What To Do In Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto – one of the largest cities of Japan – is surrounded by the hills of Honshu and is home of several universities and high educational institutions.

This area is well-known as an attractive tourist attraction with the prevailing culture, sculptures, and many other art forms.

Different from the busy life in Tokyo, life in Kyoto is quiet and peaceful. In this less-visited region of Japan, there are many unique things to do and tourist spots to visit, including 30 Buddhist temples, 200 Shinto shrines, cherry blossom, and so on.

Now, let’s take a trip through the most beautiful Kyoto tourist spots and discover what to do in Kyoto

How To Go From Osaka To Kyoto By Train

The fastest and most convenient way to get from Osaka to Kyoto is by train.

There are several rail services for you to choose from, which depends on your starting point and destination. Here are some of the most popular rail lines to get to Kyoto from Osaka:

• Firstly, you can take Shinkansen bullet train from Shin-Osaka station to Kyoto station. This service costs you 1,420 yen and 15 minutes to go.

• Secondly, you can travel by a Special Rapid Train offered by the JR Kyoto Line, from Osaka station to Kyoto station. The traveling duration is a little bit longer (about 29 minutes), but it is cheaper (only 560 yen).

• The third routine is from Osaka to the center of Kyoto, served by The Keihan Main Line. It takes about 55 minutes and 410 yen to travel between these two destinations. You should choose this line if you want to arrive in iconic sightseeing spots in Kyoto the most convenient way.

• Last but not least, Hankyu Kyoto Main Line will take you to central Kyoto from Osaka with the lowest price (only 400 yen). Trains from Hankyu Kyoto Main Line start in Hankyu Umeda station and reach Kawaramachi station in Kyoto in 44 minutes. If you want to visit Western Kyoto in advance, you should choose this rail line.

If you possess a Japan Rail Pass or regional rail pass, remember to check if any of these routes are covered to maximize your savings on transportation costs. 

You can also go to Kyoto from Osaka by bus. However, the bus line between two cities is not as complete as the rail line; therefore, going by bus is not as smart a choice for travellers.

Where To Stay In Kyoto, Japan

If you are still wondering where to stay in Kyoto, scroll down to know some of the best hotels in Kyoto:

Central Kyoto

It has many good hotels and is convenient to go to subway lines and downtown from this area. Here you can travel to tourist attractions, eat in famous restaurants, and do unusual nightlife activities.

• Mitsuki Kyoto (from USD318/night)
• Stay inn Kyoto Shijo Omiya (from USD76/night)
• Guesthouse Engawa (from USD 22/night)

Downtown Kyoto

This region is home of shops, bars, restaurants, train lines, and subway lines. From here, you can quickly go to Northern Higashiyama and Southern Higashiyama – the city’s two main tourist spots.

Arashiyama

This area is not crowded so you can live close to nature if staying here. The atmosphere is also very peaceful, so it is suitable for people who love exploring nature and want to relax after a long working period.

• Arashiyama Hot Spring Arashiyama Benkei Ryokan (from USD325/night)
• GuestHouse Saga Arashiyama (from USD 183/night)
• First Cabin Kyoto Arashiyama (from USD21/night)

Kyoto Station

This is, of course, near Kyoto Station and convenient for transportation. Life in this area is quite crowded, and you have to travel to other sightseeing in Kyoto.

• IRORI KYOTO STATION HIGASHI-HONGANJI (from USD302/night)
• 22 PIECES (from USD134/night)
• Yadoya Kikokuso (from USD91/night)

Northern Higashiyama

Northern Higashiyama is also good for people, who love nature. There are not many hotels, so you have to stay in guesthouses, ryokan, or vacation rentals if you choose Northern Higashiyama as your accommodation.

From here, you must ride a bike or take a bus downtown for playing, shopping and eating.

Best Time To Visit Kyoto, Japan

Shopping in Japan

While the weather in Kyoto varies according to seasons, there is no one good or bad time for Kyoto sightseeing. Each season in Kyoto has its pros and cons for visitors.

Kyoto is full of cherry blossom in spring and multicolour fall leaves and fresh foods in autumn. Participating in festivals in summer and enjoying traditional foods in winter are also unique things for tourists to do in Kyoto.

So, it is upon your work or study to choose when to visit Kyoto.

Things to do in In Kyoto, Japan

1. UNESCO World Heritage In Kyoto

Kyoto is said to be the most preserved city of Japan. It has 17 world heritage sites – the largest collections of UNESCO world heritage in the world.

All of them are temples and shrines, including Kiyomizu-Dera Temple, Kinkaku-Ji Temple, Ginkaku-Ji Temple, Ryoan-Ji Temple, Tenryu-Ji Temple, To-Ji Temple, Saiho-Ji Temple, Nijo-Jo Castle, Nishi-Hongan-Ji Temple, Ninna-Ji Temple, Shimogamo-Jinja Shrine, Enryaku-Ji Temple, Byodo-In Temple, Daigo-Ji Temple, Kamigamo-Jinja Shrine, Kozan-Ji Temple, and Ujigami-Jinja Shrine.

