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Kyoto: A Perfect Mix of Old and New
Kyoto is a Japanese city throbbing with beautiful temples, bustling streets, and picturesque cherry blossom trees. The Imperial capital of Japan for more than 1,000 years, Kyoto serves as the center of Japan’s culture and religion to this day. Let’s take the chance to explore and uncover what makes Kyoto unique, from hidden alleyways to savory street food.
Scenery:
Kyoto is known for its beautiful scenery, from peaceful temples and shrines to historic gardens and sanctuaries. The city is surrounded by lush mountains and lined with cherry blossom trees that bloom each spring. The architecture and landscape of Kyoto transport visitors back in time, with its traditional Japanese styles and ancient temples.
Likes:
One thing I love most about this city is the perfect mix of old and new. While Kyoto embraces its rich history and traditions, it is not afraid to incorporate modern developments and conveniences. It creates a refreshing balance that makes Kyoto appealing to locals and international visitors alike.
Dislikes:
One downside to visiting Kyoto is the high cost of living. Although you can find affordable and budget-friendly options, Kyoto is inevitably more costly than other parts of Japan. Nevertheless, the experience you gain from visiting Kyoto is worth every penny.
Average Cost of Living:
The average budget to live comfortably in Kyoto is JPY 10,000 to JPY 20,000 ($91 to $182) per day. This amount covers food, transportation, and admission fees. However, luxury hotel accommodation, private tours, and other splurges will cost you more.
20 Points of Interest:
1. Fushimi-Inari Shrine – 68 Fukakusa Yabunouchicho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto, 612-0882, Japan. Yelp rating: 4.5 stars.
2. Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) – 1 Kinkakujicho, Kita Ward, Kyoto, 603-8361, Japan. Yelp rating: 4.5 stars.
3. Gion District – Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0001, Japan. Yelp rating: 4.5 stars.
4. Nijo Castle – 541 Nijojocho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8301, Japan. Yelp rating: 4.5 stars.
5. Philosopher’s Path – Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8406, Japan. Yelp rating: 4.5 stars.
6. Heian Shrine – 97 Okazaki Nishitennōcho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8341, Japan. Yelp rating: 4.5 stars.
7. Eikan-do – 48 Eikandocho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8445, Japan. Yelp rating: 4.5 stars.
8. Arashiyama Bamboo Grove – Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8383, Japan. Yelp rating: 4.5 stars.
9. Nishiki Market – 609 Nishidaimonjicho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8054, Japan. Yelp rating: 4.5 stars.
10. Kyoto Railway Museum – 1-1, Higashimuki Nakafuchucho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8835, Japan. Yelp rating: 4.5 stars.
11. Yasaka Shrine – Gion, 625 Gionmachi Kitagawa, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0073, Japan. Yelp rating: 4.5 stars.
12. Kiyomizu-dera Temple – 294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0862, Japan. Yelp rating: 4.5 stars.
13. Ryoan-ji Temple – 13 Ryoanji Goryonoshitacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8001, Japan. Yelp rating: 4.5 stars.
14. Sanjusangendo Temple – 657 Sanjusangendo Mawaricho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0941, Japan. Yelp rating: 4.5 stars.
15. Tofukuji Temple – 15-778 Honmachi, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0981, Japan. Yelp rating: 4.5 stars.
16. Kyoto Imperial Palace – 3 Kyoto Gyoen, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto, 602-0881, Japan. Yelp rating: 4.5 stars.
17. Shimogamo Shrine – 59 Shimogamo Izumigawacho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-0807, Japan. Yelp rating: 4.5 stars.
18. Tenryu-ji Temple – 68 Saga Tenryuji Susukinobabacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8385, Japan. Yelp rating: 4.5 stars.
19. Toji Temple – 1 Kujocho, Minami Ward, Kyoto, 601-8473, Japan. Yelp rating: 4.5 stars.
20. Higashi Honganji Temple – 752 Horikawacho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8216, Japan. Yelp rating: 4.5 stars.
