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The former imperial capital of Japan (794 to 1868), Kyoto with its myriad number of temples and gardens is the cultural heart of this island country. Its raked pebble gardens, beautiful pagodas and tranquil shrines reinforce the city’s image as a Mecca of spiritual tourism. The city boasts of 1600 Buddhist temples, 400 Shinto shrines, three major palaces, and innumerable gardens and museums, and is rightfully called Japan's cultural treasure house. Seventeen of Kyoto's ancient structures and gardens have been declared UNESCO World Heritage sites. Ideal time for visiting Kyoto Ideally spring and autumn seasons are the best times to visit Kyoto, despite the fact that the city receives most number of tourists at this point of time. The summers (June-Aug) though stifling and enervating, are also a nice time to be there. And if your purpose is to avoid the crowds at all costs, winter (Dec-Feb) - though bitterly cold – would not be bad idea either. Holidays and festivals are celebrated with a lot of pomp and ceremony in Kyoto, so the cherry-blossom season in April and Golden Week (late April/early May) are fun times to be in the city. Transportation in Kyoto Central Kyoto is laid out in a grid and is thus an easy city to get around by public transport, cycling or walking.
There is an efficient network of bus routes at an affordable price, and many of the routes have announcements made in English.
Kyoto has two efficient subway lines, which operate from 05:30 to 23:30.
Getting around by car is not a good idea, given Kyoto's traffic problems, and bicycle or public transports are better.
Kyoto is ideal for exploring on a bicycle as the city is mostly flat and there is a new bike path running the length of the Kamo-gawa. Sights in Kyoto: Kyoto has a mind boggling number of tourist attractions. And seeing them all might just take a lifetime! Here is a list of the sites that you just cannot afford to miss.
- Daitokuji Temple
- Kinkaku-ji Temple
- Hirano Shrine
- Ryoan-ji Temple
- Jingoji Temple
- Nijo Castle
- The imperial park
- Museum of Kyoto
- Higashi and Nishi Honganji Temple
- Toji Temple,
- Kyoto Tower
- Kiyomizu Temple
- Gion district
- Yasaka Shrine
- Maruyama Park
- Nanzenji Temple
- Ginkakuji Temple Other things about Kyoto that you should definitely try out are:- The Philosopher's Walk: This is the name given to a 2km-long path through north-eastern Kyoto, along which a philosophy professor, Kitaro Nishida, used to frequently walk. The walk runs south from Ginkakuji Temple beside an aqueduct to Nyakuoji Shrine and the pleasant tranquil walk will remind you again why the walk is called so. Traditional Ryokans: Stay in a ryokan and experience authentic Japanese hospitality Nishiki Food Market: Even if you are not a fan of tempura, sushi or fish cakes come here just to experience the endless colors and watch the regulars bargain! Kyoto is a beautiful city and has a lot to offer. From shrines and gardens to shopping plazas and eateries it has something for every taste and pocket. Is it any wonder then, that the city gets 40 million tourists every year?
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