Kyoto Travel Guide

By itypemba | April 1, 2021

The former capital of Japan, Kyoto, is the embodiment of Japanese culture colored by world heritage sites.

KYOTO AS A DESTINATION

Imperial Japanese crown jewel

The Kyoto legend originated about 1,500 years ago. The most significant turning point in the city’s glamorous history saw the light of day a few centuries later when Kyoto became the capital of Imperial Japan.

Although the residence of the country’s emperor and the importance of the city to the country varied over the years, Kyoto maintained its position as the capital for almost an entire millennium.

The years have passed, but surprisingly little has changed. Once so glorious, the capital is still glorious Kyoto today, even though it is no longer the administrative center of the country.

The splendor of Kyoto persisted over the war

Unlike almost all other major Japanese cities, Kyoto survived the devastating World War II virtually intact.

Due to this good fortune, Kyoto is Japan at its most authentic and flowering. Centuries-old temples of the capital era, Shrines and other impressive buildings still stand in the same places as proud as ever.

As many as 17 of the Kyoto monuments have been classified as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The most famous examples of these are probably the Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Nijo Castle.

In addition to individual top attractions, the city is worth the same without a precise destination. In the midst of nearly endless history and stagnant architecture, the mind rests.

Districts of Kyoto

By Japanese standards, Kyoto is at most a medium-sized city. In Finnish terms, however, with a population of one and a half million, it is a giant with many things to see.

The city center is an interesting combination of new and old. The Imperial Palace and Nijo Castle bring a historic touch, counterbalanced by a state-of-the-art train station.

Western Arashiyama, on the other hand, is a little more natural because of its lush hills. The eastern part, Higashiyama, is again known especially for its geishas. The southern part is largely the area of the old capital, while the northern part is home to many World Heritage sites.

At its best in spring and fall

Most tourists head to Kyoto in the spring and fall, largely due to favorable weather. Temperatures revolve around twenty degrees on either side, and rain doesn’t do much of a headache.

In summer, of course, it is hot, but also very humid. Winter frosts are instead a congestion-avoiding choice.

FLIGHTS, ACCOMMODATION AND MOVEMENT IN KYOTO

Trips to Kyoto

There is no airport in Kyoto, but the connections from Finland to the rest of Japan are so great that you should not miss the trip.

The most convenient way to get there is by flying from Helsinki on a Finnair direct flight to Osaka and continuing the journey by high-speed train to your destination.

The flight takes about ten hours and usually costs 800 to 1,000 euros for the round trip. By train from Osaka to Kyoto in just over an hour.

Many accommodation options

Kyoto offers accommodation for every taste. As a rule of thumb, hotel accommodation in the city center is expensive, a little further away a little cheaper. Also in high season, prices follow the increase in passenger numbers.

At a cheaper price, you can stay in a more traditional hostel or, in Japanese, a capsule hotel, if you are not bothered by the cramped place. In Finnish, internet cafes also represent a rather exotic accommodation option.

For the experiential, the right direction is temple accommodation instead. While the language barrier and bedtime may be surprising at first, the morning devotion of the temple certainly begins the day out of everyday life.

The train is the best ride game

With public transportation, Kyoto makes an exception when compared to many Japanese metropolises. The two-line metro is quite modest in the city, and you can’t get anywhere from it.

It is still worth favoring railways in Kyoto as well, albeit overground. The trains cross and cross almost everywhere. Buses, in turn, patch the shadows left by the train network.

KYOTO ATTRACTIONS

The splendor of the Imperial Temple

There are a total of four imperial temples in Kyoto, the most famous of which is probably Kyoto-gosh, simply the Imperial Temple, right in the center.

The whole thing is absolutely beautiful and the historical hum is palpable. The palace garden with its cherry trees is also enchanting, especially in spring. The temple still occasionally serves as a stage for state events.

However, those intending to attend the temple should note that access to all Imperial temples must be requested from the Imperial Household Agency, and during the busiest seasons, there will not be enough time for guided tours for all applicants.

Other Imperial Monuments include Sento Imperial Temple, Katsura Villa and Shugakui Villa. Access to these must also be requested, but unlike the Central Temple, they do not offer English-language tours.

The rugged beauty of Ryoanji’s rock garden

When the mind gallops after overtaking a rally of sightseeing, it is worth taking the direction of Ryoanji Temple.

The Temple of the Peaceful Dragon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is considered the most impressive example of Zen Buddhist achievements in the whole country.

There are a total of 15 larger boulders in the temple courtyard, of which only 14 can be seen at a time — regardless of location — according to Buddhists, all the stones can only be seen after the tent , the Enlightenment.

Stopping Kiyomizu-dera

Kijomizu-dera’s history goes far, in fact, further than the entire Kyoto story. The temple, from its place, on the slope of a mountain, has seen all the colorful stages of the city.

The view from the temple over the city is impressive, but there are plenty of wonders inside the building as well. Namely, there is a waterfall in Kiyomizu-dera, where the water of the mountains flows.

The temple is one of the city’s most popular attractions, and for good reason. It is definitely a must-see for every visitor to Kyoto.