Things to Do in Kyoto, Japan
Kyoto, Japan
Kyoto is known as the most beautiful city in Japan, Kyoto has been the capital of Japan for over a thousand years. Although it is not the largest city in Japan This beautiful country, where Kyoto attracts millions of local visitors and tourists annually looking for ancient Japanese civilization.
Where you will enjoy a lot when visiting the unique architecture, ancient monuments and temples, as well as many gardens, winding cobbled alleys, and traditional cafes.
Kyoto the spiritual and cultural capital of Japan is also one of the best places to see romantic cherry trees, an amazing blend of modern and traditional influences.
Best time to visit Kyoto
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| Climate in Kyoto |
There's never a bad time to go to Kyoto has charm in every season, but the best times to visit this cultural capital are in the spring or fall. October and November have long sunny days, mild temperatures, amazing colourful foliage displays and an abundance of seasonal foods. March and April are absolutely popular with warm weather and delicate cherry blossoms. Both times are pretty crowded, so if you don't mind missing out on the fall colours and Sakura, Kyoto still has a lot to offer for the rest of the year with a mild year-round climate.
Summer (May to July) is hot and humid, and Kyoto Festival is held in July.
The weather in Kyoto can be quite cold in winter, with temperatures averaging around 5°C (41°F) from December to February, with occasional snowfall.
There is moderate rain from March to October and June, July and September see the most rain, but it does not rain every day. From April to October, the temperature ranges between 20°C (68°F), and 30°C (86°F).
https://www.climatestotravel.com/climate/japan/kyoto
Seasonal highlights
Spring Season
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| Spring Season |
Late March through April is a good time to witness the blooming of cherry blossoms and new green maple leaves that dot the shrine and temple gardens.
Summer Season
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| Summer Season |
Highlights of the hottest season include riverside dining, cormorant hunting shows, shore excursions, the month-long Ghion Festival, and fire shows; Held to honour the spirits of ancestors.
Autumn Season
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| Autumn in Kyoto |
The autumn foliage of Kyoto attracts visitors from all over the world. Harvest moon festivals, such as the Jidai Matsuri, are a fall highlight, with cool temperatures perfect for hiking at Mount Bonbon and Mount Atago.
Winter Season
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| Winter in Kyoto |
Kabuki's biggest stars come to the party, and plum blossoms bloom after Kyoto is also illuminated by winter festivals such as the Arashiyama Hanatoro Festival.
In the article, we will learn about the most attractive tourist attractions in Kyoto, this wonderful city.
Best things to do in Kyoto
Kyoto National Museum
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| Kyoto National Museum |
Founded in 1897, Kyoto National Museum is one of the oldest museums in Japan and houses artefacts, sculptures, ceramics, costumes, and paintings. The handicrafts section of the museum includes pottery and metal artefacts, and the art antiquities section includes many artworks. A large number of tourists from all over the world visit the museum annually.
Kyoto National Museum is devoted to exploring the history of Japan primarily through industrial arts and crafts. The largest number of artefacts on display date from those centuries, when Kyoto was the capital of Japan.
The museum grounds include a souvenir shop and café, which you can visit at no charge.
Nijo Castle, Kyoto
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| Nijo Castle, Kyoto |
When most people imagine castles, they have in mind the stone gothic palaces of Europe, but in Kyoto, you will also enjoy Nijo Castle made of wood, which is famous for its very impressive design. Nijo Castle was built in the 17th century with Japan to help finance the construction.
The palace itself is made of cypress wood and gold leaf which is widely used in Japanese, along with the ceilings of golden mosaic.
The grounds of Nijo Castle are home to a garden of hundreds of plum trees that bloom between the end of February and the beginning of March, and many maple and ginkgo trees that fill the place with vivid colours in late autumn.
Make sure to visit the castle sometime after it opens or before it closes to avoid crowds and enjoy a tour of its entire complex, which includes a castle, a palace, a natural garden and wonderful squares.
Philosopher's Path, Kyoto
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| Philosopher's Path, Kyoto |
The Philosopher's Path is a simple pedestrian walkway that runs alongside a canal in Kyoto. On both sides of the Philosopher's Path are magnificent cherry trees, which give the road a scenic appearance with a group of unique landscapes, and although the Philosopher's Path extends for shorter than two miles, it passes many important shrines and temples.
