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Kyoto is home to 1.5 million people, 1,600 Buddhist temples, 200 Shinto shrines, 20 per cent of Japan's national treasures and a lot of cables and neon. Surrounded on three sides by mountains and cut through by rivers, a typical view of Kyoto will include both the manmade and the natural. Although there is so much to see and do in Kyoto, even a short-time visitor can soon get an appreciation of what this ancient capital has to offer. When to Go
Weather-wise, spring and autumn are probably the best times to visit Kyoto, although they're also popular times for tourists and school groups. Although the summers (June-Aug) can be muggy, it's still a nice time to be there. If you're really out to avoid crowds, winter (Dec-Feb) - though very cold - might be just your ticket. Holidays and festivals are celebrated with crowded gusto in Kyoto, so cherry-blossom season in April and Golden Week (late April/early May) are great times to be in the city Spring (March/April) and Autumn (September/October) are considered particularly good times to go for the blossoms and leaf colour. Just as spring in Japan is associated with cherry blossom viewing, autumn is the season for watching the trees turn beautiful shades of red, gold and yellow. "Momiji-gari" is the custom of making an excursion with friends, family or coworkers to see the leaves changing colours and perhaps have a picnic. Although it varies with latitude and yearly weather changes, the Autumn Foliage (Koyo) season generally lasts from October to November. Some useful tips: Japan is still very much a cash-based society, and credit cards are not used widely as in other countries. There are few International ATMs in Japan compared to other countries. Most Japanese banks do not have International ATMs and they will not accept your credit cards or debit cards. However, the best place to find International ATMs is at the Post Office. The International ATMs at the Post Office allow you to withdraw money using your foreign-issued VISA, Plus, MasterCard, Euro card, Maestro, Cirrus, AMEX, Diner's Club, and JCB. Post Office hours are restricted so the best time to go is from Monday to Saturday between 9:00 and 17:00. Most of the people speak in Japanese so be ready for that. Most places in Kyoto are well connected.
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