If Tokyo is dizzying and dazzling, Kyoto is languid and majestic. It’s easy to see why Kyoto reigns supreme as one of Japan’s top travel destinations after spending just a few moments in Japan’s former capital. Infamous shrines and temples may draw you to the city initially, or perhaps the picturesque Arashiyama Bamboo Grove; however, there’s much more to Kyoto than meets the eye. I’ll go so far as to say it’s the best large city in Japan. If you haven’t closed out of the browser in defiance and are still with me, I’ll tell you why.
Things to Know When Traveling in Kyoto
- Kyoto’s subway and bus systems are clean, reliable, and affordable. I’m not one to opt for public transit while traveling abroad and found the process seamless and enjoyable.
- Bring good walking shoes! We occasionally used public transportation to navigate the city, however explored a lot on foot. On average, we walked about four miles a day.
- Purchase a Suica card. These pay-as-you-go cards can be used on everything from the public transportation to local convenience stores.
- Most hotels, restaurants, bars, and activities accept credit cards. Having some local currency on hand is helpful if you’re planning to visit street markets or vendors.
- It’s helpful to know basic phrases in Japanese. We occasionally encountered a language barrier during our time in the city, but luckily, I had the necessities down. When all else fails, Google Translate will be your friend.
- Ubers and taxis are available in Kyoto.
- Tipping isn’t customary and can even be seen as rude.
- Kyoto’s crime rate is low and we felt safe there!
Where to Stay
Noku Kyoto – We spent three nights at the Noku (not to be mistaken with the infamous Nobu hotel chain). I’ll start by saying there was nothing wrong with the hotel: it was in a good location, the rooms were modest, but clean and the hotel staff were friendly enough. There was just something about Noku I didn’t like, and I can’t put my finger on what it was. Kind of like that vanilla coworker you describe as being just ‘fine.’
Things to Do
Fushimi Inari Shrine
The Fushimi Inari Shrine is memorizing. The Shinto Shrine is best known for it’s walking path through thousands of closely aligned torii gates (pictured to the right below). Fushimi Inari is chaotic during peak hours, so visit first thing in the morning if you’re looking to get the perfect shot without dozens of tourists in the background. Then reward yourself for rising unreasonably early with a coffee and sweet treat from Vermillion Cafe afterwards, a short five minute walk from the entrance of the red gates.
Bike to Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Including the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove as a major Kyoto attraction isn’t exactly original. Something you may not find elsewhere is the recommendation to add this as a stop on a larger bike tour of the city. Bike tours are a great way to cover a lot of ground, and if you’re like me, give you better sense of where everything is directionally. We did a half-day bike tour in Kyoto and explored the more remote, western part of the city. Stops included the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, two smaller temples and local rice fields.
Inoichi Ramen
I scoured the internet for the best ramen in Kyoto and noticed Menya Inoichi topped nearly every list. The Michelin-starred restaurant had a line out the door when we arrived on a Tuesday afternoon, although that didn’t deter us from visiting. Their specialty white ‘Dashi soba’ was insane – by far the best ramen I’ve ever had. Wash it down with their fresh pear juice or ginger ale if you’re looking for a touch of sweetness to accompany the savory, umami flavors of the dish.
Kinkakuji (Golden Temple)
Kinkakuji, also referred to as the Golden Temple, is an iconic Kyoto attraction. The picturesque Zen temple overlooks a large pond and is covered in gold leaf. it’s an awe-inspiring view that prompts you to question its authenticity, only to remember you’re experiencing it firsthand, not through an influencer’s Instagram filter.
Higashiyama District
A stroll through the Higashiyama District will leave you feeling as though you’ve stepped back in time. The pedestrian-only streets are lined with traditional merchant shops showcasing pottery, clothing, sweet treats, pickles on a stick (also known as Kyuri Asazuke) and more. In recent years, the city has even removed telephone poles and lines to preserve the district’s historic feel. While you don’t want to miss any of the architectural details, be sure to watch your step. According to local legend, if you slip or fall on the Ninenzaka or Sannenzaka streets misfortune is just around the corner!
Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Perched above the Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka streets, the sweeping views from Kiyomizu-dera cannot be beat. Of all the temples we visited in Japan (and there were many), Kiyomizu-dera was my favorite. One of the more famous images of Japan for good reason.
Until next time, Kyoto.