Travel Guide to Kyoto, Japan
About Kyoto
The city of Kyoto, located in the central part of the Japanese island of Honshu is a destination of much historical significance. Kyoto in fact served as the Imperial capital of Japan from 794 to 1868 and today this busy, bustling, rather industrial city is the capital of the Kyoto Prefecture and forms an integral part of the Kyoto-Osaka-Kobe metropolitan area.
The landscape of Kyoto is littered with temples and shrines and the city hosts approximately 1700 Buddhist temples, 300 Shinto Shrines and several imperial palaces, Zen gardens and more. It is no wonder then, that Kyoto is known as the sightseeing capital of Japan and welcomes hordes of tourists throughout the year.
Kyoto additionally, has one more claim to fame, for it was in this city that the international agreement linked to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change was adopted on 11 December 1997. This agreement which came to be known as the Kyoto Protocol came into force on 16 February 2005. The Kyoto Protocol places the onus of Climate Change on developed countries and urges them to take responsibility for their actions.
Best time to visit Kyoto
Kyoto is bestowed with a climate that features four distinct seasons. Summers in Kyoto are typically hot and humid and feature daytime temperatures that often top the 104°F (40°C) mark. Winters in Kyoto are usually frigid and cold and feature much snowfall. The city also experiences a short wet season that usually extends from June to August. The best time to visit Kyoto is thought to be during the spring or fall seasons, when daytime temperatures are milder and range between 14̊C (57̊F) and 17̊C (64̊F), climes which are ideal for sight-seeing.
Visas
Citizens of several nations enjoy visa-free access to Japan.
1. Passport holders of Austria, Germany, Ireland, Liechtenstein and the UK can stay in Japan, visa-free, for up to six months.
2. Passport holders of Australia, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, Belgium, Canada, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, France, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and the USA can access Japan, visa-free, for stays of up to 90 days.
This visa-free access is subject to the following conditions: -
1. Visitors must be in possession of a valid passport, which has a validity of six months beyond entry into Japan.
2. Visitors must also be in possession of a valid return/onward ticket for their next destination.
3. Visitors should have or should be able to demonstrate that they have sufficient funds for their stay in Japan.
Citizens of nations not mentioned above need to contact the Japanese Embassy or Consulate in their home country to find out about the requirements for acquiring a Japanese visa for a social visit, employment or business.
More details can be found at: http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/
Getting to and around Kyoto
The city of Kyoto doesn’t have its own airport and Kyoto is accessed by the Osaka Kansai International Airport which is located 50km (30 miles) south of downtown Osaka. The Osaka Kansai International Airport is situated on a man-made island and is the second busiest airport in Japan. Various bus and train lines, as well as high speed ferry connections, provide transport links to the airports neighboring cities of Kyoto, Osaka and Kobe. An abundant fleet of taxis also serves the airport, but like elsewhere in Japan, taxi rides in Kyoto can be quite expensive.
The best way to get around Kyoto is by subway and the city is served by two subway lines that run from north to south and east to west. The city is also equipped with taxis, which mainly operate within the city center. The city’s various points of interest are accessed by public bus as they don’t yet have subway connections.
Family friendly hotels in Kyoto
The Kyoto prefecture hosts seventeen World Heritage sites. The city of Kyoto is one of the main access points for the prefecture and receives numerous tourists all year round. As a result Kyoto, hosts several types of hotels that cater to all travel budgets and lodging needs. Many of these hotels are also extremely child-friendly and have amenities for families of various sizes. Some of these family-friendly hotels include:-
Budget
Citadines Kyoto Karasuma Gojo
Located near Kyoto’s business district, the Citadines Kyoto Karasuma Gojo Hotel offers easy access to various Kyoto sights like the Golden Pavilion, the Kenninji Temple and the Koryu-ji Temple, which houses impressive Buddhist statues. The hotel offers spacious serviced apartments, each of which is equipped with a small kitchenette outfitted with a microwave and a refrigerator. These studio/one bedroom apartments are also kitted out with modern-day conveniences like air-conditioning, wireless Internet access, TVs with cable and satellite channels, safes, DVD players and coffee/tea makers.
Mid-Range
Hotel Nikko Princess Kyoto
The Hotel Nikko Princess Kyoto is located in the heart of the city, close to various attractions. The hotel offers 216 well-appointed rooms that are outfitted with a myriad of facilities like air-conditioning, broadband Internet service and TVs with cable and satellite channels. The hotel is equipped with multilingual staff and offers babysitting services as well. Other facilities at the hotel include a shopping arcade, a fitness facility, a full-service spa, five eateries and coin-operated kiosks, which offer Internet access.
Luxury
The Kyoto Hotel Okura
This luxurious hotel is housed in a building that dates back 120 years. The hotel offers various types of rooms and suites including three types of family rooms that vary according to size. The sumptuous rooms at the Kyoto Hotel Okura are outfitted with various modern- day essentials like wireless Internet access, air-conditioning, TVs with cable and satellite channels and tea/coffee makers. Common facilities at the hotel include a currency exchange desk, an outdoor swimming pool, a gym/fitness facility and a spa cum wellness center.
Family-friendly attractions in Kyoto
The city of Kyoto is home to many shrines and temples, each of which has much historical and cultural significance. In fact many of these Kyoto sites have today been declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites and are must-see attractions in Kyoto.