The famous Japanese philosopher Nishida Kitaro used to walk along this walk daily to enjoy meditation until the path was later called the Philosopher's Path.
Visitors flock to the boardwalk in bloom and the beautiful cherry trees lining the path are so popular during the Hanami season. But most of them leave the area at sunset when you can enjoy the beauty of the trees and take a quiet walk, during this visit, you can take a large number of pictures of cherry trees and see several tourist attractions in Kyoto within an hour's walk.
Both sides of the promenade are dotted with small quiet cafes and restaurants for a break when needed. It's worth noting that if you keep walking hard, it will take about 30 minutes to reach the Philosopher's Path's end, but you take that time to take a slow walk and meditate.
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Kyoto
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| Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Kyoto |
The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is one of Kyoto's most popular tourist attractions. The world-famous bamboo grove offers stunning natural views that change according to the seasons, and the area is rich in temples, ancient imperial palaces, and famous historical sites, most of which are considered national treasures or are included in World Heritage sites.
Arashiyama is a neighbourhood on the western outskirts of Kyoto. One of the most famous attractions in Rachiyama is the famous bamboo forest, which is an amazing experience. A walk will also give you wonderful impressions of this city that you will not forget. You can stand next to thousands, or perhaps millions of tall green bamboo stalks. Moreover, the bamboo forest in Arashiyama is home to some friendly monkeys, who will entertain and even greet you as you walk along the grove. You will also find a variety of stores selling bamboo products.
Fushimi Inari Taisha Temple, Kyoto
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| Fushimi Inari Taisha Temple, Kyoto |
It is one of the most famous and oldest Japanese temples in Kyoto, where it ranks fourth in terms of the number of visitors in Japan. Millions come to it annually, especially on New Year's Day, not because it is the only temple in Kyoto that allows entry without any fees, but for its historical and archaeological value and its unique architectural style. , where there are a thousand gates in red colour. It is believed to have been founded in the period between the years 708-715, the main shrine is located at the foot of the mountain, and the entire area is a sanctuary, and is the main temple of about 30,000 Inari temples spread throughout Japan.
Gion district, Kyoto
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| Gion district, Kyoto |
Gion district was built on the banks of the Kamo River in the Middle Ages as a stop for travellers coming to tourism in Kyoto, the Gion district was a popular historical place in the heart of Kyoto, the geisha district Kyoto.
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| Geisha in Kyoto |
Gion is one of the few places left in Kyoto, where you can wander Gion, the cobbled streets where willows swing, and the flower district lined with cafés and wooden huts. Heading south toward Shinju Street, you begin to enter Geisha's territory. Here you can find traditional wooden tea houses, Ochaya, which are residences and reception spaces for geisha artists although some have been converted into upscale restaurants and bars open to the public. you can experience a full traditional tea service or even a local meal in the ambience. Authentic Japanese, where geisha girls, who are Japanese hostesses and entertainers, participate in that experience to entertain guests, as part of Japan's heritage, dating back 4,000 years.
Gion is one of the tourist stops in Kyoto where tourists must stop by, to contemplate its natural beauty and historical heritage, there is Hanamikoji Street, which includes many boutiques, shops and unique kiosks, which provide different types of products, such as traditional or modern fashion and clothing, as well as souvenirs of handicrafts.
Kyoto Aquarium
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| Kyoto Aquarium |
The winding paths and soft colours of Kyoto Aquarium give it a special feel.
The aquarium has a section dedicated to displaying the organisms that live in Kyoto rivers, including the Japanese giant salamander.
You can also see the fish that live in the oceans, as well as a huge number of marine creatures, such as penguins and seals.
A dolphin show is held several times a day in the open-air theatre. This is perhaps the only place in the world that allows you to take a picture of a dolphin jumping out of the water, while a high-speed train passes under it in the background.
Kyoto Aquarium hosts many special events regularly, ranging from 3D light shows to water gun battles at the Dolphin Theatre. These offers change regularly; We recommend that you check in advance for the events to be hosted during your visit.
Mount Kurama, Kyoto
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| Mount Kurama, Kyoto |
Mount Kurama is the birthplace of Reiki therapy and one of the best day trip destinations outside of Kyoto. Magical temples, spiritual history, rich cedar forests and onsen springs.
