Kyoto is the ancient capital of Japan. It is extremely popular place to visit because you can see history and tradition of Japan.
History of Kyoto
Kyoto became the capital of Japan in 794. Before Kyoto became the capital, first permanent capital was built in Nara in 710. Kyotoremained as the capital of Japan until 1968 when Emperor at the time decided to move the capital from Kyoto to present day Tokyo.
Kyoto did was not bombed during WWII, so you can still see old buildings.
Access from major cities
From Tokyo area, the easiest and fastest way to go to Kyoto by Shinkansen (bullet train). To go to KYoto by bullet train, take JR Central Shinkansen from Tokyo, Shinagawa or Shin Yokohama station. From Tokyo to Kyoto is approx, 2 hours by bullet train.
From Osaka, you can take regular train to Kyoto.
What to see
There are many things to see in Kyoto. Kyoto has 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites: Kamigamo Shrine, Shimogamo Shrine, Toji Temple, Kiyomizu Temple, Enryakuji Temple, Daigoji Temple, Ninnaji Temple, Byodoin Temple, Ujigami Shrine, Kozanji Temple, Saihoji Temple, Tenryuji Temple, Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion), Ginkakuji Temple (Silver Pavilion), Ryoanji Temple, Nishi Honganji, and Nijojo Castle.
Furthermore, there are other popular spots includes: Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Gion district,
In downtown, Nishiki market, Teramachi Street, Shin Kyogoku Street are popular with tourits. Local people often go to Kawaramachi and Karasuma-Shijo area for shopping.
How to get around
In Kyoto, there is Kyoto City Subway that goes to North-South and East-West. It is fast but not suitable for going to sightseeing spots.
Most tourists use bus to get around. There is one day ticket for bus and is good value. However, bus route is a bit complicated and you’ll have to wait for bus. Sometimes, on busy day or busy time (rush hours) bus is too full and people cannot get on. Kyoto bus price is flat rate within Kyoto City and you will get on from front (Driver side) and pay first. They only accept Cash or Transportation IC Card. They don’t accept credit cards.
Another choice is Taxi. You can get taxi at taxi stands, on street or ask using Apps. (Taxi Go, Uber etc.)
You can also hire a car and go around. This way, you will save time. If you hire car for 4 hours and go to far away and/or difficult to get temples and shrines first and finally get off at the area you would like to spend a lot of time in the central area (for example Kiyomizu Temple or Gion district), it is quite reasonable and save time.
Food
Kyoto is famous for fine dining. There is Kyoto cuisine (Kyo Ryori 京料理) They are beautiful to look at. Each season has different ingredients and you can enjoy delicately arranged food. Kyoto cuisine is considered really elegant.
Some famous Kyo Ryori are: Kyo Kaiseki (Kyoto style set menu), Udon, Soba.
You often hear about Kobe beef, but meat is also famous in Kyoto.
Kyoto has more options. Ramen is really famous in Kyoto. There are some famous ramen shops and also small ones that local people go to.
Kyoto is famous for bakeries and coffee as well.
In the summer time only, there are terrace seats by Kamogawa River. It is really unique experience. It is called “Yuka” and is quite cool and relaxing.
Tours
There are various tours available if you want to go to most famous sites in half day or full day. There is also hop on and hop off bus. These are convenient because you don’t have to worry about the bus route and having change or topping up IC card.
Because there are so much to see, if you r time is limited and/or if you have special interests such as garden or architecture, having a guide is also helpful.
Sourvenir
As Kyoto was the capital for more than 1000 years, there were best craftsmen for the court and nobilities and there still are many crafts that are considered the best in Japan. For example, Kyoto has Kimono, Obi (Sash), Kimono accessaries, bags for Kimono, fans, Ceramics, Tea, Sweets and so on. You can see traditional crafts at Kyoto Museum of Crafts and Design near Heian Shrine. Sometimes, you can see craft demonstrations. There is also a museum shop selling crafts.
They also have best tea and sweets for tea ceremony. Kyoto is the center of tea ceremony culture. The three main schools of tea ceremony, Omotesenke, Urasenke, and Mushanokoji Senke, are located in Kyoto, and there are also many historical tea rooms and tea ceremony utensil shops.
If you’d like to see many different sourvenir in one place, Kiyomizudera Temple has a street leading up to the temple full of sourvenir shops.
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