Top Things To Do In Kyoto

24/10/2023

22/10/2023

Witness The Cherry Blossoms
Almost everyone has heard of the famous Cherry Blossom Festival (Sakura) that takes place each year in Kyoto. During this time the cherry blossoms around the city’s temples and shrines are in full bloom and it creates this fairytale-like atmosphere. Some of the top places to see the cherry blossoms are The Philosopher’s Path, the Yasaka Pagoda, and the Kodai-ji Temple which houses the weeping cherry blossom tree.
If you do choose to visit Kyoto when the cherry blossoms are in bloom just be aware that is insanely busy all around the city at this time and everything is more expensive. Cherry blossom season is in the spring (April is the main month) so make sure to book early.

22/10/2023

Kiyomizu Dera Temple
Kiyomizu Dera Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located in eastern Kyoto and has to be one of Kyoto’s most famous attractions. Built in 778 this zen Buddhist temple has some of the best views across the city. The main hall was actually built without nails, which is pretty cool to see, and the rest of the complex is just as impressive.
The Otowa Waterfall has three streams of water each with a different benefit. One for longevity, one for academic success, and the other for success in their love life. Locals use cups attached to long poles to drink from one of them.

As with most of the extremely popular things to do in Kyoto, it is advised to get there early to avoid the busses and crowds. Luckily the Kiyomizu Dera Temple opens earlier than most (6 am) so that is a bit easier to do. It is easily accessible as it is a 10-minute bus ride from Kyoto station. Take bus 100 or 206. the entrance fee is 400 YenThe Otowa Waterfall has three streams of water each with a different benefit. One for longevity, one for academic success, and the other for success in their love life. Locals use cups attached to long poles to drink from one of them.

As with most of the extremely popular things to do in Kyoto, it is advised to get there early to avoid the busses and crowds. Luckily the Kiyomizu Dera Temple opens earlier than most (6 am) so that is a bit easier to do. It is easily accessible as it is a 10-minute bus ride from Kyoto station. Take bus 100 or 206. the entrance fee is 400 Yen

19/10/2023

Go Geisha Spotting In The Geisha District: Gion
Kyoto remains a romantic vision of Japan, with Geishas being its most alluring subject. Gion, known as the entertainment quarters in Kyoto, is the best place to go Geisha spotting. These elusive performers are still very much admired and idolized, not just by the Japanese, but by the whole world.
There are several companies in Kyoto that organize Geisha shows. These usually include partaking in a tea ceremony, followed by a Geisha dance. Book this night walk Geisha Tour – one of the most popular walking tours in Kyoto. A 100-minute guided walk takes you through nighttime Gion to learn about Geisha traditions.

19/10/2023

Visit The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
One of the top attractions in Kyoto is the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Walking through the tall green stalks is like stepping into an alien world. The bamboo grove in Arashiyama is perhaps the most beautiful natural spot in Kyoto. When the wind blows, the bamboo stalks slowly rock, creating an elegant and dreamy dance.
The best time to visit Arashiyama is just before sunrise, when the warm rays of the sun, slowly pe*****te the silent forest. It is also when you will avoid most of the crowds and tour busses. This is just something you cannot miss when visiting Kyoto.

The Arashiyama bamboo grove is located in Western Kyoto and can be reached by taking the train from Kyoto station to Arashiyama station. Then it is just a 10-minute walk to the entrance of the paths, just follow the signs. It is also free to enter.
This highly rated bamboo forest tour takes you on a rickshaw ride through Arashiyama forest with a personal guide. Imagine traveling by traditional means through one of Japan’s most iconic scenes.

17/10/2023

Philosopher’s Walk
One of the best things to do in Kyoto is to stroll along the Philosopher’s Walk. The Philosophers Walk is the perfect place to enjoy a peaceful yet beautiful stroll. This pedestrian walkway is located along the Biwa Canal that is lined with cherry trees. It also connects the Nanzen-ji and Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavillion) temples. This walk is one of the top things to do in Kyoto especially if you are here when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. There are some smaller temples as well as some cafes and restaurants along the path that are worth visiting.
This Kyoto Walking Tour lets you discover the magic of Kyoto through cultural experiences, temples, and shrines including Tofukuji Temple, Zen garden, and Fushimi Inari Shrine plus a visit to the Geisha district

17/10/2023

Kinkakuji Temple
Located in northern Kyoto The Kinkakuji Temple is a Zen temple that is really worth seeing. Decorated in gold leaf (hence why they call it the golden pavilion), the temple sits on a calm lake surrounded by trees. When you visit Kyoto, don’t miss seeing this striking temple, it is one of the most photographed places in Kyoto.The Kinkakuji Temple was originally built as a retirement home for a famous sh**un and he sanctioned it to become a temple after he died in 1408. Strolling the grounds, it is easy to see why this would make a perfect retirement place.

Like most places in Kyoto, we recommend visiting early in the morning to avoid the crowds and to enjoy the morning light that shimmers off of the calm waters and the Golden Temple itself.

15/10/2023

Explore The Trails Of Fushimi Inari Shrine
One of the best things to do in Kyoto is to walk the trails of the Fushimi Inari Shrine. Once an important pilgrimage walk, the Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine is one of the most visited shrines in Japan. Famed for its thousands of vermilion Torii gates, the Fushimi Inari Shrine is dedicated to the Shinto God of rice. It’s beautiful gates make it one of the top things to do in Kyoto. The hike along the forest trail is fairly easy. You can choose to do the whole loop, which will take about 3 hours or just do the lower loop if you don’t have that much time.
The trail itself is very busy all year round, however, the clever traveler can avoid the crowds by hiking up the mountain just before sunset or early in the morning. Along the way, you will encounter the best view at the Yotsutsuji intersection for an amazing photographic opportunity over Kyoto.

15/10/2023

15/10/2023

Rose Lake, Hocking State Park. From 2020.

15/10/2023

The Blue Angels soaring over the Golden Gate Bridge on a spectacular day in San Francisco

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13/10/2023

Kyoto is located in the Kansai area, about 3 hours away from the capital city of Tokyo by Shinkansen (the main train line). The Kansai region is renowned for its local cuisine, which makes Kyoto a fantastic place for culture and food lovers alike. We suggest planning on at least 3 days in the city to really get the most bang for your buck.
Pick up your 1 or 2 day hop-on-hop-off bus pass to explore the top attractions, temples, and shrines in Kyoto at your own pace. Including UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Nijo Castle, Kinkakuji, Kiyomizu-Dera Temple, and more.