Kyoto

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Kyōto (京都) was the former capital of Japan for over a millennium, and carries a reputation as its most beautiful city. However, visitors may be surprised by how much work they will have to do to see Kyoto's beautiful side. Most first impressions of the city will be of the urban sprawl of central Kyoto, around the ultra-modern glass-and-steel train station, which is itself an example of a city steeped in tradition colliding with the modern world.

Nonetheless and the persistent visitor will soon discover Kyoto's hidden beauty in the temples and parks which ring the downtown, and find that the city has much more to offer than immediately meets the eye.

Districts

Kyotomap - Kyoto's neighborhoods Kinkakuji Golden Pavilion - The Golden Pavilion of Kinkaku-ji

Though dwarfed in size by other major Japanese cities, Kyoto is vast in terms of its rich cultural legacy - the material endowment of over a thousand years as the nation's imperial capital. The city's numerous palaces, shrines, temples and other monuments are spread out over the following neighborhoods:

• Kyoto/Central|Central - Site of Nijō Castle (a former residence of the Tokugawa shōguns) and the stately grounds of the Imperial Palace. The neighborhood's southern end is anchored by the massive glass-and-steel building of the city's main gateway, Kyoto Station.
• Kyoto/Arashiyama|Arashiyama (Western Kyoto) - Set against the beautiful tree-covered hills of Arashiyama, this neighborhood is rich in both historic and natural wonders.
• Kyoto/Higashiyama|Higashiyama (Eastern Kyoto) - Nestled between the Kamo River and the temple-studded mountains of Higashiyama, this area's many attractions include the famed geisha neighborhood of Gion and the historic sites strung alongside the well-known Philosopher's Path.
• Kyoto/North|North - Graced with scores of centuries-old shrines and temples, including several World Heritage Sites. One of Kyoto's most famous attractions - the magnificent gilded pavilion of Kinkaku-ji - can be found here.
• Kyoto/South|South - This neighborhood covers a large part of Japan's former capital, stretching from the Ōharano area in the west to Fushimi-ku, Daigo, and the southern tip of Higashiyama-ku in the east.

Kyoto Halal Explorer

Nestled among the mountains of Western Honshu, Kyoto was the former capital of Japan and the residence of the Emperor from 794 until the Meiji Restoration of 1868, when the capital was moved to Tokyo. During its millennium at the center of Japanese power, culture, tradition, and religion, it accumulated an unparalleled collection of palaces, temples and shrines, built for emperors, shoguns, and monks. Kyoto was among the few Japanese cities that escaped the allied bombings of World War II and as a result, Kyoto still has an abundance of prewar buildings, such as the traditional townhouses known as machiya. However the city is continuously undergoing modernization with some of the traditional Kyoto buildings being replaced by newer architecture, such as the Kyoto Station complex. Kyoto is also home to Japan's second most prestigious university, Kyoto University.

Orientation

Kyoto's city planners way back in 794 decided to copy the Chinese capital Chang'an (present-day Xi'an) and adopt a grid pattern, which persists to this day in the city core. West-east streets are numbered, with Ichijō-dōri (一条通, "First Street") up north and Jūjō-dōri (十条通, "Tenth Street") down south, but there is no obvious pattern to the names of north-south streets.

How is the Climate in Kyoto

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Like the rest of the nation, Kyoto exhibits four seasons — spring, summer, fall and winter — with many flowers in the spring and changing leaves in the fall attracting hordes of tourists. Kyoto is particularly humid in the summer as the city is flanked by mountains. From about mid-June to the end of July is the rainy season, so most travelers try to avoid this time. The type of rain ranges from drizzles to off-and-on showers to downpours. There is another typhoon season in late August and September. Winters are generally cold but without snowfall. They usually don't start until the end of December and last until March when the plum blossoms followed by Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots|cherry blossoms begin to open.

Travel to Kyoto

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Kyoto

Not arriving at Kansai or Itami?|*A small number of air flights operate daily from Tokyo's Narita Airport to Itami and Kansai, for the benefit of international passengers. Another option is to take the Narita Express limited express train to Tokyo's Shinagawa station and then change to the Tokaido Shinkansen.

You can also hop on a bus from Narita Airport directly to Kyoto. Nankai Bus and Chiba Kotsu operate a daily overnight bus service, leaving Narita Airport's terminals at around 9:30 in the evening and arriving in Kyoto at around 6:20 the next morning. The return leaves Kyoto at 10:15 in the evening, arriving at Narita at around 6:50 in the morning. If and when returning to Narita, arrive with plenty of time for your flight! The one-way bus fare is ¥8,500 per person.

• If you arrive at Nagoya's Chubu Centrair International Airport, Kyoto can be visited in less than two hours by taking the Meitetsu Airport Line to Nagoya and then changing to the Tokaido Shinkansen. Since the Meitetsu Line and the Shinkansen are operated by different companies, allow some time in Nagoya to purchase additional train tickets.

