What You Need to Know about Exploring Kyoto

Heading to Kyoto is a great experience for anyone looking to explore a beautiful city steeped in history and culture. Whether you’re going with a group of friends or just venturing out on your own, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. It helps to know the basics of how to get around and what to do so that you make the most of your time in the city. In this article, I’ll be discussing everything you need to know about exploring Kyoto and what to expect.

Getting Around Kyoto

The first thing you need to figure out when beginning a trip to Kyoto is how to get around. Fortunately, the city has many transportation options available allowing those who visit an easy way to get from place to place. The public transit system consists of bus lines, metro lines, and taxi services.

Buses: Kyoto has an extensive public bus system that serves almost all of the city. Prices for taking a ride range from ¥210 for adults and ¥110 for children.

Subway: The Kyoto metro system covers the entire city with two lines: the Karasuma line and Tozai line. It’s a convenient way to travel between major attractions and other popular points of interest. Prices range from ¥210 to ¥320 depending on the distance travelled.

Taxi: If you’d like a more private experience, taking a taxi around Kyoto is a great option. All taxis in the city work with flat-rate rides depending on the distance travelled, with rates usually ranging from ¥700 to ¥2,000.

Main Attractions and What To Do

Kyoto is filled with attractions and activities ranging from historic sites and temples, to stunning natural landscapes and parks. If you’re looking for something specific or would like to plan ahead, there are many resources available online for tips and ideas on what to do in the city. But here are some of the main attractions and activities that everyone should check out when visiting:

Kiyomizu-dera Temple: This UNESCO world heritage site is one of Kyoto’s most famous attractions. It’s a Buddhist temple with a stunning view of Kyoto from its hilltop location.

Kinkaku-ji Temple: Another UNESCO world heritage found in the city is Kinkaku-ji Temple, also known as the golden pavilion. The main attraction here is the beautiful architecture and main hall which is covered in beautiful gold leaf, giving it an eye-catching effect.

Fushimi Inari Shrine: This shrine is one of the most impressive in all of Japan thanks to its towering torii gates which line the path to the top of Mt. Inari. It’s a popular spot for taking pictures and admiring the view of Kyoto from above.

Kyoto Imperial Palace: This palace was once home to the imperial family until it was destroyed by fire in 1855. The main attractions here are the beautiful gardens surrounding the palace and its close proximity to downtown Kyoto.

Events and Festivals

Kyoto is known for its many events and festivals throughout the year, all of which provide more insight into the city’s history and culture. Some of the most popular include Aoi Matsuri (held every May 15) which commemorates the beginning of spring in Kyoto, as well as Gion Matsuri (held every July 17) which is one of Japan’s biggest festivals featuring colourful parades and displays.

Try a Food Tour

If you’re looking for an authentic, local experience in Kyoto, one great option is taking a food tour at night. There are many tours available that allow you to explore different restaurants and bars in Gion, one of the most popular areas of the city. On GetYourGuide’s 3-Hour Guided Food Tour in Gion at Night, you can enjoy traditional Japanese dishes while strolling around the city taking in its many sights and sounds. Afterwards, you’ll find yourself with a whole new appreciation for Japanese cuisine!

A Personal Perspective of Exploring Kyoto

In my opinion, there are few cities as beautiful and worth exploring than Kyoto with its countless temples, shrines, and other traditional cultural sights that can only be experienced here. What I feel most sets it apart from other cities in Japan is just how vast and well-maintained everything is despite its long history as well as its unique culture full of unique customs that can’t be found anywhere else in the world. All in all, if you’re looking for an incredible trip full of sights, culture, cuisine, and unparalleled beauty then you can’t go wrong with visiting Kyoto!