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| Mount Kurama, Kyoto |
A 15-minute walk from the base of Kurama-Dera Temple, Kurama Onsen is believed to be the best natural hot spring in the Kyoto region. It has a separate outdoor bathtub for both sexes, in addition to several indoor bathrooms. The complex also houses a restaurant that serves Japanese cuisine at affordable prices. A free shuttle bus is available from the station.
Nishiki Market, Kyoto
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| Nishiki Market, Kyoto |
It is considered one of the most exciting markets in Kyoto, and is called “Kyoto Kitchen”; Because it's a place to sell all kinds of delicious Japanese food. Today's Nishiki market is different from when it originated as an open-air fish market some 400 years ago.
The market is a covered arcade on Nishikikoji Street, north of Shijo Street. Nishiki Market offers a range of fresh and preserved foods. You can also find some of Kyoto's best cookware in a 450-year-old store, as well as locally made Kyo-Yaki Ceramics with delicate floral designs. When you get tired of shopping, you will find a range of restaurants inside the market, including an Italian trattoria and a small-designed sushi restaurant.
Recommended hotels in Kyoto
Hotel Granvia Kyoto
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| Hotel Granvia Kyoto |
Hotel Granvia Kyoto is ideally located inside Kyoto Station. Free WiFi is available throughout the property.
Hotel Granvia Kyoto is just a 3-minute walk from Kyoto Tower. The popular Arashiyama area and Fushimi Inari Shrine with hundreds of red gates are both a 15-minute train ride from Kyoto Stations. The outstanding Kiyomizu Temple is a 20-minute bus ride away.
Visitor reviews
The hotel got an excellent rating in terms of its great location, connection to Kyoto station, and the rooms are spacious and comfortable.
Booking.com
MOGANA, Kyoto
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| MOGANA, Kyoto |
Located in Kyoto, and opened in December 2018, MOGANA features a garden and free WiFi. The hotel is located in the Nakagyo Ward district, 800 meters from Kyoto International Manga Museum. Nijojo-Mae Station is a 5-minute walk, Karasuma Oike Station is an 8-minute walk, and Kyoto Station is a 14-minute train ride.
Nijo Castle is 1.2 km from the accommodation, while Samurai Kempo Kyoto is 2.2 km away. The nearest airport is Itami Airport, 48 km from the property.
Visitor reviews
The hotel received excellent reviews for its helpful staff, comfortable room, hotel design and breakfast, and the hotel offers free Wi-Fi.
Booking.com
Kiraku Kyoto Zeniyacho
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| Kiraku Kyoto Zeniyacho |
Kiraku Kyoto Zeniyacho offers a hot tub and air-conditioned accommodations with free WiFi in the centre of Kyoto, 1.1 km from TKP Garden City Kyoto.
Sanjusangen-do Temple is 1.9 km from Kiraku Kyoto Zeniyacho. Kyoto International Manga Museum is 2.1 km away. The nearest airport is Itami Airport, 37 km from the property.
Visitor reviews
The hotel received an excellent rating for its helpful staff, location within walking distance from Kyoto station, and cleanliness. The hotel offers free Wi-Fi.
Booking.com
Nagi Kyoto Shijo
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| Nagi Kyoto Shijo |
Nagi Kyoto Shijo is located in the Nakagyo district of Kyoto. 1.4 km from the International Kyoto Manga Museum. Nagi Kyoto Shijo is 1.8 km from Nijo Fort and 2.6 km from TKB Garden City Kyoto. The nearest airport is Itami Airport. It is 47 km away.
Visitor reviews
The hotel got an excellent rating regarding facilities, comfortable rooms, helpful staff, location and value for money. The hotel offers free Wi-Fi.
Booking.com
The Thousand Kyoto
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| The Thousand Kyoto |
The Thousand Kyoto is located in the Shimogyo Ward district of Kyoto. The Thousand Kyoto is 200 meters from TKB Garden City Kyoto and 1.2 km from Sanjusangen-do Temple. The nearest airport is Itami Airport, 46 km from the property.
It offers free Wi-Fi, and private parking is available on-site.
Visitor reviews
The hotel received an excellent rating for its excellent location next to Kyoto station, rooms are luxurious and clean, breakfast and very friendly staff.
