Kyoto, Japan
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Kyoto was once the capital of Japan for more than a century. Aside from the natural lush and beauty of the surrounding, the city has several historical treasures in its several temples, palaces, and gardens.
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Sights to See
- Kiyomizu Temple - A compound of temples, pagodas and shrines overlooking the city where one can enjoy a picturesque view, serenity in prayer, a street crowded by people and souvenir shops and a breathtaking climb to the top!
- Kinkaku-ji Temple or the Golden Palace An astounding three storey temple set on a mirror like pond. Although you may not be able to enter it, you can enjoy its grandeur from a distance as you walk the gardens and a relax in a tea house.
- The Philosopher's Walk- a one kilometer stretch of concrete path where one can enjoy peaceful (if you beat other tourists to it) reunion with nature and views of small temples and wooden houses along the way. It was onced walked by Nishida Kitaro as he meditated on philosophical matters.
- Toei Uzumasa Eiga Mura- Here's a break from all the temples and shrines. It is a movieland which will be greatly enjoyed especially by children.
- Kyoto Station - Although one typically finds the rides to visit different places here, the station in itself deserves a visit. It is an emblem of progress with all the steel structures and quite a contrast to what Kyoto really is, an old capital with historical temples and shrines. It has a skyway which offers a view of the city as good as Kyoto Towers but it is for free. The multi purpose building houses Isetan Department Store, several eateries, and even a first class hotel.
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Shopping Spree
- Kiyomizaka- a street full of shops of all sorts.Some stores specialize on paintings, others local crafts, and a lot on souvenirs.
It can be found in the Eastern Gion area.
- Kyoto Handicraft Centera good place for one stop shopping. They sell all sorts of souvenirs from dolls, potteries, samurai swords, scarfs and other unimaginale stuff.
- Specialty Shops
- Aritsugu - the place in Nashiki-Koji market to look for your kitchenwares. The business has been in existence for 400 years and specialized in cutlery utensils. To contact call tel.no. 075/221-1091. It opens 9am-5:30 pm only.
- Kikuya where you can buy second hand kimonos and accessories. Located on Manjuji Dori, east of Sakaimachi. Credit cards are not accepted here. Contact no. 075/351-0033. It opens 9am-7 pm.
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Accommodations
- Budget Inn - True to its name it offers inexpensive lodging with tatami rooms and dormitory rooms for 5 persons. They also have private bathrooms which is hard to find elsewhere as public bath and sauna are a fad in Japan. The owners also runs Tour Club, another lodging which is a 9 minute walk from Kyoto Station. Room rates can be as low as $74 for single occupancy. Dorm beds cost $23 per person.
- Murakamiya Ryokan or Ryokan Kyoraku - Member of the Japanese Inn group, this place offers clean and beautifully decorated rooms at reasonable price. Has a curfew though at 11 pm. It's 5-6 minutes walk from the North Exit of Kyoto Station. Room rate for single Japanese style can be as low as $50, with private bath. You can check and print thia page for proper location www.ryokankyoraku.jp/e/sub2.html.
- Hotel Gravinia - Western style rooms when you don't feel like sleeping on the floor. Rooms have internet access and with added amenities. Located right in the JR Kyoto Station Building. Room rates starts at about $130 but may be discounted for holders of Japan Rail Pass and even slashed to almost half during off peak season. See their site at www.granviakyoto.com.
- Westin Miyako This is a first class hotel set high on the hill. Price is high as well with the cheapest room at $270. However, that is a good price you pay for the luxury. you can check their site for pictures at www.westinmiyako-kyoto.com/english/index.html.
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Dining Places
- Gontaro- a noodle house in the Easternt part of Kyoto. You will find it on the west side of Fuyacho Dori just north of Shijo Dori; look for a tiny recessed courtyard, white curtains, and a lone pine tree. Noodles costs about $6 at the cheapest but a hearty sumptous combo meal can go as high as $56.
- Ichiba Coji - Enjoy a view of the city as you enjoy a mug of brewed beer or sake. They serve Sushi and other Japanese cuisine which you can choose from an English Menu booklet.It is just right in Kyoto station on the 9th floor in the Isetan Dept. Store. It has another branch in central Kyoto in Teramachi covered arcade. Dishes cost from $6 to about $16.
- Pontocho District - A street full or eatery majority serving fresh seafood dishes but there are also some serving even Italian Menu. Some restos have balconies overlooking the Kamo river. Meal are usually served in small portions and can cost about $11-$20.
Checkout some of the local dishes of Japan
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