Travel Information for Kyoto: Essential Tips for Your Visit

Kyoto Travel Tips: Your Ultimate Guide

Kyoto, a city in Japan known for its rich cultural heritage and historical significance, is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a unique and immersive experience. With its stunning temples, traditional wooden houses, and beautiful gardens, Kyoto offers a glimpse into Japan's traditional way of life.

The iconic Kiyomizu-dera temple, located on the eastern slopes of the city’s Higashiyama mountain range, is one of Kyoto’s most popular tourist attractions. Built in 780, this impressive wooden structure is surrounded by lush green forests and is the only place in the city where you can find the Japanese architecture known locally as kyomizu-zukuri.

Other must-see sites include the famous Nijo Castle, the Golden Pavilion, the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, and Gion, Kyoto’s greatest geisha district. The Imperial Palace, built in the 7th century, is an impressive site that visitors can’t miss. Many of Kyoto’s temples, especially Kinkaku-ji, are incredibly popular as well. Additionally, visitors have the opportunity to explore the Fushimi Inari Shrine, the world’s largest shrine complex and home to the thousands of vermillion torii gates that make it so iconic. Kyoto’s many gardens, including the famous Philosopher’s Walk, are also popular attractions.

The city also boasts a thriving culinary scene, with numerous restaurants serving delectable Kyoto-style cuisine. From savoring matcha tea in a traditional tea house to participating in a traditional tea ceremony, Kyoto offers a multitude of activities that allow visitors to fully immerse themselves in its rich cultural heritage. Whether it's witnessing the beauty of cherry blossoms in spring or the vibrant fall foliage, Kyoto is a city that captivates and enchants visitors all year round. Here are some must-see attractions in Kyoto, completed with hotels nearby.

KINKAKU – JI TEMPLE

The Kinkaku-ji Temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion, is a breathtaking architectural masterpiece that exudes tranquility and elegance. Originally built in the late 14th century as a retirement villa for a shogun, it was later converted into a Zen Buddhist temple by his son. The temple's main building is covered in gold leaf, giving it a majestic and ethereal appearance that is truly awe-inspiring. As you enter the temple grounds, you will be greeted by a serene and well-manicured Japanese garden, complete with a tranquil pond and a variety of beautiful flora. The contrast between the lush greenery and the shimmering gold of the pavilion is simply stunning. Walking through the garden towards the pavilion, you will feel like you are being transported to a different time and place. The top two floors of the pavilion are dedicated to the Buddhist deity, Kannon, and are adorned with golden statues and intricate artwork. These floors are only accessible from the outside, as the interior of the pavilion is not open to the public. However, the mere sight of the golden exterior is enough to evoke a sense of peace and serenity. There are other attractive features within the temple grounds. One of the most popular is the Sekkatei Teahouse, which offers visitors the chance to experience a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. Visiting the Kinkaku-ji Temple is an experience that will stay with you for a lifetime. It is a perfect blend of history, spirituality, and natural beauty. HOTELS AND ACTIVITIES NEARBY

KIYOMIZU-DERA

Kiyomizu-dera is an ancient temple, located in the scenic city of Kyoto. Built in 780, Kiyomizu-dera temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most famous attractions in Kyoto. As you approach the temple, you will be greeted by a striking red wooden gate, known as the Nio-mon gate. This gate serves as the entrance to the temple and is a beautiful example of traditional Japanese architecture. Once inside the temple grounds, you will be surrounded by stunning natural scenery, with lush greenery, tranquil ponds, and cascading waterfalls. The main hall of the temple, known as the Hondo, is perched on a cliff and offers breathtaking views of the city below. It is said that visitors who make a wish and survive the 13-meter jump from the Hondo's balcony will have their wish granted. One of the most unique features of this temple is its Jishu Shrine, dedicated to the god of love and matchmaking. This shrine is believed to bring good luck in finding love, and visitors can participate in a ritual where they walk from one stone to another blindfolded. If they are successful, it is said that they will find true love. For those interested in traditional Japanese crafts, the temple's surrounding streets are filled with shops selling souvenirs and handmade goods. Visiting during cherry blossom season is a particularly popular time, as the temple is surrounded by over 1,500 cherry trees and becomes a stunningly beautiful hanami spot. HOTELS AND ACTIVITIES NEARBY