There are two direct buses every day from Centrair to Kyoto (2 hours 40 min, ¥6000). You can also take a bus to Yokkaichi and change to another bus to reach Kyoto (3 hours 30 min, ¥7000, three connections per day).}}

Kyoto does not have its own airport, but rather is served by Osaka's two airports. There is an excellent road and railway network between the two cities.

By Rail

You can fly into Kansai International Airport and then get a train to Kyoto. Kansai Airport Station is located opposite the arrival lobby where the Haruka limited express train, operated by West Japan Railway (JR West), can be caught. The Haruka runs to Kyoto in 75-80 minutes and the one-way cost normally starts from around ¥2,850 for an open (non-reserved) seat.

There are a few ways that foreign tourists can use the Haruka at a discount. One way is to buy a one-day Kansai Area Pass. At a cost of only ¥2,300 (¥2,200 if you book online), this pass costs ¥750 less than a regular ticket. You will need to show a passport issued by a foreign country with Japanese temporary visitor visa on it when purchasing a ticket. Note that you are limited to purchasing one pass per trip, so if you return to Kansai Airport on the Haruka you will have to pay the regular fare.

Another option that JR West offers is the ICOCA and HARUKA discount ticket which includes travel in unreserved seating on the Haruka to Kyoto and any JR station within a designated "Free Zone", and a rechargeable ICOCA transit card containing ¥2000 (includes ¥700 deposit) that can be used on JR, private railways, buses and stores in the Kansai region. A one-way discount ticket costs ¥7030 and a round-trip costs ¥6060. For Kyoto and the mentioned "Free Zone" includes the Sagano Line on the part from Kyoto Station to Saga-Arashiyama. Make sure not to exit through the turnstiles at Kyoto Station if you plan to transfer.

Both of the above tickets can be purchased online or at the Kansai Airport train station. Some other, more expensive JR West passes that include trips on the Haruka and are valid to Kyoto include the Kansai WIDE Area Pass and the Sanyo Area Pass.

The other train company operating out of Kansai Airport is the Nankai Railway. They offer a discounted ticket if you are interested in traveling to Central Kyoto, called the Kyoto Access Ticket. For ¥2230 this ticket includes a journey on the Nankai Railway Airport service to Tengachaya station in Osaka, followed by a trip on the Osaka Sakaisuji Subway Line. With a second transfer at Awaji station you can travel to Kyoto on the Hankyu Main Line. Under this plan you can reach Central Kyoto in roughly 1 3/4 hours. You have the option to upgrade to the fastest Nankai train service and the Rapi:t, for an additional 300 yen.

Travel on a Bus in Kyoto

Comfortable limousine buses run from the airport to Kyoto Station, twice an hour, stopping at some of the major hotels along the way. The ticket costs ¥2,550 (children ¥2,280) one-way or ¥6,180 for round-trip. Bus tickets can be purchased outside of the airport's arrival lobby on the first floor. (just go straight when you leave customs through the "North gate"). The buses leave the airport from bus stop #8, which is located directly opposite the ticket vending machine. Buses discharge at the south end of Kyoto Station; return tickets are sold from a vending machine on the first floor of the Hotel Keihan Kyoto. The ride takes 88 minutes but can take longer when there is traffic (about 90 – 135 minutes).

From Itami

Located near Osaka, Itami Airport is Kansai's largest domestic airport. Travelers flying into Kyoto from other areas in Japan will most likely arrive here. The easiest way to get to Kyoto from Itami Airport is by limousine bus No. 15. The trip takes about an hour and costs ¥2,310. The buses run three times an hour.Alternatively, you can take a combination of monorail and train, which requires at least two changes (monorail to Hotarugaike, Hankyu Takarazuka Line to Juso, Hankyu Kyoto Line to Kyoto) but costs just ¥670 and can be completed in an hour. Whereas the Limousine Bus will leave you at Kyoto Station in the southern part of Kyoto and the Hankyu Railway runs to Shijō Street in central Kyoto.

By Rail

Shinkansen700 in Kyoto juli 2004 - A shinkansen service entering Kyoto station.

Most visitors arrive at JR Kyoto Station by Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo. Nozomi trains take roughly 2.15 hours. to Kyoto and cost ¥23520 one-way. Travel agencies in Tokyo and Kyoto sell nozomi tickets with ¥700-1,000 discount. If you buy a ticket in an agency, it is "open date" - you can board any train as long as it is not full. All you have to do is show up at the train station, register your agency ticket and then you will be reserved a seat.

Hikari trains, which run less frequently and make a few more stops, cover the trip in around 2.45 hours, but only the Hikari and the Kodama trains can be used by Japan#Japan_Rail_Pass|Japan Railway Pass holders at no charge.

Discounted tickets can be purchased in advance through Japan Railways' official SmartEX App, available in English and other languages - look for Hayatoku fares.

Travelers can also take advantage of the Puratto (Platt) Kodama Ticket, which offers a discount for Kodama services if you purchase at least one day in advance. You get a reserved seat and a coupon for a free drink (including Cola) which can be redeemed at a "Kiosk" convenience counter inside the station. With this ticket a trip from Tokyo to Kyoto costs ¥20,100 and takes 3.45 hours. Note that there is only one Kodama service per hour from Tokyo, and a few early-morning Kodama trains cannot be used with this ticket. Travel from Nagoya with this ticket costs ¥6200.

