Kyoto

Kyōto (京都) [1] was the capital of Japan for over a millennium, and carries a reputation as its most beautiful city. However, visitors may be surprised by how much work they will have to do to see Kyoto's beautiful side: the area around the ultra-modern glass-and-steel train station is covered in urban sprawl, and its beauty is mostly hidden away in the temples and parks which ring the city center. The city has much more than immediately meets the eye. This means that you can rest in the shade of Buddhist temples that have stood for over a thousand years, or stroll around ultramodern department stores. You can enjoy the time-honored tea ceremony or unwind with a cup of coffee at a fashionable cafe.

Culture and History

Nestled among the mountains of Western Honshu, Kyoto was the capital of Japan and the residence of the Emperor from 794 until the Meiji Restoration of 1868, when the capital was moved to Tokyo. During its millennium at the center of Japanese power, culture, tradition, and religion, it accumulated an unparalleled collection of palaces, temples and shrines, built for emperors, shoguns, and monks. Kyoto was among the few Japanese cities that escaped the allied bombings of World War II and as a result, Kyoto still has an abundance of prewar buildings, such as the traditional townhouses known as machiya. However the city is continuously undergoing modernization with some of the traditional Kyoto buildings being replaced by newer architecture, such as the Kyoto Station complex.

Orientation

Kyoto's city planners way back in 794 decided to copy the Chinese capital Chang'an (present-day Xi'an) and adopt a grid pattern, which persists to this day in the city core. West-east streets are numbered, with Ichijō-dōri (一条通, "First Street") up north and Jūjō-dōri (十条通, "Tenth Street") down south, but there is no obvious pattern to the names of north-south streets.

Travel to Kyoto - Visa Requirements

Flights and airtickets to Kyoto

Kyoto is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Japan but it does not have its own airport. However there are many ways to get there. Overseas travelers can fly into Kansai International Airport and then get a train to Kyoto. Kansai Airport Station is located opposite the arrival lobby where the Japanese Rail (JR) West Haruka Kansai Airport Limited Express Train can be caught. The best and fastest way to get to Kyoto from the airport is to buy a one-day JR West Kansai Area Pass and take the Haruka Limited Express (non-reserved tickets only). The Haruka Limited Express takes about 75 minutes, with trains leaving every half hour. The pass is for foreigners only and costs ¥2,000, which is ¥980 less than a regular Haruka Limited Express ticket from the airport to Kyoto. You will need to show your passport when purchasing a ticket.

Buses to Kyoto from Kansai Airport, Comfortable limousine buses run from the airport to Kyoto Station, twice an hour, stopping at some of the major hotels along the way. The ride takes 90 – 135 minutes and costs ¥2,300 (children ¥1,1500) one-way or ¥3,800 for round-trip. Note that the trip can take longer when there is traffic. Bus tickets can be purchased outside of the airport's arrival lobby on the first floor.

How to get to Kyoto from Itami Airport, Located near Osaka, Itami Airport is Kansai's largest domestic airport. Travelers flying into Kyoto from other areas in Japan will most likely arrive here. The easiest way to get to Kyoto from Itami Airport is by limousine bus. The trip takes about an hour and costs just under ¥1,300. The buses run three times an hour. Alternatively, you can take a combination of monorail and train, which requires at least two changes (monorail to Hotarugaike, Kankyu Takarazuka Line to Juso, Kankyu Kyoto Line to Kyoto) but costs just ¥650 and can be completed in an hour.

By train

Most visitors arrive at JR Kyoto station by Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo. Nozomi trains take approximately 2.15 hrs. to Kyoto and costs ¥13520 one-way. Travel agencies in Tokyo and Kyoto sell nozomi tickets with ¥700-1,000 discount. If you buy a ticket in an agency, it is "open date" - you can board any train as long as it is not full. All you have to do is show up at the train station, register your agency ticket and then you will be reserved a seat. The trains are equipped with vending machines and attendants selling snacks. Hikari trains, which run less frequently and make a few more stops, cover the trip in around 2.45 hours, but only the Hikari and the Kodama trains can be used by Japan Rail Pass holders at no charge.

Travelers can also take advantage of the Puratto Kodama Ticket [2], which offers a discount on the all-stopping Kodama services if purchased at least one day in advance. You get a reserved seat and a free drink on board. With this ticket a trip from Tokyo to Kyoto costs ¥9800 yen and takes 3.45 hours. Note that there is only one Kodama service per hour from Tokyo, and a few early-morning Kodama trains cannot be used with this ticket.

During travel periods when the Seishun 18 Ticket is valid, you can go from Tokyo to Kyoto during the day in about 8.30 hours using all-local trains. Traveling in a group, is the best way to get discounts. The usual fare is ¥8000 fare however a party of three costs ¥3800 per person, and a group of five traveling together drops the price down to ¥2300 per person.

For travel in the Kansai region, a cheaper and almost as fast alternative is the JR shinkaisoku (新快速) rapid service, which connects to Osaka, Kobe and Himeji at the price of a local train. For a slightly cheaper price you can use the private Hankyu or Keihan lines to Osaka and Kobe, or the Kintetsu line to Nara. The Kansai Thru Pass includes travel on the private lines through to Kyoto, and this may prove cheaper that a JR Pass if you are staying a few days in the area.

Buses to Kyoto

As Kyoto is a major city, there are many day and overnight buses which run between Kyoto and other locations throughout Japan, which can be a cheaper alternative than shinkansen fares.

The JR Bus Group (Japanese Website) is a major operator of the routes from the Tokyo area to Kansai. Buses operate via the Tomei Expressway (to/from Tokyo Station) or the Chuo Expressway (to/from Shinjuku Station).

Other bus companies offer trips between Tokyo and Kyoto, but it should be pointed out that seat reservations for JR Buses can be made in train stations at the same "Midori-no-Madoguchi" ticket windows used to reserve seats on trains. Moreover, the Japan Rail Pass is valid on ALL JR buses operating from the Tokyo area to Kyoto. (Note that the pass is NOT valid on buses to/from Yokohama.)

From Tokyo, buses run to and from Kyoto in approximately eight hours. Major bus locations are as follows:

• Tokyo: Tokyo Station Yaesu Exit (東京駅八重洲口), with a few buses discharging at the Nihombashi Exit (東京駅日本橋口)
• Shinjuku: Shinjuku Station New South Exit (新宿駅新南口)
• Kyoto: At Kyoto Station, most buses stop at the Karasuma Exit (京都駅烏丸口) to the north, while others use the Hachijo Exit (京都駅八条口) to the south.

All buses that run from Tokyo to Kyoto are double-decker buses and can be classified under the following two categories:

• Seishun (Youth) buses: While not exactly targeted at "youth", these are the budget-conscious buses on the route. Seats are narrow with four per row with limited recline. Some of the cheapest buses offer extremely limited amenities however most buses will have a toilet.
• Standard buses: These are the regular buses, which offer more spacious seating. Blankets are provided on evening routes.

The following services are available: (Current as of January, 2009)

Daytime buses from Tokyo

Standard Bus

• Two daily depatures on the Tomei from Tokyo Station (9:40, 12:20) and Shinjuku Station (10:20, 13:00). Two return trips from Kyoto Station (10:20, 12:20). ¥ 6000 each way and ¥5000 if purchased 5 days in advance on most departures.

• Two daily departures on the Chuo from Tokyo Station (8:40, 10:50) and Shinjuku Station (9:20, 11:30). Two return trips from Kyoto Station (9:00, 11:00). ¥ 6000 each way and ¥5000 if purchased 5 days in advance on most departures.

Nighttime buses from Tokyo

The nighttime bus service from Tokyo to Kansai is called Dream. This route name has several variants.

Seishun Bus

• The Seishun Dream Kyoto runs on the Tomei Expressway. One daily departure from Ueno Station (21:20) and Tokyo Station (22:00). One return trip from Kyoto Station (22:20). On Fridays, weekends and holidays, an additional departure from Shin-Kiba Station in Odaiba (22:20) and Tokyo Station (23:00), plus an extra northbound run from Kyoto Station (23:10). ¥ 5000 each way; and ¥ 4500 if purchased 5 days in advance on most departures.

• The Seishun Chuo Dream Kyoto runs on the Chuo Expressway. One daily departure from Shinjuku Station (23:10) and Kyoto Station (22:40). ¥ 5000 each way and ¥ 4500 if purchased 5 days in advance on most departures.

Regular Bus

• The Dream Kyoto runs on the Tomei Expressway. Two daily departures from Tokyo Station (22:00, 23:10) and Kyoto Station (23:00, 23:50). One bus departs from Shin-Kiba station in Odaiba (22:20). On Fridays, weekends and holidays, an additional departure from Ueno Station (23:10) and Tokyo Station (23:40), plus an extra northbound run from Kyoto Station (22:00).
• The Ladies Dream Kyoto is a special bus for women only. One daily departure from Tokyo Station (22:30) and Kyoto Station (23:20).

• The Chuo Dream Kyoto runs on the Chuo Expressway. One daily departure from Shinjuku Station (23:50) and Kyoto Station (23:10). On Fridays, weekends and holidays, an additional departure from Shinjuku (22:30) and Kyoto (22:30).

For the Dream Kyoto, Ladies Dream and Chuo Dream: ¥ 7000 each way for Monday-Thursday departures and ¥ 8180 each way for Friday, weekday and holiday departures. There is a ¥ 1000 discount on most departures if ticket is purchased 5 days in advance.

• The Harbor Line Bus departs daily from Yokohama Station at 22:40, with the return bus leaving Kyoto Station at 22:40. ¥ 7950 one way and ¥ 5170 if purchased 21 days in advance on select Monday-Thursday departures.

Other bus operators

Another bus provider on the Tokyo-Kyoto route is 123bus [3]. An advantage over the JR Buses is that the 123bus website offers bus descriptions and booking services in English. However, many services from this company do not allow you to carry large luggage (e.g. suitcases) with you. It is best to confirm with the company whether or not there will be space for luggage before making your booking.

