Home to 2000 temples and shrines, Japan’s former Imperial capital, Kyoto, should be a priority on any trip to Japan. We took the shinaksen bullet train from Hakone, which cut down the trip from 4-5 hours to 2.
It was interesting to see all of the domestic tourists in Kyoto dressed up in traditional Japanese clothing, an apparently popular local vacation activity.
Shinkasen bullet train
Visit:
- Kiyumizu-dera Temple (UNESCO World Heritage Site) – the most visited site in Kyoto
- The 1300 Gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine – the inspiration for the 2005 Christo and Jeanne-Calude “The Gates” exhibit in Central Park, NYC
- Kinkaku-ji Temple (The Golden Pavillion) (UNESCO World Heritage Site) whose top 2 floors are covered in gold leaf
Kiyomizu-dera temple
Kiyomizu-dera temple
Kiyomizu-dera temple
Kiyomizu-dera temple
Kyoto
Fushimi Inari Temple
1300 Gates at Fushimi Inari Temple
Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavillion
Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavillion Temple
Eat at:
- Nishiki Market for everything – this one covered street in Kyoto is the best places to taste bits and bites of Japan from the dozens and dozens of merchants selling everything from mochi-wrapped strawberries and tofu donuts to live loach fish and octopus tentacles. The market was one of our top Kyoto highlights
- Gogyo (just off of Nishiki Market) for well-priced ramen (vegetarians beware – get something in Nishiki Market instead)
- Kikunoi – one of Kyoto’s top rated restaurants — but make reservations in advance! (We didn’t get to go)
Mochi at the market…yum!
Nishiki Market Stall
Win & Ari at Nishiki Market
Shop at: Kyoto Handicrafts market for high-quality and reasonably priced souvenirs of all types (lacquer, kimonos, katanas, tea sets, etc.)
Wander through: Gion for Gesha spotting
Gion at night
Spotted: Gesha!