Flisha and I spent a couple of days in Kyoto while we were in Japan last April. I’m glad we did, though it was expensive to get there from Tokyo, because it’s definitely worth going because it gives you the authentic Japanese experience, if that makes sense.
We used our JR Pass to get there from Tokyo. How to get there: Take the Shinkansen Hikari train from either Tokyo Station or Shinagawa Station in central Tokyo, and arrive at Kyoto Station. A standard Tokyo to Kyoto trip with the JR Pass takes close to 2 hours and 40 minutes, taking the Hikari Shinkansen. Unlike Hikari, all Kodama trains need close to 4 hours to reach Kyoto from Tokyo.
Kyoto has so many beautiful iconic must-visit tourist spots, but my travel motto is “quality over quantity” so I elected to go to the chosen best few rather than go to so many and not only waste my time and money but also tire myself out and fall sick (which has happened to me before). Below is what we ended up seeing. Some people can probably breeze through these in a day!
Arashimaya Bamboo Forest
The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is one of Kyoto’s top sights and for good reason: standing amid these soaring stalks of bamboo is like being in another world.
Outside the bamboo forest is the Nonomiya shrine, considered to be very popular, especially amongst women. It is believed that a visit to this temple can help single women with matchmaking processes, and also ease of child delivery for mothers-to-be.
Tenryu Ji Temple & Garden
Near the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is the Tenryu-ji Temple, a sprawling Zen temple with one of the finest gardens in Kyoto and wonderful mountain views.
Gion
Gion is Kyoto’s most famous geisha district, located around Shijo Avenue between Yasaka Shrine in the east and the Kamo River in the west. We stopped here for dinner and didn’t watch any geisha shows.
Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
Kinkaku-ji, the famed “Golden Pavilion,” is said to be Kyoto’s most iconic sight and I have to agree. It is definitely a must-visit!
At the end of the path are stalls selling mochi and other Japanese goodies. These are so yummy and definitely worth buying!
Nijo-jo Castle
Nijō Castle is a flatland castle in Kyoto, Japan. The castle consists of two concentric rings of fortifications, the Ninomaru Palace, the ruins of the Honmaru Palace, various support buildings and several gardens.
On the grounds is a beautiful garden which has a tea house.
Naturally we had to have a quick tea break. I had some matcha cake while Flisha made her own cup of matcha tea, while we sat on the ground in front of a typical Japanese low table.
Fushimi Inari-Taisha Shrine
Fushimi-Inari is an entire world of shrines and shrine gates spread across an entire mountain in Southeast Kyoto. InsideKyoto.com is willing to rank this as the single most impressive and important spot in all of Kyoto and I have to say, it is one of my top 3 favourite spots in Kyoto.
I nearly got drenched in the rain but it was so worth it to get these shots!
Ryokan Shimizu
We stayed in two hotels while we were in Kyoto. The one worth mentioning is Ryokan Shimizu, which is like a modern Ryokan.A ryokan is a type of traditional Japanese inn that has existed since the eighth century A.D.
Ryokan Shimizu looks like a Ryokan with beds on the floor, low tables, wooden slatted windows, but it has modern amenities – air conditioning, private bathroom with toilet, shower, and bathtub. Do not underestimate those beds, though – they are the fluffiest beds I have ever slept on in my whole life!
This ryokan is quite popular, so you need to book it way in advance. When I booked it, only one night for the whole week was available, and only for the three-bedroom room. I quickly snapped it up before anyone else did.
The location is pretty good, walkable from a JR line and you can walk to bus stops where you can take buses to the temples. The hotel guy even gave us a map and explained where the popular sites were and how to get there.
They also have kimonos and props that you can borrow for photo ops, which was nice!
Ryokan Shimizu 京の宿 しみず
600-8317, Kyoto, Shimogyo Ward, Shimogyo-ku Shichijo dori Wakamiya agaru Kagiyacho 644
Phone: +81753715538
Booking.com link
Food
Kyoto is known for its food, so I was glad to have the chance to gobble up their Kobe beef, okonomiyaki, and other things. Their food is better than Tokyo, which is hard to believe because Tokyo already has delicious food, but it’s true. Definitely eat as much as you can while there!
Japan Posts:
🇯🇵 Full Japan itinerary with costing
🇯🇵 Tokyo Tour
🇯🇵 Mt Fuji & Hakone Tour
🇯🇵 Great Wisteria Festival @ Ashikaga Flower Park
🇯🇵 Kyoto 2 Days Tour
🇯🇵 One Day in Osaka
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