Kintetsu (Japanese website) and Hankyu (Japanese website) also operate buses between Kyoto and Tokyo, as well as other major cities throughout Japan.

Tours and Getting around Kyoto

The sheer size of the city of Kyoto, and the distribution of tourist attractions around the periphery of the city, make the city's public transport system invaluable.

One of the easiest ways to plan a route is through Hyperdia, [4].  . This website contains station-to-station route plans, which reference public and private trains and subways as well as buses throughout Japan.

If you are planning to travel beyond city limits you might consider using the tickets from Surutto Kansai. For use in west Japan, including Kyoto, there are some other useful tickets: a rechargeable smart card, ICOCA, can be used on rail, subway and bus networks in the Kansai area and also Okayama, Hiroshima, Nagoya (Kintetsu trains) and Tokyo (JR East trains). These cards are available at vending machines at these rail stations, and cost 2000 yen, which includes a ¥ 500 deposit that will be refunded when the card is returned at JR West Station. For use in Kyoto only there are some other useful tickets:

• The Kyoto Sightseeing Card can be purchased as a one-day (¥ 1200/Children:¥ 600) or two-day pass (¥ 2000/¥ 1000). It can be used for unlimited travel on the subway and city buses as well as a part of the Kyoto bus route. The two-day pass has to be used on two consecutive days.

• The Traffica Kyoto Card is a stored-value card in denominations of ¥ 1000 or ¥ 3000. It can be conveniently used up to face value on all subways and buses by simply sliding it through the ticket gate. They offer a 10% bonus value.

Check the Kyoto City Webpage for more information on how to use these cards.

By bicycle

Particularly in spring and fall, but at any time of year, getting around by bicycle is an excellent option. Cycling forms a major form of personal transport year-round for locals. The city's grid layout, makes navigation easy. You can rent bicycles in many places in Japan for a reasonable price. During the peak tourist seasons, when roads are busy and buses tend to be crammed beyond capacity, bicycles are probably the best way to navigate Kyoto.

Kyoto's wide, straight roads make for heavy traffic in many parts of the city, but it is possible to find back alleys that are quieter and offer better chances to happen upon all sorts of sightseeing/cultural gems. Riding on major roads is OK, especially if you are confident and used to riding with traffic on the road, rather than on the sidewalk and especially again if you are used to riding/driving on the LEFT-HAND side of the road.

• Kyoto Cycling Tour Project(KCTP), ☎ 075-354-3636, [5]. A five-minute walk from the North Exit (the side with the buses and Kyoto Tower) of Kyoto Station. Bikes range from ¥ 1000 to ¥ 2000 for an actual 27-speed mountain bike with city-tires on it; perfect for the average foreigner who is used to a 'real' bike in their home country. The following options can be added: bi-lingual cycling/walking map of Kyoto ¥ 100; light FREE; helmet ¥ 200; back pack; ¥ 100; rain poncho ¥ 100. They can hold on to your luggage while you are riding. There are four other locations of KCTP and you can return your bike to any location, however you will incur a ¥ 400 charge if you return the bike to a location other than the one you rented from. Guided bike tours are also available ranging from ¥ 4500 (three hours) to ¥ 13000 (7.5 hours) that include guide, bike rental, lunch/snacks, accident insurance and admission to some attractions on the tour. Minimum of two people to guarantee departure/maximum of 10. Needs to be reserved three days in advance if you want a tour. Don't worry if the mountain bikes sell out - Kyoto (like Tokyo) is a city with perfect kerb transitions so a 3 speed with basket and bell is fine, if a little bumpy on the river path. 

• There is a friendly bicycle rental shop across the street from the Keihan Demachiyanagi station, behind the taxi rank. ¥ 300 for a day, ¥ 450 for a day and night, and ¥ 2000 for a month. ¥ 2000 deposit. Has 22" children's bikes which come with a free helmet. Opens early (<9AM) - 7PM.

• There is a small rental shop just north of Sanjo Keihan station on Kawabata Dori that rents bicycles, which doesn't have "tourist signs" attached. On the downside, they do not speak English. ¥ 1000 per day.

By scooter

Kyoto Rental Scooters, ☎ 075-864-1635, [6]. Scooter rental from ¥4000/day, including map, helmet, gloves, waterproof jackets and a free tank of gas. All scooters can be collected from next to Arisugawa stn.(Keifuku line), Uzumasa stn. (JR) or Uzumasa-Tenjingawa stn.(Tozai line). An International Driving License with motorcycle entitlement is required for most nationalities.

By train

Kyoto is criss-crossed by several train lines, all of which are clearly sign-posted in English. Although the lines are run independently and prices vary slightly between them, transfers can be purchased at most of the ticket machines. The Keihan train line can be useful for traveling in eastern Kyoto, while the two Keifuku tram lines are an attractive way of traveling in the northwest. Across the street from the northern terminus of the Keihan Line is the Eidan Eizan line, which runs to Mount Hiei and Kurama. The Hankyu Line starts at Shijo-Kawaramachi downtown, and connects to the Karasuma Line one stop later at Karasuma. It's useful for reaching Arashiyama and the Katsura Rikyu; it runs all the way to Osaka and Kobe. JR lines run from Kyoto station to the northwest (JR Sagano line), to the southwest (JR Kyoto line) and to the southeast (JR Nara line). There are local and express trains so check if they stop at your station before you get on.

By subway

There are two subway lines which only serve a rather small part of the city. The north-south running Karasuma Line runs under Kyoto Station, and the west-east running Tozai Line links up with it near the city center. Both are useful for travel in the city center but not really suitable for temple-hopping. The Tozai Line does connect with the Keihan Line, however, which runs parallel to the Kamo-gawa, and is convenient for reaching Gion and southern Kyoto; it also gets you within a short walk of many of the sights in eastern Kyoto.

A one-day pass for the subway costs ¥ 600.

By bus

The bus network is the only practical way of reaching some attractions, particularly those in north-western Kyoto. Many buses depart from Kyoto station, but there are well-served bus stations closer to the city center at Sanjo-Kawabata just outside the Sanjo Keihan subway line, and in the northern part of the city at the Kitaoji subway station. Most city buses have a fixed fare of ¥ 220, but you can also purchase a one day pass (¥ 500 for adults and ¥ 250 for children under 12) with which you can ride an unlimited number of times within a one day period. The day passes can be bought from the bus drivers or from the bus information centre just outside the Kyoto Station. This is especially useful if you plan on visiting many different points of interest within Kyoto. You can also buy a combined unlimited subway and bus pass for ¥ 1200.

Unlike most Japanese buses, Kyoto's buses have announcements and electronic signs in English. The municipal transport company publishes a very useful leaflet called Bus Navi[7]. It contains a route map for the bus lines to most sights and fare information. You can pick it up at the information center in front of the main station.

• Raku Bus - The city has three routes (100, 101, and 102) which are specifically designed for foreign tourists wishing to hit the tourists spots quickly. The buses skip many of the non-tourist stops and are thus a faster way to get from one sight to the next. The Raku Bus leaves from platform D2 at Kyoto Station. The cost is ¥ 220 per ride, but the day passes are accepted as well.

Kyoto tourist attractions and sightseeing

Kyoto offers an incredible number of attractions for tourists, and visitors will probably need to plan an itinerary in advance in order to visit as many as possible.

Japan National Tourist Organization's self-guided "Kyoto Walks" pamphlet is available in a ready to print PDF format here[8]. The guide enables first time visitors to tour the city with ease and with minimum fuss by providing bus numbers, names of bus stops and clearly marked walking routes. There is a variety of self-guided walks in different districts to sample Kyoto's various sites. If you see the browser's dialog box popping up, just click on it till the entire PDF document opens.

North-western Kyoto

Visiting the vast temple complexes of north-western Kyoto can take the better part of a day. A suggested itinerary is to take the subway (Karasuma line) to Kitaoji station, and walk west along Kitaoji-dori. Daitokuji, Kinkakuji, Ryoanji and Ninnaji Temples are all on Kitaoji-dori, and about 15-30 minutes' walk apart. En route, you will see the giant "dai" (大) symbol burned on Mt. Daimon-ji, which can be climbed in an hour or so - look for the entrance near Ginkaku-ji (see below). If you're in Kyoto at night on August 16th, look up - you'll see the (大) aflame. Hirano Shrine is a short walk south along Nishioji-dori from Kinkakuji. If you still have time left at the end of the day, take the pleasant electric railway (Keifuku Kitano line) from Omuro to Katabiranotsuji, then take the JR Sagano line from nearby Uzumasa station back to central Kyoto.

• Daitokuji (大徳寺). A small and understated temple complex, boasting several small, secluded subtemples. Daitokuji is the quietest of the temples in north-western Kyoto, and if you visit it at the start of the day, you could virtually have it to yourself. Eight of the twenty-four subtemples open to the public (most days 9am-5pm), and each charges an admission fee (around ¥ 400). The highlight of the subtemples is Daisen-in, located on the northern side of the temple complex, which has a beautiful Zen garden without the crowds of Ryoanji Temple. Koto-in is particularly noted for its maple trees, which are beautiful in autumn. Nearest bus stop: Daitokuji-mae.

• Kinkaku-ji (金閣寺). The Temple of the Golden Pavilion, formally known as Rokuonji (鹿苑寺), is the most popular tourist attraction in Kyoto. The pavilion was originally built as a retirement villa for Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu in the late 14th century, and converted into a temple by his son. However, the pavilion was burnt down in 1950, by a young monk who had become obsessed with it. (The story became the basis for Yukio Mishima's novel The Temple of the Golden Pavilion.) The beautiful landscaping and the reflection of the temple on the face of the water make for a striking sight, but keeping the mobs of visitors out of your photos will be a stern test for your framing abilities. Get there early if you can to beat the school groups. Visitors follow a path through the moss garden surrounding the pavilion, before emerging into a square crowded with gift shops. It's only a short walk from Ryōan-ji (below), making for an easy pairing (and study in contrasts). Open daily 9am-5pm, admission ¥ 400. Nearest bus stop: Kinkakuji-michi or Kinkakuji-mae.

