Kyoto travel guides 2020– Kyoto attractions map – Kyoto independent travel guidebook

Kyoto

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About Kyoto

Kyoto is an ancient city with over a thousand years of history. Before the Meiji Emperor moved the capital to Tokyo, it was the traditional home of the Japanese royal family. After thousands of years, from legends of ghosts and gods to history and culture, the air and atmosphere in Kyoto is filled with a great mystical charm. When Kyoto was constructed, its street layout and architecture was influenced by the style of Chang’an, and it still retains the same ancient charm. In the Higashiyama District, temples, shrines and altars embody the spiritual side to Kyoto, while the area around Arashiyama carries a classical and elegant atmosphere. No visit to Kyoto would be complete without a taste of traditional delicacies, a stroll along the flowered paths, or a fascinating geisha show.

Popular Attractions in Kyoto

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

4.6/5

2,841 Reviews

Temple

Kiyomizu-dera Temple is an ancient temple in Kyoto and was listed as a World Cultural Heritage site in 1994. The veranda of the temple suspended over the moutain is a national treasure of Japan. It is surrounded by green trees and is full of cherry blossoms in spring. In autumn, the red maple leaves is another attraction. It is equivalent to Kinkaku-jiand Arashiyama, and is a famous historical site in Kyoto. The pilgrims or visiting tourists who come to worship year round come in non-stop.

Kinkaku-ji

4.6/5

2,399 Reviews

Temple

Kinkaku-ji is an ancient Japanese temple in Kyoto. Completed in 1397, it originally served as the villa of shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, but was later transformed into a Zen Buddhist temple. Originally named Rokuon-ji (literally "Deer Garden Temple"), it is also known as the Temple of the Golden Pavilion owing to the gold foil that the outside of the building is wrapped in. In addition to being a famous tourist attraction, Kinkaku-ji has also been designated as a National Treasure by the Japanese government and is a symbol of Kyoto.

Nijo Castle

4.5/5

1,183 Reviews

Historical Architecture

UNESCO World Heritage-Cultural Site

Once the acting residence of the Tokugawa shoguns while in Kyoto, Nijo Castle is also serves as a symbol of the power of the Tokugawa Shogunate. The castle is surrounded by high walls and a moat, with the inside rooms connected by a corridor installed with the famous "nightingale floors". These floors were designed to make a chirping sound when walked upon so as to prevent intruding assassins at night. The castle opens in the evening during cherry blossom season, attracting flocks of visitors to view the magnificent cherry blossom trees.

Fushimi Inari Taisha

4.6/5

1,791 Reviews

Temple

Fushimi Inari Taisha is one of the oldest shrines in Kyoto. People come to worship Inari Okami, the god harvest and commercial success. The Torii leading to the main shrine is a famous landscape of this shrine. This long and endless pathway is arranged from the foot of the mountain to the top of the mountain. It is one of the representative landscapes of Kyoto and has appeared in the movie “Memoirs of a Geisha”. Because the fox is regarded as the messenger of the Inari Okami, the fox-faced shaped emas are a major feature here.

More Attractions in Kyoto

Kyoto Travel Tips

Kyoto Transportation

Flights :There is no airport in Kyoto. Most people will commute from Kansai International Airport in Osaka, and followed by taking the JR electric train and shuttle buses to Kyoto and the journey will take about 90 minutes.

Best Experience in Kyoto

Highlights of Kyoto includes the visiting the spectacular Shinto temples, beautiful and yet elegant courtyard scenery and dances and singing by gorgeous Geisha. The rustic and antiquated feel of the place creates in Kyoto a placid and soothing environment.

Helpful Information about Kyoto

Language

Japanese

Time Zone

UTC +9

Peak Season

March-April, September-November

Currency

Japanese Yen

Emergency Phone Numbers

Police：110，Fire, Ambulance：119

Kyoto Weather

℃

℉

Today

Apr 4, 2020

4 ^°

Mostly Clear

4-19℃

Tomorrow

Apr 5, 2020

5^°

Mostly Clear

5-20℃

Monday

Apr 6, 2020

4^°

Intermittent Clouds

4-12℃

Tuesday

Apr 7, 2020

2^°

Mostly Clear

2-14℃

Kyoto Weather

Kyoto is suitable for year round travel, especially in spring where the weather is especially mild. The climate from March to April is warm is warm and conducive for going outdoors, and is the best time to enjoy the Sakura season. May to August comes the summer where the air is comparatively hotter. June and July is the wet spell and the weather becomes hot and humid. Autumn from mid-November to December is when forest and leaves turns red and it is rather breathtaking. Winter here is wet and cold and when it snows, Kyoto is especially beautiful.

Travelogue

Ryokan Kyoto: Best 15 Japanese Traditional Inn in Kyoto

Outdoor Recreation

Natural Landscapes

Vacation Hotel

Kyoto

Ryokan is a traditional inn that takes guest experiences very seriously. The beautiful bamboo cottages of the ryokan kyoto, combined with multi-course Kaiseki meals and luxurious spas all carved in traditional Japanese style, are a great way to make yourself feel welcome in the country. At ryokan’s, you are provided with futons placed on traditional tatami mats for sleeping, making it an exclusive experience all in all. The great thing about staying at ryokan Kyoto is that you get accustomed to traditional practices such as feeling comfortable walking around barefoot within the premises. To make you feel at home, ryokans provide a robe known as yukata to change into. Here is the top best ryokan in Kyoto.

TripBlog Mar 31, 2020

828

Coronavirus Travel Restrictions in Japan and Attractions Closure (Updated 2020 March)

Tokyo

Kyoto

Sapporo

Osaka

Travel Tips

Japan government has made more strict travel restrictions to curb the spread of coronavirus, including quarantining visitors from China and South Korea. According to WHO, more than 300 people have been tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) in Japan as of Mar 6th.

TripBlog Mar 9, 2020

544

Summer Vacation Ideas in Japan: Fireworks Festival

Festivals

Entertainment

Family Time

Kyoto

Kobe

Osaka

Kawanishi

Ikeda

Summer Kansai Fireworks Festival is something you cannot miss in your summer vacation in Japan. Wearing a yukata and holding moon-shaped fans to attend the fireworks festival has become a part of Japan's poetic summer scenery. We have to mention Kansai when talking about fireworks festivals. Each place has its own characteristics. It is a really unique experience when appreciating the fireworks exploding in the sky. Have you decided where to go watch fireworks in Japan this summer?

TripBlog Mar 2, 2020

250