The Best Things To Do In Kyoto, Japan
ONE DAY TRIP IDEA
If you are planning to spend a one day trip in Kyoto, Maruyama Park is the place to be. The park, which is right next to popular Kyoto tourist spots such as the Yasaka Shrine and Gion Hanamikoji, is the oldest park in Kyoto city and is also a very famous cherry blossom viewing spot. The most exemplary symbol of this is the Gion cherry tree in the center of the park.
The next place is Kiyomizu-dera, a shrine that represents Kyoto. Located in the middle of Mount Otowa, one of the Higashiyama mountain ranges, it is famous for its floating stage and is visited by many tourists all year round. Kiyomizu-dera Temple is an ancient tomb from before the Heian capital that has a history of more than 1200 years and is one of the few tombs in Kyoto.
Maruyama Park
Kiyomizu-dera
SIGHTSEEING
There are many tourist attractions in Kyoto which are mostly cultural relics, and most importantly in Japan. Kyoto is always beautiful all year round, snow in winter, cherry blossoms in spring, cool hills in summer, and views of colorful autumn leaves. Kyoto is known as one of the most culturally preserved cities in Japan. Some of the temples in Kyoto that are famous throughout Japan include Kiyomizu-dera, Kinkaku-ji, Ginkaku-ji, and Ryoan-ji.
The place that you can visit for having a sightseeing is the Tenryuji Temple. This temple is a Zen temple located in Arashiyama. In 1339 this shrine was built by Shogun Ashikaga Takauji as the Rinzai School (one of the three Japanese Zen sects). Sogenchi Teien, the garden around the shrine created by the Zen monk Muso Soseki, is designated as the first historical site with a special view in Japan.
Then, you can also take a walk or taste Kyoto's special seasonal food at Nishiki Market (Nishiki Ichiba) or what is commonly called the Kyoto "kitchen". In this place, you might also see sightings of maiko walking towards the city.
Tenryuji Temple
Nishiki Market
CULTURE
If you want to take a closer look at the culture and history of Kyoto, Fushimi Inari Shrine can be an interesting destination. This shrine is the center of some 30,000 Inari or Oinari-san shrines, which exist throughout Japan. Since 711 until today, this temple is believed to be able to provide blessings in agriculture and business. The most popular part of the shrine among tourists is the Senbon Torii, thousands of vermilion-colored torii gates.
Visiting Japan won't be completed without visiting its SAMURAI & NINJA MUSEUM with EXPERIENCE. It is a museum which displays the greatness of Samurai and Ninjas as well as its legendary history in Kyoto. Inside the museum, you can see numerous Samurai's statutes, swords, clothes, and more. It is one of the most favorited places to have a closer look of Japan's Samurai in Kyoto.
Fushimi Inari Taisha
SAMURAI & NINJA MUSEUM with EXPERIENCE
BEST TIME TO VISIT
The best times to visit Kyoto are from March to May, the weather is quite mild. You can also visit it in September to November, you may find the flowers blossoming during the spring.
LANDMARKS
Kyoto Tower which is located right in front of Kyoto Station or to be precise above the Kyoto Tower Hotel building is a landmark of Kyoto city. This tourist spot in Kyoto was built in 1963 and was completed a year later, namely in 1964. The design of this tourist attraction tower in Kyoto adapted a lighthouse. The observation room in Kyoto Tower has a capacity of up to 500 people and is designed in a circular shape. From the height of the Kyoto Tower, visitors can see the beauty of Kyoto in full 360 degrees.
Nijo Castle, or Nijo-jo, is a castle that became the official residence of the shogunate when visiting Kyoto. This tourist attraction castle in Kyoto has a lot of charm that is reminiscent of past lives. Nijo Castle was built with an almost perfect design. Visitors will find a library in the Shoin-zukuri style. The library is decorated with beautiful paintings and Japanese sliding doors.
Kyoto Tower
Nijō Castle
BEST HOTELS AND RESORTS
Hotel Granvia Kyoto is a 4-star hotel located in the Kyoto Station Building. It is a strategic hotel which is situated in the bustling area of Kyoto. Their comfortable rooms with typical clean and tidy will amaze and make you comfortable. It is suitable for business trip and leisure.
ibis Styles Kyoto Station is another 4-star hotel located across the Kyoto Station. This modern hotel offers comfortable and fine furnished rooms. The view of Kyoto's landscapes can be seen through the windows of the rooms. It is a good option for those who want to stay close with the bustling area of Kyoto.
Hotel Granvia Kyoto
ibis Styles Kyoto Station
BEST RESTAURANTS
Shishin Samurai Restaurant is a nice eatery spot with calm and good ambiance in Kyoto. It serves typical Japanese cuisines featured calming atmosphere. This restaurant can be your best spot to have a relaxing break in Kyoto.
Goichi Pizza is an Italian restaurant in Kyoto, combining the ingredients of Italian and Japanese. The pizzas and pastas are great and the services are available in Japanese and Italian. You won't be disappointed at this restaurant.
Shishin Samurai Restaurant
Goichi Pizza
BEST SOUVENIR SHOPS
Kyoto Handicraft Center is a shopping center which features souvenir shop and several floors. You can get around the shop and find your suitable items for souvenirs. The prices and quality of the products are reasonable.
Bento&co Kyoto is a good place for those who visit Kyoto with kids. This shop provides wide collections of handcrafted items and locally made products. You can get your kids bento boxes and also other interesting items at well-priced offers.
Kyoto Handicraft Center
Bento&co Kyoto
