12 Hours of Kyoto (and Yes Sakura Season!)

1. Visit Kyomizu temple & Jishu Shrine 清水寺地主神社

The Kyomizu Temple was found in 780, and was named as "Pure Water" Temple due to its close location to the Ootawa waterfall. The temple itself is built entirely without a single nail piece, as constructed largely based on a criss-cross locks between the wooden polls.

The Jishu Shrine next to it, is famous for love and matchmaking. You will find two stones one a walk path, if you can successfully start from one end, and with your eyes closed, touch the stone on the other end without the help of others, you will be in a happy marriage! Although its only a 20m walk, and the path is crowded with couples buying lucky charms, or tourists taking photos, people are generally "in sync" in getting out of the way of those who are trying to walk through the crowd with their eyes closed!

2. Shop around the streets in Higashiyama district and make sure to get dessert from 清水京あみ (Kiyomizu Kyoami)

This is the path leading to the Kyomizu Temple, and its packed with exotic procelain, kimono and snack shops. So although Kyoami is famous for the custard cream puffs and Macha ice-cream, make sure you try their in-season tea snacks (such as sakura blossom biscuits, Earl Grey biscuits).

Macha glutinous rice balls and rice tea

I love all the kimono fabrics they had here!

Cute paper crafts

Kyoami (Check out their rabbit logo!)

3. Have an afternoon tea at Chourakukan 長樂館
This Renaissance villa was commissioned to American architect James Gardine byJapanese Tobacco tycoon in 1909, for hosting his foreign guests. The interior has remained its French origins, and you may find exclusive antique collections that got passed down from the family.

4. Try out late night tidbits at Yasaka Shrine and walk around Marumaya Park 圓山公園

The Yasaka shrine is beautiful at night, with its rows of lanterns that are dedicated for business prosperity. It is also one of the most famous shrines, especially during Cherry Blossom seasons, as well as in July for the Gion Matsuri.

You will be able to find a mini "night market" selling local tidbits such as octopus balls, grilled squid, okonomiyaki, and Japanese fried chicken.