Each of these sites has its own separate cultural, architectural, and traditional meanings. You should not forget to check out any of these Kyoto attractions when arriving in this city. 

2. Kyoto Imperial Palace

Kyoto Imperial Palace, which is also known as Gosho, is the official residence of Emperor.

This palace is the combination of classical Japanese structure (magnificent buildings) and European style (low rooflines). The buildings and garden here are preserved differently from others in this city.

Therefore, if you are a fan of Japanese history, the Kyoto Imperial Palace is one Kyoto tourist spot for you to feel the overwhelming beauty of Kyoto.

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3. Nishiki Market

This food and drink market is 400 meters in length. It seems quite far to walk, but each step in this market will offer you special smells and sights.

The scent from more than 100 savoury food kiosks will call your attention toward them. Therefore, give it a try when you arrive in Kyoto to understand more about Japanese culinary culture.

From Nishiki Market, you can get to Yasaka Shrine very easily.

4. Kiyomizu-Dera Temple

Kiyomizu-Dera temple was found in 778 (the early Heian period) by Sakanoue no Tamuramaro, however, the current buildings were built in 1633.

This temple was named under waterfall running off the nearby hills – “Kiyomizu” means pure or clean water.

The main hall of Kiyomizu-Dera temple has a large veranda with many tall pillars, which are over the hillside. Beneath the veranda is the Otowa waterfall. The water here is believed to be wish-granting, so feel free to drink from it!

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5. Cherry Blossom Season

Do you know when the cherry blossom season is and how long it is?

While it varies in year, sakura season typically starts on the last week of March (about March 20) and lasts until the second week of April (about April 14).

Author’s note: The further north you go, the later it ends. I caught the sakuras in Hokkaido in May.

During this season, you will see all of the trees in full bloom. It is said that cherry blossom season is the most wonderful time for you to take photos. As such, this makes for one of Japan’s peak tourist period – simply because all of Kyoto’s sightseeing become enhanced with these pink flowers.

This is especially popular for newly married couples who are on their honeymoon.

6. Tea Ceremony

Nineizaka, Kyoto

This is a traditional custom of Japanese people. The tea ceremony was induced in the 8th century and drunk as a medical beverage by the upper class in the society.

Since the Muromachi Period, it has become a daily habit of every people. Today, drinking tea is practiced as a hobby and often organized in gardens, hotels, or cultural centres.

Although tea ceremony is organized through Japan, Kyoto is the best destination for you to enjoy this special culture.

7. Kinkaku-Ji Temple

Kinkaku-Ji temple, or the golden pavilion, is located in the North of Kyoto. The reason why it is such an attractive Kyoto attraction is that its two top floors are covered with gold leaf.

Kinkaku-Ji temple was built as a symbol of the extravagant Kitayama culture during Yoshimitsu’s times with different architectural styles in each floor. Here, you will feel the wealthy aristocratic circles in Kyoto in the past and diversity of traditional architecture in this city.

Day trips from Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto Prefecture is an area of Kansai region in Japan where Kyoto city is located. It is a coastal region in the north and densely populated area in the south.

This is the best place for tourist to experience traditional Japanese culture with many shrines, temples, and imperial palace.

Although almost all Japanese culture sites were damaged in World War II, many old buildings in Kyoto were fortunately reserved. Therefore, it is said that Kyoto prefecture is not only the capital but also a rural with cultural and historical meanings.

1. Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, which is covered with many soaring stalks of bamboo, is a very famous Kyoto tourist attraction to take photos in Japan.

Standing in the middle of this sprawling bamboo forest will bring you an otherworldly experience that nowhere else in the world can.

It is difficult to catch the path without streams of people walking by, with the same purpose as you, though.

2. Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine is located on Inariyama Mountain, famous for its vermilion Torri gates.

It is dedicated to the Inari goods of merchants and Shinto gods of sake and rice. For those working in business, this is a yearly place of worship, while other people often come here to see a variety of Torri gates.

Walking underneath the shrine’s gates gives you the feeling like passing a fiery tangerine tunnel. Definitely one of Kyoto’s places to visit.

This shrine is dedicated to Shinto gods of rice, who brings the locals wealth and affluence. To come to Fushimi Inari shrine, you have to go through many wooded forests of Mountain Inari.

You can choose either of two rows of dense Torri gates to get to this shrine.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BqOSh_qlGUv/

At first, you will see many people gathering together because they tend to take photos in the first part of the hiking trail. However, if you continue to hike, you will find some secluded areas, especially at night.

Author’s note: When I went in summer, mosquitos were merciless. Standing at one spot taking pictures could earn me 20 bites on my legs. :/

Above are all the useful information on the overwhelming must go places in Kyoto – a major city in Japan. Needless to say, they are also all very family-friendly with culturally-rich information to equip your children with!

So, get out there to explore with your loved ones!

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