Top 20 Popular Street Food:
1. Takoyaki – $6 – Booth near Nishiki Market
2. Ramen – $8 – Honke Daiichi Asahi Ramen
3. Okonomiyaki – $8 – Issen Yoshoku
4. Unagi (Eel) – $27 – Unagiya Hirokawa
5. Yatsuhashi – $3 – Shogyokudo Higashiyama Main Store
6. Katsu Sand – $6 – Menbakaichidai
7. Tofu – $4 – Tousuiro Kyoto
8. Gyoza – $7 – Chao Chao Gyoza
9. Kogashi Miso Meat Skewer – $3 – Hill of Wolves
10. Matcha Soft Serve – $3 – Ippodo Tea
11. Tamagoyaki (Rolled Omelet) – $2 – Daiki Suisan
12. Mitarashi Dango – $1 – Shimogamo Nakamura
13. Nishiki Market Snacks – $10 – Nishiki Warai
14. Taiyaki – $2 – Daikoku
15. Shiromaru Classic Ramen – $10 – Ichiran Arashiyama
16. Yuba – $2 – Tofu-an
17. Yakitori – $3 – Torito
18. Soba – $8 – Mugitaro
19. Warabi Mochi – $3 – Kanako Chaen
20. Waffles – $3 – Kyo Café
Recommended Places to Stay:
10 Popular Hotels:
1. The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto – $548 – 4.7/5
2. Hyatt Regency Kyoto – $195 – 4.5/5
3. Kyoto Tokyu Hotel – $144 – 4.5/5
4. Hotel Granvia Kyoto – $164 – 4.5/5
5. ANA Crowne Plaza Kyoto – $145 – 4.5/5
6. Kyoto Brighton Hotel – $167 – 4.5/5
7. Hotel Okura Kyoto – $214 – 4.5/5
8. Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto – $636 – 4.5/5
9. Kyoto Yura Hotel Nijo Jo Bettei MGallery – $445 – 4.6/5
10. Hotel The Celestine Kyoto Gion – $166 – 4.5/5
10 Popular Airbnb Listings:
1. Wabi Sabi House in Kiyomizu Area – $84 – 4.99/5
2. Omote Senke – $68 – 4.98/5
3. The Sensible Room – $59 – 4.97/5
4. Machiya Relax – $107 – 4.97/5
5. Mifune-an – $59 – 4.96/5
6. Tsurutomi-An – $28 – 4.96/5
7. COCON Karasumaoike – $41 – 4.95/5
8. Bamboo Forest – $140 – 4.95/5
9. Kyoto House with Machiya Style – $147 – 4.95/5
10. Kominka Oinoma – $154 – 4.95/5
Top 5 Recommended Places to Stay:
1. Wabi Sabi House in Kiyomizu Area – $84 – 4.99/5
2. Hyatt Regency Kyoto – $195 – 4.5/5
3. ANA Crowne Plaza Kyoto – $145 – 4.5/5
4. The Sensible Room – $59 – 4.97/5
5. Tsurutomi-An – $28 – 4.96/5
Reasons to Choose:
1. Wabi Sabi House in Kiyomizu Area – It is an affordable and traditional Japanese-style accommodation located near the famous Kiyomizu Temple.
2. Hyatt Regency Kyoto – It offers luxurious and spacious rooms with excellent service and convenient location.
3. ANA Crowne Plaza Kyoto – It provides affordable yet comfortable rooms with an ideal location for sightseeing.
4. The Sensible Room – It is a cozy, clean, and homely accommodation suited for solo travelers or couples seeking comfort.
5. Tsurutomi-An – It is a budget-friendly and minimalist Airbnb with a relaxed and quiet atmosphere.
Recommended 3 Days Trip:
Day 1: Visit Fushimi-Inari Shrine and Nishiki Market. For lunch, try takoyaki and katsu sand. In the evening, take a walk in the Gion District to see geishas.
Day 2: Visit Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Kinkaku-ji, and Ryoan-ji Temple. For lunch, try ramen or okonomiyaki. In the evening, take a stroll along the Philosopher’s Path.
Day 3: Visit Nijo Castle, Heian Shrine, and Kiyomizu-dera Temple. For lunch, try unagi or matcha soft serve. In the evening, enjoy street food at Pontocho Alley.
Rating:
Kyoto is a city worth visiting, and I would give it a rating of 9/10 stars. The city’s rich history, combined with modern developments, makes it an interesting and diverse city to explore. Despite the high cost of living in Kyoto, the experience it offers is worth every penny.
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