Kyoto Travel Guide - Japan
After making a guide to Tokyo, how could I not come out with a Kyoto Guide?
Kyoto was truly one of the most beautiful and traditional cities I have visited. I found there was an extreme contrast between traditional and modern architecture, food, activities and even souvenirs.
Worlds apart from Tokyo, Kyoto is the perfect break from the madness and does feel a bit like you are getting out of the rush of the city.
Kyoto has always been on my list since my dad travelled to Japan a few years ago. Kyoto has the appeal of a more traditional Japanese experience. This I think is so vital to embrace when visiting Japan. Tokyo shows off a lot of city life, getting out into other prefectures is the best way to see the other side of Japan.
Don’t get me wrong, the main city of Kyoto is bustling! But as you get a little further outside of the city stops, the ambiance of this prefecture is just insane!
The Basics:
How to get to Kyoto: From any station in Tokyo or stations in other prefectures that allocate a trip by a “Shinkansen” (bullet train) to kyoto is the best option.
How long is the train from Tokyo?: Approximately 2.5 hours
Currency: Japanese Yen
How to get around: the Train and subway systems are well developed here in Kyoto, these are likely to be the cheapest options of travel. Make sure to get a Japan Rail Pass here! Uber is also available if you prefer rideshare.
Cheap or Expensive Destination?: Like most places in Japan, the pricing is quite high. Make sure to bring a few extra thousand yen on your trip to Kyoto.
Best time to go: For cherry blossoms, it is advised to go anytime from early to mid-April. However, Kyoto is beautiful all year round.
Accommodation
There are a multitude of options regarding accommodation in Kyoto. What works best for my type of travel, more on the luxury side is a hotel.
I would 100% recommend booking in advance. We arrived on the day and decided to test our luck. Long story short, we were sent on a wild goose chase!
Here are some of the best luxury options to consider when searching for Kyoto accommodation:
Hotel Granvia Kyoto (Kyoto Station)
Slightly lower cost (but still lovely):
I wouldn’t go past a traditional Machiya style Airbnb either if you are really looking to soak up some authentic japanese culture. Just make sure your back can handle sleeping on a futon!
To Do:
Fushimi Inari Temple
These beautiful golden gates are a true sight to see! Definitely one of my highlights of japan.
I recommend getting there for sunrise if you are looking to get that baren instagram shot. Trust me, makes it a lot easier than trying to edit out heaps of people!
I took an Uber from Kyoto central to the shrine. Taking approximately 10 minutes, there is also an option to travel by train.
The shrine is huge! You will know you are there as soon as you see the orange hue on the entrance gates. Proceed straight through the entrance and past the beautiful temples. If you head up the stairs behind the temples you will get to the beginning of the shrine.
If you are there in winter be sure to wrap up warm, the walk takes you on a hike up a mountain to the top gates. A truly amazing sight to see. If you’re there in summer, sunscreen and a hat is a must!
Bamboo Forest
So this one was a little harder to find. You will come to a main street filled with cafes, restaurants, souvenir shops, and even candy floss. Down a side street enclosed by a market-looking set up, you will find the entrance to the forest.
Wow. This is a true (not so hidden) gem of Japan. The monstrous shoots tower above and let light stream down through the middle of the path. Definitely a photographer's paradise.
The walk is quite long so there are opportunities to find quiet spots to get a beautiful shot, or just embrace the business of japan and get a shot with a million others in it too!
Gion
Gion is known as the Geisha District in Kyoto. Just magical in terms of architecture, ambiance, and what there is to explore.
Travel by train from almost anywhere to get to Gion. I stopped at the stop “Gion Shirakawa”. This was a beautiful place to begin exploring.
Kyoto Tower
This beautiful observation tower stands high above the city. If you’re passing through the city it is worth getting a ticket to the top. The 360 views of this city are truly mesmerizing and a great chance to take the entirety of a city in!
Adult tickets are priced at 700 yen ($10NZD) whereas if you are staying in the Kyoto tower hotel, you’ll be paying the discounted price of just 400 yen ($6NZD)
Golden Temple
Just as it sounds, this Buddhist temple made of gold is definitely not an eyesore! This beautiful piece of architecture sits on a lake that often reflects the temple itself.
A pure spectacle of both Kyoto and greater japan, I wouldn’t miss out on this spot.
Photo by Geejay Sabordo on Unsplash
Top 3 Spots to eat:
Arashiyama, Udon Ozuru
Wow, the udon noodles that are hand-made here are second to none! I would recommend coming here before or after your trip to the bamboo forest. A great opportunity to try some authentic Japanese cuisine too!
Arashiyama Candy Floss
Experience a bit of fun on the same main street as Udon Ozuru. Test out flavours of andy floss from matcha to sakura milk. Be aware the line is long and the treat is a little unique tasting. Something you will have to try for yourself..
Kyoto Tower Dining options
There are a handful of different dining options within Kyoto tower, from restaurants to bars you can dine in the sky. The 4 star menu is designed to take you on a taste journey from Japanese Haute to Japanese Kaiseki and also Western.
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