet train journey from Tokyo to Kyoto in the 
green car was an amazing experience. So to be officially called highspeed based on highspeed 
association, it’s 250. So, we almost hit high speed, but we’re about to hit high speed now. And just to show you what it looks like. Once the train reached speeds above 250 kilometers per hour, the view outside was very exciting, like flying across the countryside! Midway through our trip, we had an incredible glimpse of Mount Fuji. Even though it was just for a short while, seeing its majestic peak in the distance was truly breathtaking. It felt like a postcard coming to life. We have arrived in Kyoto. Here we are. Let’s see how different it is to 
Tokyo. I guess we’ll find out. [Music] next one to take off. [Music] Thank you. Right. We added to the 
collection of stamps. Let’s go. [Music] Our son was thrilled to find a piano at Kyoto station. 
He immediately sat down, his eyes sparkling with excitement He loved playing a tune for everyone passing by, making our wait, even more special. Let’s go. [Music] We made it. Kyoto Tower Hotel annex. [Music] So this is Kyoto station. Nice looking 
station. Hey ho. Oh, it is outside. Okay, it’s the underground. Huge mall next to the 
station on the way to the subway. What’s up with that? Women only carriage.
Can you believe it? Carriage just for women. We’re going to Inari, which is 
on the way to Nara, technically. Welcome to Fushimi Inari. Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine 
is a very famous Shinto Shrine in Kyoto, Japan. The Shrine has a long history with 
its earliest structures built in 711 AD. The main shrine building was 
reconstructed in 1499 after being  destroyed. The shrine is built on and 
around Mount Inari which is 233 m high. This shrine attracts millions 
of visitors each year, especially during the first 
few days of the New Year. People come here to pray for good harvests, 
successful businesses, and general good luck. This shrine is known all over the world for 
its thousands of bright orange gates called Torii. [Music] What makes Fushimi Inari special 
are these unique Tory gates. These gates are donated by individuals and businesses to thank the God Inari for good fortune and prosperity. [Music] Foxes are considered Inari’s messengers which is why you will see many fox statues throughout the shrine grounds. Highkey pandemonia gates of the gates. The paths of Tori gates lead all the way 
to the top. To walk the full trail, to the summit and back, there are approximately 12,000 steps. Each gate has a Donor’s name and Date written on it. [Music] We’re lost. There is a lot of these. I would just doesn’t stop because it’s just there’s nothing The shrine is home to an incredible number of Tori gates with estimates ranging from 10,000 to even 32,000 creating long winding paths up to the mountain Somewhat to the top. So we started around here, done that, done that, done that, and apparently we’re here 
apparently. We walked for a while. Apparently, it goes on apparently. But we made it 
to here apparently. I don’t watch the news. It started to rain and our parents are waiting at 
the base already for us. Yep. So now we we have to go down. Go down. Let’s just tell enjoy this view 
that we did the shrine. Wagon. Wanji. The belief around Fishimi Inari is centered on Inari Okami, 
the Shinto God of rice, agriculture and business. Here we are getting Kimonos and we’re 
getting it Our boys have shown interest in wearing traditional Kimono which must have been a unique experience. So the first right after sword The Kimono is a traditional Japanese garment 
and the national dress of Japan. Wearing their beautiful Kimonos, they took a memorable stroll 
through the streets of Kyoto. As evening fell, we visited the iconic Yasaka Pagoda at Hoganji Temple, which looked stunning in the dim light. The whole evening sounds like it was perfect for a photo shoot capturing wonderful memories of our trip to Japan. Welcome to Yasaka Pagoda, here in Kyoto, Japan It is approaching 8:00, so it’s 
quite late. I don’t know. The sky isn’t as blue as you may have to be in the 
camera, but it’s actually quite dark, is beautiful country. It’s a fantastic way to immerse ourselves in the local culture. [Music] Zoom in. [Music] Next day after Japanese breakfast we hopped on 
a local train heading towards Hoganin temple. On our way we witnessed the pink colored 
train also called the Sagano Romantic Train. While crossing the railway tracks 
it was a unique experience. Beautiful. [Music] Do you hear it? This is the, 
This is the point I want to take photos, which is very nice. Even with the rain pouring down, we crossed the Katsura River Bridge. We arrived at Hoganin Temple’s Shishuku 
