Kyoto

Kyoto is the capital of old Japan, it is a picturesque city steeped with history and tradition with streets that make you feel as though you have stepped back in time. Kyoto is known for its breathtaking scenery, particularly its Autumn colours. There are temples of gold set above tranquil ponds, moss gardens, sand gardens, corridors of green bamboo and red shrines. Kyoto’s Gion district you may even spy a geisha or solve the mysteries of the universe as you walk the philosophers path.

Kyoto has so many historic and amazing places to visit, however some are a little spread out so it is worth spending a few days in Kyoto if you want to make the most of this amazing city.

Western Kyoto’s Arashiyama District you can walk across the Togetsu-kyo Bridge, visit the bamboo forest and monkey park. This area is famous for viewing autumn colours.

Fushimi Inari shrine is located in Southern Kyoto and is famous for its thousands of red Torii gates that lead up into the mountain.

In Central Kyoto you will find the Nishiki markets, narrow streets 5 blocks long of fresh food stalls and Kyoto’s specialities including Kyoto sweets which were a great hit at home. We purchased a kitchen knife which they engraved with my husband’s name in katakana, an awesome souvenir!

The famous Kiyomizudera temple can be found in Eastern Kyoto and nearby the preserved streets of Higashiyama District. You can also visit Ginkakuji, also known as the silver pavilion (which is not covered in silver!) has an amazing and tranquil sand garden. In Eastern Kyoto you will also find the philosophers path and the Gion district, famous for Geisha.

The iconic Kinkakuji or golden pavilion (and yes this one is covered in gold!) can be found in Northern Kyoto.

There are many places throughout Japan to enjoy a tea ceremony, however there is nowhere more appropriate than Kyoto. Japan Weekly and Enchanted time with Maiko review some tea ceremony locations that accommodate English speaking visitors.

Who would enjoy this…

There is something for everyone in Kyoto from temples and shrines to markets and breathtaking scenery. The kids particularly enjoyed Arashiyama area, walking over Togetsukyo bridge and walking through the bamboo groves, they also enjoyed Fushimi Inari shrine, perhaps because all of these places had great outdoor spaces to discover! I loved the old world charm of walking through the streets of Higashiyama District.

Need more info?

Japan Guide Kyoto
Kyoto City Official Guide
Inside Kyoto
Lonely Planet

While in Kyoto check out…

Arashiyama including the bamboo forest
Kinkakuji the Golden Pavilion
Fushimi Inari Shrine
Eastern Kyoto including the silver pavilion, philosophers walk, Gion district and traditional streets.
Nishiki market