Kyoto – City of Ten Thousand Shrines

Kyoto at a glance

Kyoto is a city located in the central part of Honshu, the main island of Japan. It is the former capital city of Japan and was the residence of the emperor from 794 to 1868.

Kyoto is known for its rich history and cultural heritage, and it is home to numerous Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines, gardens, and traditional Japanese architecture.

It is also famous for its traditional crafts, such as pottery, textiles, and lacquerware, as well as its cuisine, including kaiseki ryori, a traditional multi-course meal that showcases local ingredients and cooking techniques.

Today, Kyoto is a modern city with a population of over 1.4 million people and is a popular tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors each year.

Tourist attractions

Kyoto is home to numerous tourist attractions, including:

1. Kiyomizu-dera: A Buddhist temple located on a hillside with stunning views of the city.
2. Fushimi Inari-taisha: A Shinto shrine famous for its thousands of bright orange torii gates that form a network of trails up the mountain.
3. Arashiyama: A district on the western outskirts of Kyoto known for its bamboo groves, scenic river, and traditional Japanese gardens.
4. Gion: A famous geisha district in Kyoto, known for its historic streets, tea houses, and traditional architecture.
5. Nijo Castle: A UNESCO World Heritage Site that was the former residence of the Tokugawa shoguns.
6. Kyoto Imperial Palace: The former residence of the emperor of Japan.
7. Philosopher’s Path: A scenic walkway along a canal lined with cherry blossom trees.
8. Kyoto Tower: A 131-meter-tall tower with an observation deck offering panoramic views of the city.
9. To-ji Temple: A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest temples in Kyoto, known for its five-story pagoda.
10. Eikan-do Temple: A Buddhist temple famous for its beautiful autumn foliage.

These are just a few examples of the many tourist attractions that Kyoto has to offer.

Kyoto Best Tour & attraction

Cost of living

The cost of living in Kyoto is generally higher than in other cities in Japan, but it is still lower than in some major cities around the world. The cost of living in Kyoto can vary depending on several factors such as lifestyle, accommodation, and transportation. Here are some estimated costs of living in Kyoto:

• Accommodation: The cost of renting an apartment in Kyoto varies depending on the location and size of the apartment, but on average, a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can cost around 80,000-120,000 JPY (approximately 700-1,000 USD) per month.
• Food: A meal at an inexpensive restaurant can cost around 1,000-1,500 JPY (approximately 9-14 USD), while a meal at a mid-range restaurant can cost around 3,000-5,000 JPY (approximately 27-45 USD). Groceries for one person can cost around 30,000-40,000 JPY (approximately 270-360 USD) per month.
• Transportation: A single trip on the Kyoto City Bus or Kyoto Subway costs 230 JPY (approximately 2 USD), while a monthly pass for unlimited travel on both costs around 6,000 JPY (approximately 54 USD).
• Entertainment: A movie ticket costs around 1,800 JPY (approximately 16 USD), while admission to a museum or tourist attraction can range from 500-2,000 JPY (approximately 5-18 USD).

Overall, the cost of living in Kyoto is relatively high, but it is still lower than in other major cities around the world, such as New York or London.

Travel tips for visiting

Here are some travel tips for visiting Kyoto:

1. Plan ahead: Kyoto has many popular tourist attractions that can get crowded, especially during peak seasons, so it’s best to plan ahead and book tickets and reservations in advance.
2. Dress appropriately: When visiting temples and shrines in Kyoto, it’s important to dress modestly and remove your shoes before entering. It’s also a good idea to bring a hat and sunscreen during the summer months and a warm coat during the winter.
3. Use public transportation: Kyoto has an extensive public transportation system, including buses and subways, which are convenient and relatively inexpensive. Consider purchasing a Kyoto City Bus and Subway One-day Pass to save money on transportation costs.
4. Try the local food: is famous for its cuisine, including kaiseki ryori, tofu dishes, and matcha sweets. Be sure to try some of the local specialties while you’re in town.
5. Respect local customs: Japanese culture places a strong emphasis on respect and courtesy, so be sure to follow local customs, such as bowing when greeting someone and removing your shoes before entering someone’s home.
6. Explore beyond the tourist areas: While Kyoto has many popular tourist attractions, there are also many hidden gems to discover, such as quiet temples and charming neighborhoods.
7. Be mindful of the seasons: Kyoto is especially beautiful during cherry blossom season in the spring and autumn foliage season in the fall, but these are also peak travel times, so be prepared for crowds and higher prices.

Overall, Kyoto is a wonderful city to visit, rich in culture and history. By following these travel tips, you can make the most of your trip to this fascinating city.

Where To Stay

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Is worth to visit?

Kyoto is definitely worth visiting! As the former capital of Japan, is home to a wealth of historical and cultural attractions, including numerous temples, shrines, and traditional Japanese gardens. The city also has a vibrant food scene, with a variety of local specialties to try, such as kaiseki ryori and matcha sweets.

is especially beautiful during the cherry blossom season in the spring and the autumn foliage season in the fall, when the city’s parks and temples are transformed by vibrant hues of pink and red.

In addition to its many attractions,  is also a great base for exploring the surrounding area, including the nearby cities of Nara and Osaka, which are both easily accessible by train.

Overall, Kyoto offers a unique glimpse into Japan’s rich history and culture, making it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Japanese culture, architecture, and cuisine.