Kyoto, the former imperial capital of Japan, is a fascinating city that has preserved its rich cultural and historical heritage spanning over a thousand years. An obvious choice for us and a perfect combo with an arrival in Osaka, our base while we found interesting flights to this destination that I had been dreaming of for a long time.
Located in the center of the island of Honshu, Kyoto combines the modern and dynamic aspect, offering a refined gastronomic scene, lively shopping streets and an equally lively nightlife while having preserved its heritage. Kyoto is full of Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines, often surrounded by Zen gardens. There are also many art museums that bear witness to its past grandeur. So whether you are a history buff, a culture buff, or a passionate foodie, Kyoto has everything to seduce you. In this article, I summarize 10 experiences that make Kyoto a destination of choice for a first stay in Japan. A way to give you something to read while waiting for the two big articles on Gyeongju, an important historical city in the neighboring country, South Korea, which will take me a little more time to write.
1- Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Founded in the 1994th century, this historic temple, registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1633, is known for its magnificent view of the city of Kyoto. Its popularity also comes from its main building, built in XNUMX on a hillside on a wooden platform supported by hundreds of pillars. When we came, we did not take full advantage of the place since it was then under renovation, even if the main drawback was mainly visual concerning the famous platform, because the entire temple remained accessible and did not prevent us from enjoying the view.
Visitor information
Opening times : 6am to 18pm every day. Usually closes later at 18:30pm on some summer days and until 21pm during late openings.
Entrance fee : ¥400 (about €3,3) for adults, ¥200 for students, free for children under 6.
Getting There : you have two subway stations nearby. Kiyomizu-Gojō Station, the closest, and Gion-Shijo Station, from where you can also explore the Gion district (see below)
2- Explore the picturesque streets of Gion
Literally neighboring Kiyomizu-dera, set off to discover this historic district of Kyoto, famous for its geishas and traditional wooden houses. It is a very photogenic district where you should not hesitate to get lost in its narrow streets to witness scenes of the daily life of the inhabitants and especially to find yourself with fewer people. If you like temples, you will find several nestled in this area, including the Yasaka-jinja sanctuary or the more modest Kodai-Ji, both surrounded by Zen gardens. You will find a plethora of traditional restaurants and cafes to make a welcome stop in these sometimes crowded streets. It is also an area with lots of souvenir shops offering traditional items such as fans, kimonos, teapots, tea bowls and several stores offering items specific to the world of the famous Studio Ghibli.
Visitor information
My advice :
- The main activity revolves around Hanamikoji Street, take the small alleys perpendicular to it to get away from the crowds.
- Gion is roughly divided into two areas, bordered by Shijo-dori Avenue. The southern half is generally the more popular. To the north, you'll find the pleasant Shirakawa Lane, which runs along a canal.
- Don't miss the iconic cobblestone pedestrian streets Nineizaka (Ninen-zaka) and Sanneizaka (Sannen-zaka).
- Avoid peak hours, especially late in the day when tourists flock to see geishas and maikos going to work.
Getting There : you have the Gion-Shijo subway station which takes you to the heart of the district.
3- Attend a tea ceremony
Kyoto is the birthplace of the Japanese tea ceremony (called 'chanoyu' or 'sadō'), a tradition that developed from the 1522th century under the guidance of Sen no Rikyu (1591–XNUMX). Centered on the simplicity and spirituality of Zen Buddhism, it is a ceremonial way of preparing and drinking green tea, usually in a traditional tearoom with a tatami floor. Beyond the highly codified service, one of the main purposes of the tea ceremony is for guests to enjoy the host's hospitality in an atmosphere distinct from the hectic pace of daily life.
Visitor information
My advice :
- Gion, mentioned above, is a good example of a neighborhood where you can try this experience that you haven't had the chance to try.
- If we had to do it, we would go to Kimono Tea Ceremony Maikoya Kyoto without hesitation.
- Expect to pay ¥6 (€300) for a ceremony including traditional kimono rental.
- The ceremony lasts between 60 and 90 minutes.
Getting There : you have the Sanjo subway station not far from the establishment.
