Kyoto Packages

Ferret Out Essentials Of Kyoto Trip: Create Remarkable Memories

You can enjoy your serene vacation while rejuvenating in the lap of Kyoto, by being away from your hectic, scheduled life. This mesmerising city is renowned for its timeless allure and profound serenity, helping you forget your tensions and fully immerse yourself in its spellbinding nature. However, while visiting Kyoto, you would like to make your vacation more interesting and memorable than usual. It can be easily done by planning your trip beforehand, which will help you cover all the essential places and things you want to enjoy during your vacation. If that's the case, you have landed on the right page. Here, you are provided with a glimpse of the must-include items in your itinerary, Kyoto connectivity options, the best time to visit, and crucial things to consider before you arrive. This will all aid in creating an unforgettable trip to Kyoto.

Important Information About Kyoto

• Location: Japan
• Population 1,463,723 (October 2020)
• Official Language: Japanese (Nihongo)
• Regional Language: Kansai-ben and Kyoto-kotoba
• Currency: Japanese Yen
• Closest Airport: Kansai International Airport

Top Things To Do In Kyoto

Though you can immerse yourself in various exciting and loving activities, there are some interesting affairs that you must try when you are in Kyoto. A couple of things that you must explore in Kyoto include:

• Enjoy hiking and stunning views of the city: Kyoto offers various hiking opportunities, including Mt. Daimonji-yama, Shogunzuka, Seiryuden, and the Fushimi-Inari-Taisha Pilgrimage Circuit. Some hiking options are best for a short day trip, while others are for a multi-day journey. You can pick the one that suits your interests, and the days you are spending in the city. Moreover, regardless of the trail you choose, you will be rewarded at the end of the hike with a stunning view of Kyoto that will make your trip unforgettable.
• Participate in and relish the traditional tea ceremony: Kyoto is the place of birth of Japan's tea ceremony. To savour the most authentic traditions and culture of Japan, you surely have to participate in its traditional tea ceremony. There are several tea houses in the city where you can enjoy the ritual. Some tea houses may even offer you a kimono to wear, helping you feel more traditional than in other places.
• Have a ball with an onsen experience: You can find abundant opportunities to adore onsen and enjoy its onset in Kyoto. You will feel liberated while surrounded by the same sex and will not have any feelings of shame and insecurity. Moreover, when you look at the locals at the onsen in Kyoto, their boosted confidence and sense of liberation, where they are not considered naked, make you feel more confident about yourself.
• Rejoice in the cycling along the Kamo River: The Kamo River is the lifeline of Kyoto and lies at the city's heart. The atmosphere around the river is so calm and serene that it helps an individual to rejuvenate their soul and body. You will be thrilled by the scenic surroundings along the river when you cycle around it, which are readily available for rent. Moreover, you can also take a trip on a cruise along the river and admire all the scenery along the way.

Popular Places To Visit In Kyoto

Kyoto has no dearth of places to visit, including temples, shrines, museums, hiking trails, and various beautiful districts. However, finding one you shouldn't miss while in the city can assist you in planning your overall itinerary accordingly. Hence, a few of the destinations that you must visit in Kyoto are:

• Take a tour of the Fushimi Inari Shrine: Beautifully nestled in the southern part of Kyoto, it is a significant Shinto shrine. The shrine is renowned for its thousands of vermilion torii gates spanning a network of trails behind its main building. You can discover various fox statues across the shrine, as they are considered to be Inari's messengers. The shrine is famous among tourists, mainly for its mountain trails and its buildings.
• Take a look at the exhibits of the Kyoto Railway Museum: Though opened in 2016, it has already become a significant railway museum in Kyoto. Spanning three floors, the museum covers 30,000 square meters. While visiting the museum, you can see over 50 retired trains, including steam locomotives, electric trains, and Shinkansen. The exhibition also includes a display of railway uniforms, tools, and an abundance of other appurtenances from the past. Moreover, a section of the museum features an interactive exhibition where visitors can perform the duties of a train conductor or operate a train simulator.
• Head to Nishiki Market for fresh food: Consisting of hundreds of shops and restaurants, Nishiki Market is a five-block-long shopping street. With a busy yet pleasant atmosphere, Nishiki Market is a lively retail market in Kyoto specializing in food items, including fresh seafood, produce, cookware, and knives. Moreover, you can easily find seasonal foods and Kyoto specialities, including Japanese dried seafood, pickles, sweets, and sushi, making it an excellent place for food lovers or those who want to savour the local, authentic taste of Kyoto.
• Adore the breathtaking district of Arashiyama: Hiding in the western outskirts of Kyoto, Arashiyama is a pleasant and breathtaking district that every kind of traveler would love. The seasons of cherry blossom and fall color enhance the district's beauty, making it even more stunning and capturing the hearts of every visitor. To make your trip feel more traditional, you can take a ride through the famous bamboo groves or a pleasure boat along the river to fully explore the district's inner beauty.

