| Types of Vacations |
|
| Travel Info |
|
|
 |
| Kyoto, Japan |
|
An Intense Kyoto Vacation Experience!
Whereas Tokyo and Osaka get all of the attention, when it comes to pure beauty Kyoto is considered Japan's shining gem. However, you might not realize this upon entering the city and seeing only the urban side of central Kyoto, with its modernistic train station. However, as you progress onward you will see the true reason for Kyoto's reputation-in the temples and the parks that surround the city center. Kyoto was actually the capital of Japan and the resident city of the Emperor from 794 until 1868. This explains the prevalence of Kyoto's temples, shrines and palaces. Kyoto is an amazing city to see in person and should be on your destination list if you're planning an eastern vacation.
Hotel and Accommodations in Kyoto
Kyoto has many options in room and lodging, and many of the hotels cater towards foreign interests. In fact, the interest is so great that you may not be able to find accommodation directly in Kyoto during peak seasons; if this happens, then stay in Osaka and take a short train ride to begin your adventure. If you are looking for a cheap hotel then consider lodging in some of the Kyoto temples. Many of these temples run their own lodging services near temple grounds. Guests may be invited to participate in Morning Prayer, checkout times are strict, and not all temples can communicate with tourists in English; however, it may be worth the lower price. Some popular temples by name include the Myoshin-ji Shunko-in Temple, the Myoren-ji Temple and the Hiden-in. If you prefer a traditional hotel, affordably priced, then look towards the Bakpak Kyoto Hostel, the Gojo Guest House or the Guesthouse Yahata. Mid-range hotels offer better accommodations but lack the luxury of high-end hotels. Nevertheless, expect hotels like the Hotel Monterey Kyoto and the Ryokan Shimizu to offer breakfasts, baths and a courteous English speaking staff. If you want the best Kyoto has to offer in accommodations then check out the New Miyako Hotel- the largest in the city with over 700 rooms to offer, or the Kyoto Hotel Okura.
Dining in Kyoto
There are plenty of restaurants located in the city, including the train station where you first arrive. These restaurants can be found on the 10th and 11th floors of the Isetan department store. Local specialties often include seafood, such as hamo or suppon (turtle), or vegetarian dishes that are no doubt in honor of the nearby temples. If you are looking forward to sample sushi then try Musashi Sushi, one of the oldest restaurants in all of Kyoto. Mikoan offers cheap vegetarian food, while the Kick-up Bar is a tiki-themed restaurant worth trying. If you want to sample some of the city's finer dishes, then skip the cheap establishments and opt for the Kappa Sushi or the Cafe Rue Ribera restaurant. If you can't wait to sample the best that Kyoto has to offer then overspend on some well-worth-it cuisine from Pontocho, one of the city's nightlife districts that contain common bars, geisha houses and private feasts. One of the notable names among expensive Kyoto restaurants is Mishima-tei.
If you are looking for nightlife in Kyoto then look for the Kiyamachi area, which is littered with drinking bars. Some notable locations include Pretty Space, Kiyamachi is Rub-a-Dub, and Hachimonjia. Hachimonjia is known as a meeting place for various artisans and well-to-do visitors, and is owned by Kai Fusayoshi, the creator of the book "Beautiful Women of Kyoto." There are also international establishments to look for, such as the Bar Africa establishment and the Gael Irish Pub.
Star Attractions in Kyoto
There are plenty of historical attractions to see Kyoto, so waste no time in creating an itinerary. The Daitokuji is a popular temple complex, while Temple of the Golden Pavilion is the most popular tourist attraction of the entire city. This pavilion dates back to the 12th century, as it was built to be a retirement villa for
Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu in the late 12th century, and converted into a temple by his son but later converted into a temple by his son. The Hirano Shrine and the Ryoan-ji temples deserve special mention for their gardens and beautiful scenery, and the Nonomiya Shrine and Okochi Sanso is worth seeing, after passing through a forest of bamboo. The Tenryu-ji is a World Heritage Site and has a history dating back to 1334. There are also some interesting walking tours to look forward to, including the "Walk in Kyoto, Talk in English Tour" (which shows many temples, shrines and workshops) and the "Geisha Walking Lecture", which is a guided tour explaining the exotic world of the Geisha. While meditative enough, Kyoto is also a fun and lively destination. You can interact with macaque monkeys at Iwatayama Monkey Park on top of the mountains, feeding the appreciative creatures peanuts, or enjoy yourself at the Riraku Spa.
Getting around in Kyoto can be difficult given the size of the city, as well as the many tourist attractions. Therefore, the best way to travel is to take the public transportation system. You can also travel by bicycle, train, subway, or bus. ICOCA, a rechargeable smart card, makes the traveling process much easier. Kyoto is one of Japan's greatest honors-and a city well worth visiting! |
|
|
|