• Hirano Shrine (平野神社). A small shrine, which is an especially popular destination during the cherry blossom season, setting up amusement and food stalls. A small park of cherry trees next to the shrine is hung with lanterns and drawings by local schoolchildren. Sufficiently far off the tourist trail to be worth a look. Admission is free. Nearest bus stop: Waratenjin-mae.

• Ryōan-ji (龍安寺). Famous for its Zen garden, which is considered to be one of the most notable examples of the "dry-landscape" style. Surrounded by low walls, an austere arrangement of fifteen rocks sits on a bed of white gravel. That's it: no trees, no hills, no ponds, and no trickling water. Behind the simple temple that overlooks the rock garden is a stone washbasin called Tsukubai said to have been contributed by Tokugawa Mitsukuni in the 17th century. It bears a simple but profound four-character inscription: "I learn only to be contented". There is a fantastic boiled tofu (湯豆腐 yudōfu) restaurant on the grounds, which you should be able to find by following the route away from the rock garden and towards the exit. It is slightly expensive, but serves delicious, traditional tofu dishes. The rest of the grounds are worth a look too - particularly the large pond. Open daily 8am-5pm (Mar-Nov), 8.30am-4.30pm (Dec-Feb). Admission ¥ 500. Nearest bus stop: Ryōanji-mae.

• Ninnaji (仁和寺). Another large temple complex which is often overlooked by tourists. Admission to the grounds is free, allowing visitors to view the 17th century five-story pagoda, and the plantation of dwarf cherry trees (which are always the last to bloom in Kyoto, in early-mid April). However, visitors shouldn't miss the temple itself. There is an admission fee of ¥ 500, and features some beautifully painted screen walls, and a beautiful walled garden. In the hills behind the temple, there is a delightful miniature version of the renowned 88 Temple Pilgrimage in Shikoku, which takes an hour or two (rather than a month or two). This can provide a delightful end to a day of looking at tourist attractions. Open daily 9am-4.30pm. Nearest bus stop: Omuro Ninnaji.

• Jingoji (神護寺). An overlooked gem among Kyoto temples, it is an ideal place to visit for those wanting to escape the tourist hordes. It is located in Mt. Takao in the north-western corner of Kyoto. In front of Kyoto Station, take JR Bus bound for Takao/Keihoku and get off at Yamashiro Takao Station (free with JR Pass), walk down a flight of winding stairs, cross a small bridge, and walk up for about ten minutes. Make sure you walk all the way to the back of the temple ground to a commanding view of the Kiyotaki River below wedged between two hills; here you can buy clay disks, which you throw down the mountain after making a wish. The temple is especially lovely in the fall, when the leaves all turn colors. Admission fee: ¥ 500. Open: 9AM-4PM.

Western Kyoto

The Arashiyama (嵐山) area to the west of the city is dismissed in most Western guidebooks in a brief paragraph suggesting "other attractions". However, the area is rightfully very popular with Japanese tourists, and is well worth a visit. To get here, take the JR Sagano line from Kyoto station to Saga Arashiyama, or take the Hankyu Line from the city center to Katsura, and change to the Hankyu Arashiyama Line.

• The walk through a forest of bamboo to Nonomiya Shrine and Okochi Sanso (a traditional house, previously occupied by a Japanese silent screen legend), is a real highlight of a visit to Kyoto. No admission fee for the shrine, ¥ 1000 for Okochi Sanso (price includes a cup of matcha, traditional Japanese tea, in the tea garden).

• Feeding the macaque monkeys atop the mountain in Iwatayama Monkey Park, to the south of the river, is worth the entrance fee (and the demanding climb!). Don't bring food up with you, though - peanuts are on sale inside the shack on top of the mountains, and the monkeys are well aware of it. There's a pond next to the shack, and the monkeys seem particularly fond of the keeper's motorcycle, which is usually parked there. There's a ¥ 550 admission fee to enter the park; peanuts cost extra, but you know the monkeys appreciate it.

• Just outside Saga Arashiyama station is the 19th Century Hall - a museum covering the unlikely combination of steam locomotives and pianos. Probably best to look at it from the outside, and listen to the amusing tinny music it blasts out.

• The picture-esque Togetsukyo Bridge spans the Hozu River, which usually has at least a bit of water in it. If you're interested in a cruise down the river, you won't have to look far - small and large boats, both rowed and motored, are waiting on either side of the river. Be sure to confirm how far and for how long the trip goes, though. Some are as long as two hours, and others will do a quick turnaround in less then twenty minutes. For a 16km trip down the river take the JR Sagano Line from JR Kyoto station to JR Kameoka Station (approx. 20 minutes by rapid express) and turn left when you exit the station. It is a 10 minute walk to the boarding site along a rather busy road. Be prepared to get splashed and take appropriate precautions for electronic equipment. ¥ 3,900 for adults, ¥ 2,500 for children. Departures run from mid March to the end of November roughly on the hour from 9am. Last boat leaves at 3:30pm. During the winter boats with heated seats leave at 10am,11:30am, 1pm and 2:30pm. The drop off point sets you down in the perfect location to stroll around the sights of Arashiyama.

• Tenryu-ji (8:30am-5:30pm Mar-Oct, to 5pm Nov-Feb; admission ¥ 600) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the main temple of the Rinzai sect of Buddhism in Kyoto; it's also considered one of Kyoto's Five Great Zen Temples. Tenryu-ji was founded in 1334, but the current buildings all date from the last century - pleasant, but unremarkable. However, there is a lovely garden and pond, designed by the Zen master Musō Soseki, that is worth a look. The main gate is just beyond the busy intersection with the Togestu-kyo bridge.

• Otagi Nenbutsu-ji (愛宕念仏寺) is omitted from virtually all guidebooks, but it's one of the true unknown gems of Kyoto. It was founded in the eighth century, and went through an unlucky patch for a millennium or so; by turns it was destroyed by flood, fire and typhoon, and had to move location a few times. Today, it sits a short distance from the end of Saga Toriimoto, one of Kyoto's three historic preservation districts. Two fierce statues guard the entrance. Once you're through the gate, though, you'll find over 1200 small (knee-to-waist high) statues, each with its own unique character - you'll see a cheerful boxer near the entrance, but you could spend hours checking out the rest, and you'll do it in relative seclusion, since this is well away from the tourist trail. The statues were carved in 1981 by amateurs under the direction of master sculptor Kocho Nishimura. Moss and forest have begun to reclaim the area, and if you've ever wondered what Angkor Wat would look like crossed with Japanese kawaii, this is your chance. By bus, take #72 from Kyoto station to Otagidera-Mae, or within Arashiyama, catch #62 or #72.

Central Kyoto

• Nijō Castle (二条城). Certainly one of the highlights of Kyoto. The series of ornately-decorated reception rooms within the Ninomaru complex is particularly impressive, and known for its "nightingale floors" - wooden flooring which makes bird-like squeaking sounds when stepped on. From the donjon of the inner castle, you can get good views over the castle layout, and the rest of the city. Open daily, 8.45am-5pm, with last admission at 4pm. Admission ¥600. Nearest bus stop: Nijojo-mae. Nearest subway station: Nijojo-mae.

• The Imperial Park is a large, peaceful area in the centre of Kyoto, centred around the Imperial Palace. The Palace itself is only open to visitors on guided tours - English tours take place at 10am and 2pm Monday-Friday, and bookings must be made at the Imperial Household Agency, located to the west of the palace complex. Show up an hour before the tour, and they'll let you join if there's space, or make a booking for another day if there isn't. The Palace is a reconstruction (dating from 1855), though, the Emperor doesn't actually spend much time there, and the guided tour doesn't actually enter the Palace buildings, only peeking at them from the outside, so don't consider it a priority. However, if you're in Kyoto for an extended amount of time, the park can make for a very pleasant afternoon, and it's large enough to let you forget the noise of the city outside the walls. It's home to 50,000 trees, including cherry, plum and peach tree orchards.

• The Museum of Kyoto is particularly worthwhile if you have a burning interest in ancient pottery, otherwise not really worth a visit. Open daily 10am-8.30pm. Admission ¥500. Located on Takakura-dori. Nearest bus stop: Shijo Karasuma. Nearest subway station: Karasuma Oike.

• Higashi and Nishi Honganji Temple. The majestic main hall of Higashi Honganji, said to be the largest wooden structure in the world, can accommodate up to 5,000 people and is the headquarter of the Shinju Sect of Buddhism. From Kyoto Station, Higashi Honganji is a five-minute walk; Nishi Honganji, a 15-minute walk.

• Toji Temple is an oasis of calm near central Kyoto. Its pagoda is the tallest wooden structure in Japan. There are also flea markets at various times of the month.

• Kyoto Tower, just north of Kyoto Station, [9]. A sightseeing tower that provides views of Kyoto's urban sprawl. Open from 9 AM to 9 PM, adults ¥700.

Eastern Kyoto

Some of the most picturesque parts of Kyoto are located in the eastern region of the city, across the Kamo River. Visiting the main tourist attractions of eastern Kyoto will fill a full day - a suggested itinerary is to work north from Kiyomizu-dera to Ginkakuji, passing through Gion, and visiting Yasaka Shrine and Nanzenji before following the Philosopher's Walk to Ginkakuji.

• Kiyomizu-dera (清水寺). This temple complex, with a spectacular location overlooking the city, is a deservedly popular attraction, approached by either of two tourist-filled souvenir-shop-lined streets, Kiyomizu-zaka or Chawan-zaka. Admission ¥300. Open daily, 6am-6pm. Nearest bus stop: Kiyomizu-michi or Gojo-zaka. Highlights of the temple complex include; The main hall's wooden veranda, supported by hundreds of pillars and offering incredible views over the city. Jishu-jinja, the love-themed shrine selling countless charms to help you snag the one you love, and featuring two "love stones" positioned around 18m apart which the lovelorn must walk between with their eyes closed to confirm their loved one's affection, and Otowa-no-taki the temple's waterfall, which gives it its name (Kiyomizu literally means 'pure water'). Visitors stand beneath the waterfall, and collect water to drink by holding out little tin cups. Mountain hike, if you're up for a mountain walk, steer to the right-hand pathway instead of taking the left toward the Jishu-jinja. The path leads through a gate and winds up onto the mountain. You can walk up for a good hour and not reach the end of the path. Has lovely forest and great scenery, and makes for a nice short excursion out of the city traffic.

