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Japan Sightseeing Guide

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Two full days are required to gain a superficial feel for Japan's ancient capital Kyoto. If time is no restraint and you have an interest in Japanese history, you can easily spend a week here and not run out of first class attractions. Full day schedules: Higashiyama Walk Starting at Sanjusangendo and ending at Ginkakuji, you can walk through the narrow streets and quiet residential areas of Kyoto's Eastern hills ("Higashiyama") for most of a day and visit several popular temples, shrines and other attractions on the way. Among them are Kiyomizudera, Yasaka Shrine, Heian Shrine, Nanzenji and the Philosopher's Walk. Northern Kyoto and Arashiyama Start at Daitokuji, a center of Zen Buddhism in Northern Kyoto, then take the bus or walk about a kilometer to Kinkakuji, the Golden Pavilion. Ryoanji, a Zen temple famous for its rock garden, is a further 10-15 minute walk west of Kinkakuji. From Ryoanji take the tram-like Keifuku train to the attractive district of Arashiyama.   Half day schedules: Higashiyama and Gion This is basically the southern half of the above introduced Higashiyama Walk plus Gion. Start at Sanjusangendo, then walk up to Kiyomizudera and further through the narrow streets of the Higashiyama district to Yasaka Shrine. The geisha district of Gion and the interesting shopping area along Shijo ("4th Avenue") start just outside the shrine. Philosopher's Path This is basically the northern half of the above introduced Higashiyama Walk. Start at Heian Shrine and walk up to Nanzenji Temple. Then, walk along the Philosopher's Path to Ginkakuji. Southern Kyoto Take a local train on the JR Nara Line at Kyoto Station. Get off at Inari Station, visit Fushimi Inari Shrine and take a walk along the torii covered scrolling paths in the wooded hills. Then, continue on the Nara Line to Obaku Station and visit Mampukuji. Uji, a city famous for its tea, is just one more station along the Nara Line. Visit Uji's Byodoin, and then either return to Kyoto or continue on to Nara.   Side trips: Nara Nara, less than one hour south of Kyoto, was Japan's first permanent capital and remains full of historic treasures, particularly some of the country's oldest temples. A visit to central Nara requires a full day. Two days are suggested in order to also cover the attractions outside of central Nara, such as Horyuji. Himeji Himeji Castle is Japan's best preserved and most beautiful, remaining feudal castle. From Kyoto it can be reached by shinkansen in 50 minutes. The cheaper, special rapid train takes about 85 minutes for one way. Mount Koya Mount Koya is the center of Shingon Buddhism and one of the holiest places in Japan. It is also great for experiencing a night at a temple. Osaka Osaka, only 15 minutes by shinkansen from Kyoto, is the center of Western Japan, offering various attractions to travelers. Kobe Kobe is an attractively situated city, 30 minutes west of Kyoto by shinkansen. Devastated by a 1995 earthquake, it has recovered almost completely.

News and Reports

Kyoto Autumn Color Report November 26, 2009 Kyoto Autumn Color Report: Light Up November 25, 2009 Kyoto Autumn Color Report: Ohara November 22, 2009 Kyoto Autumn Color Report November 21, 2009 Kyoto Autumn Color Report: Arashiyama November 19, 2009 Kyoto Autumn Color Report: Higashiyama November 18, 2009 Kyoto Autumn Color Report: Kurama November 16, 2009 Kyoto Autumn Color Report November 12, 2009

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Hotel and Ryokan

Sponsored Listings: Gion Hatanaka A real Japanese inn in a quiet area of Gion, famous for Geisha. 15min walk to Kiyomizu-dera. 5min to Yasaka-jinja. Ryokan Saka-no-ue Traditional, cozy ryokan with 12 rooms. Japanese cottage style houses available. Located near Yasaka Shrine and Gion. Ryokan Hirashin 3min walk to Shijo Karasuma Sta. Spacious Japanese-style rooms. 140 years of history. Public baths renovated in 2006. Hotel Sugicho A ryokan in the center of Kyoto town. From 4000yen. 4 train stations are within walking distance. Try the Kyoto Kaiseki. Guest Inn Chita A small traditional inn run by a very kind staff. From 3500yen per guest. 10 min from Kyoto Station. Renewed in 2006. Station Ryokan Seiki Japanese-style, friendly and affordable family-run inn located only 5 minutes walk from JR Kyoto Station. Tomiya Ryokan A traditional Japanese inn located 2 min walk from Kyoto Station. Close to bus terminal for all the attractions. Japanese hotel, Ryokan Nishiyama Experience the real Japan at our affordable ryokan. Close to major tourist spots in Kyoto. Search Hotels: In: Kyoto Fukuoka Hiroshima Hokkaido Kamakura Kanazawa Kansai Airport Kyoto Mount Fuji Nagasaki Nagoya Nara Narita Airport Nikko Niigata Okinawa Osaka Sapporo Sendai Shima Peninsula Takayama Tokyo From: 12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031 JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec 2010 2011 For: 1 night 2 nights 3 nights 4 nights 5 nights 6 nights 7 nights Website: JAPANiCAN Hostel World Japan Hotels Online

Tours and Packages

Kyoto Winter Special 2010 Dine in the company of geisha, uncover hidden cultural artifacts, or stroll through the lights of Arashiyama with these tours. Kyoto Tours Various tours and travel packages for Kyoto and surroundings.