Because the bullet practice started to gradual, the automated voice over the speaker introduced (first in Japanese after which in English) that we needs to be able to deboard—the practice can be stopped for 1 minute, and solely 1 minute. We rapidly gathered our issues, scurried out of the practice station and stepped into Kyoto, a metropolis that’s been on my bucket list for a decade. As anticipated, it turned out to be an expertise in contrast to another.
Kyoto’s character is not possible to sum up in a paragraph, however right here are some things that make it such a particular place. First, because the previous capital of Japan, Kyoto was the middle of arts, so at present it’s brimming with the nation’s richest cultural traditions, from the Japanese tea ceremony to the artwork of flower arranging. The town’s historical past spans greater than 1,200 years, and its delicacies, craftsmanship, and plenty of UNESCO World Heritage Sites have tremendously influenced the nation as an entire.
Yet this feeling of ancient history is balanced by a modernity—not only is Kyoto an incredibly creative city, it possesses an orderliness that feels light years ahead of the US. Exhibit A: the train station toilets’ high-tech functionality that kept them sparkling clean—and even played nature sound effects if I so desired.
I’ve only scratched the surface of experiencing Kyoto’s many layers, and I have no doubt that each time I return, I’ll understand it in a deeper way. But through the months of planning our trip, I dove headfirst into research and came away with so many recommendations from trusted friends, I wanted to share the travel guide that I created for our group to experience Kyoto for the first time. Read on for what to do to experience Kyoto to its fullest.
What to know about Kyoto
If you’re dreaming of a journey to Japan that’s steeped in history, culture, and natural beauty, then Kyoto should be at the top of your list. Think ancient temples, stunning gardens, and rich traditions around every corner. Here are a few basics you should know if you’re planning a trip:
- Respect Local Customs: Kyoto is deeply rooted in tradition, so it’s essential to be respectful. Bowing is a common greeting, and remember to take off your shoes before entering someone’s home or a temple.
- Dress Modestly: When visiting temples and shrines, dress modestly by covering your shoulders and knees. This shows respect for the sacred places you’re exploring.
- Cash is King: While credit cards are accepted at major hotels and some restaurants, it’s wise to carry cash, as many smaller shops and traditional establishments prefer it.
- Plan in Advance: Kyoto has incredible restaurants and great hotels, from traditional ryokans to modern hotels. However, especially during peak season, it’s essential to make reservations well in advance. There were a handful of restaurants I wanted to try that we weren’t able to get into due to limited seating.
- Don’t Rush: Take your time to soak in the culture and tranquility of Kyoto. Rushing from one attraction to another can lead to missing the true essence of this captivating city, and many of our best experiences came from just wandering around and discovering shops and cafés as we explored.
When to visit Kyoto
- Spring (March to May): This is the iconic cherry blossom season in Kyoto. Just be aware that this is a busy time for tourists, so book your accommodation well in advance.
- Summer (June to August): Summers in Kyoto are can be hot and humid. While it’s the off-peak season for tourists, there is a higher possibility of rain during this time.
- Autumn (September to November): Arguably the most beautiful time to visit Kyoto, autumn brings breathtaking foliage that creates a stunning backdrop for photos.
- Winter (December to February): Winters in Kyoto are relatively mild, and you can enjoy fewer crowds and lower prices. I would love to experience the light displays during the holiday season!
How to get to Kyoto
To get to Kyoto, the closest airport to fly into is Kansai International Airport (KIX). KIX is well-connected to major international destinations and is just a train ride away from Kyoto. Another option is Osaka International Airport (ITM), which is closer to Kyoto but serves mostly domestic flights.
Since we were flying in from the US, we decided to take a direct flight from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Haneda International Airport in Tokyo (HND), then we hopped on the bullet train and went straight to Kyoto.
Once you land, the Haruka Express from KIX, the Limited Express from ITM or the Bullet Train from Tokyo will conveniently transport you to Kyoto Station. The train ride is an amazing part of the journey, offering scenic views of Japan’s countryside.
Where to stay: Best Kyoto Hotels
Kyoto has great options when it comes to hotels, from traditional ryokans to modern hotels. However, especially during peak season, it’s essential to make reservations well in advance as they get booked up quickly.
This was our home base for the first leg of our stay, and I can’t imagine a more warm and welcoming place to experience Kyoto for the first time. Its sleek and modern interior is juxtaposed by the beautiful nature surrounding you, thanks to the floor to ceiling windows that bring the outdoors in. The 800-year-old Shakusui-en pond garden is arguably the focal point of the hotel—walking across it surrounded by cherry blossoms, Japanese maples, and weeping willows was the cortisol-lowering experience I needed to sink into the Kyoto experience. Don’t miss the incredible breakfast served in the restaurant each morning. The only hard part is deciding between the Japanese breakfast or the incredibly delicious pastries.
For the final two days of our trip, we relocated to Hoshinoya, in Arashiyama which is on the western outskirts of Kyoto. You access the hotel via a boat that takes you along the Oi River—and the 15-minute ride truly transports you to another, more soothing and peaceful world. Surrounded by forest-covered hills, you’re taken to a wood guest pavilions designed in an elegant and traditional Japanese style. Fresh slippers and a linen lounge set await you, and as you step onto the freshly laid tatami matting, you know you’re in for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. During our two days at Hoshinoya, we participated in the most inspiring incense ceremony, dined on traditional Japanese cuisine, relaxed and ate breakfast overlooking the river, and explored the nearby temple and bamboo forests. The entire experience reawakened my senses to the beauty of nature and slowing down.