• Kodaiji. This temple was built for Toyotomi Hideyoshi's widow by Tokugawa Ieyasu and is located right next to the Ryozen Kannon temple. If you really like temples this is a very nice one. It's got a nice bamboo grove that you walk through on the way out. If you're in the area it's a good sight to see.
• Gion district (祇園). The flagstone-paved streets and traditional buildings of the Gion district, located to the north-west of Kiyomizu, are where you're most likely to see geishas in Kyoto, scurrying between buildings or slipping into a taxi. The area just to the north of Shijo-dori, to the west of Yasaka Shrine, is particularly photogenic - particularly around Shinbashi-dori and Hanami-koji. Sannen-zaka ("three-year-slope") and Ninen-zaka ("two-year-slope"), two stepped streets leading off from Kiyomizu-zaka, are also very picturesque - but watch your step, slipping over on these streets brings three or two years' bad luck respectively. At the northern end of Ninen-zaka is Ryozen Kannon, a memorial to the unknown Japanese soldiers who died in World War II, with a 24-meter-tall statue of Kannon. Admission is ¥200, including a lit incense stick to place in front of the shrine.
• Kenninji, Japan's oldest Zen temple, has handsome halls and sand and moss gardens, and is of particular interest to art lovers. Sotatsu's famed Edo-period screens of the Wind and Thunder Gods are on display. And on the high ceiling of the Hatto Dharma Hall writhe Koizumi Junsaku's splendid Twin Dragons, painted and installed in 2002. Admission is ¥500. Open daily, 10am-4pm.
• Yasaka Shrine at the eastern end of Shijo-dori, at the edge of Gion, is the shrine responsible for Kyoto's main festival - the Gion Matsuri, which takes place in July. The shrine is small in comparison with many in Kyoto, but it boasts an impressive display of lanterns. Admission is free. Nearest bus stop: Gion.
• Maruyama Park is the main center for cherry blossom viewing in Kyoto, and can get extremely crowded at that time of year. The park's star attraction is a weeping cherry tree (shidarezakura). Main entrance to the park is through Yasaka Shrine. Admission is free.
• Nanzenji, with its distinctive two-storey entrance gate (sanmon) and aqueduct, is another popular temple in Kyoto, but its larger size means that it doesn't seem as crowded as many of the others. Nearest bus stop: Nanzenji, Eikando-michi. Nearest subway station: Keage. Open daily, 8.30am-5pm. Walking around the temple complex and along the aqueduct is free, but there are three regions of Nanzenji that you can pay to enter;Sanmon - the two-storey main gate to Nanzenji Temple charges ¥500 for admission, and offers pleasant views over the surrounding area of the city. Nanzen-in Zen Temple - a small, but relaxing temple and moss garden behind the aqueduct, dating back to the 13th century, charges ¥300 for admission, and is probably only worth it if you have a particular interest in Zen Buddhism.Hojo - the abbot's quarters, is a more interesting building, with a small raked gravel garden and some impressive paintings on the sliding doors of the buildings. Admission is ¥500.

• The Philosopher's Walk (哲学の道 tetsugaku-no-michi) is the name given to a 2km-long path through north-eastern Kyoto, along which a philosophy professor, Kitaro Nishida, used to frequently walk. It is a surprisingly pleasant and relaxing walk even today, though you will undoubtedly share it with more tourists than Kitaro did. The walk runs south from Ginkakuji beside an aqueduct to Nyakuoji Shrine, many guidebooks suggest that the walk continues further south from there to Nanzenji, but this southerly section of the walk is less consistently signposted. The route passes several temples en route, notably Honen-in, a beautiful secluded temple with a thatched gate. Ginkakuji (銀閣寺, the Silver Pavilion) is at the northern end of the Philosopher's Walk. Much like its golden counterpart at Kinkakuji, the Silver Pavilion is often choked with tourists, shuffling past a scrupulously-maintained dry landscape Zen garden and the surrounding moss garden, before posing for pictures in front of the Pavilion across a pond. Do note, however, that major restoration works are being done on the pavilion, which is now surrounded by metal scaffolding. This is not expected to be completed until after 2010. Unlike its counterpart, however, the Silver Pavilion was never actually covered in silver; only the name had been applied before the plans fell apart. Be sure not to miss the display of Very Important Mosses! Admission ¥500. Nearest bus stop: Ginkakuji-michi.

• Mt. Daimonji isn't much more than a hill, but it provides a breathtaking (and perhaps the best) view of the city. So if you're in the mood for a hike, this is a pleasant forest walk, taking a little less than an hour. At the summit, you can take a breather and check out the views over the city, or climb the steps and keep hiking through the forest at the top for hours, as long as you don't mind winding up far away from where you started. There's a clearly marked path up the mountain that begins near Ginkakuji. To reach the trailhead, turn left when facing the gates of Ginkakuji, and, before the stone torii (the iconic gate found throughout Japan), turn right and follow the path upwards. You'll soon be greeted with a map of the hill. If you don't know Japanese, don't worry, just follow everyone up the very-obvious path to the summit.

Back near Kiyomizu-dera and further to the southeast, along the Kamo River, are a few more sights:

• Sanjusangen-do is definitely worth a visit. It was founded in 1164 and became famous for its 1001 beautiful wooden and gold-leaf covered statues of Kannon, goddess of mercy, housed in thirty-three bays (sanjusan = thirty-three, gendo = bays) in the main hall.
• Kyoto National Museum [10] (9:30am - 5:00pm, closed Mondays; admission ¥500) is near Sanjusangen-do, and has a large collection of ancient Japanese sculpture, ceramics, metalwork, painting, and other artifacts. (It's quite similar to the Tokyo National Museum in Tokyo/Ueno.) The Museum building is fairly grand, but the statue of Rodin's The Thinker out front is a bit out of place, as there's no Western art inside. It's seven minutes east of Shichijo Keihan.

Southern Kyoto

Fushimi Inari Shrine(伏見稲荷大社Fushimi-Inari-taisha), (Keihan Main Line train to Fushimi-Inari Station or JR Nara Line to Inari Station), ☎ +81-075-641-7331, [11]. Another of Kyoto's often-overlooked jewels, about twenty-minutes to the south of Kyoto. Dedicated to Inari, the Japanese fox goddess, Fushimi-Inari-taisha is the head shrine (taisha) for 40,000 Inari shrines across Japan. Stretching 230 meters up the hill behind it are hundreds of bright red torii (gates). A visitor could easily spend several hours walking up the hillside, taking in the beautiful views of the city of Kyoto and walking through the torii, which appear luminescent in the late afternoon sun. Countless stone foxes, also referred to as Inari, are also dotted along the path. Local delicacies are sold at the roadside approaching the shrine, including barbecued sparrow (雀/すずめ/suzume) and inari-sushi (sweetened sushi rice wrapped in fried tofu), which is said to be the favourite food of the fox. The suzume is still in a form that resembles the animal (essentially a barbecued bird on a skewer), so those not accustomed may be a bit squeamish. Watch your fingers as you go - the fox spirits are said to be able to possess people by slipping through their fingernails. Admission is free. From the city center, take the Keihan line to the Fushimi Inari station, and the foxes will point you in the right direction. Be warned, the shrine is located close to Fushimi Inari and Inari stations, but is nowhere near Fushimi station! You can also take the JR Nara line from Kyoto station to Inari station, which exits immediately opposite the entrance to the shrine. Admission is free. (34.967222,135.772778) 

Fushimi Castle was a favorite of Toyotomi Hideyoshi. The original was dismantled in 1623, but a 1964 reconstruction went up in its memory with a small museum and gold-lined tea room.

Tofuku-ji is a large temple complex with many small and beautiful gardens nearby. Hordes of Japanese tourists visit during the fall months, when the leaves show a dazzling array of colors, but it's not as well known to foreigners.

Video game giant Nintendo has its world headquarters in southern Kyoto. Sad to say, tours are not offered, and visitors are unlikely even to make it into the lobby; the best you'll be able to do is pose for a photo with the company logo on the plaza in front of the otherwise anonymous building.

Imperial Gardens & Teahouses

Stroll through the regal retreats of the 3 imperial gardens intersperse with traditional teahouses on its grounds managed by the Imperial Household Agency. These are the Sento Imperial Palace (仙洞御所) , Katsura Imperial Villa (桂離宮), and Shugakuin Imperial Villa (修学院離宮), gardens of tranquility for successive imperial families. All 3 gardens are open to the public by obtaining a free entry pass through application. The gardens are at its most scenic during spring, cherry blossom season and autumn where a riot of colors enchant visitors. All 3 gardens are from time to time used as venues for official state functions or for private visits by the current royal family members.

The Imperial Household Agency maintains a quota on the number of visitors to each site per day. Admission is free. Guided tours are conducted in Japanese only. Overseas visitors can apply online to the Imperial Household Agency in English here[12]. On its website are write ups and videos in English for interested visitors to gauge which ones they would like to visit before making an online application. Please note that advanced applications are necessary on the first day of the month, 3 months in advance of the applicant's preferred tour dates. For example, if your preferred date of visit falls in the month of April, you need to submit your online application by 1 January latest. As these visits are over subscribed by the Japanese and overseas visitors, the Imperial Household Agency has to draw lots to pick the successful applicants. All applicants are notified on the status of their applications whether they are successful or otherwise within a week after closing date.

If an applicant is not successful, they can still go direct in person to the Imperial Household Agency Kyoto Office to enquire whether there are vacancies in the event of withdrawals but chances may be slim. Address: Imperial household Agency Kyoto Office, 3 Kyotogyoen, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto, 602-8611, tel: +81-75-211-1215.

