Traditionally Modern Kyoto

As I wander through this old world city, I can't help but notice the 21st century just bursting to get in. But, Kyoto is so very steeped in tradition, that the modern life could never take hold fully. Bright lights, and a neon smeared sky line don't take any beauty away from this enchanting city. Traditional tea ceremonies, colourful food, forests of bamboo, temples covered in gold, and Koi swimming in streams and lakes, restaurants with Zen gardens of their own, Geisha walking the streets, cobbled town paths leading to more wonders, and a climb to the top of the cobbles leads to a view that lets you know for sure, that the journey has all been worth it.

Great for: Hiking/Camping, History/Culture, Nightlife

Last Visit: November 2005

21 April 2006 | A Yahoo! User

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Kyoto is The world capital of sofistication

We spent only 3 days in Kyoto, enough to get a taste of the cultural richnes in every aspect of life. Architecture, landscapes, gardens, textile, performing arts, crafts, food - everything is brought to perfection over almost one thousand years when Kyoto was the capital of Japan. After seeing all popular european capitals and New York City, Kyoto is by far the most refined city offering the best of an old cultural tradition.

Great for: History/Culture, Theatre/Music

Last Visit: march 2005

30 December 2005 | A Yahoo! User

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i can...wate

it did not satisfy are needs and there was no good maps

5 June 2005 | A Yahoo! User

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nice

this is a very beautiful should come more

5 June 2005 | A Yahoo! User

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Japanese Dream

Kyoto is the Japan of your dreams. Wooden houses, tiny lanes, old wonderful temples and gardens, geisha houses, wild mountain rivers, quiet walks and geishas. This is where traditions live on. Get out, walk and observe. There is something small and wonderful at each corner.Kiyomisu temple is a memory you will never forget. Kinkajuku (Temple of the Golden Pavilion) is like a dream. The Westin Miyako is the place to stay, though tucked away 10 minutes from the city center on a verdant hillside. There is a book on small shops in Kyoto; buy it. There's the Ippodo Tea Shop that has been around over 100 years, a bamboo shop whose ancestors made items for the Emperors, hand fan shops, laquerware shops...all sorts of unique Japanese handcrafts that are all venerable. Have a Kaiseki dinner in Gion or Pontocho. In the summer, it is especially pleasant to dine on the river, though most of the places give preference to Japanese. The Westin Miyako was able to break down some of those barriers for me..once or twice anyway.

5 June 2005 | A Yahoo! User

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amazing temples and shrines

like the rest of japan, kyoto is fascinating. but probably u would love it more if u're interested in temples and shrines, coz kyoto has a loooot of them. amazing stuctures... u just have to spend at least two days in this city. actually, i personally think people in this kansai area are much nicer and friendlier than tokyo people in general. they seem to be more open and cheerful. oh, around kyoto u can see real geisha, if u're lucky. dont go in summer, unless u love sweat and sun heat. i think kyoto is best in autumn or early spring. and note that using kyoto's bus service is the best and cheapest option. you only have to pay around 500 yen for the whole day, and the bust stops in every tourism spots. dont miss kiyomizudera and kinkakuji. kyoto is a beautiful,traditional, but still very convinient city. enjoy ur trip, and if u prepare enough, u wont regret going there! enjoy!

5 June 2005 | A Yahoo! User

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A Postcard

This is truely the Ichi-Ban place to visit in Japan that I have seen. Its beauty is comes from a postcard.

5 June 2005 | A Yahoo! User

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Come to the real Japan

Kyoto has all that you need in a vacation. Shopping at Nishiki-doori, gourmet Japanese fare at Ganko sushi, traditional Japanese Kabuki at Minami-za, a relaxing breather at the side of Kamo river, a chance to take a picture of a maiko (geisha), hundreds of shrines and temples each filled with it's own history and style, all in a mid-sized city nestled inside hikable mountains and fishable rivers. Kyoto was, and still is the heart of Japan. I suggest you cancel those hectic, confusing subways and roads of Tokyo, and come to a city where you can enjoy the history and culture of Japan.

5 June 2005 | A Yahoo! User

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