Kinkakuji
Kinkakuji or the Golden Pavilion is one of the most famous sights in Kyoto. This three-story pavilion covered in gold leaf was built as a retirement home for Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu in 1397. The shogun lived in this gorgeous home until he died in 1408. After his death, this stunning home was converted into a Zen temple which was destroyed in a fire started by a mad monk in 1950. The Golden Pavilion was then rebuilt with a thicker cover of gold leaf in 1955. Located near the Golden Pavilion is Ryoanji, a famous Zen rock garden, which dates back to the 15th century and features 15 rocks set amongst white pebbles
The Kiyomizu-dera
The Kiyomizu-dera is one of Japan’s most famous temples. The temple, which is referred to as the Pure Water Temple, was established in 780 and is dedicated to Nara Buddhism, the oldest Buddhist sect in Japan. The temple is situated halfway up Otowa Mountain in eastern Kyoto and affords gorgeous views from its terrace. Located under the terrace is a natural spring which gave the temple its name.
The temple is accessed by a steep and narrow pathway which is lined with small stores that sell local sweets, pottery and souvenirs. The Kiyomizu-dera is surrounded by numerous cherry blossom and maple trees and presents a wondrous sight during the spring months when the trees bloom. The temple is situated close to other interesting sights like the Shinto Jishu Shrine (dedicated to the god of love), the Otowa falls and the Koyasu, three-story pagoda.
Rengeoin Temple
The Rengeoin Temple, located in eastern Kyoto, is also known as Sanjusangen-do. The temple, which is believed to be the longest wooden building in Japan, is famous for its 1,001 life-size statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. These statues were crafted out of Japanese Cypress wood in the 12th and 13th centuries and present a stunning sight.
To-ji Temple
To-ji is the tallest wooden pagoda in Japan. It was built along with its adjacent Buddhist temple in 794 to stand guard over the city. This five-story pagoda which was rebuilt in the mid-17th century is located close to the Kyoto Station. The To-ji temple complex today hosts various historic buildings that feature a treasure trove of Japanese art, which includes statues, calligraphy, paintings and more. The temple complex also hosts a popular flea market on the 21st of each month.
Family-friendly activities in Kyoto
The city of Kyoto is chock a block with cultural and historical sights, though the city also offers various other avenues for entertainment, if you are looking for a respite from sightseeing.
Immerse yourself in Japanese culture at the Gion Corner
This unique theater showcases seven traditional Japanese performing arts like the Kyo-mai dance performed by maiko dancers, the art of flower arrangement, the conduct of a traditional tea ceremony, Gagaku Imperial Court music, Kyogen Classical comedy, Bunraku Puppet theater and Koto Zither (traditional Japanese harp music). Explanations are given in English and hence expeditions to the Gion corner are immensely popular with tourists.
Take in a Kabuki Performance
When visiting Japan, you must make it a point to take in a Kabuki performance, (the traditional Japanese dance drama). Kyoto’s Minamiza Theater is the main center for Kabuki performances in Kyoto. Housed in a stunning building situated at the edge of the Gion geisha district, the theater is a principal venue for the arts in the city and offers Kabuki performances with English voice overs which are especially popular with visitors to Kyoto.
Take a day trip to Amanohashidate Viewland
Amanohashidate is renowned as one of the three most scenic spots in Japan. The Amanohashidate Viewland Amusement Park is located on the top of Mt. Monju, in Miyazu City and it offers stunning views of the formation known as Amanohashidate also referred to as the ‘bridge to heaven’. The amusement park offers several rides like a Ferris wheel, the two-seater jet coaster, go-karts and more, along with several restaurants and other attractions.
Visit the Kyoto Municipal Zoo
The Kyoto Municipal Zoo is the second largest zoo in Japan and it is located within Kyoto’s Okazaki Park. This zoo which was founded in 1903 and extends over 8.4 acres, hosts 700 animals that represent 170 species. A unique feature of the Kyoto Zoo is its onsite library, which has offers books and movies about animals. The zoo is also known for its many cherry trees which present a spectacular sight when they bloom during spring.
Visit the Imperial Palace
Kyoto was the capital of Japan from 794 to 1868 and the royal family of Japan resided at the Imperial palace in Kyoto from 1331 until 1868. Today visitors have the chance to view the lives of Japanese royalty at close quarters by taking a one hour tour of the Imperial Palace. However before you embark on the tour, you have to make a booking through the Imperial Household Agency and bring along your passport when you join the tour.
Useful contacts to have on hand for a trip to Kyoto
Kyoto Tourist Information
JR Kyoto Station Building 9 F
Telephone: 075-344-3300
Business hours: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Regular holiday: 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month, Year end/New year (Dec 29th – Jan 3rd)
Kyoto City Tourist Information Center
R Kyoto Station Building 2nd Floor Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto City
Telephone: +81 (0)75 343 6655
Fax: +81(0) 75 343 4377
Business hours: 8:30 am – 7:00 pm
Regular holiday: Open 365 days a year
Kyoto City Tourist Association Visitor Information Center
Okazaki Saisyoji -cho Sakyo-ku Kyoto City
Telephone: +81(0) 75 752 0227
Fax: +81 (0)75 752 5999
Business hours: 1F, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
2F, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Regular holiday: Open 365 days a year
http://www.pref.kyoto.jp/visitkyoto/en/info_required/travel_info/info_offices/
Emergency Numbers
Police: 110
Ambulance: 119
Foreign Embassies in Japan
United States Embassy, Tokyo: +81 (0)3 3224 5000.
British Embassy, Tokyo: +81 (0)3 5211 1100.
Canadian Embassy, Tokyo: +81 (0)3 5412 6200.
Australian Embassy, Tokyo: +81 (0)3 5232 4111.
South African Embassy, Tokyo: +81 (0)3 3265 3366.
Irish Embassy, Tokyo: +81 (0)3 3263 0695.
New Zealand Embassy, Tokyo: +81 (0)3 3467 2271.