Booking.com
Daiwa Roynet Hotel Grande Kyoto
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| Daiwa Roynet Hotel Grande Kyoto |
Daiwa Roynet Hotel Grande Kyoto is located just a 5-minute walk from JR Kyoto Station. The hotel is an 18-minute walk from Tofuku-Ji Temple and 2.3 km from Kiyomizu-Dera Temple. This 4-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk. The property is 3 km from the Kyoto International Manga Museum.
Visitor reviews
The hotel was rated excellent for its helpful and friendly staff, great location, great food, great design and cleanliness. The hotel offers free Wi-Fi.
Booking.com
Tourists asking about Kyoto, Japan
Why is Kyoto a popular tourist destination?
Kyoto is considered the cultural capital of Japan and a major tourist destination. It is home to numerous Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines, palaces, and gardens, some of which are collectively listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
How many days do you need in Kyoto?
At least two full days are needed to discover Kyoto. Since Kyoto is rich in history and culture, you can easily spend a week between the ancient capital of Japan and its attractions.
Is it better to stay in Osaka or Kyoto?
Between Osaka and Kyoto (30 minutes by train), Osaka is centrally located. We recommend staying 8 days in Osaka. During this, you can visit Kyoto for two days and you can also visit other places in the area.
Where to stay in Kyoto?
The best area to stay in Kyoto for tourists is downtown Kawaramachi. Other top recommended places to stay in Kyoto are Gion, Kyoto Station, and Kyoto Central. Downtown Kawaramachi offers plenty of shops and restaurants, and is within walking distance of the historic city of Gion, making it the best place to stay in Kyoto.
Do Kyoto residents speak English?
Kyoto is a tourist city, so most hotel and restaurant staff speak English. While not many locals speak English fluently.
Is it cheaper to stay in Kyoto or Osaka?
Kyoto is the most popular tourist destination and the cultural capital of Japan. This is the reason for the high cost of accommodation and food here. If you are on a budget, we highly recommend visiting Osaka. The city is a beautiful mix of culture, nightlife and great food.
What are the most famous Japanese foods?
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| Famous food in Japan |
The most famous Japanese dishes: Japanese cuisine is distinguished by its distinctive presentation and careful preparation of dishes, and it is considered one of the most famous kitchens in the world and includes many international foods, which attract tourists from all over the world, and rice and bread are among the main ingredients of Japanese cuisine, in addition to fish.
Sushi
It is considered one of the most famous dishes in Japan consists of rice, and it is covered with a little seafood, such as raw fish and hot radish, or cooked shrimp or pickled or smoked mackerel, in addition to soy sauce.
Unagi
It is considered one of the most famous dishes after eating sushi, and it consists of grilled eel, served with a layer of rice, and it is considered one of the oldest Japanese foods.
Takoyaki
It is served in the form of small moulds, and each mould consists of flour, octopus cut into small pieces and grilled inside the grill, and it is considered one of the fastest, easiest and main foods in Japan.
Tempura
It consists of small fish, mixed with some vegetables, and served in horseradish sauce, and is a popular delicacy in Japan.
fugu
It consists of a group of fish, and Japanese law warns against eating and preparing it, and permission to prepare it must be obtained; Because it requires attention and care in removing the poisonous parts in it; Because these toxins may cause death.
Shirako
It is considered one of the most famous dishes in Japan, it consists of cod eggs and egg yolk, and it is served as it is or boiled, and it spreads in the winter as the season for the famous codfish.
Where can I see a Geisha in Kyoto?
The best places to see geisha in Kyoto are Hanami-koji-Dori in Gion (the section between Shijo-Dori and Kennin-Ji Temple) and at the end of Shijo-Dori of Pontocho. The best time to see it is early evening, especially on weekends and public holidays.
According to the Japan National Tourism Organization, the ancient capital of Kyoto is the most popular destination for foreign visitors to Japan. It is a city that embodies everything visitors think of Japanese traditions, including ancient temples, ryokans (traditional Japanese inn style), cafes, and geisha. , etc., all of which are still preserved in the original tradition of the city.
Just as Kyoto is famous for its wonderful temples and shrines, it also has incredible shopping opportunities as it is the best place in Japan to buy authentic Japanese goods. Museums, galleries and green spaces.