Garden, also known as a Zen Garden, is absolutely stunning. Even in the rain, the greens of the Moss, trees, and shrubs were vibrant and deeply refreshing. In the garden we found statues of Buddha himself in various poses representing different stages of his life or teachings. After enjoying the Zen garden 
we arrived at Hoganin Temple. This temple has a long history. Founded in 1461. Our visit to the Arashyama Bamboo Grove was a 
highlight of our trip. This is the best part in Kyoto. This dense Bamboo Grove took 
decades to grow. It is a testament to nature’s power and long-term care reaching its towering height thick beauty over many years. In rain, we still managed to have a great photo shoot 
capturing the magic of the place. Arashiyama bamboo Grove is not something that was built in the traditional sense like a building. Instead, it’s a natural forest of bamboo stalks that has existed 
for centuries. Nice curve. Fantastic , Beautiful. It is incredibly popular among tourists for many reasons. Firstly, it is unique and ethereal beauty is captivating. Around 20 million tourists visit Arashiyama annually with the bamboo being one of its star attractions 
making it one of Kyoto’s most visited areas. We were especially keen to see this famous spot 
because we had seen it in a Tamil movie song [Music] where the Bamboo Grove looked 
absolutely stunning in the music video. After enjoying the Bamboo Grove, we boarded the 
colorful Sagano romantic train. This special train started operating in 1991 and has since become a major attraction with hundreds of thousands of people travel on it annually, enjoying 
the seasonal beauty of Kyoto’s countryside. This charming train journey takes about 25 
minutes. Winding slowly through a beautiful untouched landscape. Passengers are treated 
to stunning views of the Hosugawa River Gorge, often seeing the river’s clear waters 
and the surrounding lush mountain sides. [Music] The Kyoto Imperial Palace is incredibly 
important as the former residents of Japan’s emperors for over 500 years prior 
to the capital moving to Tokyo in 1869. It’s well-maintained garden. You can also admire beautifully cultivated Bonsai Trees adding to the aesthetic appeal. The top observation point offering an entire city view directly from the palace itself. [Music] The Kyoto Tower standing 131 m tall is a striking landmark, especially at night when it glows. It’s located directly opposite to the massive Kyoto station. Kyoto served as the nation’s capital for 
over thousand years. Kyoto is considered the cultural heart of Japan. Its population is over 1.4 million. From its observation deck, you can sometimes see two trains traveling simultaneously on different tracks. It’s quite amazing view. After Nara trip, we arrived at Kobe station 
in the evening and it was lively and modern. At Kobe station, a cool waterfall stood beside the elevator. It took us straight to Harborland   and that was amazing. Kobe is a port city that makes things like ships, steel and a machinery. It has about 1.5 million people. Kobe grew because it became a big port for trading with other countries Kobe Harborland at night is truly magical. It’s a favorite spot for both locals and visitors in the evening when everything is lit up beautifully. At night, Harborland was sparkling near the water. We saw the Kobe Port tower and the Kobe Maritime Museum. [Music] We were so glad we decided to visit Kobe even 
though it was not originally in our plan. The Ferris wheel twinkled and put on a 
captivating light show. Many restaurants had great food with amazing views of the 
lights. We had a tasty dinner right by the Kobe Harborland waterfront. We loved looking at the colorful ship-shaped building all lit up and the bright area around us. It was a beautiful view. [Music]

Join Latha & Prem in Episode 3 of “Around the World” as they journey from Tokyo to the breathtaking cities of Kyoto and Kobe, Japan! This clip is a whirlwind of ancient tradition and dazzling modern charm.

In this clip, you’ll see:

A high-speed ride on the Shinkansen bullet train, with a surprise glimpse of Mount Fuji.

The mesmerizing thousands of orange torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine.

A beautiful evening stroll through the streets of Kyoto in traditional kimonos, with a visit to the Yasaka Pagoda.

The serene beauty of Hogonin Temple’s Zen Garden, even in the rain.

The awe-inspiring Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, a famous location from a Tamil movie.

A scenic trip on the Sagano Romantic Train through the Hozugawa River Gorge.

The vibrant nightlife of Kobe Harborland, including the twinkling lights of the Kobe Port Tower and Kobe Maritime Museum.

Discover the cultural heart of Japan with Latha & Prem as they share their unforgettable adventures in these iconic cities.
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