On the complete other end of the spectrum is the new Ace Hotel. It’s buzzy, it’s modern, and it’s a good value in a city where it’s a little more challenging to find a decently priced room that still boasts comfort and luxury. It also offers a break from Japanese food, in case taco cravings strike (guilty!) With 3 restaurants, a rooftop bar, and a Stumptown coffee, the Ace feels like a taste of Brooklyn set right in the center of Kyoto.
Where to eat: Best Kyoto Restaurants
Kyoto is widely known to be an incredibly food city. However, I didn’t fully understand the food scene until I experienced it firsthand, so I think that on a return trip, I’ll feel much more confident in knowing where to go. My biggest tip is to book reservations as far in advance as possible! Many of the restaurants are small, and they book up well in advance. Below are the best restaurants where we ate in Kyoto, plus a few that came highly recommended that I didn’t get to experience on this trip.
Tempura Matsu: This celebrated tempura restaurant is situated within the Arashiyama district in west Kyoto. It serves conventional Japanese delicacies in programs and is extensively thought to serve the most effective tempura in Kyoto.
OMEN: Our first cease once we obtained to Kyoto, OMEN is a tiny spot with the most effective udon noodles of my life.
Monk: My greatest remorse was not scoring a reservation at Monk, which is extremely common ever for the reason that chef, Yoshihiro Imai’s look on Chef’s Table. Monk is a fourteen-seat, omakase-style menu restaurant set on the Thinker’s Path that focuses on pizza. Subsequent time.
Hitomi: a well-liked yakitori spot with scrumptious meals and enjoyable vibes—e book forward.
Sushi Matsumoto: We wished to expertise a standard omakase sushi meal on our first evening, and Sushi Matsumoto actually delivered. Each chew was scrumptious, and I really misplaced monitor of what number of programs had been served. Subsequent time, I would schedule this once we weren’t hit so exhausting by jetlag to completely recognize the fantastic thing about every course.
Censi: A Japanese menu with Italian affect, this can be a heat and welcoming spot that made it on Asia’s 50 Greatest Eating places listing.
Mama Arashiyama: Adam and I spent our final evening in Kyoto at this stunning Italian restaurant in Arashiyama. We beloved the best way they blended a Japanese method into our pasta and pizza-filled dinner. An ideal spot to go if you need elevated meals in relaxed, informal environment.
Stardust: a vegan café that I heard SO many raves about, however that occurred to be closed whereas we have been there.
Tan: I actually wished to go to this farm-to-table restaurant, however sadly they have been booked up. Extremely really useful from trusted buddies.
Cafés and coffeeshops
Bread & Espresso & Arashiyama: the right spot to cease for espresso and a pastry or sandwich for those who’re in Arashiyama.
Tsujiri Tea House: a inexperienced tea retailer that’s additionally well-known for his or her matcha ice cream and desserts.
Kishin Kissa – probably the most aesthetic espresso store with a small however scrumptious menu of snacks, sweets, and matcha.
Me Me Me Coffee House: Go for breakfast, attempt the donuts.
What to do in Kyoto: the sights
Explore historic Kyoto
Ninnenzaka and Sannenzaka Streets are full of quaint shops to explore. Put on your most comfortable shoes and go up the hills of the Higashiyama District. Along the way, see the Kiyomizu Temple at top of hill, and the Kodaiji Temple with beautiful architecture and zen gardens
Visit the temples
Rokuon-Ji Temple (Golden Pavillion): This breathtaking golden pavilion is a must see.
Daitokuji Temple: There are 22 sub-temples within this monastery complex but only 4 sub-temples are visible to the public.
Ryoanji Temple: This temple has the most famous rock garden in Kyoto.
Arashiyama
Our time in Arashiyama was definitely one of my favorite parts of our entire trip. If you’re not staying here, dedicate a full day to see some amazing fall foliage (or cherry blossoming) and see the following:
- Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
- The Iwatayama Monkey Park on the slopes of Arashiyama. Over 170 monkeys reside on the park. Whereas the monkeys are wild, they’ve change into accustomed to people. The park is on a small mountain not removed from the Saga-Arashiyama rail station. Guests can method and {photograph} the monkeys. On the summit is a fenced enclosure the place guests can feed the monkeys.
- The “Moon Crossing Bridge” (Togetsukyo, notable for its views of cherry blossoms and autumn colours on the slopes of Arashiyama.
Purchasing in Kyoto
Kyoto is legendary for its craftsmanship, so take a while to peruse Chawanzaka Road (aka teapot lane) filled with conventional pottery retailers sloping down from the Kiyomizu-dera Temple.
POJ Studio is my favourite store in Kyoto. From the ceramics to the incense to the DIY Kintsugi kits, I wished to convey all the things house with me. Fortunately, they ship to the US (and I ordered one among their woven tapestries for our front room wall.)
Go to Nishiki Market
Essentially the most well-known meals market in Kyoto, Nishiki Market is certainly price a go to. Stroll via the seemingly limitless stalls to see and style belongings you’ve by no means seen earlier than. Search for Inexperienced tea mochi, sashimi skewers, and some issues which may make your abdomen flip (ie the grilled sparrow.) We beloved the smooth serve with manuka honey.
Stroll down Philosopher’s Path
It is a beautiful stone path alongside a canal, lined with timber and cute retailers and eating places. The trail takes its title from the twentieth century philosophy professor Nishida Kitaro, who walked alongside the trail every day whereas meditating on the issues concerned in reconciling Japanese and Western colleges of thought. On a future journey, I’d spend much more time strolling right here, absorbing the wonder and visiting spots alongside the best way.
Get dinner or drinks in Pontocho Alley
Historic and energetic at evening, lined with nice hole-in-the-wall bars. Take a stroll throughout the banks of Kamogawa River round sundown in your manner.
