The Stairs of Kyoto

Posted on 05. Oct, 2010 by in Asia, Destinations

Back in my not so far away past, I was pretty sedentary. When I was sitting in a cubicle all day the farthest I walked was from my desk to the mail room and back. In my new life walking 3-4 mile or more a day is pretty standard and my feet are definitely taking a beating for it. I know it’s been a productive day when my feet are throbbing as I go to sleep. That’s healthy, right?

The stairs of Kyoto are not making life any easier for my poor shell shocked tootsies. Kyoto, the former capital city of Japan, is known primarily for it’s historic palaces, temples and shrines. The city is literally thousands of years old, so it has had time to accumulate quite a large number of these beautiful compounds.

Unfortunately for me, many of these amazing sites involve stairs. A LOT of stairs. Kyoto is a pretty flat city, but all of the best temples seem to be built into the surrounding hillsides. When you think about it, it’s a lovely dramatic device to build your temple at the top of some terrifically steep steps. Kind of like climbing to heaven, where only the most devoted trekkers who reach the top are rewarded with great beauty- and a great view.

Here are some of my favorites, all worth the vertical hike:

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Chion-in Temple

Ryozen Kannon World War II Memorial

bamboo path

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4144/5041808394_8d2311a16d.jpg

Nigatsu-Do (Nara)

There’s a travel lesson in here I think. When you see a flight of stairs, take it. The steeper the better. 9 times out of 10 something awesome is waiting at the top. At the very least you’ll sleep well.

And wear good shoes.

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25 Responses to “The Stairs of Kyoto”

  1. ayngelina

    05. Oct, 2010

    The days I’m trudging through the streets, sweating from the heat and humidity, about to cry because I can’t find my hostel, I try to remember that it is better than sitting in a cubicle. Plus with scenery like the photos above, who can complain.

    Reply to this comment

  2. Michael

    05. Oct, 2010

    Travel is the new weight lost drug.

    I LOVE that shot in Ryozen Kannon World War II Memorial with the bamboos and stairs.

    Reply to this comment

    • Steph

      05. Oct, 2010

      I knew you’d like that one! And yes, my jeans are already fitting looser.

      Reply to this comment

  3. Washi

    05. Oct, 2010

    All of us stuck in our cubicles are green!!!! Love the bamboo pic…thanx for sharing :)

    Reply to this comment

  4. Andi

    05. Oct, 2010

    These pictures blow me away!!! I think all of the most amazing things in life require some sort of arduous journey to get to. :)

    Reply to this comment

  5. Steve

    05. Oct, 2010

    Love the bamboo shot and am excited for the posts to come. Thanks for the inspiration as I get ready for my adventures!

    Steve

    Reply to this comment

  6. Emily S.

    05. Oct, 2010

    Your photos are absolutely beautiful! My favorite is the one of the WWII memorial. I think it would feel odd to see the memorial for a war my country was on the other side of, if that makes sense.

    ….and that is a LOT of stairs.

    Reply to this comment

    • Steph

      10. Oct, 2010

      It was actually a memorial to foreign soldiers, so it’s a memorial for us!

      Reply to this comment

  7. sofia

    06. Oct, 2010

    So true, there is usually something incredible at the top of a flight of stairs, I’ll keep that in mind next time ;)

    Reply to this comment

  8. Amanda

    06. Oct, 2010

    Kyoto looks amazing! It certainly seems like you’re seeing a lot, which is great. I love all the photos.

    And you’re right — lots of steep steps (especially when found in an ancient, foreign country) are usually worth the climb.

    Reply to this comment

    • Steph

      10. Oct, 2010

      Yeah I have so mcuh more about Kyoto to say-just don’t have the time to say it!

      Reply to this comment

  9. Gray

    07. Oct, 2010

    Beautiful photos! I love walking everywhere when I travel. I don’t get nearly enough exercise in my everyday routine. As long as the weather’s nice, I love being out there. Enjoy it while you can!

    Reply to this comment

    • Steph

      10. Oct, 2010

      Yeah, I’m a big walker too, just need some time to break my feet in.

      Reply to this comment

  10. carmen

    07. Oct, 2010

    beautiful photos! :)

    Reply to this comment

  11. Claire

    08. Oct, 2010

    After climbing up to the Great Wall of China, on stairs too numerous too count and DEFINITELY unplanned for,( I seriously thought I would just drive right up to it-ha, who knew?) I somehow managed to injure my knee. Walking around China over the next 3 weeks didn’t help much. Too this day ( 4 years later) the pain comes back after too much walking/hiking/climbing. Despite the pain, I like to refer to it fondly as my “old Great Wall of China” injury.

    Reply to this comment

    • Steph

      10. Oct, 2010

      Ugh you have described my worst fear. I keep telling myself the constant aches and pains are temporary- hope I’m not doing any serious damage to myself!

      Reply to this comment

  12. Christian

    09. Oct, 2010

    OK, I’ll give you Nigatsu-Do (did that guy make it to the top alive?), but Ryozen Kannon has such pretty bamboo and Chion-in is the most laid back, horizontal staircase I’ve ever seen – if it was ever made into a Hollywood blockbuster Matthew McConaughey would play it. Come on Steph, the view is from the top – you’ve got to earn it. Safe travels…

    Reply to this comment

  13. Kate Lyn

    12. Oct, 2010

    Stephie, these pictures are fantastic! Kyoto is at the top of my travel-wish list. I’m so happy your trip is going well, and your blog posts are great! Keep them coming!

    Reply to this comment

  14. Alicia

    15. Oct, 2010

    Wow. This place is absolutely stunning. I didn’t know Kyoto has so much to show to travelers. No doubt tourist rate has been increasing in that place. The photos that you have shared are really beautiful. I love your angels very professionally done. Thank you for having the thought to share it.

    Reply to this comment

  15. Andrew - The Unframed World

    16. Mar, 2011

    I went to Kyoto last October and saw almost all of these sights too. So cool to see your perspective on it. Did you happen to get to the seemingly infinite walkways of red gates (tori) just southwest of kyoto station?

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