FUSHIMI INARI SHRINE

Fushimi Inari Shrine, located in the southern part of Kyoto, is a stunningly beautiful shrine that honors the god Inari, the patron of business. This fascinating place is known for its thousands of orange torii gates that line the paths up the sacred Mount Inari. It is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike, as it is both serene and awe-inspiring. Visitors of the shrine will find that the gates, known as senbon torii, and are lined up in two-tiered rows, making it seem as if you are walking through an endless tunnel. The path is said to be about 4 kilometers long and slowly leads up to a stunning view of the city of Kyoto. Alongside the torii gates, visitors may also find the domain of foxes— Inari's messengers. Small statues of foxes dot the shrine, offering a unique opportunity to get close and admire these unusual guardians. Additionally, visitors may wish to try the traditional Japanese fox-themed snacks sold at the small stores lining the path. Overall, Fushimi Inari Shrine offers an unforgettable experience to all those lucky enough to visit. From the tranquil atmosphere to the thousands of torii gates, this is an amazing location that is definitely worth a visit. HOTELS AND ACTIVITIES NEARBY

KYOTO TOWER

Kyoto Tower is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Kyoto. Standing at 131 meters tall near Kyoto station, it is the tallest structure in the city and offers stunning views of the surrounding area. The tower was built in 1964 to mark the city's 1,200th anniversary and has become an iconic symbol of Kyoto. Its unique design, resembling a modern interpretation of a traditional Japanese lantern, makes it stand out amongst the historic temples and shrines that dot the city. The tower has two observation decks, one at 100 meters and another at 131 meters, offering panoramic views of the city. On a clear day, visitors can see as far as Mount Hiei, which overlooks Kyoto. Visitors can participate in a tea ceremony with a certified tea master on the 5th floor of the tower, overlooking the breathtaking view of the city. It is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Japanese culture and tradition. The tower is also a hub for entertainment and shopping. On the 3rd and 4th floors, visitors can find a variety of souvenir shops, selling traditional crafts and goods such as Kyoto's famous Kiyomizu-yaki pottery. There is a wide selection of restaurants, ranging from casual cafes to fine dining, offering a variety of cuisines such as Japanese, Italian, and French. The 11th floor is home to the Sky Restaurant, where visitors can enjoy a meal with a breathtaking view of the city below. HOTELS AND ACTIVITIES NEARBY

BEST TIME TO VISIT KYOTO

Kyoto is one of the most beautiful cities in Japan, and is known for its centuries-old temples, stunning cherry blossom trees, and picturesque views. Visiting Kyoto is an absolute must for first-time visitors to Japan, as there is so much to explore from the ancient culture, to the spectacular sites dotted throughout the prefecture. The best time to visit Kyoto is during the spring and fall months, when the temperature is comfortable and the trees are in full bloom. In spring, from the end of March to early May, the city transforms into a wonderland of pink cherry blossoms. During this time, the majority of Kyoto’s must-see sites become incredibly crowded, but still offer a magnificent sight. During the fall in November and December, the leaves start to change and the city is filled with the colors of red, yellow, and orange. This time of year offers a cooler temperature and lighter crowds, making it a great time to explore the sites without as many distractions. No matter what time of year you visit, Kyoto is sure to leave you with lasting memories of its beautiful sights, history, and culture.

TO OTHER CITIES BY TRAIN

Traveling by train is one of the most convenient and cost-effective ways to explore Japan. Kyoto is the perfect starting point for your journey - it is a city steeped in history and culture which offers plenty of sights and experiences to enjoy. From Kyoto you can explore many of the ancient temples, shrines and monuments from Japan's rich cultural heritage. From there you can catch trains to take you to some of Japan's most popular cities. Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Hiroshima are all accessible by train from Kyoto. Taking these trains can be a great way to experience the diversity of the different regions of Japan. Trains connect you from the bustling cities to the tranquil countryside, giving you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the many stunning landscapes and beautiful scenery. Other cities that can be accessed by train from Kyoto include Fukuoka, Sendai, and Sapporo. With so much to explore, your visit to Japan can be a truly unique experience when you travel by train from Kyoto.