This isn’t my first rodeo, but I believe in me when I say I’m still in love with this city despite my previous visit to Kyoto. After discovering some hidden gems on my recent trip, perhaps more. With just as much history and culture as Kyoto, it’s no wonder there’s always something to discover! If you are planning a visit to Kyoto, this is your complete Kyoto City guide to help you plan your visit.
Kyoto City Guide
KyotoThe former capital JapanIt has played a major role in Japanese culture and history. Just as you step into a time capsule, the city is known for its Buddhist temples, gardens, Imperial palaces, shrines and traditional wooden Japanese homes. Simply put, this feels like the ancient Japanese mind. If I could only make one recommendation, it’s to stay at least 4 days! There are so many things that have been discovered in Kyoto.
Get the bearings: Hokanji Temple
Two visits to Kyoto undoubtedly uncovered the Hokanji Temple, the most scenic photo you can take in Kyoto on a traditional street bustling with merchants, local artisans and the addition of AA New World. Hokanji Temple is a five-storey pagoda with a wide view of the city from above (you can climb it), but the street above gives you the best views overlooking the temple. Visit Golden Hour to celebrate the magical end of your day in Kyoto.
Zeon District
With a reputation as a centre of Japanese geisha culture, Zeon is a must-see for culture and history when visiting Kyoto. Nearby there are many local restaurants, merchants, artisans and of course, tea houses where you can find Geiko (the local word for Geisha) and Maiko (the Geiko of training). The most popular destination in Gion is Hanami-koji The street from Shijo Avenue to Kenninji Temple.
Ryuyama bamboo grove
Ryuzan quickly became one of Kyoto’s most visited sites, part of Instagram and photo-driven tourism, and the ability to feel like a visitor has stepped into another world in the bamboo forest. The bamboo groves quickly became violent as tourists visited just to take photos among the free tourist attractions. The most beautiful part of the walk is at the top (away from the street), so if you make all your effort to get here, make sure to keep walking!
Get there:
Saga Arashiyama Station and Jr Sagano Line 10 minutes’ walk
15 minutes’ walk from Ryuzan Station on the Henkiu Railway
Fahrenheit inari shrine
Running through the 5000 Orange Trigate, you are allowed to think it will not be over once you get caught up in the Fahrenheit Inari Taisha Shrine. This is a beautiful short hike to reach the top, and the further you go, the fewer tourists will share the hike.
Get there:
3 minutes walk from JR Inari station on JR Naraline
Daigo-ji Temple
During the fall, Dagozi Temple is one of Kyoto’s most popular destinations, but if you’re looking for a place looking for a popular tourist route, it’s just as beautiful all year round (but I recommend arriving early if you want to enjoy yourself!)
Get there:
10 minutes’ walk from Daigo Subway Station
There’s more to do in Kyoto:
Of course, if you have more than two days in Kyoto, there’s a lot to do! Here are some of my favorite things and things to see:
- All green tea (match) soft serves are angry. Try it as an ice cream parfait for a real treat!
- Kinkaku-ji Temple is a gentle golden temple near the pond
- If you are interested in the history of the generals, the nij castle is worth a visit
- There are plenty of sake breweries in Kyoto, so if you’re interested in the history and production of sake, be sure to stop by
- Fushimi Sakamura is the perfect place to sample 18 different succulents (Make sure to bring friends. Something like this is fatal!)
- Vegetarians and Vegans Rejoice – Einsov Journey has an incredible plant-based diet and is centrally located
- I stayed at Cross Hotel and would highly recommend it if you are looking for something more upscale than top fancy
Practical information
Reaching Kyoto is the easiest and often the fastest by train. From Osaka to Kyoto is only 14 minutes by bullet train (newcomer). From Osaka you can also connect to Tokyo (by bullet train, 2 hours and 30 minutes).
Railway and subway lines are extremely easy to navigate and are the best way to get around town. It is important to note that many of the major attractions are not well maintained by the metro. Therefore, if you rely on public transport, you can take the bus. Alternatively, if your budget allows, taxis are the perfect way to travel around town.
The city centre is relatively flat, creating a city that is perfect for roaming and riding a bike. If you’re looking for an amazing running track, look for a morning jogging along the Kamo River.