During travel periods when the Seishun 18 Ticket is valid, you can go from Tokyo to Kyoto during the day in about 8.30 hours using all-local trains. Traveling in a group is the best way to get discounts. The usual fare is ¥8000 however a party of three costs ¥7800 per person, and a group of five traveling together drops the price down to ¥2300 per person.

For travel in the Kansai region, a cheaper and almost as fast alternative is the JR shinkaisoku (新快速) rapid service, which connects to Osaka, Kobe and Himeji at the price of a local train. For a slightly cheaper price you can use the private Hankyu or Keihan lines to Osaka and Kobe, or the Kintetsu line to Nara. The Kansai Thru Pass includes travel on the private lines through to Kyoto, and this may prove cheaper that a JR Pass if you are staying a few days in the area.

Those travelling from the Hokuriku region can use Thunderbird (サンダーバード) limited express trains from Kanazawa (2 hours, ¥6900). Kanazawa is the present terminal of the Hokuriku Shinkansen, connecting to Toyama, Nagano and Tokyo. Eventually the Hokuriku Shinkansen will extend west towards Osaka, though it is not yet known if the route will go through Kyoto.

Hokuriku Arch Pass

The Hokuriku Arch Pass allows unlimited travel between Tokyo and the Kansai area via the Hokuriku region, using the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kanazawa and the Thunderbird from Kanazawa to Kyoto and Osaka. At a cost of ¥24000 for seven consecutive days of travel (¥25000 if purchased inside Japan) and the Arch Pass is ¥7000 cheaper than the national Japan Railway Pass. On the other hand, a trip from Tokyo to Kyoto is twice as long via Kanazawa compared to the more popular Tokaido Shinkansen.

Overnight travel

Direct overnight train service between Tokyo and Kyoto were plentiful in the past decades, but as time went on services were pretty much eliminated. As a result, taking the bus is now the easiest way to travel between these two cities at night.

Overnight travel between Tokyo and Kyoto is still feasible with a stopover in another city along the way, which is easy to do with a Japan Railway Pass or a basic long-distance ticket that is valid over a period of several days.

During the peak travel seasons, JR runs an overnight service called the Moonlight Nagara between Tokyo and Ōgaki in Gifu Prefecture, from which you must continue on to Kyoto by regular trains. The Nagara can be used by holders of the Seishun 18 Ticket, and as a result, is in very high demand when it runs; seat reservations are compulsory.

By car

Kyoto is easily reached by vehicle via the Meishin Expressway between Nagoya and Osaka, but you'll definitely want to park your vehicle on the outskirts of the city and use public transport to get around. Most attractions are in places built well before the existence of automobiles, and the availability of parking varies between extremely limited and non-existent. Furthermore, what little parking is available might be outrageously expensive.

Travel on a Bus in Kyoto

D654-02507 kanto 744-1978 Nishinihon MU612TX Dream - JR Highway Buses are among many companies that make daily bus runs between Tokyo and Kyoto.

As Kyoto is a major city and there are many day and overnight buses which run between Kyoto and other locations throughout Japan, which can be a cheaper alternative than shinkansen fares. As the cultural center of Japan, Kyoto's bus connections are almost as numerous as Tokyo's. There are bus operators with night buses from Yamagata, Sendai, Koriyama, Fukushima, Tochigi, Utsunomiya, Saitama (Omiya), Yokohama, Niigata, Karuizawa, Toyama, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Numazu, Mishima, Matsue, Izumo, Tokuyama, Yamaguchi, Imabari, Matsuyama, Kochi, Fukuoka (Hakata), Takeo, Sasebo (Huis Ten Bosch). Same-day highway buses depart from Tsu, Yokkaichi, Nagoya, Toyokawa, Toyohashi, Takayama, Okayama, Kurashiki, Tsuyama, Fukuyama, Onomichi, and Hiroshima.

Most highway buses will pick up and drop off passengers at Kyoto Station. JR Buses congregate at the Karasuma Exit (烏丸口) at the north side of the station. Other companies will use the Hachijo Exit (八条口) on the south side, either at the station itself or at one of the nearby hotels.

Another bus stop is called Kyoto Fukakusa (京都深草). This stop is nowhere close to Kyoto station, but rather is 4.5 kilometers to the south on the Meishin Expressway. Some JR Buses heading to and from Osaka will use this stop instead of calling at Kyoto Station. The closest train stations are Fujinomori on the Keihan Line (5-10 min walk) and Takeda on the Kintetsu Line and Kyoto Subway (10-15 min walk); all can be used to reach Kyoto/Central|central Kyoto. Local city buses also runs to Kyoto station from the nearby Youth Science Center a few times per hour.

From Tokyo

The run between Tokyo and the Kansai region is the busiest in Japan. Buses use the Tomei or Chuo Expressway from Tokyo to Nagoya and then the Meishin Expressway to Kyoto. Trips take between 7 and 9 hours depending on the route and stops.

