Kyoto is synonymous with Japanese culture. It has the highest concentration of historic sites in all of Japan. The city of Kyoto is a must see destination for travellers hoping to get a glimpse of old Japan. Linked to Tokyo by bullet train Kyoto can be easily reached in just two hours. Surrounded by mountains on three sides it is just 40km inland from Osaka, a mecca for Japanese food lovers. Laid out like the old Tung City Capital of China in grid fashion.
The Home of the Emperor
Kyoto was the home of the Emperor and the capital from 794 to 1868. A centre of culture, politics, craftsmanship, and architecture the city was spared during World War II. As a result its many temples, shrines parks and gardens remain intact, and are preserved. Over 17 UNESCO world heritage sites can be found within Kyoto. A city renowned for its cuisine and crafts.
5 things you must do when you visit Kyoto
Even if you stay in Kyoto for over three months on one of our Learn Aikido in Kyoto intensive training programmes it will still be difficult to see all the things this historic city has to offer. So to help you get started and to highlight the very best of Kyoto I have highlighted the 5 things you must do when you visit Kyoto.
5. Kyo-Kaiseki
Enjoy Kyo-Kaiseki at a roykan (Japanese traditional inn) served right to your room or at a speciality terrace restaurant while you dine over flowing water. These experience provide an authentic feel to enjoying Kyo-Kaiseki, Kyoto’s high class cuisine.
Served in multiple courses the food is designed to be refined and highlight subtle flavours of the seasonal ingredients. Each dish is carefully designed presenting a different aspect of Japanese cuisine. The Kyo-Kaiseki dinning experience is not quick so don’t plan to rush this traditional feast. Normally it takes 1-2 hours and will include 8-12 courses. If you want to experience the best Kyo-Kaiseki in Kyoto you’ll have to be prepared to wait as these restaurants are not only exclusive, but very pricey.
4. Arashiyama & Sagano
Arashiyama & Sagano was a vacation spot for Kyoto’s Emperors. A major tourist attraction Arashiyama & Sagano has numerous sites of interest such as the Togetsukyo Bridge, which is best visited in autumn. Tenryuji Temple, rated as one of Japan’s best zen buddhist temples, and is a UNESCO World heritage site. The famous picture postcard Bamboo Grove next to Tenryuji Temple, and the Monkey Park at the top of the hill across Togetsukyo Bridge.
If you’ve time to explore the area you will find in the north a host of smaller temples less frequented by tourists. If you take the Sagano scenic railway you will get to enjoy the sites along the river valley. Normally both railway and a boat ride along the river in a traditional Edo boat are combined. This normally takes in total about two hours.
3. Kinkakuji & Ginkakuji
Kinkakuji or the Golden Pavilion, is one of the most recognisable buildings in Kyoto. A UNESCO heritage site in the North of the city it was a retirement villa for the highly influential Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu 1358-1408. Now a Zen Temple it has a tea garden and a number of temple halls.
To the east of the city Ginkakuji or the Silver Pavilion was built also as a retirement villa by Ashikaga Yoshimitsu’s grandson Ashikaga Yoshimasa. This Pavilion and what took part in its grounds has inspired contemporary Japanese Culture with its tea ceremonies, poetry, and garden design.
2. Kiyomizudera & Higashiyama District
Kiyomizudera Temple, has a 13m large wooden stage projecting out from the front of the main temple. Near the stage you can find the iron spear of a legendary strongman and warrior monk. If you get a chance to visit this feel free to try, and lift the spear. At the bottom of the temple grounds runs the waterfall famous for its pure water said to benefit, longevity, success at school, and fortune and love. Kiyomizudera is located in one of Kyoto’s best preserved historic districts. The area stands out for its traditional streets and numerous temples giving you lots of photo opportunities. Some of the best temples are places to visit are Kodaiji Temple, Yasaka Pogoda, Yasaka, Shrine, and Maruyama Park.
1. Fushimi Inari Shrine
Fushimi Inari Shrine is both iconic and awe inspiring in all of Japan. Two train stops from Kyoto Station on the JR Nara Line. The shrine is dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice. Famous for the thousands of gates covering the mountain tails behind the main shrine building. Each gate has been donated as an offering to the rice god from either an individual or business. The larger the gate the larger the donation. Here a visit to the Senbon Torii or the one thousand gates is a must. Exploring the mountain is an adventure. Half way up you’ll find a rest area providing the best view of the city. From bottom to top of the mountain takes 1-2 hours depending on your pace.
Kyoto is full of interesting places historic and modern. These are just my top five we hope when you visit Kyoto you not only get a chance to learn traditional Japanese martial arts but also get to enjoy and experience the best of Japanese culture.
