Kyoto Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before Travelling To Japan’s Capital

Planning to travel to Kyoto? That’s great! Kyoto is the capital of Japan, famous for its beauty and Buddhist temples. The beauty of this area is enhanced with traditional wooden houses and shrines. No doubt, these all things work like magic and attract a number of visitors.

This city is not as large as Tokyo but have wondering places to capture attention. This small city is covered with green trees and dense mountains that call travelers to visit Fushimi Inari or Arashiyama shrines.

Let’s explore Japan’s capital before traveling to Kyoto in this guide.

Number of Temples

Kyoto is famous as the city of Buddhist temples. Yes, there are over 1600 temples in Kyoto and it can be challenging to see all in a short trip.

These temples resonate with the tradition of Buddhism. That is why, Kyoto folks are a real cultural archive of Japan. In Kyoto city, 17 specific places reflect the heritage of Japan and are listed in the world’s heritage list.

Number of Shrines

Japan is a hub of temples and Shinto Shrines. It has 400 syringes in a small Kyoto city. For visitors, it takes days and days to discover all these shrines properly. In addition, these all shrines are surrounded by expensive gardens that are carefully designed with colors and trees by taking a certain time annually.

Best Temples in Kyoto

Indeed, all temples have their own grace and values. But when it comes to the best temples in Kyoto, here are the top 10 you should know about.

1. Nanzen-ji temple

2. Tofuku-ji temple

3. Honen-ji temple

4. Chion-ji temple

5. Daitoku-ji temple

6. Ginkaku-ji temple

7. Kinkaku-ji temple

8. Ryoan-ji temple

9. Kurama-Dera temple

10. Manshu-in temple

Best Shrine in Kyoto

Check out the best Shinto Shrine’s list below,

Fushimi-Inari- Taisha Shrine

Shimogamo-jinja Shrine

Yasaka-jija Shrine

Heian-jinga Shrine

Kamigamo-jinja Shrine

Yoshida-jinja Shrine

Must Go Places in Kyoto

Kyoto is full of temples and shrines and if you go to Kyoto you should visit some temples and shrines must. A few day’s trip is not enough, you need days and days to explore them. After all, their traditional ceremony and stage shows are excellent too, and good to see them. Lastly, in Kyoto people are nice and love to get together, thus you must visit their famous restaurants as well.

Kyoto Weather

Before starting your journey, you need to consider the weather in Kyoto. It depends on your scheduled trip. The weather can be hotter than in Tokyo during warmer months and colder than in Tokyo in winter seasons. So, when planning to Kyoto make sure your packing matches the weather of Kyoto.

Accommodations in Kyoto

What’s next? You need to search for the best Kyoto boutique hotels while visiting this amazing destination. Japan was closed due to the pandemic but now new hotels and restaurants taking place and popping up all over the city in the recent year. Kyoto is a small city but because of Japan’s capital considered a hub of the best hotels and restaurants.

Where to Stay in Kyoto

When it comes to where to stay in Kyoto, well-furnished hotels await. Have a look at the list of best hotels in Kyoto here:

Nohga Hotel Kiyomizu Kyoto: Great hotel near walking distance of major sights

Villa Sanjo Muromachi Kyoto: Convenient location available at affordable rates

Tsugu Kyopot Sanjo: Stylish and familiar among all kinds of travelers

Hotel Vischio Kyoto: located just across the Kyoto station and budget-friendly

Mimaru Suites Kyoto Shijo: Comfortable rooms and living areas near Kyoto

Where to Buy SIM Cards in Kyoto

It is essential to buy and use data-only SIM cards in Kyoto. You can order online a SIM card before starting your trip. In case, it is impossible to buy online, go to the nearest branch to get a SIM card in Kyoto.

On the flip side, you can buy a SIM card online to pick up, when you plan to arrive at Kyoto airport. If your mobile phone uses one SIM, you can purchase eSIM before arriving in Japan. These SIMS are specifically designed for visitors to Japan.

What Is the Nearest Airport to Kyoto?

Searching for the nearest airport near Kyoto? Well, Osaka is the nearest air to Kyoto. Three airports are near Kyoto but the Osaka is main one. These three airports include;

Osaka International Airport

Central Japan International Airport

Kansai International Airport

All these airports have their own transportation service for visitors to get them from Kyoto to airports and of course from the airport to Kyoto.

What to Eat in Kyoto?

Kyoto is famous for its kaiseki cuisine, tofu, and Buddhist fare for vegetarians. Moreover, it presents a variety of Japanese cuisine to attract food lovers. Undoubtedly, Kyoto is famous all over Japan for its mouthwatering taste and delicate cuisine arrangements. After all, sushi, Ramen, Shojin ryori, and Wagyu beef are the top dishes to taste in Kyoto.

It’s time to look at some unique traditions of Kyoto,

Sword Dancing in Kyoto

In traditional events, sword dancing is famous that occurs in a small theater in the heart of Kyoto city. This place is known as “Samurai Kambu” and the dancer put on their shows on a daily basis. They dress up like warriors of samurai and teach lessons to folks about the traditions of ancient times in Japan. No doubt, the dance performance of the warriors is beautifully choreographed and enjoyable for the visitors.

Kyoto Tea Ceremony

Kyoto is the place from where the tea ceremony starts, you can say it’s the spiritual heart of this ceremony. In addition, japan drunk tea for over 1000 years. After that, some wealthy merchants promoted and upgraded it with lavish and sophisticated tea ceremonies.  So, if you want to enjoy a real tea ceremony nothing else can be a better option than Kyoto.

Shodo Calligraphy

In this tradition, traditional Japanese artists write Shodo calligraphy by using brushes and inks to express the characters of Hiragana and Kanji. It resonates with the important part of Japanese culture and is used for specific ceremonial occasions.

Ending Notes

In the end, Kyoto is one of the world’s best places to discover different temples, shrines, and Japanese cuisines. In addition, Kyoto is the hub of the temple, Shinto shrine, and hotels. Moreover, you need to consider the weather before starting the journey and other essential things like SIM cards, eSIM, hotel reservations, nearest airports, and more. Lastly, you will find ancient ceremonies in Kyoto like tea. Sword dancing and Shodo calligraphy.

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