Kyoto

A thousand-year-old capital: Kiyomizu-dera, Fushimi Inari and the Arashiyama bamboo grove, kimono strolls and kaiseki cuisine—the essence of Japanese culture.

Kyoto sits in the Kyoto Basin in Japan's Kansai region on Honshu, surrounded by mountains on three sides, with the Kamo and Katsura rivers running through it. From 794 to 1868 it was Japan's capital as Heian-kyō, and it has 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites (“Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto”) and more than 2,000 temples and shrines, making it the city with the highest concentration of traditional Japanese culture. Sightseeing areas: Higashiyama (Kiyomizu-dera, Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka, Yasaka Pagoda, Yasaka Shrine, Gion and Hanamikoji—the most classic walking route and the main stage for kimono experiences); northern Kyoto (Kinkaku-ji, Ryoan-ji and Ninna-ji, linked by the Randen tram and buses); Arashiyama (Togetsukyo Bridge, the bamboo path, Tenryu-ji, the Sagano Romantic Train and Hozugawa river cruise); Fushimi (Fushimi Inari Taisha and the Fushimi sake breweries); the Philosopher's Path–Ginkaku-ji–Nanzen-ji–Eikando line (cherry blossoms in spring, maples in autumn); and central Kyoto's Nijo Castle, Nishiki Market, the Kamo River bank and Pontocho. Uji (Byodoin, matcha) and Nara (Todai-ji, Nara Park) are the most common day trips, each about 30–45 minutes away. Best season: cherry blossoms from late March to early April (Philosopher's Path, Arashiyama, Daigo-ji, Maruyama Park night sakura); autumn leaves from mid-November to early December (Kiyomizu-dera, Eikando, Tofuku-ji, Arashiyama night illuminations). These are the two peaks of the year, when lodging prices double and should be booked months ahead. In July there is the Gion Festival (Yamahoko parades on the 17th and 24th). Summer is hot and humid; winter is cold, but Kinkaku-ji after snowfall is beautiful and uncrowded. Getting there: from Kansai Airport in Osaka, the JR Haruka takes about 75 minutes to Kyoto Station; from Tokyo, the Shinkansen takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. In the city, buses are the main transport (the bus day pass has been discontinued; you can tap in with ICOCA/Suica, and the subway + bus day pass costs about ¥1,100). The Karasuma and Tozai subway lines have limited coverage; for Arashiyama and Fushimi take JR, Keihan or Hankyu trains. Buses on popular routes are extremely crowded, so use trains and walking where possible; renting a bicycle is also a good choice. Suggested length: 3–4 days, plus 1 day each for Uji or Nara. Notes: photography is banned in private alleys such as those in Gion, with fines, so please don't chase geiko or maiko for photos. Most temples close around 4:30–5:00 p.m., so plan no more than 3–4 per day. Most temple admissions are paid in cash. Kyoto's accommodation tax is charged separately. In cherry blossom and autumn leaf seasons, arrive at Kiyomizu-dera or Fushimi Inari before 7 a.m. to avoid the crowds.

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