Kyoto city tours

• A highly-recommended walking tour is the "Walk in Kyoto, Talk in English" tour (16/over ¥2000; 13-15 ¥1000; under 13 free; no reservations, cash only). The tour is given by Hajime Hirooka, better known to the tourists as Johnny Hillwalker. During the five-hour English-speaking tour, Hillwalker shows tourists a large Buddhist temple, a few Shinto shrines, and workshops in the back alleys of the city. The tour operates rain or shine on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between March and November, excluding public holidays. Departure time is 10:15 AM sharp outside the main (north) entrance of Kyoto station. See Johnnie's Kyoto Walking for more information.

• Riraku Spa, Hyatt Regency Kyoto Hotel, 644-2 Sanjusangendo-mawari, Higashiyama-ku, ☎ +81 75 541 1234(info@hyattregencykyoto.com), [13]. Seemingly expensive. I would advise going to Takayama for a luxurious yet affordable spa experience (10,000Yen)! 

• Shunkoin Temple(春光院), 42 Myoshiji-cho, Hanazono, Ukyo-ku, ☎ +81 75 462 5488(rev.taka.kawakami@gmail.com), [14]. 9-10:30 AM, 10:40 AM-12:10 PM, 1:30-3 PM daily. The temple's American-educated vice abbot, Rev. Taka Kawakami, offers a detailed English tour of temple and leads Zen meditation lessons. The temple hosts many important artistic and cultural properties related to Zen Buddhism and also connected to Shinto and Christianity, and also offers accommodation for ¥5000/night.Accommodations: ¥4000-5000; Tour: ¥2000, including ''matcha'' green tea and sweet.  

• Geisha walking lecture[15]If your are interested about the world of the Geisha, you shouldn't miss the walking lecture by Peter MacIntosh . The walk will have you tour the Gion district where Peter, will give you an insider's view into the past, present and future of this unique and exotic world. If you're lucky you might see a Geisha walking by to one of her appointments. Reservation is to be made by phone: +81 090-5169-1654

• During warmer months, Japanese and foreigners alike gather on the banks of the Kamo River to drink, set off fireworks, and make merry. The area around the Sanjo Bridge is the most popular. It's a friendly, welcoming scene. In summer months, on Fridays and Saturdays, a group of fire dancers and drum players occasionally hold free performances.

• Photo session as Maiko/Geiko, 4F Ouka Bldg., 576 Gion-cho Minamigawa Shijo-tori Hanamikoji Nishi-iru Higashiyama-ku(Gion), ☎ 075-661-0858, [16]. 10:00am - 8:00pm. If you are interested in having a photo session dressed up as a Maiko or Geiko (geisha) or, for men, as a samurai, several studios in Kyoto provide this service at affordable price. The session includes full make up and dress in a kimono and normally lasts for 1.5-2 hours. Options include indoor or outdoor shots (strolling in Gion dressed up as a geisha!), plus at Yumekoubou they will take a few photos with your own camera while they dress you up, for free. It is recommended to select a plan and make reservation online - in some studios they speak very limited English. More links: http://www.yumeyakata.com/eng/index.html, http://www.maica.net/e/index.html9,975yen.  

Kyoto souvenirs and shopping

There is a nice selection of reassuringly non-tacky traditional souvenir shops around Arashiyama station in Western Kyoto, selling fans and traditional sweets. More tacky stores can be found in Gion and the approach to Kiyomizu Temple, selling keyrings, cuddly toys, and garish ornaments. Other traditional souvenirs from Kyoto include parasols and carved wooden dolls.

More unconventional but colorful (and relatively cheap) souvenirs are the wooden votive tablets produced by temples, which bear an image relevant to the temple on the reverse. Visitors to the temples write their prayers on the tablets, and hang them up within the temple.

Manga and anime enthusiasts should visit Teramachi Street, a covered shopping street off the main Shijo-dori, which boasts a large manga store on two floors, as well as a two-story branch of Gamers (a chain of anime stores), and a small two-story anime and collectables store.

Many ATMs in Kyoto do not allow non-domestic credit cards to be used, but ATMs in post offices and Seven-Eleven usually do, so if you find your card rejected or invalid in an ATM then try and get to a post office (郵便局 / yuubinkyoku) to use their ATMs instead. Look for the PLUS or Cirrus logos, whichever you find printed on the back of your ATM card. Another option is Citibank, which should work, too. There is an old standby international ATM at the top floor of Takashimaya Department Store at Shijo/Kawaramachi in the "Cash Corner." The bank of ATMs in the basement of the Kyoto Tower shopping center (across the street from JR Kyoto Station) also includes one machine where international cards may be used.

• Gallery Gado 27 Miyashiki-cho Hirano, Kitaku (on Kinukake no Michi, near Kinkakuji). 075-464-1655. Open everyday, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Gallery Gado sells modern woodblock prints (ukiyo-e) with traditional themes. The gallery also has catalogs of the work of artists who are maintaining this art form. All prints are authentic woodblock prints; postcard-sized prints are available for ¥800, medium-sized prints for ¥2000-3000, and large prints for a few ten thousand yen. [17]

Books

• Junkudo (8th floor of BAL building on Kawaramachi-dori between Shijo and Sanjo streets). +81 075-253-6460. Open daily 11 AM to 8 PM. Huge bookstore with big selection of English books and magazines.

Splurge

In the shopping areas adjacent to Kiyomizudera (on the other side of the Kamo River), it is possible to purchase samurai swords and top of the line kimonos. Do not be surprised if the prices for either item exceed ¥3,000,000.

Kyoto incense is also famous. It usually has a very delicate yet fragrant bouquet. Incense is relatively agreeable in price (¥400-2000). You will be able to find it between Nishi and Higashi Hongwanji.

Kyoto Restaurants: cheap, moderate and expensive

If you've just stepped off the train and the first thing on your mind is a bite to eat, there are several restaurants on the tenth and eleventh floors of the Isetan department store attached to Kyoto station. Most of the offerings are Japanese, including a veritable Ramen village, with a few casual Italian cafes as well.

• Local specialties include: hamo (a white fish served with ume as sushi), tofu (try places around Nanzenji temple), suppon (an expensive turtle dish), vegetarian dishes (thanks to the abundance of temples), and kaiseki-ryori (multi-course chef's choice that can be extremely expensive).

Budget

• Musashi Sushi one of the oldest kaitenzushiya (conveyor belt sushi) restaurants in Kyoto, it is located directly across chain Kappa Sushi at the corner of Sanjo/Kawaramachi. All of the sushi is handmade, though it may take a while to see something new float by. Fortunately, the seats surround the chefs, so you can request whatever you want if you don't see something you like. Price: ¥137 per plate (usually 2 pieces per plate).

• Mikoan - Owned by a female Joudou Shinshu priestess. Go here for some good, cheap vegetarian food, as well as to pet her two cats. From Teramachi, go across Shijo and walk down the street for a few blocks. There will be a very small alley with a sign on it that advertises the restaurant on the right hand side.

• Kappa Sushi is a chain kaitenzushiya (conveyor belt sushi) restaurant on the corner of Sanjo and Kawaramachi at the entrance to the Shinkyogoku/Teramachi covered mall. Lots of variety and cheap prices, but the sushi isn't handmade — machines are used to cut the rice and fish. Price: ¥100 per plate (usually 2 pieces per plate).

• Kick-up Bar is a tiki-themed bar & grill outside the Keage Tozai line subway station and across from the Westin Miyako Hotel. They have the best meatball sandwich in Japan for ¥800 and loaded pizza made from homemade dough (medium for ¥1500)

• Santouka Ramen is a Hokkaido style ramen shop in the Sanjo-Keihan above-ground plaza & bus station. For about ¥900 they have excellent pork broth ramen. Don't forget the broth-boiled egg for ¥200. Look for the line outside.

• Mr. Young Men is a pleasantly grubby okonomiyaki restaurant downtown, at the corner of Shijo and the covered shopping street of Teramachi. Basic English menus are available. A basic dish of Osaka-style okonomiyaki will run about ¥800, although a few variations (including a bizarre cheese and potato version) are available for about the same price.

• Hati Hati is an Indonesian restaurant on Kiyamachi, near Takoyakushi. It has great food and atmosphere, but it's occasionally converted into a bar and a performance space for local bands and DJs at night on weekends. For really late night food on Kiyamachi, there is a cheap, open-air falafel cafe a couple doors down from Hati Hati that never seems to close.

• Donguri is a cheap yet very nice okonomiyaki restaurant on the Northwest corner of Kawaramachi and Shijo. It's a sub-level place so it might take a bit to find it. It's next to the OPA department store. It's about ¥500 yen for an okonomiyaki and about ¥300-500 for a namachuu (mid sized mug of beer). Great place for a date or nicer evening.

Mid-range

• Kappa Sushi (on Pontocho) is a reasonably-priced (for fresh sushi) restaurant. They have an English menu which is, unfortunately, inferior to the Japanese menu. Specials change daily, but are generally on the pricey side. Sit at the sushi bar, and eat well-apportioned nigiri off of banana leaves with your fingers. Not a bad place to try real o-toro for ¥800 a plate.

• Cafe Rue Ribera is a new, very beautifully arranged and welcoming petit restaurant and bar that has just been open for a year. Opened by a very nice, welcoming woman who speaks very good English (having spent some time in England). Located just near Enmachi Station on the Sagano Line. Tel/Fax: +81 075-812-2351. Open 11:30am til 1:30am. Lunchtime 11:30am til 2:30pm. Closed Tuesdays.

• efish 798-1 Nishihashizume-cho +81 075-361-3069 (near the Idemetsu gas station, across the river from Keihan Gogo 京阪五条 station. Open every day, 11 AM to 11 PM (until 10 PM in the winter). This cafe, tucked away down a hidden side street, has a trendy ambiance and river views. For lunch, try the okra curry (¥850) or soup and bread set (¥650). [18]

• Siam (シャム）A tiny but wonderful Thai curry restaurant on Marutamachi-dori about 100m east of Nishioji-dori. The food is delicious, reasonably priced and spice levels are indicated on the menu. Relax in a soft-lit room decorated with exotic paintings from Bali, while the friendly staff prepare your meal right in front of you. English menu available. Open: 11:30-15:30 & 18:00-21:00. Closed: Wednesdays.

