Kyoto
- Lauren
- Aug 22, 2024
- 5 min read
Kyoto is one of the most beautiful and charming cities in Japan. We visited in November over Thanksgiving, just in time to catch the gorgeous colors of autumn. Spend at least three full days here.
Pointers
Fall/Autumn or Spring are recommended times to visit, although they can be more crowded. Visit popular spots early in the morning or at dusk.
In Kyoto, securing dinner reservations is a necessity. Your hotel can be a valuable ally in this. Keep in mind that restaurants often close early, so plan your evening accordingly.
While people are generally warm and friendly, some restaurants and bars in Kyoto are not welcoming to tourists. Be prepared to see "Japanese only" signs.
Ubers and taxis are readily available.
Stay
Hotel Kanra: Hotel Kanra was recommended by several friends and it was perfect for our trip. It's a beautiful, modern 4-star hotel that combines old-world Japanese elements with modern amenities. Our room had a beautiful ofuro - a Japanese wooden soaking tub - and provided beautiful yukatas - a Japanese-style bathrobe. The hotel is a short walk from the train station and next to a taxi stand, very convenient for getting around.
Activities
Day Trip to Arashiyama - Bamboo Forest, Nison-in Temple, Monkey Park
Know Before You Go: Wear comfortable shoes, start your day around 8 am, and bring cash.
Getting There: Wake up early and take a 30-minute taxi (recommended but $$$) or a local train ride to Arashiyama, a small, quaint town outside of Kyoto. We taxied there and took the train back to Kyoto.
Bamboo Forest: Look for the signs for the Bamboo Forest in the town. Getting there is easy, and signage is straightforward. It's a 10-15 walk there from the town.
Nison-in Temple: After the bamboo forest, continue a beautiful walk to the Ninson-in Temple. This temple was one of my favorites in Japan, and the fall/autumn colors were magical. The bonsai garden is gorgeous. Bring cash for admission.
Lunch in Arashiyama: We walked back to town to grab lunch. We hit the Fukuda Art Museum, which had a nice cafe overlooking the river. The town has plenty of food stands and options for a bite to eat. If you're into queuing for coffee, ARABICA Kyoto is very popular.
Monkey Park: Before visiting, we were convinced we would love or hate the monkey park. It looked like a tourist trap. But we were wrong. It was one of our favorite activities. After paying an admission fee, you embark on a 1-mile hike up the mountain. It takes 20–37 minutes to complete. Once you get to the top, you get to hang out with adorable monkeys (pay the fee to feed them) and a spectacular view of Kyoto.
Train Home: After this itinerary, you will be tired. Catch a cab near the monkey park entrance or walk a few blocks to the train station.
Japanese Tea Ceremony & Geisha Experience
Know Before You Go: It will cost you.
I love a good cultural experience. I'm also unafraid to tinker with a tourist trap and get a little "camp" occasionally. After many Google searches, I booked a tea ceremony experience hosted by a geisha. There was an option to be outfitted in a kimono. I decided to go for it.
I showed up early to the venue to get into full kimono mode. The ladies running the place welcomed me into a dressing room where I could choose my kimono fabric, sash color, and accessories. They dressed me on a platform and whisked me away to hair and makeup—that's right. I was so impressed by this operation. I loved it. Here are a few snapshots from the garden.
Next, we filed into the tea room for the ceremony. Our hostess explained the tradition of the tea ceremony and a 101 about geishas. Next, a lovely geisha graced us with her presence and performed a traditional tea ceremony followed by a Q&A session.
All in all, I loved this experience as it was unique and educational.
Fushimi Inari Shrine
This iconic shrine is famous for its thousands of red gates that lead up to the sacred Mount Inari. Visitors can explore the winding paths through the forested mountain, offering stunning views of Kyoto from various points along the way. Visit first thing in the morning to beat the crowds as it's not built for them and take lots of photos.
Kiyomizu-Dera Temple
This 8th-century temple is one of the grandest in town and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's well worth a visit. Plan to spend about an hour here. It has beautiful views of the city.
Day Trip to Osaka
If you're staying at Hotel Kanra and near the train station, you can get to Osaka in less than an hour from door to door. The bullet train is 15 minutes or less from station to station.
While in Osaka, consider having a drink a the 40 Sky Bar and Lounge at the Conrad Hotel, which has excellent views of the city. Then, walk along the Dotombori River near the Dotombori bridge. We popped into a few arcades and shops.
Nishiki Market
This market is one of my favorites from all of my travels. It's clean and organized, and it offers delicious food stalls and unique goods for purchase. I recommend going for a long lunch. This is a must-visit. Make sure to try the tempura and wagyu. The fried fish balls are also delicious. We tried the baby octopus with a tiny boiled egg inside on a stick as it seemed to be very popular with the locals. Let's just say we wouldn't crave that one. I also purchased some local art, yuzu tea, and a little hat that I will probably regret having in all of my pictures.
Bites & Sips
Hello Dolly
This great little bar we stumbled into has an old-school vibe with jazz in the background.
BEE'S KNEES
A trendy, modern ex-pat speakeasy that spins good records and makes creative cocktails. It's very popular, and there's usually a queue. Does not accept reservations.
Bar Rocking Chair
A top bar in Kyoto. It's the kind of place where you stay awhile and sip on something spectacular. As the name suggests, there are rocking chairs and roaring fireplaces. Call ahead to snag a spot.
Panel Cafe
This is the spot for Japanese pancakes in town. They were delicious and worth a short wait in line.
Hyoto Shijo Karasuma
This is a shabu shabu restaurant, a traditional Japanese dining experience that revolves around the interactive and communal hot pot cooking method. Shabu shabu is a popular dish where thinly sliced meat, usually beef or pork, along with a variety of fresh vegetables and noodles, are cooked in a flavorful broth at the table. The name "shabu shabu" comes from the sound the ingredients make when swirled in the boiling broth.
Ramen Muraji
Need a local cheap eat? Check this place out for excellent, no-frills ramen. They also played Japanese soap operas on the TVs.
% ARABICA
Kyoto has a strong coffee culture. This is a local chain that is usually very busy. If the line isn't too long, it's worth it.
Areas to Explore
Gion
Gion is a historic district known for its traditional wooden machiya (traditional wood) houses, teahouses, geishas, and exclusive restaurants. Visitors can stroll through the picturesque streets of Gion, lined with cherry blossoms in spring and colorful foliage in fall/autumn, offering a glimpse into Japan's rich cultural heritage. Be sure to visit the iconic Yasaka Pagoda, also known as Hokan-ji Temple, a historic landmark from the 7th century.
Pontocho
This is the place to go out in the evening. Its narrow street are filled with tons of traditional Japanese bars and cute restaurants serving all kinds of yummy, local dishes. When the sun goes down, Pontocho transforms into this buzzing place. The lanterns above light up the streets along the river, giving the whole area a magical vibe.
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