Amidst authentic historic houses and autumnal ambiance, we explored Kyoto, Japan’s former capital, bustling with tourists during autumn. After a few days, I decided spontaneously to extend my stay, hence this blog post divided into multiple parts.
As autumn transitioned to winter in Japan, we journeyed to Kyoto during the first weekend of December to witness its historic splendor. Timing was crucial as it marked the final opportunity in 2023 to behold the stunning red leaves of the Japanese Maples. The variability in timing for both the autumnal foliage and spring cherry blossoms is notable each year. Specialized websites aid in tracking these natural events. Japan’s climate changes are perceptible, with warmth lingering into October before a shift to more pleasant conditions in November, persisting until mid-December. Despite deviations from the norm in terms of heat, this season held a profound significance for me, offering an unforgettable experience of Japan’s natural beauty and climate transitions.
Take the Shinkansen to Kyoto
Kyoto is about 300 miles from Tokyo, and the best way to travel? The Shinkansen of course! This high-speed train takes you to the heart of Kyoto in just 3 hours. While you’re on the train, the beautiful landscape passes by, sometimes you even catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji. For me it is a real pleasure to travel with this high-speed train.
Pack some tasty snacks for the road, and you’ll be in Kyoto in no time. Sometimes a cart comes along where you can buy food and drinks. But make no mistake, the Shinkansen isn’t cheap. We paid €180 per person, but it takes you to the other side of Japan in no time.
Hotels in Japan
Situated in a serene Kyoto area near attractions, our hotel epitomizes Japanese hospitality with meticulous attention to detail. Complimentary supplies, ranging from razors to tea, are neatly arranged in a cupboard—a common feature in Japanese hotels. The modern room blends traditional decor with shoji-style windows and tatami mats. Although featuring a regular bed, the room boasts a cozy sitting area for enjoying homemade matcha tea. A highlight of Japanese hotels is the hot water bath or onsen, promoting relaxation and wellness. Guests don ready-made pajamas to partake in this soothing experience, adding to the ambiance of communal relaxation throughout the hotel.
“Did you know that a tatami mat has precise dimensions, depending on the region you are in? That is why a room in Japan is not indicated in square meters as we do, but in the number of tatami mats.”
Exploring Kyoto
After we check in, we quickly go exploring. Thomas has been here before and takes me along a bit. It’s mid-afternoon and we still have a chance to see Kyoto in daylight. We stroll through the famous Pontocho Alley, an atmospheric street full of bars and restaurants, where you have a good chance of spotting a real Geisha in the evening. To be honest, spotting a Geisha felt to me like seeing a lion on a safari, because you only see one if you are really lucky. Then we cross the Kamo River and end up in the historic Gion district. Here I felt as if I had really gone back in time. Beautiful historic homes, all well maintained. These traditional wooden houses, known as Machiya houses, were built around 1900.
Many of them are now used as teahouses where Geishas entertain wealthy men, without any association with sex. It really is like stepping back in time and walking through ancient Japan. Photos are banned in many parts of this district, and this is seriously enforced by Japanese guards who hand out fines if you’re caught. This makes it remarkably quiet, which means it keeps tourists away, which is nice because you can enjoy the beautiful surroundings in peace. Of course I’m sorry that I can’t take a nice photo for this blog, but just a few streets away there are more idyllic streets with old houses where you can take photos. As you can imagine, I couldn’t get enough of this.
Italian food in the heart of Kyoto
After a day full of travel, lots of walking and exploring, we start to get a bit tired and long for some relaxation. Strangely enough, we end up in an Italian restaurant called Gion Datten in the middle of this historic district of Kyoto, where we order a South African bottle of Pinotage and both enjoy a delicious pizza.
Read more about our city trip in Kyoto here and read more practical information about Kyoto here.
