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An easy-to-understand guide to Kyoto. Summary of access, 5 tourist spots, souvenirs, etc.
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Kyoto, located in central Japan, is home to tourist spots such as Arashiyama and Kiyomizu-dera Temple, which are known for their historic streets and spectacular autumn leaves. In this article, we will introduce essential travel information for sightseeing in Kyoto, from recommended sightseeing spot...
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FREEPLUS is a land operator with its headquarters in Osaka that specializes in inbound travel to Japan. We have a track record of doing business with travel agencies from over 40 countries, and have planned trips for a cumulative total of over 740,000 visitors to Japan. We are made up of people from all over the world, and we plan trips that exceed the expectations of our customers in each country, delivering inspiring experience stories.
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Table of Contents
- What is Kyoto?
- How to get to Kyoto
- Kyoto area guide
- 5 sightseeing spots in Kyoto
- Kyoto souvenirs
- Kyoto climate and clothing
What is Kyoto?
Hotels near Kiyomizudera Temple
Kyoto is the third most popular tourist destination in the world.
Many of the old buildings still remain today, adding to the historical atmosphere of this modern city. It's not just the townscape. Let's take a look at the charms of Kyoto, which is blessed with tourist resources such as beautiful temples and shrines, and markets frequented by locals.
There are many tourist destinations across Japan other than Kyoto that you should visit. Please check this out as well.
How to get to Kyoto
How to get from Haneda Airport to Kyoto (by plane)
Hotels near Haneda Airport
Fly from Haneda Airport to Kansai International Airport. There are about 10 direct flights a day from Haneda to Kansai International Airport. Airlines include JAL, ANA, and Star Flyer.
Fares range from 8,110 yen to 23,000 yen one-way, and the journey takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Use the limited express Haruka from Kansai International Airport to the city center. Trains connecting the airport and Kyoto Station run once every 30 to 60 minutes. The journey takes 80 minutes and costs 3,110 yen.
How to get to Kyoto from Shin-Osaka Station (train)
Hotels near Shin-Osaka Station
From JR Shin-Osaka Station, take the Shinkansen to Kyoto Station in 15 minutes. The regular fee is 1450 yen.
Kyoto area guide
Gion/Kawaramachi area
Hotels near Gion Shopping Street Promotion Association
It is a downtown area where you can meet geisha and maiko wearing bright kimonos. This area is recommended for people who want to enjoy the old townscape typical of Kyoto.
Kiyomizu-dera area
Kiyomizu-dera Temple is one of the standard sightseeing spots in Kyoto, and was recognized as a World Heritage Site in 1994. It was founded in 778, about 1250 years ago. It has been loved by the common people since ancient times, and the approach to the shrine is lined with many restaurants and souvenir shops.
Kinkakuji area
Hotels near Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion)
Kinkaku-ji Temple was built by the Muromachi period shogun Yoshimitsu Ashikaga, and like Kiyomizu-dera Temple, it is also designated as a World Heritage Site.
There are also many other unique spots such as Ryoan-ji Temple and Ninna-ji Temple, which are famous for their Japanese gardens.
5 sightseeing spots in Kyoto
1.Fushimi Inari Shrine
Hotels near Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
A popular spot that can be reached in about 5 minutes by train from Kyoto Station. It is famous for its vermilion Senbon Torii gates, which are very photogenic, and is visited by many foreign tourists.
2. Nijo Castle
Hotels near Former Rikyu Nijo Castle
Like Kinkaku-ji and Kiyomizu-dera, it is one of the world heritage sites. The castle was built by Tokugawa Ieyasu in 1603 for the purpose of protecting the Kyoto Imperial Palace, where the Emperor lived, and as accommodation for the shogun. In 1867, the Imperial Restoration took place, and it became the setting for a historical event that marked the end of the samurai era.
3.Arashiyama
Hotels near Arashiyama
You can enjoy beautiful natural scenery such as Togetsukyo Bridge and bamboo forest paths. In particular, we recommend the trolley train and the Hozugawa River Boat ride for people who want to refresh themselves.
4. Kyoto Imperial Palace
Hotels near Kyoto Imperial Palace
Kyoto Imperial Palace is the place where successive emperors lived before the Meiji period. It is said that it has been expanded repeatedly since the 1300s until it reached its current size. Even today, some of them are still in use during important events such as imperial ceremonies.
5. Ginkakuji Temple
Hotels near Ginkakuji (Higashiyama Jishoji Temple)
It is said that it was built at the same time as Kinkaku-ji, which I introduced earlier. We also accept zazen meditation experiences, so why not apply in conjunction with your tour?
Kyoto souvenirs
Speaking of Kyoto's classic souvenir, it has to be raw yatsuhashi. There are four major brands: ``Otabe,'' ``Shogoin,'' ``Nishio,'' and ``Yuko.'' There are a variety of flavors, so please try finding your favorite Yatsuhashi.
Kyoto climate and clothing
Hotels near Kyoto Station
Kyoto is characterized by hot summers and bitterly cold winters.
The average temperature from May to June is between 19℃ and 23℃, making it a pleasant climate. However, it can get cold at night, so it's a good idea to prepare a thin cardigan or hoodie.
On the other hand, winter is characterized by a low average temperature of 1.2℃ to 1.4℃ from January to February. It also snows, so if you visit Kyoto in winter, you will need to protect yourself from the cold by wearing down jackets and thick coats.
FREEPLUS is a land operator with its headquarters in Osaka that specializes in inbound travel to Japan. We have a track record of doing business with travel agencies from over 40 countries, and have planned trips for a cumulative total of over 740,000 visitors to Japan. We are made up of people from all over the world, and we plan trips that exceed the expectations of our customers in each country, delivering inspiring experience stories.
The contents on this page may partially contain automatic translation.
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