Kyoto
Kyoto Travel Guide
Kyoto is the ancient capital of Japan, and is a window into the world of feudal Japan. Kyoto is unusual in how many ancient structures date back hundreds of years. During World War II the allied bombing campaign leveled many historic places throughout Japan. Fukuoka was completely destroyed. The fire-bombing of Tokyo obliterated large portions of the city and killed more people than the atomic bomb. However, the allies spared Kyoto, probably out of respect for its history (although that motive is now disputed).
The people of the Kansai area (Osaka and Kyoto) also have a unique outlook and local dialect that makes spending time there fun. You will probably notice a real difference in the manners and outlook of people in Tokyo and Kyoto.
I highly recommend the “Time Out” guide to Kyoto, and they run a great website with events and area guides:
http://www.timeout.jp/en/kyoto
Getting There
One way or another, you will probably arrive at Kyoto Station. It is full of useful information about Kyoto. The station itself how also has an extensive shopping center and many fun eateries.
Higashiyama
Higashiyama is the western portion of Kyoto that lies between the Kamogawa river and the western mountains. It is the home to some of the most beautiful temples in all of Japan. In Higashiyama, many people visit sights along the philosopher’s path, including Kyomizudera and Ginkaku-ji, but consequently those locations are often packed with tourists.
Kyomizudera
You won’t be able to escape Kyoto properly unless you visit Kyomizudera, and getting there is half the fun. Kyomizudera is at the top of two streets that run roughly parallel to one another: Sannen zaka and Ninnen Zaka. Both are a long and somewhat arduous walk up the western mountain that overlooks Kyoto. The streets are lined with tourist vendors and restaurants, and you will be in good company, accompanied by schoolchildren and vacationing families.
When you get to the top, you will first go to the left to the ticket booth and buy your admission ticket. You’ll be tempted to enter the temple right away – but here’s a little secret. Just to the left of the main entrance you’ll see another, smaller temple. There might be a short line of people queued up at the top of the stairs for the “tenai meguri.” Most tourists are completely unaware of this place, however. Admission is a mere 100 yen. I won’t spoil the surprise, but I strongly recommend a visit. It is a completely unique and utterly Japanese experience, if not a little…strange.
Chishaku In
Chishaku-In is a temple of the Chizan School of Shingon Buddhism. Built in 1585, the original garden has been attributed to the tea master Sen no Rikyu. It is often not visited by Japanese tourists who are more attracted to Kyomizudera, Ginkakuji, etc. However, it is quite stunning.
Teramachi Shopping Arcade / Nishiki Market
Located in central Kyoto, just north of Kyoto Station by a few stops, this is a huge, outdoor covered shopping arcade. Nishiki Market is just to the west and can be accessed from Teramachi arcade. Nishiki market is a traditional market visited by Kyoto shoppers for hundreds of years. Teramachi is far more modern and has an up-to-date mix of everything you desire.
Gion
Gion is known for its traditional performances and as the modern home of the Geiko (Geisha) and Maiko (Geisha in training) community. Today you can watch modern Geiko and Maiko perform, either at Gion Corner or other similar venues. It is definitely worth it.
If you are feeling particularly ambitious, you can even visit one of many stores that will dress you in traditional Japanese clothes for the day and let you visit your destinations of the day in full costume. You won’t be alone – many Japanese visitors take advantage of these services!
MyoShinJi
This large complex of temples is in Western Kyoto and is probably worth a cab ride. However, it is home to a number of historic temples that are worth a visit. In addition, at Taizoin, the monks offer calligraphy, zazen meditation, and tea ceremony lessons and demonstrations to English-speaking guests for about 7500 yen per person per day. Tazoin also has a lovely garden.
Fushimi Inari Shrine
While not technically in Kyoto, it is not far from town. This shrine can’t really be described or photographed without missing the enormity of it. Worth the diversion for a visit. Getting there is fairly easy: it takes only 5 minutes on JR lines from Kyoto station to Inari station that is in front of the main Torii gateway of the shrine, or 13 minutes on Kyoto City Bus from Kyoto station bus stop to Fushimi-Inari-Taisha bus stop and 7 minutes on foot, or 8 minutes on Keihan railway line from Gion-Shijo station to Fushimi-Inari station then 5 minutes on foot.
Arashiyama
I primarily recommend visiting Arashiyama, though, which is another quick train ride from Kyoto and is a little easier to navigate. There are plenty of beautiful temples there and the bridge and water there are beautiful. You can also take a “romantic train” through the mountains and/or take boats down the river - you’ll get a little splashed, but the breeze will be refreshing and the boat ride takes you through lovely mountains.
Kibune
There is a quiet little area just outside of Kyoto called Kibune - it is up in the mountains and has little cafes that sit on top of the river where you can eat under the shade. It can be a nice respite from the heat.
Kibune also has little hot spring inns, but you can get there from Kyoto on a short train ride and try the hot spring for an hour or two if you prefer by just walking in. If you want to stay in the mountains, you can also visit Kuruma Dera, which isn’t too far from Kurume.