Kyoto Travel Report - My trip to Kyoto

Experience

Visted a few times

Purpose of your visit

travel (sight seeing)

Impressions

Kyoto is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. While the downtown area looks like any big Japanese city ... there are hundreds of beautiful temples, shrines and castles dotting the city that are breath taking. Kyoto people have a bit of a reputation for being a little snoby. But I doubt you would notice this if you are not Japanese.

Details

Kyoto was the highlight of my four weeks spent traveling through Japan. A three hour trip by Shinkansen from Tokyo, Kyoto moves at a slower pace and gives one a better sense of Japanese art and culture. Kyoto is known for its Gion District, where young apprentice maiko are schooled in the arts of the geisha. Kyoto offers a wealth of Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines and classical Japanese gardens. A lot of my touring of Kyoto was on foot, which allowed me to explore the quaint neighborhoods and backroads. There are excellent bus routes all around the city. I do not recommend driving. There are no parking spaces. Besides Kyoto is beautiful it really does not need more cars. Favourite spots: In the Higashiyama (East Mountain) District, I did a nice walk along Gojo-Dori from the Kamo River East to Kiyomizu Temple. Ginkakuchi is nice and is kyomizudera.

Advice

The best time to go to Kyoto is in spring and fall. Many temples have sakura (cherry blossoms) that bloom in April and look amazing. Especially at night ... many temples illuminate the trees at night and the leaves absolutely glow. The changing leaves are also very beautiful in the fall (november or early december). But spring and fall are also the most expensive time in Kyoto. Summer is really hot and humid in Japan ... winters are somewhat chilly.

Recommended for...

sight seeing photography

Tags

Kyoto