The Best Sights in Kyoto + Awesome Things To Do for First Time Visitors

A Guest Post by Kallsy & Logan of Pages of Travel

The Best Sights & Top Things To Do in Kyoto

Walk through the stunning Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine

You’ll instantly feel serene strolling through the 10,000 orange gates, or Torii at Fushimi Inari. Built around 711 A.D., the beauty of Fushimi Inari envelopes a path up the Inari Mountain. It is said that making your way to the top will bring prosperity and good fortune.

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

A truly unique structure, Kiyomizu-dera offers some of the most fantastic mountain views and a chance to witness a piece of preserved history. Make sure to arrive early and walk around all of the temple grounds to get the full experience.

Spot some Geishas in Gion

Gion is filled with small shops and romantic restaurants but it is also where geishas and maiko perform traditional tea ceremonies. If you’re lucky, you’ll even spot some wandering on the street. Sign yourself for a traditional culture tour which will include Geisha dancing, Japanese performing arts and a authentic meal or chose to attend a tea ceremony in a traditional wooden house. Both experiences are guaranteed to blow you away.

Graze off delicious street food at Nishiki Market

If you’re looking to experience the many foods of Japan, Nishiki Market is a food lover’s haven. Grab some fresh fish, sushi, skewers of meat, and even sweets. If you’re a little bit culinary inclined, or simply just love food, we recommend joining an in-depth walking tour of the market – which in some cases include a 7 course lunch or a cooking class & sake tasting!

Explore the beauty of Okochi Sanso Garden

Formerly the estate of a Japanese famous actor, Okochi Sanso Garden is a divine beauty. It has been compared to many of the Imperial estates in Japan and many have even said that Okochi Sanso is worth visiting instead since you do not need to make arrangements prior to visiting. Here you’ll experience a gorgeous view of the mountains and gardens. At the end of your visit, you are served complimentary green tea and a biscuit cookie.

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Test your samurai skills at Nijo Castle

The historic Nijo Castle has some amazing paintings inside but what will draw you in even more is how well preserved everything is and the mysterious “nightingale” flooring. The floors bend and chirp as you walk on them and it is said that it it was an early form of an alarm system to warn residents of intruders.

Visit the artistic Kenninji Temple

If you’re looking for a place to relax, visit Kenninji Temple. It’s a bit less crowded than many other spots in Kyoto and has fabulous wall murals and a tranquil zen garden.

Stroll through the majestic bamboo forest, Arashiyama

Arashiyama will quite literally take your breath away. Here you’ll be surrounded by towering stalks of bamboo that will lead you on a path to many peaceful zen gardens and shrines.

Kinkaku-ji Temple (The Golden Temple)

One of the most popular and iconic spots in Kyoto right after Fushimi Inari Shrine, but yet if you’re only in Kyoto for a weekend, it’s worth seeing the glittering golden temple over the still watered pond. Just make sure you arrive early to avoid the large crowds.

Monkey Park Iwatayama

If you enjoy animal experiences make the hike up to Monkey Park Iwatayama. Here you’ll be able to safely enjoy watching Japanese Macaques in their own environment and witness a fabulous view of the Kyoto skyline.

Where & What to Eat in Kyoto

Sobanomi Yoshimura

Japan is known for its variety of noodles and soba is definitely a popular choice. This restaurant has some fabulous soba and udon lunch sets and all of the noodles are made right there in the shop.

Menbakaichidai

Dinner and a show? Menbakaichidai is also known as Kyoto’s famous fire ramen and it’s an experience worth planning for. Sit at the bar and watch as the ramen is set on fire then delivered right in front of you.

RELATED: Why not try your hand at cooking up some of these Japanese specialties and learn a bit of history about the food at the same time in a Isakaya Cooking Class – pst. you get to eat everything you make!

Chao Chao Sanjo Kimyamachi

Looking for some fresh gyoza? Chao Chao has many delectable varieties. Of course you must try the traditional pork gyoza but also fill up on the shrimp, crab, and chicken mozzarella to mix things up!

Toraya Ichijo

Something else that is unique to Japan is the many tea houses that offer a variety of hot and cold teas but also wagashi, a traditional sweet. Toraya Ichijo is a beautiful spot to enjoy wagashi and a cup of matcha tea while staring out into the lush, charming garden they have.

Where to Stay in Kyoto

A city the size of Kyoto has plenty of accommodation options – which can be come a little overwhelming(!) so we have put together 4 recommendations for hotels in Kyoto based on different budget levels – from luxury hotels to backpacker’s hostels and a couple of options in between to help find the perfect place to rest your head. And check out this post if you are looking for a boutique Ryokan.

