A visit to Kyoto remains a unique adventure, even amid the hustle and bustle of all the other tourists. But you should definitely not miss this destination during your trip to Japan. Immerse yourself in ancient Japan and experience the warm hospitality of this beautiful country. Do you want to visit Kyoto without being overwhelmed by tourist crowds? Then read on, because here I share some useful tips that will give my next visit to Kyoto a different twist.
Best time to visit Kyoto
The best times to visit Kyoto are from October to December and from March to May. Please note that it can still be quite warm in October and May. January and February are also suitable, but these are the coldest months in Japan. The summer months of June to September are known for their heat and high humidity, making them less ideal for a city trip. Try to plan your trip to Kyoto outside of weekends and check Japanese holidays in advance. Japan has many public holidays and this can make it even busier. International holidays also attract many tourists to Japan. By avoiding holidays, holidays and weekends you have a good chance of avoiding most of the crowds.
Take the Shinkansen to Kyoto
My favorite and most efficient mode of transportation in Japan is without a doubt the Shinkansen. Although you initially have to figure out exactly how it works, traveling with the Shinkansen ensures a relaxing start to your Japanese adventure. Although the train does not offer you complete freedom, it does provide a breathtaking experience as you travel through the beautiful Japanese landscape. Moreover, the Shinkansen takes you straight to the heart of Kyoto, where you can immediately start your city trip.
TIP: If you travel from Tokyo to Kyoto on the Shinkansen, it is advisable to reserve a seat on the right side of the train. This way you have a beautiful view of Mount Fuji in clear weather.
Explore Kyoto on foot
In Kyoto you can do everything on foot, take the subway or use a taxi. Because public transport, like in Tokyo, is often very busy, I prefer the sportier option: walking. Japan is a pedestrian-friendly country, so I recommend taking advantage of this. On foot you can reach quiet streets more quickly that you would otherwise not see by metro, so you can also avoid the crowds. Grab your Google Maps and discover Kyoto on foot!
Spend the night in Kyoto
Consider whether you want an authentic experience or prefer to sleep in a Western bed. You can choose from traditional Ryokans or more modern hotels, as you are used to. Choose a hotel just outside the center for an oasis of peace after a day among hordes of tourists. Personally, I enjoy staying among the locals as a tourist. Many hotels have shared bathrooms or toilets, so keep that in mind. Although I don’t know exactly why this is the case, they are generally very clean and tidy, and you don’t bother each other. We usually book our hotels via Booking.com, where you can filter for hotels with a private bathroom. Almost all hotels also have an onsen or hot spring bath, ideal for relaxing after a day of exploring Kyoto.
TIP: We stayed at Hotel Resol Trinity Kyoto. A hotel close to a number of attractions but still in a quiet area.
Cash Money
Despite the assumption that Japan may be 50 years ahead, in many places it is not possible to pay with your credit card. They often only accept cash. Make sure you are well prepared for your trip and always have enough cash with you. The current exchange rate is particularly advantageous for travelers with euros, making a trip to Japan extra enjoyable and affordable. This is the perfect time not to hesitate and plan your trip to Japan!
What to see in Kyoto
Everything Kyoto has to offer is definitely worth a visit. The only disadvantage is that it is always very busy. I therefore recommend setting off very early. In my opinion, between 6:00 AM and 6:30 AM is an ideal time to start quietly in the always lively Kyoto. On the other hand, you can also choose to go out later in the evening and admire Kyoto in the dark. Many buildings are illuminated, which creates a nice atmosphere.
Arashiyama
This is one of the hotspots in Kyoto that I will definitely tackle differently next time. Yes, it can be busy, but that doesn’t make it any less beautiful. From my experience I know that if you get off a station earlier or take a different street than the rest, you end up in a completely different world. For example, consider taking a taxi and going to a higher spot, such as Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple, and then slowly walking down. Along the way you will pass the Saga Toriimoto Preserved Street, known for its photogenic old Japanese wooden houses. We are going to Kyoto again in May and this is definitely one of the things I will definitely do!
Sannenzaka
Okay, although you have to go straight through the crowds first, it is definitely worth it to follow Gojo-dori Street up towards the Kiyomizu-dera temple. Enjoy the cultural experience and photogenic views at this temple. Then walk back down the same way and turn right onto the picturesque Sannenzaka path. Try a typical Japanese snack at one of the many stalls or rent one
traditional Kimono and continue your route. This soon leads down via a staircase in the Ninenzaka path. Before you turn down the stairs to the right, look straight down the street for the perfect photo spot for the Yasaka Pagoda. Then continue straight ahead. Sometimes you have to go up or down a flight of stairs and you will pass sights such as the Kodaiji Tenmangu Shrine and walk through typical Japanese neighborhoods in Kyoto. Finally you reach the beautiful Maruyama Park, which is enchanting with its red maple leaves in autumn and famous for its cherry blossoms in spring. If you want, you can walk through the park at the top and you will probably notice that the higher you go, the quieter it becomes. Then walk all the way down Kachomichi Street, back to the beautiful Gion District.
Philosophizing on the Philosophers’ Path
The Philosophers’ Trail is definitely one of my favorite places in Kyoto. I often think back to this walk we took on a beautiful autumn day, early in the morning. Leaving so early allowed us to spend much of the morning alone in this beautiful corner of Kyoto. The path passes several temples and along a stream that has countless cherry blossoms in the spring. I imagine it is truly breathtaking here during sakura season. This walk takes you past beautiful temples, shops and restaurants.
Would you like to read more about the Philosophers’ Path in Kyoto? Then read on here because I have written an entire article about it. I have also written a personal blog about my days in Kyoto that you can read here.