Fierce competition between operators in recent years has led to buses offering better amenities and lower prices. Part of this strategy is the adoption of dynamic pricing on many bus routes. This generally means that daytime trips, weekday trips, tickets bought in advance and buses carrying more passengers are cheaper, while night trips, weekend/holiday trips, walk-up fares and buses with fewer (and more comfortable) seats will be more expensive.

As a rule of thumb, fares for a weekday trip between Tokyo and Kyoto go for around ¥6000-6000 per person during the daytime, and around ¥7000-8000 per person for overnight trips. Children usually pay half the adult fare.

Two of the major bus operators between Tokyo and Kyoto are Willer Express and JR Bus. Tickets for all carriers can generally be purchased at major departure points, and can also be purchased (with some Japanese language help) at kiosks inside convenience stores.

Willer Express runs daytime and overnight trips with a variety of seating options ranging from standard seats to luxurious shell seats. Bus journeys can be booked online in English, and Willer's Japan Bus Pass is valid on all of their routes with some exceptions. Willer's buses in Tokyo leave from the Shinjuku Highway Bus Terminal (Busta Shinjuku), above the JR tracks at Shinjuku Station, which is served by many of Japan's highway bus operators. Note that Willer also sells tickets for other bus operators on their website, but these trips are not valid with Willer's Japan Bus Pass.

JR Bus reservations can be made in English through their Kousoku Bus Net web site. You can also make reservations in train stations at the same "Midori-no-Madoguchi" ticket windows used to reserve seats on trains. Buses depart from Tokyo Station - Yaesu Exit (八重洲口) and from Busta Shinjuku.

How to get around in Kyoto

GPS 35.011667|135.768333|layer=W}}

Kyoto offers an incredible number of attractions for tourists, and visitors will probably need to plan an itinerary in advance in order to visit as many as feasible.

Japan National Tourist Organization's self-guided "Kyoto Walks" pamphlet enables first time visitors to tour the city with ease and with minimum fuss by providing bus numbers, names of bus stops and clearly marked walking routes. There are a variety of self-guided walks in different neighborhoods to sample Kyoto's various sites. If you see the browser's dialog box popping up, just click on it till the entire PDF document opens.

Kamigamo-jinja tatezuna - Tatezuna at Kamigamo Shrine

World Heritage Sites

In 1994, 17 historic sites were inscribed on UNESCO's UNESCO World Heritage List|World Heritage List under the group designation Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto. Fourteen of the listed sites are in Kyoto itself, two are in the neighbouring city of Uji and one is in Otsu|Ōtsu.

Listed by location and the fourteen World Heritage Sites in the city of Kyoto are:

• Kyoto/North|Northern Kyoto: Kinkaku-ji, Ryōan-ji, Ninna-ji, Kōzan-ji, Shimogamo Shrine, Kamigamo Shrine
• Kyoto/Central|Central Kyoto: Nijō Castle, Nishi Hongan-ji, Tō-ji
• Kyoto/Higashiyama|Eastern Kyoto: Kiyomizu-dera, Ginkaku-ji
• Kyoto/Arashiyama|Western Kyoto: Tenryū-ji, Koke-dera
• Kyoto/South|Southern Kyoto: Daigo-ji

Imperial Palaces and Villas

Stroll through the regal retreats of the Imperial Palace or one of the two Imperial villas with gardens and teahouses managed by the Imperial Household Agency. These are the Imperial Palace (京都御所 Kyōto-gosho) and Sentō Imperial Palace (仙洞御所 Sentō-gosho) in Kyoto/Central|Central Kyoto, Katsura Imperial Villa (桂離宮 Katsura-rikyū) in Kyoto/Arashiyama|Western Kyoto, and Shūgakuin Imperial Villa (修学院離宮 Shugaku-in-rikyū) in Kyoto/North|Northern Kyoto. All four of these sites are open to the public by reservation through the Imperial Household Agency. The gardens located within the precincts of each palace and villa are at their most scenic during spring cherry blossom season and autumn where a riot of colors enchant visitors. Each property is still used from time to time for official state functions or for private visits by the current royal family members.

The Imperial Household Agency maintains a quota on the number of visitors to each site per tour. Admission is free. English guides are available at the Imperial Palace; however, tours of the Sento Imperial Palace, Katsura Villa, and Shūgakuin Villa are conducted in Japanese only (English pamphlets are given at each destination upon entry and books are available for purchase if you'd like to know more). Overseas visitors can apply online to the Imperial Household Agency in English here]. On its website are write ups and videos in English for interested visitors to gauge which ones they would like to visit before making an online application. Please note that advanced applications first become available on the first day of the month, three months in advance of the applicant's preferred touring month. For example, if your preferred date of visit falls in the month of April, you can begin applying on January 1. As these visits are over subscribed by the Japanese and overseas visitors and the Imperial Household Agency has to draw lots to pick the successful applicants. All applicants are notified on the status of their applications whether they are successful or otherwise within a week after closing date. Most applicants to the Imperial Palace are accepted, and early reservation is not usually necessary; however, those planning to visit the Sentō Imperial Palace, or either of the Imperial Villas should apply on the first available day of application as they are highly competitive and entire months of tours often become full within the first few days. Winter tours are typically much less competitive, but be aware that the gardens will not be as beautiful as other times of the year.