Best Time To Visit Kyoto

Kyoto's natural beauty and adoring environment are maintained year-round. However, each season has its own features and offerings for visitors. You can discover the specialties of each season of Kyoto in the following section, and can pick the best time for you to visit:

Kyoto in Spring (March to May)

• The atmosphere is warm and comfortable.
• The average temperature ranges between 11 and 17 degrees Celsius.
• During cherry blossom season, the city offers the best scenery of the year.
• It is the best time to explore the city to its fullest and see the real Kyoto.
• Peak season for tourists.
• Large crowds are expected, which will increase your accommodation costs.

Kyoto in Summer (June to August)

• The atmosphere is hot and rainy.
• The average temperature ranges between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius.
• Shoulder season for tourists.
• Crowds are available but in limited numbers, keeping your accommodation costs a bit lower.
• It is the time of major festivals and events held in the city, including the Gion and Obon festivals.

Kyoto in Autumn (September to November)

• The environment is calm and comfortable, ideal for enjoying the multicolored fall foliage.
• The average temperature ranges between 14 and 22 degrees Celsius.
• You can explore the city to get some unique experiences.
• Peak season for tourists.
• Large crowds are expected, which will increase your accommodation costs.

Kyoto in Winter (December to February)

• The atmosphere becomes cold and dry.
• The average temperature ranges between 2 and 9 degrees Celsius.
• Occasional snowfall can be witnessed.
• With snow, the ancient shrines and temples appear more sacred and calm.
• Low season for tourists (except Christmas time).
• Limited tourists are available, which keeps your accommodation costs reasonable.
• Christmas is celebrated with great enthusiasm and tradition.

Kyoto Connections Options

Before visiting Kyoto, you must figure out the connectivity options available in the city that will assist you in reaching your desired destination without any fuss. The connectivity options available in Kyoto that will help you to comprehend how to reach Kyoto can be seen as follows:

• Airport connectivity to Kyoto: Though Kyoto currently has no airport, the closest international airport is Kansai International Airport, and the closest domestic airport is Osaka International Airport.
• Road connectivity to Kyoto: Japan National Route 1, paralleled by the Tomei and Meishin Expressways, is the main route connecting Kyoto with other major cities, such as Tokyo and Osaka.
• Train connectivity to Kyoto: Kyoto is well connected via its extensive railway network, with trains running on JR Lines, Hankyu Railway, Keifuku Tram, and other lines.

Foods and Drinks to Savour in Kyoto

Kyoto is filled with a variety of rich culinary scenes. It allows you to delve into the authentic and traditional flavors of the city when you savour its special dishes and beverages, which include:

• Kaiseki Ryori
• Shojin Ryori
• Yuba & Yudofu
• Obanzai
• Kyoto Ramen
• Kyozushi
• Nishin Soba
• Matcha
• Kyo-Gashi
• Yatsuhashi
• Kyoto Sake
• Saba-Zushi
• Kyoto Soba
• Tempura
• Okonomiyaki

Things To Consider While Visiting Kyoto

There are certain things you must consider before visiting Kyoto, including cultural etiquette and practical tips to help you enjoy your holiday hassle-free. Essential things to consider while you go to Kyoto include:

• Do not be loud during conversations, and keep your phone silent while travelling on buses, trains, or other public transport.
• Respect the rules and signs throughout Kyoto, especially regarding photography.
• Learn basic Japanese words to help you convey your message to locals who don't speak English.
• Ensure you carry some cash, as online transactions may not be possible at every destination or spot.
• Book your desired places and destinations in advance to avoid last-minute hassles or overbooking.
• Thoroughly plan what experience you want to explore in Kyoto, and plan your journey during that time.
• Don't forget to relish the local and traditional dishes offered in Kyoto to complete your cultural trip.