• Fuka(麩嘉）Located west of the Imperial Palace and just a bit south of the Kyoto Prefectural Office, this old shop makes the best nama-fu (wheat gluten filled with sweet bean paste) in Kyoto and supplies many sweet shops and restaurants throughout the city. There might not be enough supplies to sell over the counter, so it is best to arrive early. Open: 9AM-5PM. Closed: Mondays

• Tengu A chain izakaya offering their own beer and good shared food with occasional seasonal specials. One is located underground with an entrance near the corner of Sanjo/Kawaramachi.

• Anil A nice Nepalese restaurant in the Daini Kankou building 6th floor on Kiyamachi. It's got a great atmosphere and awesome food. The dahl, cheese nan and momo dumplings are highly recommended.

• Vietnam Frog Located just above Sanjo-Keihan station this nice little Vietnamese place as pho and other favorites at a moderate price: approx. 800-1500 yen.

Splurge

• Pontochō (先斗町) is a narrow lane running from Shijo-dori to Sanjo-dori, one block west of the Kamo River. One of Kyoto's most traditional nightlife districts, the restaurants here run the gamut for super-exclusive geisha houses to common yakitori bars. Many have pleasant open-air riverside terraces. Rule of thumb is, any establishment with a menu and prices outside is OK, but others are best skipped.

• Mishima-tei: If you have a yearning for sukiyaki, and your pockets are deep, you must visit Mishima-tei at the junction of Teramachi-dori and Sanjo-dori. Here you will be bowed in and shown to your own private tatami room by your personal kimono-clad hostess. There, having helped you to order, she will prepare your sukiyaki feast on the hotplate set between you. Order the "premium beef", and the richly marbled meat will just melt in your mouth, and require almost no chewing whatsoever: it is delectable – and it should be since two of you will spend around ¥25,000 in less than an hour on 360 grams of beef and a few vegetables!

Kyoto nightlife, bars, clubs and pubs

Kiyamachi, between Shijo and Sanjo, is packed with drinking establishments. There are the inevitable hostess bars with tuxedo-ed touts pacing out front, but there are also plenty of pubs and block-buildings full of idiosyncratic one room bars as well. Near the Sanjo end, keep an eye out for Pretty Space, also known as "Mushroom Bar", and be sure to compliment the owner on committing to the theme with his haircut. Also on that end of Kiyamachi is Rub-a-Dub, a one-room reggae bar in the basement on the main corner that can either be an over-crowded mess or a box of delirious fun, depending on which record is on (and how much you like Red Stripe) either way you must try the jerk chicken.

A good start to the evening would be A-bar, a hard-to-find (on 2nd floor) izakaya close to the Shijo/Kiyamachi corners. Food is good and reasonable - daily sashimi specials and fried goods, especially. You share long tables with foreigners and locals alike; a friendly thing to do would be to pour beers (¥550 Yebisu) for your neighbors and Suei-san, the proprietor.

Nearby is a cafe owned by the photographer Kai Fusayoshi, who created the book "Beautiful Women of Kyoto." It's called Hachimonjia. Lots of interesting people, from artisans to doctors to people who you can't exactly figure out show up. On Kawaramachi, go north until you see the huge red ball. Look up, and on the third floor, above a blues bar, you'll see a sign for it, although it's in kanji.

Another excellent, and quite hard-to-find, izakaya is Ichariba. It is on the second alley between Kiyamachi and Pontochiyo if you come from Pontochiyo's north end. They serve excellent food for the price and the drinks are good too.

• Zen Cafe - ¥390 per drink (Spirits, basic cocktails and draught beer) and bar snacks. A place to meet travelers and locals as it is located next to popular hostel "K's House". The staff are friendly and speak good English and are happy to offer advice on what to see and do from a local's point of view.

• Bar Africa - bland, but if there's a football match from home that you need to catch, they have cheap Asahi jugs. Also, their foosball table is very well kept. Across from the Hub, infra.

• Bar Moonwalk [19] offers a large selection of drinks for ¥200 each. Also, finger food available. This one located in the city center is a small and cozy place. Use the elevator to get in.

• Bar This Way [20] is a Dutch owned bar located next to Royal Hotel (between Kawaramachi Sanjo and Oike dori). They offer a large selection of beers especially from The Netherlands and Belgium and many other drinks and food (including handmade gyozasoup). The staff speaking Dutch, English, Japanese, Chinese and German are friendly and prices very reasonable. Bar This Way is on the 3rd Floor (Tanakabld.) and you need to use the elevator to get in.

No night in Kyoto is complete without the requisite after hours visit to all-night Ing (a.k.a., "Box Bar," or "the office"). Proprietor Hako-san will keep bringing you big bottles of Sapporo (¥600 each shareable bottle), happy to join for a drink when offered. Food there is always an option - tofu salad & potato pizza are good for the price (¥600). Get ready for Rolling Stones, competitive Jenga, sharing tables with odd drunk people, and clothes permanently soaked in smoke. Good luck finding it. If you see Hamid's Falafel you're on the right track. Ing is on the second floor of a building slightly south of Hamid's.

• Bar Eclipse: near The Museum of Kyoto, this snazzily designed basement bar is tucked away at the back of Restaurant Crescent open 6pm until midnight and closed on Monday. No charge, drinks from ¥800 served by slickly dressed competent bartenders.

The Fushimi district is known for its sake breweries; tours are available at Gekkeikan.

• Sake Bar Yoramu(酒ＢＡＲよらむ), Nijo-dori east of Karasuma(Marutamachi and Karasuma-Oike subway stations), ☎ +81-75-213-1512(yoram@sakebar-yoramu.com), [21]. 6 pm - 12 am, closed Mondays and first Sunday of the month. From the unusual to the standard, this sake bar has both an impressive selection of traditional Japanese rice wine. Even more impressive is the barkeep and owner, who's from Israel, who can translate your preferences in wine into sake. Well-aged sake is available, busting the myth that sake does not age. Traditionally-brewed sake ranging from slightly cloudy to yogurt-like may also be available. 

• Nikki's Bar, Nishi-Kiyamachi 804 Daini Kankou Building. 2000-0500. This is a nice little bar ran by a gregarious Nepalese guy named Nikki. It's got a great bunch of regulars and new customers are always warmly welcomed. It's located just north of Hamid's Kebab shop. Mixed drinks and beer run ¥700 per drink and shots are ¥500. It's a little hard to find because it's on the 8th floor. If you can't find it ask the folks working at Hamid's.700yen.  

British and Irish pubs:

• The Hub: on the small streets connecting Kiyamachi to Kawaramachi, lots of TVs for sports, cheap beer (¥700/pint) (especially with a ¥500 membership) and more expensive imports; food, however, is mediocre. This is basically the headquarters for English-speaking tourists and gaijin residents for happy hour. Avoid the cheap cocktails at Happy Hour - they are mostly ice cubes with little to drink. If you want some inside information about where to go, where to eat, what to see, etc., ask a group here. One of the larger bars in Kyoto, it is a popular spot for happy hours and goodbye parties. The real draw is the foosball, darts tournaments, and, upstairs in the back, the pool table.

• Pig & Whistle: underwent a renovation last year, adding a more stylish whiskey bar to its original drinks bar. This is a popular spot, located right above the Sanjo Keihan subway station. If you hear live music, go on up; though it probably won't be great music, it will draw a crowd. Food here is also mediocre.

• The Gael Irish Pub: (formerly known as "Tadg's Irish Pub") convenient location if you are downtown (located in Gion at Shijo and Kawabata-dori). Open mic nights can be a mixed bag depending on who comes (always excellent jazz, no longer holding poetry readings apparently). Great portions of food. Definitely go for rugby games.

• Hill of Tara: a quiet Irish-style pub with good food. A bit more expensive than the frozen stuff from the Pig or the Hub, but a much mellower scene. In the Spring and Summer, they have a nice, though small, second floor balcony.

• McLoughlin's: Is presided over by the most amiable owner/chef Tadg McLoughlin (formerly of Tadg's Irish Pub), located on Kiyamachi between Sanjo and Nijo. Food is reasonably priced, with main course starting at ¥1,200 and a 5 course special menu which is great value. Great quality beers, domestic and foreign (including microbrews). The staff are friendly and speak English. Live music on weekends. Giant screen TV (Mr McLoughlin being a Rugby fanatic), darts, foosball and a great view of east Kyoto. Happy hour is 5pm-8pm.

• Kick-Up Pub: across from the Westin Miyako Hotel, a gaijin-friendly tiki-themed bar with fresh Bass Ale pints (¥800) and ice cold Asahi mugs (¥600). Not a problem if alone because the proprietors, Masuyo and Rick, speak both Japanese and English and are up for a good chat. See the Budget Food section for food information.

Kyoto cheap and luxurious hotels, youth hostels and lodging

Kyoto has a wide range of accommodation, much of it geared towards foreign visitors. During peak seasons, when accommodation is difficult to get, consider staying in Osaka. A thirty minute train ride from Kyoto Station to Osaka will cost you ¥540 one way.

Budget

Temple lodgings

Many temples in Kyoto own and run their own lodging complex known as shukubō (宿坊), usually located on or near temple grounds. Guests are often invited to participate in morning prayer service (otsutome) held at the temple. Unfortunately, most temple lodgings do not have English-speaking receptions, and curfews and check-in/out times tend to be strict.

• Myōshin-ji Shunko-in Temple (妙心寺春光院)[22] Web: http://www.shunkoin.com - the only English available temple accommodation in Kyoto. Five minutes by foot from the JR Hanazono station (12-15 minutes away from the JR Kyoto station by JR Sagano Line). The guest house has two rooms. A room has a private shower room, toilet, and AC (or a heater). Next to the guest house, there is a fully equipped shared kitchen. The temple hosts many important artistic and cultural properties related to Zen Buddhism, Shinto, and Christianity. One of the properties is the Bell of Nanbanji, which is designated as a national cultural important properties. Rate: ¥5,000 per person (including a tour of temple and rental bicycle). Zen meditation & tour: ¥2000 (including a bowl of maccha green tea and Japanese sweet). Check-in: 15:00 - 19:00; Check-out: by noon. To make a reservation, call +81 075-462-5488 or email rev.taka.kawakami@gmail.com.

