Being one of the oldest cities in Asia, Kyoto’s the kind of city that could have a Wendy’s across from a 1,000-year-old temple. It’s the best place to experience traditional Japanese culture at its heart. There’s so much to do in Kyoto; even if you get tired of shrines and temples, there’s also many parks to explore and hikes to complete. If you are visiting in the spring or fall during cherry blossom or Japanese maple season, I especially recommend staying as many days as possible. The scenes of the seasonal trees alongside the 1,000-year-old architecture are some of the most gorgeous sights I’ve ever seen.
Kiyomizu-dera
One of the most famous temples in Japan, Kiyomizu-dera, boasts ancient streets that lead you to the top of the temple on a mountain, where you can see all of Kyoto below. While Kiyomizu-dera is amazing, it is probably the most crowded tourist attraction in the city, so be mindful of that before you go. Also, if you can go after sunset when the shops are closed, the streets are beautiful and peaceful at night.
https://www.kiyomizudera.or.jp/en/
Fushimi Inari Shrine
The Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine, dedicated entirely to foxes, spans the entire Mount Inari, with the famous 10,000 torii gates guiding you to the top. It is especially beautiful in the fall, when the vivid red leaves of the Japanese maples match the color of the torii. As this shrine is almost as popular as Kiyomizu-dera, the best time to go is an hour or two before sunset. Also, the farther you hike up the mountain, the less people crowd the way.
https://inari.jp/en/
Teramachi Shopping Street, Nishiki Market and Gion District
These two markets are iconic shopping areas in the center of Kyoto. In Teramachi, there are many places that sell everything from handmade chopsticks to beautiful sewing fabrics. Nishiki Market — a 400 year old outside food market — is also nearby. Spend time in Teramachi in the 2D Cafe, eat exotic types of yakitori (skewered chicken) or go shopping for some uniquely Japanese fashion.
Just across the river is the Gion District, famous for geishas and the beautiful Yasaka Shrine. It has very upscale restaurants and clothing stores, as well as lively bars along the riverside that runs throughout the city. If you go during cherry blossom season, this neighborhood comes to life with pink flowers flowing gently through the sky and water.
Kinkaku-ji
Kinkaku-ji is special, as it is completely covered in gold leaf. On a sunny day, the temple shines brightly in the light; casting an almost glowing reflection onto the pond below it.
https://www.shokoku-ji.jp/en/kinkakuji/
Day trip: Arashiyama
A 30 to 45 minute journey from Kyoto station, Arashiyama is a small town just on the edge of Kyoto. It has beautiful natural views such as a river to take a rental boat along, mountains to hike, or a park to walk in the famous bamboo groves. In addition to these, there is a monkey park around a 10-minute walk up stairs built into a mountain. Arashiyama is also most beautiful during both the fall and spring seasons, when the trees change color.
https://www.arashiyamahoshokai.com/
Day trip: Nara
The city of Nara used to be Japan’s capital before Kyoto and Tokyo, first established in 710 A.D. This makes it even older than Kyoto. The star of Nara is its park, (conveniently named) Nara Park. Here, you can see the giant bronze Buddha inside Todai-ji temple. This isn’t to mention the magical bowing deer that roam throughout the park, side by side with humans. Sometimes, if you bow to them, they will bow back. As well as the park, you can also visit the famous mochi shop, Nakatanidou. The mochi pounding here is the fastest in the world, and it’s a marvel to watch the process.
https://www.visitnara.jp/
Day trip: Uji and Byodo-in
Uji is the matcha capital of the world, which makes it a great destination for tea lovers. The area also houses Byodo-in, a beautiful temple in the heart of the district. You can buy traditional Japanese matcha from the source, or go to a tea-making class to learn the history behind this famous drink.
Kyoto Access from Tokyo
Kyoto is Southwest of Tokyo, available to travel to from either plane or the Shinkansen bullet train. The Japan Rail Pass is beneficial to have here, as it covers travel on the Tokaido Shinkansen line between Tokyo and Kyoto, specifically on the Hikari and Kodama trains.
https://japanrailpass.net/
Story by Cassidy Samuels
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