A City in Nature
Wandering around Kyoto it’s hard not to feel like you have stumbled into a sacred space. The nation’s ancient capital has more temples and manicured pathways than a peacock has feathers. Gold and silver temples, red gates, slate rock gardens, green bamboo groves, pink cherry blossoms, and purple wisteria vines abound. Kyoto is a feast of color.
Once you get used to the other-worldly surrounds, you’ll notice the peace and quiet not usually associated with large cities. You can hear the simple sounds of nature all over this city. Babbling brooks and wailing Macaques add to the layers of this amazing city.
There are of course all of the usual delights on offer, restaurants, shopping, etc. However, Kyoto’s best experiences are in its temples and gardens. Plan to spend most of your trip outside. In late April/early May the weather is mild and many plants are in bloom– including cherry blossoms! (Don’t worry you can buy some anti-histamines at any pharmacy). In Fall, the green hills that surround the city turn to a lush array of reds, oranges, and yellows.
What to See
Fushimi Inari is the city’s most iconic tourist spot. It miles of red Torii gates were built as part of a shrine complex. Beware the crowds at this extremely popular location. Perhaps more impressive is the Golden temple, Kinkaku-ji. The “ji” suffix denotes a temple name. Kinkaku-ji is set on a pond, that reflects the magnificence of the gold clad walls of this temple and surrounded by a peaceful garden. You can also buy gold-leaf flecked sake here as an after tour apertif.
The gold temple is a sight you will never forget.
Kyoto also is home to Ginkaku-ji, a silver sister temple to Kinkaku-ji. Both were built as a place of rest for Zen monks, Shogun, and noblemen. Ginkaku-ji is located in a secluded corner of Kyoto known as the Philosopher’s path. The path straddles a canal in which you may spot some Japanese carp. Along the path there are many shrines, shops, and art galleries. There are some souvenir and snack shops at the head of the path as well. Plan to take your time here and go at a leisurely pace.
What to Eat
In Kyoto’s city center, you can find an some incredible food courts in the basement level of high-rise buildings and in department stores. Here you can find everything, from sushi to tacos! However, it’s probably best to ask your hotel for some recommendations. Kyoto is a large city of about 1.5 million inhabitants so you can find excellent soba noodles, hearty ramen, and all of the delectable sushi you desire. However, don’t forget to try some traditional Matcha (green tea made from powdered leaves), matcha ice cream, and of course, nama yatsuhashi – a famous confection like mochi but shaped into ravioli and often filled with red bean paste. Shops that sell these can be found near Arashyama.
Sights worth Visiting
Arashiyama is on the outskirts of the city, but only a short hop by train. Here you will find a beautiful river dotted with boats and some more interesting souvenir stalls. As you make your way across the bridge and into the bamboo forest path you can grab some coffee or matcha to help make the walk more enjoyable. While not huge, it is a great opportunity to see a bamboo grove up close and feel immersed in an enchanted forest. Also nearby is a hill path that will lead you to a Macaque center. For a small fee you can get up close to the apes, and even feed them (visitors are kept safely inside a small room, while the Macaques reach through the fence). However, keep in mind that these are wild animals and should respected as such. Parents should keep their children a safe distance. Be sure to follow the advice of the park guides.
Venturing off the beaten path in Kyoto is a good idea. Small shops, interesting homes, quaint restaurants, and small schools are nestled about the city. You may find yourself walking right into Myoshin-ji. A short walk from Hanazono station, Myoshin-ji is a complex campus of temples surrounded by a low wall. This is the heart of Zen Buddhism and the traditional religious center of Japan. Here, you can sign up for a zen meditation class, held in a 500 year old temple complete with its own garden. (Here’s the link to a great class. Shunkoin temple also offers very comfortable accommodations as well! )As part of the class, you will learn about the history of the temple and get to experience a small glimpse of the life of a zen monk.
Nearby, Ryon-ji offers visitors the chance to view the most renowned rock garden in Japan. Visitors may be surprised by the small courtyard’s mostly empty space. However, keep in mind, Zen is all about clarity and emptiness. This temple also sells some great souvenir pieces like hand made paper and calligraphy done by the resident monks. Plus, buying souvenirs here is a way of supporting the upkeep of the temple.
Keep In Mind
You will certainly not be bored with all of the many incredible sights of Kyoto. It is wise to note that most temples charge a small entrance fee, around 500 to 1,000 yen (about 5 to 10 dollars). The experiences are an excellent value however, considering the ancient history and lush gardens you’ll get to see just beyond the ticket booth. (Not to mention, a sure way to boost your Instagram game!) Plan at least 4 to 5 days in Kyoto in order to take full advantage of the cities highlights– a week would be even better so as not to hurry from one site to the next. Don’t forget, Nara and Osaka are also in close proximity to Kyoto and have many intriguing attractions as well. Double check entrance and closing hours in order not to miss anything.
The Japanese people are extremely welcoming and may be curious about you and your traveling companions. However, remember that Japan places a great deal of emphasis on personal respect and honor. Don’t be another damn tourist! Tourism is a relatively new industry for Japan and Japanese Culture places a lot of weight on being respectful. You won’t find public trash cans either, just hold on to your stuff until you get back to your hotel.