Kyoto Travel Tips
Next to Tokyo, Kyoto is Japan's top must-see destination. More than any other city in the country, Kyoto offers visitors a taste of traditional Japan: raked pebble gardens, tranquil shrines and temples, geishas and sophisticated kaiseki cuisine.
With its hundreds of temples and gardens, Kyoto was the imperial capital between 794 and 1868, and it remains the cultural center of Japan. The city is Japan's cultural treasure house, with an astonishing 1,600 Buddhist temples, 400 Shinto shrines, a trio of palaces, and dozens of gardens and museums. Seventeen of Kyoto's ancient structures and gardens have been declared UNESCO World Heritage sites.
3 Days in Kyoto: Suggested Itineraries
Written by Viator, August 2010
Known as the cradle of Japan's cultural heritage, Kyoto was Japan's capital. Today it's the country's seventh largest city, thoroughly modern while remaining Japan's most traditional city. Get to ...
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Nara Tours from Kyoto
Written by Viator, August 2010
Nara, situated 26 miles (42 kilometers) outside of Kyoto in Japan's Kansai region, was the country's first permanent capital city. It's easily accessible from Kyoto by either train or bus (trains ...
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Kyoto Yuka Dining along the Kamo River
Written by Kyoto Expert: Satoko, Japan, May 2011
After enjoying the awesome Spring in 'Cherry Blossoms', in Kyoto the next famous sign of the season is already coming up on the riverside! 'Kamogawa Yuka', or a riverside balconies made of wood is ...
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Aoi Festival and Iris, Azalea, Kyoto Flowers Viewing in May
Written by Kyoto Expert: Satoko, Japan, May 2012
May is one of the perfect seasons to enjoy Kyoto !
Why don’t you enjoy really fresh air in the cozy, late Spring weather
strolling through the comfortable paths surrounded by beautiful green ...
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Higashiyama Hana Touro – Special Night Illumination
Written by Kyoto Expert: Satoko, Japan, January 2012
Kyoto in early Spring is a great time to enjoy one of the famous night light festivals, a moonlit beauty of the Higashiyama area. Editor’s Note: This recommendation was taken from our Japan ...
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How To Get Around in Kyoto
Written by Emma, Australia, February 2013
Kyoto is laid out on a grid system, with north-south running streets crossing those running east-west. Many of the major sights are close enough to be explored on foot (if you enjoy walking!) but at ...
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Important Festivals and Holidays in Kyoto
Written by Emma, Australia, February 2013
Japan’s most cultured city knows how to put on a great festival. Barely a month goes by without some historical extravaganza or other featuring on the local calendar. Here’s our list of some of the ...
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Kyo-ryori: Kyoto Cuisine
Written by Emma, Australia, December 2012
Kyo-ryori ( Kyoto
cuisine) is a refined cuisine with a history dating back over 1,200
years. Characterized by its use of seasonal ingredients, delicately
presented dishes and meals that are ...
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Kyoto's Best Parks and Gardens
Written by Emma, Australia, March 2013
Kyoto is rich with
parks and landscaped gardens. Many gardens are temple gardens and
reflect a Zen Buddhist philosophy and others feature an abundance of
flowering cherry and plum trees, bamboo ...
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Kyoto's Top Three Festivals in May
Written by Kyoto Expert: Satoko, Japan, May 2011
May is one of the best seasons to visit Kyoto to enjoy its breathtaking collaboration of colorful flowers and fresh green throughout the city. Also you can't miss a great chance to enjoy one of ...
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Kyoto’s Best Onsen
Written by Emma, Australia, February 2013
Onsen (hot springs) can be found in Japan’s countryside, in natural surrounds ideal for outdoor bathing and with direct access to geothermally heated springs. Be careful not to confuse onsen with ...
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Nishiki Food Market
Written by Emma, Australia, March 2013
While Tokyo has Tsukiji Fish Market, famous for its tuna auctions and the sheer quantity and diversity of seafood that is traded every day, landlocked Kyoto has a very different kind food market. A ...
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Playing Geisha for a Day in Kyoto
Written by Emma, Australia, March 2013
As you walk around Kyoto you are bound to pass many Maiko (apprentice geisha) dressed in elaborate and colorful kimonos and tottering around on their okobo (wooden clogs). If you love dressing up or ...
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Romantic Kyoto
Written by Emma, Australia, February 2013
Kyoto is romantic. It’s hard not to feel just a little bit squishy when you walk the streets of Old Kyoto or stand gazing at an ancient shrine or temple. Of course, if you are looking to ramp up the ...
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Shopping on Shijo-dori
Written by Emma, Australia, January 2013
Kyoto’ s best shopping experiences can be found on and around its main street, Shijo-dori. Running east to west through Kyoto’s Gion district , Shijo-dori is a 7-kilometer-long stretch of gigantic ...
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Photo by: Krishnan Vaitheeswaran, Australia
Doing what: Arashiyama and Sagano Morning Walking Tour