If an applicant is not successful and they can still go direct in person to the Imperial Household Agency Kyoto Office to enquire whether there are vacancies, as they typically save a few spots for walk-ins. Many people are able to do this successfully for the Imperial Palace, but it can be more of a risk for the others, so go early. - Imperial household Agency Kyoto Office, 3 Kyotogyoen, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto, 602-8611, ☎ +81-75-211-1215.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Kyoto

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Public baths

Public baths have been a cornerstone of the society for centuries in Kyoto. The first public baths, or sentō (銭湯), were documented in the 13th century. Soon they became one of the few places in society where social status was irrelevant. Noblemen shared baths with commoners and warriors. Today over 140 bath houses remain in Kyoto. Funaoka Onsen is the oldest of these and dubbed "king of sentō", but newer bath houses and super sentō are just as much part of the Japanese bathing culture. If you have the time, make your way to one of the many public bath houses Kyoto has to offer.

• Funaoka Onsen - 船岡温泉 - Kyoto, Kita Ward, Murasakino Minamifunaokacho 82-1 京都市右京区太秦東蜂岡町10 35.036912, 135.744581 take bus line 206 from Kyoto station ☎ +81-75-441-3735 Opening Hours: 15:00 - 01:00 ¥630 Funaoka Onsen is one of the oldest public bath houses in Kyoto still in operation. Its classic building is an excellent example of bath house architecture of the beginning of the 20th century. Funaoka Onsen is popular with both local residents and visitors and is a must if you have an hour to spare.

Film industry

Kyoto is the traditional home of the Japanese film industry and while it has declined since its heyday in the 1950s, to this day and the majority of Japanese period dramas (時代劇 jidaigeki) continue to be produced in Kyoto.

• Toei Kyoto Studio Park - 東映太秦映画村 tōei uzumasa eigamura - Kyoto, Ukyo Ward, Uzumasa Higashihachiokacho 10 35.016389, 135.708333 take bus line 75 from Kyoto station ☎ +81-57-006-4349 Opening Hours: 09:30 - 16:30 ¥2,200 Toei Kyoto Studio Park Toei Kyoto Studio Park from above A Toei Kyoto Studio Park is an active film studio which continues to be used for the filming of period dramas. Visitors may visit the outdoor sets used in many samurai movies, and if they are lucky, could potentially observe the filming of a period drama.

Meditation

Well known for its abundance of historical sites, Kyoto often draws visitors eager to experience traditional Japanese culture. Buddhist meditation sessions are one of the most popular of these activities, and multiple options are available. In Kyoto/North|Northern Kyoto, Taizo-in and Shunko-in (both sub-temples of Myoshin-ji) offer authentic Zen meditation sessions, complete with explanations of the meaning and significance of such meditation. Reservations are necessary.

Blossom viewing

Cherry blossoms

Cherry blossoms in Kyoto - Cherry blossoms at Kyoto's Maruyama Park

Kyoto is arguably the most well known place in the nation to view cherry blossoms, and there are certainly no lack of options. On the Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossoms Spots|Official Top 100 cherry blossom spots list, three are in Kyoto (Arashiyama, Daigoji, Ninnaji).

Kyoto/Higashiyama|Eastern Kyoto is particularly popular during the cherry blossom season. A walk from Nanzen-ji to Ginkaku-ji along the Philosopher's Path, lined with cherry trees, is enjoyable, as there are a variety of temples and shrines to stop at along the way. The garden of the Heian Shrine, not far from the Philosopher's Path, features colorful pink blossoms, which is a nice contrast to the white blossoms you'll see on the Philosopher's Path. The famous cherry tree in Maruyama Park is often the center of attention in the evenings when it is lit up. Vendors line the pathway leading up to it, creating a festive atmosphere. Kiyomizu-dera and Kodai-ji have extended hours during the first few days of this season offering visitors the opportunity to view them at night, lit up against the blossoms. Blossoms can also be seen along the Kamogawa River. The entire area literally blossoms in the spring!

In Kyoto/Central|Central Kyoto the northern section of the Imperial Park is home to a variety of different types of cherry blossoms. Nijo Castle hosts its own Nijo Light-Up, in which visitors can walk the grounds of the castle at night among the cherry blossoms (typically for 10–14 days). You cannot enter the castle during the light-up, so those who want to enter should visit during the day to see the castle and the blossoms. Just south of Kyoto station and the grounds of Toji Temple bloom beautifully below the towering pagoda.

In Kyoto/Arashiyama|Arashiyama, a large portion of the mountainside is bright with cherry blossoms, along with the area around Hankyu Arashiyama Station. During the day, many people enjoy viewing the blossoms on the mountainside from the "Romantic Train" that travels through Arashiyama. At night and the area is lit up and food stalls are set up with a variety of delicious Snacks.

