Osaka / Kyoto: Kinkaku-ji, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Sannenzaka & Uji

Kiyomizu-dera is one of Japan's most celebrated temples, recognized as part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was founded in 780 on the site of the Otowa Waterfall, located in the wooded hills east of Kyoto, from which it derives its name.

The temple is particularly famous for its wooden stage that extends from the main hall, standing 13 meters above the hillside.This stage offers stunning views of the numerous cherry and maple trees below, which explode in vibrant colors during the spring and fall, as well as of the city of Kyoto in the distance. The main hall, along with the stage, was constructed without the use of nails and houses the temple's primary object of worship, a small statue of the eleven-faced, thousand-armed Kannon.

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion）is a Zen Buddhist temple in Kyoto, Japan. A breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its dazzling golden exterior and serene gardens. The name Golden Pavilion is derived from the gold leaf that the pavilion is covered in. The gold employed was intended to mitigate and purify any pollution or negative thoughts and feelings toward death.

The Golden Pavilion is a three-story building on the grounds of the Rokuon-ji temple complex. Each floor has a different architectural style. The pavilion successfully incorporates three distinct styles of architecture, which are shinden, samurai, and zen.

Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka have thrived since ancient times, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the atmosphere of Kyoto. These sloping streets are lined with historic Japanese-style buildings that are characteristic of the city.

Along the way, you'll find a variety of shops, including souvenir stores, shops selling various Japanese products, sweet shops, and restaurants.

Byodo-in Temple is one of Japan's best-preserved national treasures and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The most iconic structure within the temple is the Phoenix Hall, which features wing-like corridors on either side of the central hall, resembling a phoenix spreading its wings, selected for the design as the obverse of the 10 yen coin.

Murasaki-Shikibu is the author of the ' Tale of Genji ' written in the middle of Japan's ' Heian Perido ' ( 9th-12th centuries). The tale is known as one of Japan's foremost literary masterpieces. The final ten chapters are often called the ' Uji-Jujo ', because the main stage of this magnificent literary work are all set in Uji City. In honour of this connection you can find the novelist perched beneath a lone pine alongside the famous Uji Bridge.

Uji Bridge is one of the oldest bridges in Japan. It's believed to have been constructed for the first time in 646, more than 1300 years ago. The current bridge was completed in March 1996, and it features bronze ornamental caps along its balustrade made of Japanese cypress. With this, the historical image of Uji Bridge is retained and the design harmonizes with the surrounding landscape. This bridge has always been familiar with people as a symbol of Uji, as a place of sceinc beauty.

The Kyoto Prefectural Uji Park is an island park surrounded by the Uji River, which divides the water's flow downstream. The park is connected to the riverbanks by three bridges. There are many scenic features including a 13th-century stone pagoda that stands 15 m tall.

In spring, the park offers beautiful views of cherry blossom forests, and birds can be seen flying in the sky. Red-colored bridges connect the pathways on both sides of the river, and it's interesting to see ducks diving into the fast-flowing river to catch fish.

Uji Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Uji, a city in Kyoto Prefecture, Japan. The theme of the shrine is centered around rabbits, with the image of a white, red-eyed bunny featured on every lantern and ema (votive tablet).

In Japanese culture, rabbits symbolize safe and plentiful childbirth, and you can find popular rabbit-themed omamori (lucky charms) for sale at the shrine. As you exit, you'll come across a bronze rabbit fountain, green with patina save for a golden bald spot on his head after many years of ‘touching for luck.’

Uji is renowned for its green tea production, and this charming street is lined with shops selling a variety of tea and tea-related products. It is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Uji, as it showcases Japan’s rich tea heritage and provides a glimpse into its fascinating history.

As you stroll down the cobblestone path, the air is filled with the enticing aroma of freshly roasted tea leaves. Here you can try tea-flavored “dango” dumplings, noodles, ice creams, and donuts. Take your time to wander through the souvenir shops and eateries. At the end of the street, you will find a Starbucks that serves its popular Matcha Frappé.