Spending several days in Kyoto is one of the best ways to make the most out of your trip to Japan. There are a lot of sights and wonders to visit here that you might have a hard time to plan where to go and what to do.
There are a few important travel tips to keep in mind to ensure that your Kyoto experience will be the best thing that will happen to your life.
Summary
Check If You are Allowed to Enter in the First Place
It is very common for some establishments in Japan to be closed off to the general public. There are also a lot of restaurants that don’t allow tourists within their premises.
This is the reason why you need to research first if visitors are allowed in the place where you plan to go. A good example of this is the popular Ichiriki Teahouse that doesn’t allow tourists to enter.
Get Lost
While it wouldn’t hurt to do your homework before you visit a new place, it is also equally important that you know when you should ditch your research and veer off from your plans. The good news is that Kyoto is that perfect city for you to get lost so you can discover and explore another side of Japan.
Always Have an Umbrella with You
It doesn’t matter if you will use to jeep your skin protected from the heat of the summer sun or block out the rain, you will thank yourself if you bring a small umbrella during your trip around the city. Its weather can be quite unpredictable so having one makes perfect sense.
Go on a Day Trip
If you already bought a JR pass online before you arrived in Japan, get the most out of the awesome towns and cities that are only a short train ride away from the city of Kyoto.
Keep Temple Fatigue at Bay
Kyoto is famous for its unmatched selection of ancient temples. You always have to know your own limits before you set out on your exploration for the day. Most visitors in the area who don’t pace themselves the right way tend to suffer from the so-called temple fatigue.
It is an ailment that occurs once your interest in the temples declines in a snap of a finger in relation to the number of temples you have seen. It is recommended that you visit a maximum of three temples per day then eat sushi and sip sake in between the visits.
Avoid the Peak Travel Season
Fall and spring are the most popular seasons to visit Kyoto. These are also the times when prices see a significant rise, not to mention the difficult time of finding accommodations. If you want a painless booking and save money in the process, it is best to travel to the area during winter and summer months. The thin layer of snow that the city gets is absolutely stunning and something you wouldn’t want to miss.
Take Advantage of the Bus System
Buses are no doubt the cheapest and easiest way for you to get around the city. But, outsiders might have a hard time figuring out the schedules, tickets, and routes. You can always check guides to get instructions on how to use the bus system.
High-level topographic collections
There are those who collect stamps and coins, some antiques, and others who prefer the refinement and mystery that historical maps bring with them. If you are among those who are wondering if it is worth starting or if you are a bit confused about how to continue, you are in the right place.
Have Fun in the Local Festivals
As one of Japan’s most colorful cities, something exciting is always going on in the city. When you visit, make sure that you investigate if there is an upcoming festival that will be held during your stay.
Don’t be Surprised with Squat Toilets
Japanese toilets range from those state of the art ones to the small holes found on the ground. You can expect to see and use both of these during your Kyoto trip. It would be a good idea to have a toilet paper with you all the time just in case.
Go Shopping in Flea Markets
This city is the best place to be if you want to buy some quality souvenirs to bring back home to your family and friends. The place boasts of a wonderful selection of markets where you can buy foods and trinkets at great discounts.
Enjoy a Sumptuous Kaiseki Meal
Kaiseki is the multi-course meal served traditionally in Japan. The dishes are meant to delight all senses and offer unique colors, textures, and tastes. Hitomi and Kinobu are the top places where you can enjoy a kaiseki meal without blowing your budget. The host might also prepare this meal for you if you happen to stay at a ryokan inn.
Visit Japan Handmade
Exploring “old Japan” is very much possible in Kyoto but “new Japan” is something you can also explore by visiting places such as Japan Handmade.
Japan Handmade is the collaborative craft guild where new techniques are applied to traditional crafts. Japan Handmade works with Danish Design Studio to provide wares such as teaware, metal knitting and ceramics that are all made with a modern twist. There are several showrooms found in the city so you won’t have a hard time visiting one.
Get a Taste of the World’s Best Tofu
Say goodbye to that soggy packaged tofu you have been so used to at home. Tofu production in japan is like a noble craft. Every region in the country makes their very own tofu styles but those made in Kyoto are second to none.
This is a delicacy you shouldn’t miss. Koizumi-san is the best place where you can witness with your own two eyes the wonders of tofu making of the Japanese.
Explore Nishiki Market
Dubbed as Kyoto’s Kitchen, NIshiki Market is the top spot to grab delicious, fast, and cheap meal. These five short blocks are crammed with more than one hundred shops for you to choose from. All the products sold here are produced in the locality.
Sip Whiskey at Suntory Yamazaki Distillery
Suntory Yamazaki Distillery located south of Kyoto is the first ever single malt whiskey distillery of the country. This is where you should stop by to get a taste of the original whiskey of Japan and discover interesting facts about this beverage.
Keep these travel tips in mind for an unforgettable Kyoto trip.