Kyoto/North|Northern Kyoto offers cherry-blossom scouts worthwhile experiences at Hirano Shrine and Kyoto Botanical Gardens, and a walk inside the large grounds of Daigo-ji in Kyoto/South|Southern Kyoto is certainly made memorable when all the blossoms are in full bloom.

Plum blossoms

Although they are less well-known to foreign tourists, who tend only to focus their attentions on seeing cherry blosssoms, for those with plans to visit Kyoto from mid-February through mid-March, plum blossom viewing makes for a great alternative. Kyoto has two popular plum blossom locations; Kitano Tenmangu and the Kyoto Botanical Gardens, both in Kyoto/North|northern Kyoto. Kitano Tenmangu has a large grove of plum trees just outside the shrine entrance that, with a ¥600 fee, you can stroll about. Within the shrine grounds and there are many more trees (viewable for free). The shrine even hosts annual performances by geisha amidst the plum blossoms. Plum blossoms have a very pleasantly distinct fragrance. These Japanese ume trees are actually more closely related to Apricots trees. However an early mistranslation by the Japanese resulted in these trees being called "plum" trees instead.

Festivals and events

• Setsubun (February 3 or 4) A large bonfire and Shinto ceremony is held at Yoshida Shrine.
• Cherry Blossom Season (April 1–15; days vary depending upon the weather) Although viewing the blossoms is enough for many, special events are often held throughout the city. (See "Cherry Blossoms" above)
• Aoi Matsuri (May 15) Beginning at Kyoto Imperial palace, a large procession dressed in Heian Period garbs walks to Shimogamo Shrine and finishes at Kamigamo Shrine.
• Gion Matsuri (July 17) Many Mikoshi are paraded through the streets. It is considered to be one of the Japan's Top 3|top three festivals in Japan.
• Daimonji Gozan Okuribi (August 16) The hillside in Northwestern Kyoto is lit aflame in this festival honoring one's ancestors. Candle lanterns are floated out in Hirosawa Pond.
• Jidai Matsuri (October 22) People dressed in traditional garbs parade to Heian Shrine.

Study in Kyoto

• Kyoto University - 京都大学 Kyōto daigaku - 35.026212, 135.780842 - Kyoto University Kyoto University One of Japan's most prestigious universities, second only to the University of Tokyo. Admissions are extremely competitive, though it may be easier for foreigners on exchange programms.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Kyoto

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There is a nice selection of reassuringly non-tacky traditional souvenir shops around Arashiyama station in Western Kyoto, selling fans and traditional sweets. More tacky stores can be found in Gion and the approach to Kiyomizu Temple, selling keyrings, cuddly toys, and garish ornaments. Other traditional souvenirs from Kyoto include parasols and carved wooden dolls.

More unconventional but colorful (and relatively cheap) souvenirs are the wooden votive tablets produced by Shinto shrines, which bear an image relevant to the shrine on the reverse. Visitors write their prayers on the tablets and hang them up, but there's no rule that says you can not take it with you.

Manga and anime enthusiasts should visit Teramachi Street, a covered shopping street off the main Shijo-dori, which boasts a large manga store on two floors, as well as a two-story branch of Gamers (a chain of anime stores), and a small two-story anime and collectables store.

Many ATMs in Kyoto do not allow non-domestic credit cards to be used, but ATMs in postal offices and Seven-Eleven usually do. So if you find your card rejected or invalid in an ATM then try and get to a post office (郵便局 / yuubinkyoku or JP (in orange letters)) to use their ATMs instead. Look for the PLUS or Cirrus logos, whichever you find printed on the back of your ATM card. Another option is Citibank, which should work, too. There is an old standby international ATM at the top floor of Takashimaya Department Store at Shijo/Kawaramachi in the "Cash Corner." The bank of ATMs in the basement of the Kyoto Tower shopping center (across the street from JR Kyoto Station) also includes one machine where international cards may be used. In the shopping areas adjacent to Kiyomizudera (on the other side of the Kamo River), it is feasible to purchase samurai swords and top of the line kimonos. Do not be surprised if the prices for either item exceed ¥7,000,000.

Kyoto incense is also famous. It usually has a very delicate yet fragrant bouquet. Incense is relatively agreeable in price (¥600-2000). You will be able to find it between Nishi and Higashi Hongwanji.

Damascene

Damascene, a special metal created by imbedding other metals, originated in Damascus, Syria over 2000 years ago and was first introduced to Japan in the 8th century. Since then, it has ceased production worldwide with the exception of Kyoto city, which continues producing it even today. The technique used to create Kyoto's damascene is quite complex, as it must be corroded, rusted, and boiled in tea, along with inlaying many layers of metal to produce the final product. Today, visitors can purchase a variety of jewelry, as well as vases, tea utensils, lighters, and other accessories made using this technique.

Halal Food & Restaurants

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If you've just stepped off the train and the first thing on your mind is a bite to eat and there are several restaurants on the tenth and eleventh floors of the Isetan department store attached to Kyoto station. Most of the offerings are Japanese, including a veritable Ramen village, with a few casual Italian cafes as well.

