Kyoto
Kyoto was the original capital of ancient Japan. As a result, Kyoto is a popular destination for people who wish to learn more about Japan's historical culture and architecture.
Some of Kyoto's temples are of such significance that have been registered on the World Heritage List.
Kyoto also has many good spots for viewing the fiery red and golds of the autumn leaves.
One such location would be Kiyomizu Temple, shown in the picture above left.
You can enjoy a trip to Kyoto at any time of the year, but the fall is a particularly beautiful time.
Another highlight of any trip to Kyoto would be a performance from a "Maiko" (a trainee geisha- shown in the picture above right). Dressed in their traditional and meticulously crafted kimonos, Maiko give us a glimpse of Japan's fascinating past.
Kyoto Tours (By Japanican)
JR Kyoto Station is the starting point for JR Shinkansen tourists. It was opened 1997 and one of the remarkable stations in Japan due to the architect. There are mainly modern area where you can find varies department stores, restaurants, shops, theatres and accommodations, and old area where you can find old temples Higashi-Honganji temple, Nishi-Honganji, imperial palace etc.
Booking.com
Kyoto tower
One of the symbols in Kyoto, the history is more than 50 years. This tower is the highest buildings in Kyoto and it is 131m from the pedestal to the top.
(About 2 minutes on foot from JR Kyoto Staiton Central Exit)
Higashi Honganji / Eastern Temple of the Original Vow
The head of Otani sect of Shinshu. It is well-known as Higashi-Honganji against Nishi-Honganji.
(About 7 minutes on foot from JR Kyoto Staiton)
Nishi Honganji / Western Temple of the Original Vow
The head of Jodo Shinshu Honganji. It was officially registered The World Heritage as Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto in December 1994.
(About 15 minutes on foot from JR Kyoto Staiton)
Kyoto aquarium
The first aqua museum which is 100% used artificial sea water and also the biggest inland aqua museum in Japan. There are more than 250 kinds of sea or river fish and animals, which you can enjoy closely.
(About 15 minutes on foot from JR Kyoto Staiton Central Exit)
From Kansai International Airport to Kyoto Station
By train [Approx. 80 minutes / 2,850yen]
Kansai International Airport → (JR Limited Express "Haruka" : Approx. 80 minutes / 2,850yen) → Kyoto Station
By bus [Approx. 100 minutes / 2,550yen]
Kansai International Airport → (Airport bus : Approx. 100 minutes / 2,550yen) → Kyoto Station
Kawaramachi and Karasuma are located in the west side of the Kamo-river and well-known as shopping district along Shinjo Street. You can find some department stores such as Takashiyama, Daimaru and other luxury brands, also other local traditional stores as well as cafes, restaurants etc. There are many accommodations around here.
Booking.com
Kyoto Imperial Palace
It is used to be Japanese imperial palace. The current building was rebuilt in 1855. You can learn the history and also architect transition after Heian period (794 – 1185).
(About 5 minutes on foot from Imadegawa Station)
Kyoto Station → (Kyoto Municipal Subway Karasuma Line : about 9 minutes / 260yen) → Imadegawa Station
Nijo Castle
The remarkable castle from Edo period (1603-). It is official registered The World Heritage as Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto in 1994. It was located next to the Imadegawa-mon Gate of the Kyoto Gyoen Imperial Garden, was moved into Honmaru and it was named Honmaru Palace.
(About 1 minute on foot from Nijojo-mae Station)
Kyoto Station → (Kyoto Municipal Subway Karasuma Line : about 5 minutes / (total fee)260yen) → Karasuma Oike Station → (Kyoto Municipal Subway Tozai Line : about 1 minute) → Nijojo-mae Station
Bukkoji Buddhist Temple
About 2-minute on foot from Shijo Station (Exit 5)
Kyoto International Manga Museum
The first Manga culture place which is merged the function between museum and library. There are more than 3 hundred thousand materials from Meiji period (1868-1912) from both Japanese and overseas. You can freely read them inside the library.
Kennin-ji temple
The head of the Rinzai sect Kennin-ji School of Zen Buddhism. "Eisai"(Eisai Zenji) is famous for the fact Japanese tea was defused from here. It was opened by the shogun Yoritomo Minamoto.
Daimaru department store
From Kyoto Station to Shijo Station
Kyoto Station → (Kyoto Municipal Subway Karasuma Line : Approx. 3 minutes / 210yen) → Shijo Station
From Kyoto Station to Karasuma Station
Kyoto Station → (Kyoto Municipal Subway Karasuma Line : Approx. 3 minutes / 210yen) → Shijo Station → (Approx. 5 minutes on foot) → Karasuma Station
From Kyoto Station to Karasuma Station
Kyoto Station → (Kyoto Municipal Subway Karasuma Line : Approx. 3 minutes / 210yen) → Shijo Station → (Approx. 5 minutes on foot) → Karasuma Station → (Hankyu Kyoto Main Line : Approx. 2 minutes / 150yen) → Kawaramachi Station
Gion is one of the district you cannot miss and attracts tourists with traditional wooden Machia merchant houses. The main street Shinjo Avenue towards to the one of the most famous shrine Yasaka-Jinja, and you can find various shops, restaurants and Japanese tea houses along the street. In this area, it is also well-known the area you see Geisha and Maiko.
Booking.com
Kiyomizu-dera temple
Jubuzan Kodaiji temple
Yasaka-jinja shrine
Nanzen-ji temple
Tofuku-ji temple
Heian-jingu shrine
Chion-in temple
[From Kyoto Station to Higashiyama Station]
Kyoto Station → (Kyoto Municipal Subway Karasuma Line : Approx. 6 minutes / total fee 260yen) → Karasuma Oike Station → (Kyoto Municipal Subway Tozai Line : Approx. 5 minutes) → Higashiyama Station
[From Kyoto Station to Gion-Shijo Station]
Kyoto Station → (JR Nara Line : Approx. 2 minutes / total fee 270yen) → Tofukuji Station → (Keihan Main Line : Approx. 6 minutes) → Gion-Shijo Station
Arashiyama is one of the popular tourists area in far west of Kyoto, along the base of Mt. Arashiyama. Thanks to the natures, you can enjoy seasonal scenery like cherry blossom and fall colours.
The main street is around Togetsu-kyo Bridge known as Sagano and you can find many small shops, restaurants etc as well as famous sightseeing place Tenryuji Temple, Daikakuji Temple, bamboo groves etc.
[From Kyoto Station to Saga-Arashiyama Station]
Kyoto Station → (JR Sanin Main Line (Sagano Line) : Approx. 17 minutes / 240yen) → Saga-Arashiyama Station
Booking.com