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Sunday, March 4, 2012

Kyoto Japan

Kyoto (京都) is one of the must see places in Japan on any trip. With more than 2000 shrines and temples, Japan’s former capital is considered the home of culture and history in Japan. The absolute minimum amount of time you should spend in Kyoto is two days but more is highly recommended to fully experience what the place has to offer.

The must see places in Kyoto include:


Daikaku-ji Temple – Built in the 9th century as a palace for the emperor and later converted into a large temple.

Fushimi Inari Shrine – Dedicated to the gods of rice and sake, today it is one of Japan’s most popular shrines. A pathway wanders 4km up the mountain and is lined with hundreds of red tori gates.

Ginkaku-ji – The Temple of the Silver Pavilion was constructed in 1482 as a retreat villa for the Shogun and then converted to a temple after his death.

Heian-jingu – Heian shrine was built in 1895 to commemorate the 1100th anniversary of the founding of Kyoto.

Kinkaku-ji – The Temple of the Golden Pavilion is one of Japan’s best known sights. The original building was constructed in 1397 and the temple building is covered in gold.

Kiyomizu-dera – One of the most famous landmarks in Kyoto and first built in 798. The step approach to the temple is lined with shops selling local handicrafts and souvenirs, and the view over Kyoto from the famous wooden terrace is truly breathtaking.

Nijo Castle – Built in 1603 as the official Kyoto residence of the first Tokugawa shogun, it is a place of inner beauty and architecture with some of the best gardens in Japan.

To-ji – Established in 794 by imperial decree to protect the city of Kyoto. The 5 storey pagoda is the highest pagoda in Japan.

Gion – The famous entertainment and geisha district of Kyoto. Take a walk along Hanami-koji street lined with traditional restaurants and teahouses. It is a great place to visit in the late afternoon or early evening to spot a geisha or maiko.

Kinkaku-ji (Temple of the Golden Pavilion)

These are some great resources to help you explore Kyoto




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18 comments:

  1. RuroushaMarch 4, 2012 at 3:24 PM

    As you know, I love Tokyo and my shitamachi, but Kyoto has a charm unequalled by any other city in the world. I'm so glad you listed my all-time favourite place in Japan: Fushimi Inari Taisha. I've been there several times, but I've never been able to write about it. I can't find the words! PS: That's a beautiful photo of Kinkaku-ji.

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    1. Japan-AustraliaMarch 5, 2012 at 6:59 AM

      Thanks Rurousha, Two great cities with different charms about them. Fushimi Inari Taisha is a favourite amongst many people and a place I want to visit again for its beauty. It is one of my favourite pictures of Kinkakuji :)

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  2. linaMarch 4, 2012 at 5:31 PM

    I really need to visit Kyoto extensively someday.

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    1. Japan-AustraliaMarch 5, 2012 at 7:00 AM

      Thanks Lina, There is always so much to see and do in Kyoto and the list above it just some of the highlights Kyoto has to offer :)

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  3. rObfOsMarch 5, 2012 at 11:27 AM

    We have been to Kyoto twice now, and can't wait to get back there again one day! It's such a marvelous place, full of hidden gems, where you can really find the essence of grace and majesty that the Japanese people are so rightly famous for.

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    1. Japan-AustraliaMarch 5, 2012 at 11:42 AM

      Thanks rObfOs, I can't count the amount of times I've visited Kyoto, but I always get something new from each visit, and like you said it is full of hidden gems and new things to discover :)

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  4. @morethingsjapanMarch 5, 2012 at 11:44 AM

    Kyoto is definitely a must see. Nice summary of places to go! For expats, and anyone really, you can find some very nice, very cheap hostels. Between that and public transportation you can spend several days in the city and surrounding areas for the cost of a single Day. There's so much to see that you'll want more than one day anyway. Don't forget surrounding Inari, Byodin, and even monkey parks!

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    1. Japan-AustraliaMarch 5, 2012 at 11:51 AM

      Thanks MTJ, There is some cheaper accommodation available which makes it possible to spend a bit of time in Kyoto and it is such an easy place to get around as well. We hired bicycles one time and were able to explore the city quite easily. You would need several months to explore everything in detail, but you can accomplish a lot of you spend around 5-7 days exploring the city and surrounding areas :)

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  5. sixmatsMarch 6, 2012 at 5:32 PM

    I am looking for a way to live in Kyoto.

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    1. Japan-AustraliaMarch 6, 2012 at 5:44 PM

      Thanks sixmats, Yeah, me too! Just don't know about all the crowds during the spring and autumn, but apart from that would be an amazing place to live, and I could explore a new place every day :)

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  6. LisaMarch 7, 2012 at 7:50 AM

    It is a spectacular part of the world indeed.

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    1. Japan-AustraliaMarch 7, 2012 at 9:30 AM

      Thanks Lisa, It certainly is and a place I can keep coming back to time and time again :)

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  7. ThenadiDecember 3, 2012 at 3:58 PM

    This entry is very useful for me,I plan to visit tokyo in early october next year, 30september-5october 2013 6D5N, hope you can guide my itinerary list.
    I plan to spend 2days in kyoto which are
    1day= higashiyama->kiyomuzudera->ginkakuji->kinkakuji->kyoto city
    2nd day= fushimi inari shrine->arashiyama->gion
    3rd day + 4th day = 2 days pass of osaka
    5th day (flight at night at kansai airport)= still have no place to visit
    It's possible for me to go to tokyo, if I dont visit osaka?

    Really need ur advice :) if u dont mind so

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  8. Japan-AustraliaDecember 4, 2012 at 1:18 PM

    Thanks Thenadi, I like your schedule but would also try to add a day in Nara which is a former capital of Japan with a lot of culture and history. Check out my new site Japan Travel Advice for more on what to do and see in Japan http://japantraveladvice.com/

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    1. ThenadiDecember 4, 2012 at 2:28 PM

      my visit is suppose to be in Kyoto not tokyo.sorry for the error, got confused between this two word, Ok I will, Nara or Nagoya? will check the website! thank you

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    2. Japan-AustraliaDecember 4, 2012 at 2:34 PM

      I would focus on Nara because its in the Kansai area. Most of the main sights near Nara Koen can be seen in a full day.

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    3. ThenadiDecember 4, 2012 at 3:25 PM

      ok thank you, maybe I can complete my itinerary with Nara,will update soon. Other than historical area, is there any shopping area in these three destination? I mean shopping for some souvenir, gundam or somethings that only can get it in Japan. How about foods? do u know stall or restaurant that provide foods that muslim can eat?

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    4. Japan-AustraliaDecember 5, 2012 at 7:21 AM

      Not a problem Thenadi, Nara and Kyoto are famous for their historical temples and shrines as well as culture. You should be able to find lots of Japanese souvenirs there. For major shopping, check out Osaka which is one of the major shopping areas of Japan. The Namba area is good as well as Shinsaibashi Shopping.

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