Fine dining

If you have a lot of money, Kyoto is considered by most Japanese to be the spiritual home of kaiseki (懐石), which is a meal of many small courses and a quintcrucial type of Japanese fine dining; in Kyoto this will typically entail a superior Muslim friendly room with traditional Japanese architecture. Unfortunately, most kaiseki establishments do not accept reservations directly from foreigners, and many require new clients to be introduced by one of their regular diners in order to be allowed to dine there. Your hotel concierge may be able to make a reservation for you if you contact them well in advance, though only the most expensive luxury hotels have the necessary clout to do this. As with anywhere else in Japan, most fine dining establishments do not accept credit cards, and you will have to pay for your meal in cash.

Alternatively, consider staying at one of Kyoto's top ryokan; elaborate kaiseki dinners are an crucial part of a stay in a ryokan, and there are numerous ryokan that are just as well known for their Vegetarian food as their lodging experience. The downside is that most ryokan only accept reservations by phone, so at least conversational Japanese-language ability is crucial for you to be able to do so by yourself.

Matcha

Kyoto and the nearby city of Uji are well known for matcha (抹茶 maccha) or green tea, but visitors don't just come to drink the tea; there are a wide variety of matcha-flavored treats. Matcha ice cream is particularly popular, and most places selling ice cream will have it as an option. It also shows up in a variety of Snacks and gifts.

Yatsuhashi

Peach Hijiri - Hijiri, a peach-flavored type of yatsuhashi

Yatsuhashi (八ツ橋) is delicious Kyoto Snacks, made from Rice flour and sugar. There are two types of yatsuhashi: baked and raw. The hard yatsuhashi was originally made using cinnamon, and tastes like a crunchy biscuit. Today, while the biscuits remain the same, you can also buy hard yatsuhashi dipped in macha and strawberry-flavored glazes.

Raw yatsuhashi, commonly called hijiri was also made with cinnamon, but the cinnamon is mixed with bean paste and then folded into the hijiri to make a triangle shape. Today, you can buy a wide variety of flavors, including macha, Chocolates and banana, and black poppyseed. Many of the flavors are seasonal, such as the sakura (cherry blossom) yatsuhashi available in the spring and mango, peach, blueberry, and strawberry, available from May to October.

Although yatsuhashi can be purchased at most souvenir shops and the best place to purchase raw yatsuhashi is the famous Honkenishio Yatsuhashi. While other stores may carry yatsuhashi, this is the place to find all of the seasonal flavors, as well as free samples. Most of these shops are located in Kyoto/Higashiyama|Higashiyama. The most convenient for tourists is probably the one on Kiyomizu-zaka, just below the entrance to Kiyomizu-dera.

While many visitors find raw yatsuhashi to be a delicious (and highly affordable) souvenir, be aware that it only lasts for one week after purchase. Baked yatsuhashi on the other hand, will last for about three months. Consider this when deciding what gifts to take home with you.

Other specialties

Other Kyoto specialities include hamo (a white fish served with ume as sushi), tofu (try places around Nanzenji temple), suppon (an expensive turtle dish), kaiseki-ryori (multi-course chef's choice that can be extremely good and expensive), and Vegetarian dishes (thanks to the abundance of temples), particularly the vegan shōjin ryōri, which isn't cheap, but has a great reputation for quality. - Districts}}

Kyoto's night scene is dominated by bars catering for local needs, most of which are located in Kyoto/Central|Central Kyoto around Kiyamachi, between Shijo and Sanjo. This area offers a wide variety of soft-drinking options for all types of people. You'll also have no trouble finding the host and hostess bars, courtesy of the staff pacing around out front trying to entice visitors. There are plenty of options beyond this street in other regions, but with such a large concentration of cafes along in the same area, its easy to locate a place where you feel most at home to relax for the night.

If you're looking for late night restaurants, Kyoto has a few options, but it is not a city known for its thriving dance clubs. Those hoping to experience that part of Japanese nightlife should consider taking a train to Osaka where many of the clubs are hip and wild enough to rival any Tokyo club.

Sake

Some of Kyoto's most famous sake comes from Gekkeikan Brewery in the Fushimi area of Kyoto/South|Southern Kyoto. A 400-year-old brewery that still produces great sake, Gekkeikan also offers tours of its facilities].

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Kyoto

Kyoto - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Kyoto, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Kyoto. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Kyoto and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Kyoto. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Kyoto. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inKyoto: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Kyoto.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Kyoto: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Kyoto, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Kyoto.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Kyoto, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Kyoto, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Kyoto and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Kyoto, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Kyoto, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Kyoto without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Kyoto is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Kyoto.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Kyoto is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Kyoto, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Kyoto Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Kyoto

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At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Kyoto ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Kyoto. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

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Muslim Friendly Hotels

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Kyoto has a wide range of lodging, much of it geared towards foreign visitors. During peak seasons, such as the cherry blossoms in April or during Japan#Holidays|Golden Week when lodging is difficult to get, consider staying in Osaka. A thirty-minutes train ride from Kyoto Station to Osaka Station will cost you ¥740 one way. Since Kyoto is a major tourist destination, demand is high and prices follow suit.