4- Taste kaiseki cuisine
Kaiseki cuisine refers to a traditional Japanese meal, consisting of several small dishes carefully prepared with seasonal ingredients. Originally, the tea ceremony typically began with such a meal, then consisting of a simple miso soup and three side dishes, today forming a basic set in a Japanese restaurant. Kaiseki cuisine has become a culinary art form aimed at creating harmony between the flavors, textures, appearances and colors of food. This requires the use of fresh, often local, ingredients prepared in various ways to enhance their taste. In our case, the closest we came to it was our evening meal at a ryokan during our little excursion outside Kyoto.
Impeccable presentation of the various dishes.
Visitor information
Good to know :
- Kaiseki menus are often quite expensive, ranging from €50 to €200 or more depending on the restaurant and the level of sophistication of the menu.
- Kaiseki meals often consist of several courses (usually 6 to 10) that are served in a specific order and are accompanied by sake or Japanese tea.
- Kaiseki restaurants are often quite small and intimate, and booking in advance is highly recommended, especially for the more renowned restaurants.
- Some kaiseki restaurants offer vegetarian menus, called shojin ryori, which are prepared without meat or fish and use fresh, seasonal ingredients.
- It is common to remove your shoes before entering a kaiseki restaurant and to wear restaurant-provided slippers inside.
Where to taste this cuisine : towards the Gion district (you can definitely do anything there), you have the Kikunoi Ruan restaurant and the Gion Sasaki, the first being a Michelin-starred restaurant so a reference. Another good address, the Hyotei, founded in 1716, this makes it one of the oldest kaiseki restaurants in Kyoto.
5- Visit Nijō Castle
Initiated in 1603 by the first shogun of the Tokugawa era and completed in 1626, Nijō-jo Castle is a must-see in Kyoto, located in the heart of the ancient capital. The castle's surface area, covering 27,5 hectares, is protected by an imposing fortification doubled by a moat. In addition to the gardens, there are two palaces to visit. First is Ninomaru, known for being mainly made of cypress wood and for its reception rooms decorated with tatami mats and painted sliding panels. The other is Honmaru, surrounded by its own moat and fortification.
Visitor information
Opening times : every day from 8:45 a.m. to 17 p.m. (last entry at 16 p.m.), annual closing on December 29 and 30.
Entrance fees : ¥600 for adults, ¥350 for children (ages 7-18)
How to get there : by bus (lines 9, 12, 50 and 101) or by subway (Nijōjō-mae station on the Tozai line)
6- Shopping at Nishiki Market
Nishiki Market, also known as the "Kitchen of Kyoto", is an indoor market with over a hundred shops and restaurants, where the narrow alleys invite food lovers to discover a variety of culinary delights. Nishiki Market is primarily a retail market. It specializes in everything related to food, starting with food, such as seafood, fresh and seasonal produce, dried goods, sushi, in short, a variety of culinary delights that Kyoto is famous for. You will also have stalls selling knives and kitchen utensils.
Visitor information
Opening times : Opening hours may vary from store to store, but generally the market is open from 1:00 a.m. to 18:00 p.m., with some stores closing on Wednesdays and/or Sundays.
How to get there : You can take the subway to Karasuma or Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station on the Hankyu Line, and possibly Shijo Station on the Karasuma Line.
7- Stroll around the Arashiyama district
Arashiyama is a pleasant district located on the western outskirts of Kyoto. It is a picturesque place, especially known for its bamboo forest, although this represents only a small part of the treasures of this district. In addition to the view of the river and the mountains from the Togetsukyo Bridge, which is almost a century old, you can admire nature from its tourist train, the Sagano Scenic Railway. The district is also home to a large number of historic temples such as Tenryu-ji. You can also enjoy a panoramic view of Kyoto from the Monkey Park Iwatayama, where as the name suggests, you will come across many monkeys.
Visitor information
You can rent bicycles to explore the area for around ¥1000 per day, close to Arashiyama stations.
How to get there : Arashiyama can be reached by train from Kyoto Central Station, taking the JR Sagano Line, the fastest option (15 min for ¥240), or via the Keifuku Arashiyama Line whose arrival station is right in the heart of the district (departure from Shijō-Ōmiya Station, 20 min journey for ¥240).
