 |
|
Related Questions
|
Tour for Shugakuin Imperial Villa...
1 reaction, last updated 3 hours ago
Coin locker at Nijo station
6 reactions, last updated 16 hours ago
Where to see snow near Kyoto?
7 reactions, last updated 3 days ago
Fastest way from Kinkakuji to...
7 reactions, last updated 3 days ago
Night viewing at Nijo Castle
1 reaction, last updated 23 days ago
Kitano Tenmangu - Baikasai
0 reactions, last updated 25 days ago
Sanjusangendo archery
1 reaction, last updated 30 days ago
Eizan Cablecar and Eizan Ropeway
2 reactions, last updated 34 days ago
Hana Matsuri in Kyoto
1 reaction, last updated 46 days ago
500 yen Kyoto city bus pass
5 reactions, last updated 51 days ago
Philosopher's Path in mid of...
3 reactions, last updated 56 days ago
Best time to Kinkaku-ji
6 reactions, last updated 56 days ago
Eat all you can japanese beef in...
1 reaction, last updated 60 days ago
Is temple at kyoto open on 25 dec...
3 reactions, last updated 63 days ago
Spending a week a Kyoto
7 reactions, last updated 68 days ago
I'm a foodie visiting Kyoto 1st...
6 reactions, last updated 72 days ago
Budget hostel in kyoto
7 reactions, last updated 72 days ago
Kyoto temple light ups in...
5 reactions, last updated 73 days ago
Question about Daigoji Autumn...
3 reactions, last updated 78 days ago
Hozu River Boat Ride - Cutting it...
3 reactions, last updated 81 days ago
|
|
japan-guide.com newsletter
|
Keeping you up to date on Japan travel and living related issues and site updates. Click here to subscribe!
|
|
|
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.
|
Any Questions? Ask them in our question forum.
|
|
Hotels and Ryokan
|
|
Hotel Sugicho
A ryokan in the center of Kyoto town. From 4000yen. 4 train stations are within walking distance. Try the Kyoto Kaiseki.
|
|
Satomo Ryokan
A ryokan renewed in autumn 2010. 3min walk from JR Kyoto Station. Offering Japanese-style comforts and convenience.
|
|
Japanese hotel, Ryokan Nishiyama
Experience the real Japan at our affordable ryokan. Close to major tourist spots in Kyoto.
|
|
Ryokan Wakamiya
Inexpensive, cozy inn with helpful staff. 7 min walk from JR Kyoto Sta. Free Internet PC. Communal baths on top floor.
|
|
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.
|
|
Gion Shinmonso
A fine ryokan in the Gion near geisha streets. Easy access to Kiyomizu-dera and Yasaka-jinja. Special offers available.
|
|
Backpackers Hostel K's House Kyoto
Voted No.1 hostel chain worldwide for 2010 by Hostelworld.com customers. 9 min. walk from JR Kyoto Station. Bed from 2,300 yen.
|
|
Gion Hatanaka
A real Japanese inn in a quiet area of Gion, famous for Geisha. 15min walk to Kiyomizu-dera. 5min to Yasaka-jinja.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tours and Packages
|
|
Kyoto Tours
Various tours and travel packages for Kyoto and surroundings.
|
|
|
    |
