As the former capital of Japan, Kyoto remains the most visited city in the world.
Year-round, this city is populated by tourists from across the globe. Kyoto is known for its historic landmarks, temples, and shrines, as well as its traditional sweets and dishes, like yatsuhashi and yudofu. Their matcha sweets and drinks are a must to experience when you visit.
Popular locations in Kyoto include Kiyomizudera, Fushimi Inari, and Arashiyama, just to name a few. In order to get the most from your stay in Kyoto you must dedicate at least two to three days here.
Seasons in Kyoto
Kyoto is most beautiful, in my opinion in the Autumn when all the foliage around the temples turn orange, red, and yellow. It's a feeling in the atmosphere that cannot be put in words. For school trips, with the middle school I work with, I've been to Kyoto a few times with my students, as well as on my own. We would always arrive in the morning before all the tourists came out. The streets were clear and you can experience the quietness of Kyoto.
If you are looking to traveling to Japan, I recommend coming during off-peak season during the end of September through the beginning of November. During that time, the weather will still be a little warm during, but cool in the mornings, and comfortable enough to walk around all day.
Depending on when you visit Kyoto, you may be able to witness one of their three main traditional festivals. In Spring, during May is the Aoi Matsuri (matsuri meaning festival); the summer month of July is the Gion Matsuri, and in Autumn, every year on October 22nd is the Jidai Matsuri. All three have historical meaning and filled with deep traditions the people of Kyoto are very much proud of.
Arashiyama
Monkey Park – Iwatayama 岩田山
On top of Iwatayama (yama is Japanese meaning of mountain in English) is the home of the lively, yet feisty macaque monkeys and a breathtaking view of Kyoto city.
While living in Osaka, during breaks from work, were my favorite times to travel to new sightseeing spots on my list. My apartment was only an hour from Arashiyama, so I would depart from home early in the morning around 8am. After one bus and two Hankyu trains north I arrived at Arashiyama station. The monkey park is one of those places you should arrive early, at opening time [9am]. The park, on top of the mountain, is not a wide area, but it slowly became crowded 20 minutes after I arrived.
Once you purchase your ticket at the entrance, there is a rigorous path, a mixture of paved and rock-like steps, you must climb to get to the top. On the journey there are multiple signs illustrating rules (in Japanese and English) of what you can and cannot do when you are around the monkeys, regarding picture taking and feeding them food.
At the top of the mountain the monkeys roam freely. There are about five workers watching over the monkeys. Over the years, I’m sure the monkeys have encountered thousands of people, so they really do not pay much attention to you unless you have food in your hand. There is an indoor resting area where you can buy fruits and nuts to feed the monkeys. In addition, there is a restroom, a drink vending machine, seating to rest, and snacks to purchase.
You are allowed to take photos of the monkeys. but on one of the signs it says not to crouch down to their eye level. The top of the mountain displays a great view of Kyoto city. I was fortunate to be able to come to the park on such a beautiful, sunny day and take clear pictures. As a solo traveler I can always seek out other solo travelers to take my picture, and that’s what I was able to do.
Access to the park Hankyu – Arashiyama Line to Arashiyama station Walk about ten minutes to the entrance
Fee: 600 yen adults/ 300 yen children (4-15 years old)
Bamboo Grove
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is one of the most photographed sites in Kyoto. That speaks for itself the popularity of this location. But honestly, no pictures can capture the immense feeling that overwhelms you when surrounded by 100 feet (130 meter) tall, dense bamboo. It’s a mesmerizing experience, to say the least, to walk through the grove.
This is another site where you must come early or late in the evening, after the crowd disperses, in order to capture great photos. The grove is illuminated at night for those wanting to take a night stroll and night photos. It will get crowded fast because the grove pathway is very narrow. I arrived after visiting the monkey park, which was around 10:30 am, so the grove was already crowded. I definitely plan on going again around the Spring time to see the Cherry Blossoms.
Other Things to See in the Area Tenryu-ji Temple Saga-Toriimoto preserved street Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple Daikakuji Temple
Kiyomizudera – 清水寺
This centuries-old wooden temple sits on the hilltop in the eastern part of Kyoto. “Kiyomizu” (clear or pure water) “dera” (temple) is popular for its three-water fountains where you can catch and drink the water, which is said to have “wish-granting powers”.
Leading up to the temple are other interesting pagodas, shrines, and temples you can’t miss. Similar to many other historical temple sites there are always plenty of souvenir, mom and pop shops, food/drink shops leading up the temple. There is a 400 yen entrance fee if you want to go inside and take a look around. I also went in line to take a sip from the Otowa Waterfall. You have three water streams to choose from; each stream you can wish for something different (love, money, good health). After leaving the temple there is a nice path to walk on through the trees.
Closest train station Kiyomizu Gojo – Keihan line – 20 minute walk Kyoto Station – various lines – 20 minute walk Kawaramachi Station – Hankyu line – 30 minute walk
Maruyama Park ー 円山公園
Recently I visited this area on a school trip with my students. I had the opportunity to walk around this amazing park and take in the fall foliage. It’s best to visit the park on a nice sunny day to enjoy the park’s scenery and the old landmarks within. Also, as I have mentioned before, it is best to wear comfortable shoes you can wear for hours because there is a lot to see and the terrain is not always smooth.
This beautiful park is within walking distance from either Kawaramachi station (Hankyu line) or Gion-Shijo (Keihan line). Maruyama park, known for their Cherry Blossom trees, is filled with temples, shrines, gates, and gardens. It is a good 20 to 30 minute walk from Kyomizudera. Yasaka shrine’s west tower gate is brightly painted orange and it’s the first landmark you see as you walk down Shijo Dori (street name). It’s a heavily tourist populated area; therefore I advise you to arrive in the morning in order to capture some great photos.
Nearby on Shijo Dori and all around Gion machi (town name) you can enjoy many traditional Japanese foods, drinks, and sweets, such as matcha tea, yatsuhashi, yudofu, and kaoseki dinner.
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