8- Relax in an onsen
What would Japan be without its onsens, its natural hot springs. There are many types of hot springs, which are differentiated by the minerals present in the water. Different minerals offer different health benefits, and all hot springs are said to have a relaxing effect on your body and mind. Hot springs come in many different experiences, indoors or outdoors, traditional or modern, the combinations are endless. Onsens can be enjoyed in ryokan, hotels or simply in public baths. And Kyoto is no exception, offering its share of baths, spread across different areas of the city.
Funaoka Onsen – It is one of the oldest in Kyoto, although technically it is a “sento” (the water is heated, not from a natural spring), it is very popular with the city’s residents and is located in an antique wooden house from 1923.
Sagano Onsen Tenzan-no-yu – Located near Arashiyama, it is a vast spa complex, which, in addition to having thermal hot spring pools, also offers jet baths, cold baths and even a sauna.
Fu-fu-no-yu Onsen – Also in the heart of Arashiyama, it offers a bathing experience with indoor and outdoor bath, adjacent to the Katsura River.
Sekihotel, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Visitor information
My advice :
- It is important to note that most onsens are strictly for same-sex public bathing. However, some establishments offer mixed or private bathing for couples or families.
- It is advisable to take a shower before entering the bath, in order to keep the water clean.
- People with tattoos may be refused entry to some onsens, as tattoos are associated with the Japanese mafia. However, many onsens now welcome people with tattoos if they hide their tattoos with special patches or sleeves.
- It is also recommended to respect silence and avoid speaking loudly so as not to disturb other bathers.
- In some onsens you can rent a towel, but it is advisable to bring your own towel and toiletries.
- Some hotels have opening hours that allow public access to their baths, usually between noon and 15pm (see the Togetsutei in Arashiyama for example).
9- Admire the cherry blossoms
Even though this point only comes in 9th position, it is actually the primary reason for writing this article because quite simply, we are arriving at the right time for a trip to Japan to enjoy this popular ephemeral spectacle. In Kyoto, it is generally from the end of March that you can admire the sakuras, and with all the parks that the city has, there is no doubt that you will find a suitable spot to make the most of this event.
Visitor information
My advice :
- Blooming period: Cherry blossoms are only visible for a relatively short period of time, usually from late March to early April in most areas of Kyoto. However, this can vary depending on the weather and the exact location of the cherry blossoms.
- Recommended places for cherry blossom viewing: In addition to Maruyama Park and the Imperial Park, there are many other places in Kyoto where you can view cherry blossoms, such as Philosopher's Path (Tetsugaku no michi), Nanzen-ji Temple, Heian Shrine, Shirakawa Canal, etc.
- Peak times: Cherry blossoms are a very popular attraction in Kyoto and attract many local and foreign tourists. Peak times can therefore be very busy, especially on weekends and during peak periods. It is recommended to visit the sites early in the morning or late in the day to avoid crowds.
10- Participate in a Shinto ceremony
The Shinto religion is an integral part of Japanese society. There are therefore many shrines throughout the country and Kyoto in particular where it is possible to observe traditional religious ceremonies. Shinto shrines are recognizable by the large doors generally made of red wood and black on the upper part. These are sacred portals delimiting the realm of humans from that of the gods.
Visitor information
My advice :
- Behaviour: It is important to respect local rules of conduct and customs during your visit. If you attend a ceremony, observe and follow the instructions given if you wish to participate.
- Offerings: It is common to offer coins or bills when visiting a Shinto shrine. These offerings can be placed in a box provided for this purpose, called a "saisen-bako".
- Prayers: Before even entering the enclosure, designated by the torii, you will have to bow slightly and then you can proceed to purification with the basin provided. Slip a coin into the saisen-bako (usually a red box), then ring the bell. For the prayer itself, bow twice, then clap your hands twice before making your wish. Then, you bow one last time.
- Special Events: If you would like to participate in a special event or ceremony, it is recommended that you check the Shrine's events calendar in advance for dates and times.
Optimize your stay
If we organized our trip to Kyoto by ourselves, it caused us some disappointments and especially prevented us from being able to fully live these ten experiences since we lived 6/10 of them. In the lot, one is obvious since it depends on the date of the trip. The rest, it depends mainly on the knowledge before leaving and the budget.
To optimize your trip to japan, you can always call on specialists like Cercle des Voyages, an agency specializing in the co-design of tailor-made and customizable trips.