Luxury – Gion Kinpyo (Book Now | Compare Prices for Later

Mid-Range – Mosaic Machiya KSK ($300+ Per Night)

Mosaic Machiya KSK is situated in Kyoto and features free Wi-Fi. It is conveniently positioned for guests wanting to sightsee in the area. The hotel has a café, ideal for those wanting a bite to eat without leaving the property. Each evening, guests can relax in the comfortable lounge bar.
Book Now | Compare Prices for Later | Read Trip Advisor Reviews

Budget – Hotel Grand Bach Kyoto ($100-$150 per night)

Situated a short walk from Gion-Shijo Train Station, Hotel Grand Bach Kyoto is a convenient base while in Kyoto. It provides a laundry service, and is a short walk from the Minami-za Theatre and Nishiki Market
Book Now | Compare Prices for Later | Read Trip Advisor Reviews

Backpackers – Hat’n Hat Hostel ($40-$60 per night)

Hat’n Hat Hostel provides a convenient place to discover nearby Kinkaku-ji and Ryoan-ji, as well as everything the local area has to offer. Katsura Imperial Villa is just a short car ride from the hostel which features 14 air conditioned rooms and a shared  bathroom.
Book Now | Compare Prices for Later | Read Trip Advisor Reviews

Extra Kyoto Adventures

IF YOU HAVE THE LUXURY OF TIME AND CAN’T GET ENOUGH OF KYOTO, TAKE A LOOK AT THESE GREAT TOURS TO EXPLORE THE SURROUNDING AREA:

• Visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Miyajima Island on the day trip from Kyoto on the Bullet Train.
• Go make friends with the deer at Nara on this afternoon tour which includes a visit to the Todaiji Temple and Kasuga Shrine.
• Visit the exquisite Himeji Castle in the Hyogo prefecture before walking along the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge – the longest suspension bridge in the world.
• Spend a day in nearby Osaka on this walking tour with River Cruise and visit to Osaka Castle and the Floating Garden Observatory located 40 stories high in the Umeda Sky Building.

RELATED: Have more than a few days to spare, why not make it a 2 city break and combine your visit with 2-3 days in Osaka?

Essential Visitor Information for Kyoto

How To Get to Kyoto

• Japan has great transport links and Kyoto can be reached by trains, bullet trains, buses and cars.
  
• As Kyoto does not have it’s own airport, visitors arriving my plane tend to arrive via one of the Osaka airports. A private taxi from either Kansai or Itami will cost around $45USD;
• If arriving to Kansai (Osaka) Airport, The best and fastest way to get to Kyoto from the airport is to buy a one-day JR West Kansai Area Pass and take the Haruka Limited Express (non-reserved tickets only). The Haruka Limited Express takes about 77 minutes, with trains leaving every 30-60 minutes. The pass is for foreigners only and costs ¥2,300 and you will need to show your passport, as well as a copy of your foreign-bound return flight, when purchasing a ticket.
• Travelers arriving on a domestic flight will likely arrive to Itam airport (just outside Osaka). The easiest way to get to Kyoto from Itami Airport is by limousine bus No. 15. The trip takes about an hour and costs ¥1,280. The buses run three times an hour.
• Most visitors arrive at JR Kyoto station by Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo. Nozomi trains take approximately 2.15 hrs. to Kyoto and costs ¥13520 one-way.
• RELATED: Pre-book your JR Rail Pass here (it’s the cheapest price on the web!)

How to Get Around Kyoto

The easiest way to get around Kyoto is by utilizing the bus, train, and subway systems. The JR Kyoto Station is the main hub for Kyoto and it’s also an excellent place to shop and dine! There are also taxis but those can quickly become costly. Though not recommended for Kyoto, is also possible to rent a car. Just make sure you apply and receive an International Driver’s License before your visit. Being as iconic as Kyoto is, you might expect that it is very busy. To avoid the crowds try arriving to the popular attractions very early.

When to Visit (Climate + High/Low Seasons)

• You can visit Kyoto at any time of year because the weather is temperate. The best times to visit Kyoto are the fall (October/November) and spring (March/April/May). Summer (June/July/August) in Kyotois hot and humid.
• In spring (late March to mid April), you have the blossoming of the various flowers, notably Japanese apricot (ume) and cherry (sakura). The weather is usually temperate at this time and the humidity is relatively low.
• One time to avoid in spring would be Golden Week (usually around the first week of May although it moves slightly from year to year). Huge numbers of Japanese travel domestically at this time and you can expect large crowds and high prices for accommodation and transport.
• Summer and winter are less attractive with muggy, humid weather dominating the summer months, and cold temperatures combined with snow in the winter.

So there you have it – hopefully we’ve given you enough information to plan the perfect trip – and given you a great list of Things To Do in Kyoto to make sure you get the most from your visit. Don’t forget to let me know you’re own highlights once you’re back!

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READY TO EXPLORE MORE OF JAPAN? YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN THESE TRAVEL BLOG ARTICLES:

• TOKYO: Incredible Things to do in Tokyo Japan + Travel Guide (written by a local who knows the place inside and out!)
• OSAKA: First Timers Guide to Things to See, Do & Experience in Osaka (plus where to stay & how to get around!)
• GRAB YOUR SKIS! The Best Ski Resort in Japan

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