• Myōren-ji Temple (妙蓮寺) - Three minutes by foot from Horikawa Teranouchi Stop on Bus #9 and 12 (the former leaves from Kyoto Station, the latter, Shijo Karasuma Subway Station). Tel: +81 075-451-3527. Rate: ¥3,800 per person (including entrance fee to public bath). Facilities: in-room air-conditioner; no bath but a public bath is nearby; guests should bring their own bath towel and shampoo as the public bath only lends out mini-towels and soap. Check-in: 6pm; Check-out: 7 am.

• Hiden-in (悲田院）－ in southern Kyoto near Fushimi Inari Shrine and Tofuku-ji Temple, 15 minutes by foot from Sennyuji-michi Stop on buses #202, #207, and #208. Tel: +81 075-561-8781. Rate: ¥4,500 per person with breakfast. Facilities: rooms are separated by sliding doors only; maximum capacity: 20; one shared bath. Check-in: 4pm; Check-out: 10am.

• Rokuō-in（鹿王院） - near Arashiyama, six minutes by foot from Saga-Arashiyama Station on the JR Sagano Line. Only for female visitors. Tel: +81 075-861-1645. Rate: ¥4,500 per person with breakfast. Facilities: 10 rooms with a maximum capacity of 30; during peak season, guests travelling alone may be asked to share a room with another single guest; towels not provided; one bath. Crowded during autumn foliage season. Curfew at 7:30pm.

• Myōshin-ji Daishin-in（妙心寺大心院）- 10 minutes by foot from Hanazono Station on JR Sagano Line or 7 minutes by foot from Myoshin-ji Mae Stop on buses #8, #10, and #26. Tel: +81 075-461-5714. Rate: ¥4,700 with breakfast. Facilities: 10 rooms with a maximum capacity of 50; in-room air-conditioner, kotatsu heating table in winter, shared bath and toilet. Lights out at 10pm.

• Myōshin-ji Tōrin-in（妙心寺東林院） - 10 minutes by foot from Hanazono Station on JR Sagano Line or 7 minutes by foot from Myoshin-ji Mae Stop on buses #8, #10, and #26. Tel: +81 075-463-1334. Only accept reservations from foreigners if they are with a Japanese person. Rate: ¥4,700 with breakfast; ¥6,000 with breakfast and dinner; Shojin meal (Buddhist vegetarian)¥3,000 - ¥8,000; Shojin cooking class ¥3,000. Facilities: 10 rooms with a maximum capacity of 40; shared bath. Curfew at 9pm. Lights out at 10pm.

Hostels

• Tour Club (9 min walk from Kyoto Station) [23]. A friendly, clean hostel with both dorm and private rooms. There is a beautiful zen garden and traditional Japanese-living room. Free wifi, coffee and tea and the chance to try on a kimono. Air-con, bicycle rental and laundry are also available. All private rooms are en-suite and prices are affordable; double en-suite ¥3490 per person, Quad en-suite ¥2,930 per person.

• Tomato Guesthouse, 135 Shimizu Shimogyouku Kyoto, Tel: +81(0)75-203-8228 7 min walk from Kyoto Station. , [24]. Rates &yen3900 - &yen2200.

• bAKpAK Gion Hostel, In the midst of the Gion(geisha district)close to Kaburen-jo Theater the place for Kyo Odori (Kyoto Dance), Tel: +81(0)75–525-1433 [25]. EXIT #1 Shijo Keihan station . Rates from ¥2000/night.

• bAKpAK Kyoto Hostel, between Kawaramachi and Gion, next to the Minamiza theatre, Tel: 075–525-3143 [26]. Rates from ¥ 19500/night.

• Bola Bola Guest House located at the Uzumasa train station on the western part of Kyoto (15min train ride from the Kyoto station) [27]. A friendly and well kept guest house. ¥2500 per person a night with a traditional Japaneses room. The owner speaks English and is very willing to help foreign guests.

• Guest House -The Earth Ship- (near Kyoto University, 10 min walk from Keihan Demachiyanagi Station) [28]. Friendly shared living room. Nightly Rates: Dormitory ¥2,500, Private room starts at ¥4,000 for one person, ¥6,000 for two people, ¥7,500 for three, ¥8,000for four. There is an additional discount on these prices for long stays.

• Gojo Guest House (5 min walk from Keihan Gojo Station) [29]. A Japanese style hostel with a cozy cafe located in Higashiyama area.

• Guesthouse Yahata [30]. One stop from Kyoto Station by subway. Walking distance to downtown Kyoto. Bunk beds from ¥2,500, private rooms from ¥8000, with free breakfast.

• Hirano's B&B Kyoto (3 minute walk from the Karasuma-Oike subway station) [31]. A quiet and intimate B&B, near Nijo Castle. Guests experience being at home with a Japanese family.

• J-Hoppers Kyoto Guesthouse (8 min walk from Kyoto Station) [32]. A new and clean backpackers hostel guesthouse. 7 minutes walk from Kyoto central station. Dormitory bed ¥2,500 including tax. Rental bikes ¥500/day, Internet ¥300/hour. No curfew; up-to-date local information by native staff. Tel: +81-75-681-2282, SKYPE:jhoppers.

• K's House Kyoto, 418 Nayacho, Shichijo-agaru, Dotemachi-dori, Shimogyo-ku, (9 min walk from JR Kyoto Station, 4 min. walk from Keihan Line Shichijo Station) +81 075-342-2444 (fax 075-342-2440, email info@kshouse.jp), [33]. Opened in November 2003, this foreigner-friendly hostel with English speaking staff, has received favorable reviews for reasonable prices, cleanliness and amenities like internet access and kitchens. Dormitory room ¥2500, twin/double/triple room from ¥2900, single room from ¥3500 (prices per person). The hostel itself can be difficult to find, as it is located down a narrow street off the main road.

• Tani House (near Daitokuji). A 70-year-old traditional wooden house, a little shabby but cheap with a mix of guests. Prices from ¥1700 a night and you can rent cheap bicycles.

Budget Hotels & Ryokans

• Budget Inn (near Nishi-Honganji, 7 min walk from Kyoto Station) [34]. Under the same management as Tour Club (above). It offers both dorm triple-¥10,980; quad-¥12,980;five-¥14,980) and private rooms (¥2,500, no curfew), with elevator access. Kitchen and laundry facilities available.

• Crossroads[35]. A ryokan with shared shower & toilet facilities. 1 person ¥4000, 2 persons ¥7350, 3 persons ¥10400. 8-min. by #205 bus from B3 stand at JR Kyoto Station. Bus Terminal for Kitaoji Bus Terminal /Kinkakuji Temple, then get off at Ume Koji Koen-mae stop and 2-min. walk.

• Duo Inn[36]. Apartment hotel. Not in a central location but the prices are reasonable. Prices are lower for stays of 7 or more nights. Payment by cash only. No daily cleaning and no bath towels provided. Bus journey from Kyoto Station takes about 50 minutes.

• Econo Inn Discount Hotel [37]. 21 Western-style private rooms. All rooms have a bath unit, air-conditioner and TV. Discounted room rates for stay of more than 1 night for single, twin & triple rooms. Discounted rates range from Singles at ¥4460 to ¥4720. Twins at ¥6,960 to ¥7,370. Access by Kyoto city buses #205, #17 and #4, departing from the A2 stop at the bus terminal located in front of Kyoto Station, Karasuma Exit. Get off at Kawaramachi-Gojo (the fourth stop), 5 minutes bus journey. Go back south 200 meters, the hotel is on the opposite side of the street.

• Green Gables Kyoto [38]. Apartment hotel. Website is in Japanese only. To get English information on reservations and access map, google "Green Gables Kyoto" and you will be able to make a reservation at an online booking agent. Based on the Japanese site, this is an apartment hotel with en-suite shower & toilet and a kitchenette in each apartment, see photo of apartment here from its Japanese website[39]. Singles at ¥4500 per night and gets discounted to ¥3800 per night for stay of 3 to 6 nights. For stay of 7 nights and above, the discounted rate is ¥3400 per night, the Japanese language apartment rate information is here [40]. Its a 20 min. walk from the north exit of Kitaoji subway station on Karasuma line

• GuestHouse Bon Located between kinkakuji temple(golden pavilion) and kamo river. It is next to the Daitokuji temple. Rates: single from ¥3500~4500, twin room from ¥2500~3000 per person/night. Triple rooms are ¥2100 per person/night. Doemitory ¥2500 ~ 3000. Tel: + 81- 75 – 493- 2337 [41] Here you can rent cheap bicycles and the guest house owner has lived in western countries before and can speak fluent English.

• Guest Inn Kyoto[42]. Japanese style rooms with bath, toilet, TV and air conditioning. Single starts at ¥3500. Twin starts at ¥7000 per room. Online reservation form on its site. Get on the #206 bus from A3 at the bus terminal in front of Kyoto station and get off at "Shimabaraguchi", the 4th stop (a 5min bus journey). Go through Shimabara shopping street to the west.

• Hotel Chrysantheme[43]. All rooms have en-suite shower and toilet. Single room at ¥4500. Twin at ¥9000 per room. English online reservation form on its site here[44]. Pictures of the rooms are available only on its Japanese website here[45]. It takes about 30 minutes to get to the hotel by bus from Kyoto station. Take bus #50 or #205, both of which leave from stand "B" the north side of the Kyoto station. The hotel is within walking distance of Kinkaku-ji.

• Hotel Iida[46]. Located in front of JR Kyoto Station. Mostly Japanese style rooms with a few western rooms with or without private bath. Single starting from ¥4200 to ¥7350. Twin starting from ¥7560 to ¥12,600 per room.