Most of the lodging in the city is clustered near the Kyoto/Central|central city, especially around Kyoto Station and the downtown area near Karasuma-Oike. The outer areas have a scattering of their own, tending towards affordable but often much further from train or subway stations.

For those who would like to experience traditional Japanese lodging, Kyoto is home to some of Japan's most luxurious ryokan, though prices are generally expensive and would make economy-class plane tickets look cheap.

The city of Kyoto charges a hotel tax: for lodging that's less than ¥20,000 per day and the tax is ¥200 per day. It may not be included in the listed rates.

Yudanaka Ryokan - Japanese Style Ryokan

At the bottom of the price scale, many temples in Kyoto own and run their own lodging complex known as shukubō (宿坊), usually located on or near temple grounds. Guests are often invited to participate in morning prayer service (otsutome) held at the temple. Unfortunately, most temple lodgings do not have English-speaking receptions, and curfews and check-in/out times tend to be strict. Most are located in the Kyoto/North|northern region of the city.

Hostels are common and popular with students. Inexpensive hotels lack amenities but compensate with prices surprisingly low for Japan; both can be found in all regions of the city, and may be the only options available if you need to stay in an outlying ward.

The majority of self-named Japan#Inns|ryokan in this range are actually minshuku. Most are small family-run operations and accustomed to dealing with foreigners. Be prepared to pay for the full stay in advance.

Internet and manga cafés

As in other Japanese cities, internet cafes and capsule hotels are available for those truly on the cheap. Expect to pay around ¥2000 for a night's stay in an internet cafe. You get a computer, a comfortable chair, and all the tea and hot Chocolates you want.

Don't fear those places. There is nothing bad about staying in those Japan#Last resorts|last resorts, but most of the time, people stay there for a few nights only.

Most places have no separate space for smokers/non-smokers, and manga is usually only in Japanese, but they have cushions and blankets and free unlimited (soft) drinks. Showers are available and there may be a charge for use.

Remember that cafés don't keep luggage during the day so either carry it with you every day, find free storage or use a coin locker (¥700-600 per use). As a result the cost of a night in a café could be similar to a bed in a hostel. The boundary between budget and midrange is often unclear, particularly among ryokan. Hotels in this category are concentrated in Kyoto/Central|Central Kyoto, serving the business market with the typical amenities and close proximity to transportation.

Split between the Kyoto/Central|downtown and Kyoto/Higashiyama|Higashiyama areas on each side of the Kamogawa River and these top-of-the-line lodgings can make your airfare look cheap. Asian-style hotels dominate in this category; unlike the midrange options, very few of the high end ryokan can be booked without a fluent command of (Japanese).

Machiya-stay

In Kyoto and there are traditional wooden townhouses called Kyo-Machiya or Machiya. Kyo-Machiya defined the architectural atmosphere of downtown Kyoto for centuries, and represents the standard defining form of Machiya throughout the nation.

There are several facilities offers those Machiya to the travellers to stay privately, and can experience the traditional living in Kyoto. Most of those facilities are located in central Kyoto that easy to access to any sightseeing spot. However, generally those facilities don’t offer any meals, but in Kyoto and there is a delivery system from the Japanese restaurant that client can order and eat in the Kyo-Machiya. During the guest stay, it is completely private that guests can feel like staying at their home.

The size of the facilities are average 80㎡, can stay from 2 people but it is better to use with group of 4 to 6, or with family. There is a facility that guests can stay together in the same Machiya for up to 14 people.

The price is from ¥25,000-

Telecommunications in Kyoto

Free public Wi-Fi is available in many parts of Kyoto.

Travel Next

• Uji - the best tea in Japan and the Byodo-in temple.
• Kurama - less than an hour's journey by a local train from Kyoto Demachi-Yanagi station and the small village of Kurama has real onsen (Japanese natural thermal spas (Muslim Friendly).
• Lake Biwa - if the summer humidity has drained your will to sightsee, take a day swimming at the underrated beaches of western Lake Biwa. Popular choices include Omi Maiko and Shiga Beach, each about 40 minutes from Kyoto on the JR Kosei Line.
• Mount Hiei - an ancient hilltop temple complex that traditionally guarded (and occasionally raided) Kyoto.
• Otsu - home to some great historical temples, Mount Hiei, and one of Lake Biwa's ports.
• Koka - home of ninjas, and there is the Miho Museum.
• Nara - less than an hour's journey by train on the JR Nara line from Kyoto station, Nara is an even older capital than Kyoto and has a stunning collection of temples in a giant landscaped park.
• Osaka - about half an hour from Kyoto by JR rapid train, this bustling city offers more retail opportunities and a central castle.
• Amanohashidate - literally "the bridge to heaven", it is considered one of Japan's Japan's Top 3|top three scenic views (along with Matsushima in Miyagi prefecture and Miyajima in Hiroshima prefecture). It forms a thin strip of land straddling the Miyazu Bay in northern Kyoto Prefecture, hence the name. Visitors are asked to turn their backs toward the view, bend over, and look at it between their legs.
• Himeji - about an hour by Shinkansen west of Kyoto, Himeji boasts a spectacular traditional castle.

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