Who needs the frenetic pace of Tokyo when you can revel in the magnificent temples and beautiful gardens of Kyoto? As the former capital of Japan, Kyoto is steeped in history and filled with ancient temples and imperial palaces. Stroll through swaying bamboo forests and marvel at the temples where Memoirs of a Geisha were filmed. These and other UNESCO World Heritage sites make Kyoto a must-see for anyone traveling the Orient.
Kyoto’s World Wonders
Kyoto is not a one-day visit. To fully appreciate the city, stay for at least a couple of days, and plan carefully to hit your chosen temples before they close (usually around 5 pm). Recommended sites for your itinerary include Kiyomizu-dera, Fushimi Inari Shrine, Nijō Castle, Arashiyama’s bamboo groves, and Ryōan-ji, which has a serene rock garden. Some temples are pretty to look at, like To-ji’s five-storey pagoda, but save the entrance fees and move on. You’ll need another day for exploring Kinkaku-ji. Getting to the famed Golden Pavillion, so-named for its gold-leaf panels, requires a long bus ride to another ward.
Kyoto also has a modern side, perhaps best showcased at night. When the temples and garden gates close, you can explore the bustling downtown area. Enjoy some okonomiyaki (a savory pancake) or share a table with the locals at a ramen joint. Take an evening stroll through Gion, the ancient geisha district, and you might catch a glimpse of a geisha (although if you see any, they’re more likely to be dressed-up tourists). Walk among hundreds of glowing lanterns before returning to the city streets for a beer and a late-night snack. If you’re not partial to grilled rice balls or takoyaki (octopus balls), there are many renditions of refreshing green tea desserts, including ice cream, shaved ice, and milkshakes.
Beyond Kyoto
The frequent transit connections to neighbouring areas also make Kyoto ideal for travelers intent on exploring other areas. Nearby Osaka is perfect for those who want a taste of Japanese city life. It’s like a toned-down version of Tokyo, but you’ll be amazed by the millions of people navigating streets crowded with restaurants and stores with gargantuan animated signs.
From Osaka, you can swing a day-trip to Nara via train. Nara, like Kyoto, was also a former capital of Japan, and has its share of temples, shrines, gardens and palaces. Another option for a side-trip from Osaka is a visit to Koya-san via a long train ride and a dizzying cable ride up into the mountains. Koya-san is a former monastery, resplendent with temples and shrines, and surrounded by soaring Japanese cedars.
Getting Around
As a foreigner, you can get special rates on transit. The Kansai thru-pass is a bargain for exploring Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, or anywhere in the Kansai region. You can get a pass, complete with a handy transit map and sample itineraries, at the travel bureau upon arriving at the Kansai or Itami airports, or at most other travel agencies. If you’re planning to go beyond the Kansai region, the Japan Rail Pass is probably your best bet, but passes must be purchased outside of Japan. Check with your local travel agency, or purchase one online.
Accomodation
While you’re in Japan, why not stay at a traditional ryokan? The tatami mats and painted screens will make your experience all the more authentic. Some ryokans provide kimono for those who want to dress up like a geisha. Although these robes are cheaper, and geisha make-up isn’t included, this will save you a bundle of yen. A step up from the ryokan is a shukubo. For a little extra, you can stay overnight in a temple and observe Buddhist monks chanting at the crack of dawn before being treated to a healthy vegetarian breakfast. Many shukubos also have beautiful Japanese gardens and baths.
Links:
- Information and locations for buying a Kansai Thru Pass: http://www.surutto.com/conts/ticket/3dayeng/
- A one-stop guide to finding and booking a shukubo or ryokan in Kyoto or surrounding area: http://www.japanican.com, http://www.japanvisitor.com/index.php?cID=431&pID=1868
- An excellent guide to Kyoto’s culinary delights: http://kyotofoodie.com/
Photos by Veronica Lo