• Hotel Station Kyoto[47]. A 4 minute walk from JR Kyoto station. All rooms are en-suite. Singles start at ¥5000. Twins at ¥10,000. It has sister hotels, Hotel Station Kyoto West[48] and Pension Arashiyama [49] which offer similar rates.

• Ikoi-no-Ie [50]. A Japanese-style guesthouse with private, non-smoking rooms (some are en-suite). Located right in the middle between Kyoto Station and downtown (12 and 15 minute walk respectively). Bus stops and an underground/subway station are nearby for easy access to most of Kyoto sightseeing spots. Newly opened in February 2007.

• Kyoto Cheapest Inn (Near Nijo castle, 1-3 min walk from bus stop Horikawa Marutamachi & Marutamachi Chiekoin), e-mail : kyoto@cheapest-inn.com, [51]. Dorms from, ¥1,000-2,500/night, private rooms, ¥7,800. Convenient locations with transportation, shopping, banks and a post office close by. Credit cards accepted, English available, sheets included. Long Stay Discount. Special offer with winter price, sometimes : ¥1,000-2,000/night (dormitory), ¥6,200- (private suite).

• Kyoto Travelers Inn [52]. Located within walking distance to Heian Shrine. Better rates can sometimes be found through Japan's hotel reservation site, Rakuten Travel. From Kyoto station or Sanjo Keihan station, take Tozaisen (East-West line) to Higashiyama station. It takes 7 minuets walk from Exit 1.

• Palace Side Hotel, [53] is exactly where the name suggests: across the street from the Kyoto Imperial Palace and park, on Karasuma (near the intersection with Marutamachi). It's a Western-style hotel reminiscent of a much more expensive hotel that could use a good scrubbing. The staff speak fluent English, and the front desk is always open, as are computers with internet access in the lobby. It's often used by academic groups from nearby universities, though, so advance reservations should be made. There are discounts for stays of three or more days. S/D/Tw/Tr from ¥5040 - ¥10,500.

• Ryokan Hiraiwa (旅館平岩), Tel. +81 (0)75-351-6748, [54]. A self-proclaimed ryokan (really a minshuku) catering almost entirely to the foreign market, in an old Japanese house plastered with English signs, warnings and tips. All rooms are Japanese style. Traditional breakfast is available for an extra charge. Shared bathrooms or a public bath half a block away. But it's cheap (¥4200 for a single, ¥8400 for a double, breakfast not included) and reasonably friendly. Slightly inconveniently located halfway between the station and the center of town (it's bit of a hike to either), take buses #17 or #205 from Kyoto Station pier A2 to Kawaramachi-Shomen (the third stop).

• Ryokan Nakajimaya, Tel. 075-351-3886 Bukkoji-agaru, Takakura-dori, Shimogyo-ku. 5 minutes walk from exit 15 of the Karasuma subway station. Follow Shijo-dori to the Louis Vuitton store and then turn right. Very friendly Japanese style ryokan, located in downtown Kyoto. Shared bath and toilets. The owner speaks a little English. Can be booked via the Welcome Inn Reservation Center. ¥6,000 (single room, breakfast not included).

• Station Ryokan Seiki (5 min walk from Kyoto Station) [55]. Small but convenient. Doubles ¥9000.

• Super Hotel Kyoto Karasuma Gojo[56]. A Japanese budget hotel chain. Single rooms start at ¥5980. Twin rooms are a better value, with rates starting at ¥7980 per room or ¥3990 per person. All rates include tax and breakfast. 10 minute walk from JR Kyoto station. One station from JR Kyoto station on the Karasuma subway line, get off at Gojo station from the #8 exit.

• Toyoko Inn. A Japanese budget hotel chain with 3 hotels in Kyoto. Good value for twin rooms, prices starting at ¥7560 per room or ¥3780 per person including taxes & free Japanese breakfast. Single rates are more expensive starting at ¥6200. Online reservations showing vacancies & bookings available on all sites, enter as "General Guest" if you do not have membership. The cheapest one is at Gojo-Karasuma[57], another hotel at Kyoto Shijo-Omiya[58] & lastly Kyoto Shijo-Karasuma [59].

Midrange

• Gimmond Hotel Takakura-Oike-dori, Nakagyo-ku (2 min. walk from Karasuma-Oike subway station), +81 (0)75-221-4111 (fax 075-221-8250, email kyoto@gimmond.co.jp). [60] A foreigner-friendly hotel, neat and tidy and good location. Discount for internet booking.

• Hotel Monterey Kyoto on the West side of Karusuma, South of Sanjo. Tel: +81 (0)75-251-7111. Opened in March 2007 the staff are very keen to please. 15 minute stroll to Sanjo Shopping Arcade and less than five minute walk from subway station. Rates vary but they have discounts for internet booking and travel agents offer very reasonable combined JR tickets and room rates. Japanese and French restaurants are available. Rated 3 Star. Includes spa and two restaurants (French and Japanese)

• Ryokan Shimizu 644 Wakamiya Agaru Shichijo, Shimogyo-ku (7 minute walk from JR Kyoto Station), Tel: +81 (0)75-371-5538. [61] A modern style ryokan which is welcoming to foreign visitors. The owners can speak some English. En-suite facilities are provided and a Japanese style breakfast is available. There is a communal Japanese bath facility.

• Kyoto Tower Hotel Karasuma-dori Shichijo- sagaru. Shimogyo-ku (1 Minute walk from JR Kyoto Station, across the street), Tel: +81 (0)75-361-3212, Fax +81 (0)75-343-5645. [62] Foreigner-friendly hotel, single rooms start at ¥8700, but the location across the street from JR Kyoto Station is unbeatable.

• The Kyoto Tower Hotel chain also operates the Kyoto Tower Hotel Annex, northwest of the station, and the Kyoto Dai-Ni Tower Hotel, east of the station. Singles at both of these hotels, which are a few minutes further away by foot from the Kyoto Tower Hotel, start at just ¥6500.

• Hearton Hotel Kyoto [63] Higashi no Toin Dori Oike Agaru, Nakagyo Ku, Tel: +81-75-222-1300, Fax: +81-75-222-1313. Mid range hotel close to Oike Karasuma Subway Station.

Splurge

• New Miyako Hotel (新都ホテル). 0120-333-001[64] The largest hotel in Kyoto with over 700 rooms, and the prices to match: starting at ¥10,000 for singles and ¥21,000 for doubles. But the location is unbeatable, it's just across the street and a few minutes' walk south of Kyoto station. If you get a room facing north, you'll be able to see the bullet trains coming in and out of the station, as well as the glass windows from the exterior of the Isetan department store that seem to reflect the sky if the weather conditions are just right. The new south wing opened in late September of 2005, with prices starting from ¥29,000 for doubles.

• Kyoto Hotel Okura, Kawaramachi-Oike, Nakagyo-ku. Tel:+81 75 211-5111. Fax:+81 75 254-2529[65]. A large, modern and conveniently located hotel.

• The Westin Miyako Kyoto. Tel: +81 (0)75-771-7111 Keage, Sanjo, Higashiyama-ku. [66] Established in 1890, this is the oldest Western-style hotel in Kyoto. It has over 400 rooms, starting at ¥33,000 for twins. (If you make a reservation through a travel agency, you may get a lower price.) It has about 30,000 square meters, and a few Japanese gardens, one of which,Aoiden (葵殿庭園) was built by Jihei Ogawa (小川治兵衛). The gardens can be visited by non-guests. It's near Keage Station (subway - Tozai Line), or you can take a shuttle bus from JR Kyoto Station.

• Hyatt Regency Kyoto, 644-2 Sanjusangendo-mawari, Higashiyama-ku,(Near Shichi-jo station on the Keihan line, or you can take buses #206, #208, or #100 from JR Kyoto station), ☎ +81 75 541 1234(info@hyattregencykyoto.com), [67]. 5 star hotel with contemporary interior design. All its restaurants feature show kitchens, which is a first in Kyoto.yen:43,000 for twin room.  

• Ryokan Tamahan, Gion District(10 minutes by taxi from Kyoto Train Station), ☎ 075-561-3188, [68]. checkin: 3pm; checkout: 11am. Traditional Ryokan in quaint Gion district. It's worth the experience for at least one night. The price includes Japanese dinner and a choice of Japanese or Western breakfast. There is free wifi access. Staff are friendly but speak limited English.¥25,000 per person.  

Get out

• Amanohashidate - literally "the bridge to heaven", it is considered one of Japan's top three scenic view (along with Matsushima in Miyagi prefecture and Miyajima in Hiroshima prefecture). It forms a thin strip of land straddling the Miyazu Bay in northern Kyoto Prefecture, hence the name. Visitors are asked to turn their backs toward the view, bend over, and look at it between their legs.

• Himeji - about an hour by Shinkansen west of Kyoto, Himeji boasts a spectacular traditional castle.

• Miho Museum [69] - an hour southeast of Kyoto deep in the hills of Shiga prefecture. Building designed by I.M. Pei. Closed in winter.

• Mount Hiei - an ancient hilltop temple complex that traditionally guarded (and occasionally raided) Kyoto.

• Lake Biwa - if the summer humidity has drained your will to sightsee, take a day swimming at the underrated beaches of western Lake Biwa. Popular choices include Omi Maiko and Shiga Beach, each about 40 minutes from Kyoto on the JR Kosei Line.

• Nara - less than an hour's journey by train on the JR Nara line from Kyoto station, Nara is an even older capital than Kyoto and has a stunning collection of temples in a giant landscaped park

• Osaka - about half an hour from Kyoto by JR rapid train, this bustling city offers more retail opportunities and a central castle.

• Uji - the best tea in Japan and the Byodo-in temple.

• Kurama - less than an hour's journey by a local train from Kyoto Demachi-Yanagi station, small village of Kurama has real onsen (Japanese natural hot spring).

This page was last edited by Anonymous user(s) of Wikitravel. Based on work by Jani Patokallio, Marc Heiden, Nick, Jose Ramos, Stefan Ertmann, D. Guillaume and BABA Yoshihiko, Wikitravel user(s) Lpring9 and Texugo, Anonymous user(s) of Wikitravel and others. - Content on this page is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 1.0 license