Seventy miles of sun-kissed coastline. The San Diego Museum of Art and the San Diego Zoo in Balboa Park. Pop-culture fest Comic-Con. California’s first Catholic mission.
26.01.2024 - 17:17 / lonelyplanet.com
Known as one of the historical hubs of Japan, Kyoto has a notable number of well-preserved neighborhoods, majestic temples and all manner of photo-worthy landscapes.
But getting to know the city's abundant heritage doesn't have to break the bank. Here are the best things to do for free across Kyoto.
The 10,000 vibrant orange torii (gates) snaking up the hill at Fushimi Inari-Taisha double as both the ultimate photo op and a notable exercise opportunity. Walking the entire loop takes two to three hours – or more if you stop to enjoy the numerous fox statues – however, it's worth making the climb if your goal is a photo-op without the crowds that usually fill up the lower levels.
Planning tip: Visit at daybreak for a more restful experience, when the local monks are making their way up the hill to work and the resident cat population is out to play.
About 2km long (1.2 miles), the Path of Philosophy winds through the Higashiyama district, linking Ginkaku-ji (aka Silver Pavilion) to the Nanzen-ji neighborhood. The canal-side walkway is particularly popular during spring and fall, with sakura (cherry blossoms) and autumn colors transforming the lane into a surreal wash of color.
Also known as "Kyoto's Kitchen," the five-block collection of over 100 restaurants and shops at Nishiki Market is the perfect place for sampling local specialties, including pickles, tea, crackers and fish.
Planning tip: It's best to come in the morning – the early bird gets the snacks.
Also known as Fureai-kan, the Kyoto Museum of Traditional Crafts provides an excellent knowledge base for anyone curious about traditional Japanese handicrafts, including wood carving, fabric dying and fan creation.
Planning tip: Check the schedule – on weekends, it often has in-house sessions where artisans demonstrate the steps behind creating beautiful one-of-a-kind items.
Geisha, or geiko as they're called in Kyoto, are one of the city's icons (check out their images on the area's legion of vending machines). These face-paint-adorned, kimono-wearing skilled hostesses and entertainers are usually employed in Gion neighborhood, a collection of narrow, atmospheric streets filled with teahouses and tiny restaurants.
Planning tip: To possibly spot a geiko on her way to work, go for an atmospheric sunset stroll just as the lanterns are lit for the evening (just remember to be respectful and avoid taking photos without consent).
During sakura season, locals participate in hanami, or blossom-viewing parties. To get in on the action, take a stroll through Maruyama-kōen, located just next to Yasaka Shrine, when the koi-pond-dotted expanse transforms into a sea of pink.
Planning tip: Make a picnic out of it by stopping at the local FamilyMart for low-cost,
Seventy miles of sun-kissed coastline. The San Diego Museum of Art and the San Diego Zoo in Balboa Park. Pop-culture fest Comic-Con. California’s first Catholic mission.
No matter where you go in Japan, you’ll find it’s an easy, fun, safe place to travel with kids.
Modern Japan wouldn’t be what it is today without the influence and input of the region of Kansai — and its cities Osaka and Kyoto — which have significantly influenced the country’s political, cultural and economic development. Kyoto served as Japan’s capital for over a millennium and is today known as the nation’s cultural epicentre, attracting millions of travellers to the city’s streets each year.
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Kyoto is on the travel list of most first-time visitors to Japan for good reason. With its fleet of over 2000 temples, lush gardens and traditional tea houses, Kyoto is one of Japan’s major historical hubs – to say nothing of being easy on the eye (enjoy a sunset on the hill in Kiyomizu-dera to see what we mean).