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| basic
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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.
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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.
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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.
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| hotels
& ryokan |
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Ryokan Wakamiya
Inexpensive, cozy inn with helpful staff. 7 min walk from JR Kyoto Sta. Free Internet PC. Communal baths on top floor.
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Hotel Sanoya
3 min from north exit of JR Kyoto Sta. but in quiet area. Cozy, clean Japanese rooms with bath. Internet PC in lobby.
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Backpackers Hostel K's House Kyoto
Voted No.1 hostel in Asia by Hostelworld customers. 9 mins walk from JR Kyoto station Bed from 2,500 yen.
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Ryokan Hirashin
3min walk to Shijo Karasuma Sta. Spacious Japanese-style rooms. 140 years of history. Public baths renovated in 2006.
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Kyoto White Hotel
From 4,150 yen per night. 3 minutes from JR Kyoto station.
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Hotel Sugicho
A ryokan in the center of Kyoto town. From 4000yen. 4 train stations are within walking distance. Try the Kyoto Kaiseki.
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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.
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Gion Hatanaka
A real Japanese inn in a quiet area of Gion, famous for Geisha. 15min walk to Kiyomizu-dera. 5min to Yasaka-jinja.
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Tomiya Ryokan
A traditional Japanese inn located 2 min walk from Kyoto Station. Close to bus terminal for all the attractions.
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Japanese hotel, Ryokan Nishiyama
Experience the real Japan at our affordable ryokan. Close to major tourist spots in Kyoto.
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