Kyoto is a magical place that makes you feel like you are set back in time, in a scene out of “Memoirs of a Geisha”……It’s a must see if in Japan and I would stay 2 nights. You can take the Nozami Super Express train to Kyoto from Tokyo and it takes about 2 1/2 hours.
HOTELS:
If you are going to experience a Ryokan, Kyoto is the place to do it. They are pricey but worth the experience of sleeping on tatamis with down comforters and having an 11 course meal served to you in your room while wearing a yukata. It is a japanese experience that is one of a kind…..
*Ryokans- There are many ryokans, here is a list of recommended ones: Shiraume, Yachiyo, Kikokuso, *Tawaraya, *Hiragiya–the last 2 are high end but the best!
*Hyatt-I stayed here and it is a nice hotel as Hyatts are everywhere, so if you choose the hotel route, this Hyatt is centrally located.
*Hotel Granvia-If you are looking for a more affordable hotel, this hotel has come recommended and it is close to the train station.
SIGHTS: There are hundreds of temples and various sights in this beautiful city but if you only have 2 days, the following are my favorites…..One of the days you can start at Ginkaku-ji, then walk down the philosophers walk and end at Kiomizudera. That night have dinner at one of the small establishments off of Pontocho Alley. The following day can be for the treks outside of Kyoto, including the bamboo grove and Torii tunnel.
*Ginkaku-ji--Silver pavilion temple is beautiful, there is also a gold pavilion temple-but I prefer the silver.
*Kiomizudera– Perched on a hill, Kiomizudera is one of the most visited temples in Kyoto because of its amazing views!!!
*Arashiyama Bamboo Grove–Arashiyama is about 10 km/ 30 min. from Kyoto filled with groves of bamboo. This place is one of the most photographed sights in the world……
*Fushimi Inari Taisha– The Famous Torii tunnel that leads to the inner shrine is @ a 20 min. drive from Kyoto. This tunnel that takes you up a mountain takes about 2 hours to reach the top (many do not)…
*Pontocho Alley – In the geisha district next to the Kamo river there is an alley filled with restaurants and bars and of course the occasional Geisha sighting….
*Philosophers Walk– A pedestrian path that follows a cherry-lined canal where people in the past used to come here to meditate. The path runs between Ginkaku-ju and Nanzen-ji temples.
