Tours

While the main attractions of most Japanese cities can be seen in a few days, Kyoto really deserves a full week or more of exploration. Your decision on what to see while you are here will be determined almost entirely by how long you have to visit. Among temples and shrines alone you have more than 2,000 sites to choose from. It could take you an entire day just planning where you will spend the rest of your time! But assuming your stay is limited, here are five brief itineraries you can follow, each one easily completed in no more than a day by using the buses, subways, trains and taxis that make transport in the city so convenient.

Daitokuji

Start your tour of Northwest Kyoto at Daitokuji, a large Buddhist temple established by the Rinzai Zen sect. The grounds contain so many paintings and architecturally interesting structures that you may be tempted to stay many hours. Better to move a bit west, however, where you will find what many believe to be Japan's finest temple of all, Kinkakuji, the famed "Golden Pavilion." Linger here long enough to contemplate its gold-leaf image reflected in the waters of a pond and etched against the greenery of surrounding woods, then move on to nearby Ryoanji where the famous sand garden is located. Your meditative experience will only be broken when you realize there is still enough time to see the five-story pagoda of Ninnanji.  The site of a former 9th century palace, some of the buildings here are over 300 years old.

Ginkakuji (Silver Pavillion)

The Higashiyama (East Mountain) area will also bring you much sightseeing pleasure. You will want to begin with Ginkakuji, the "Silver Pavilion," from which you can walk in contemplation along the Path of Philosophy, following a creek past willow, cherry and maple trees, just like famous priests before you. Stop at the 17th Century thatched temple, Honen-in, or at lesser known Zenrinji (Eikan-do), where a unique image of Buddha looking over his shoulder can be seen. But if you are in a hurry, head straight for the next major attraction: Nanzenji, reputed to be the most important Zen temple in the world. There are numerous restaurants in this area, where you can get some nourishment before walking 15 minutes to extravagant Heian Shrine, Kyoto's 1,100th anniversary gift to itself. If you do not end the afternoon here, you might want to drop in at one of the art museums at nearby Okazaki Park, a refreshing break from the temple circuit.

Yasaka Shrine

The center of old Kyoto was the Gion district, where you can still see geisha and rickshaws, old wooden buildings and classic antiques. A tour of this area should include the vermilion-colored Yasaka Shrine, the memorial to the world's unknown soldiers of World War II at Ryozen Kannon, and the beautifully landscaped Maruyama Koen park. South of Gion, you will encounter the temple for lovers, Kiyomizudera, with its panoramic view of the city (and its great souvenir shops). Down the slopes, you will come to Kyoto National Museum, worth hours of your time all by itself.

You may be beginning to think you have seen the best of Kyoto by now, but there is more—so much more. In the vicinity of Kyoto Station you must see both Higashi Honganji and Nishi Honganji, historic rivals for the hearts of Buddhist followers. Not far south from the station is Toji Temple, with its spacious gardens, three ponds, and the tallest three-story pagoda in Japan, a real Kyoto landmark. After lunch in the area, travel due north to see Kyoto Imperial Palace and the old residence of Japan's shogun Ieyasu, Nijo Castle. If you choose to pop in to a museum or gallery along the way, who could blame you? The touring possibilities are endless.

Tenryuji Temple

An interesting day trip or half-day excursion can be made to scenic Arashiyama and Saga in the extreme west of the city. Centered around the historic wooden Togetsu-kyo Bridge that spans the clear Hozu River, Arashiyama is noted for its peaceful mountain setting and many fine temples, especially the exquisite Tenryuji Temple.  About 7-kilometers/4-miles away, the Ryoanji Zen temple with its famous rock garden is also located in this area of Kyoto, perfect for silent contemplation or simply admiring the exquisite peacefulness of the setting.  Activities you might enjoy in the area include riding the gentle rapids downstream from nearby Kameoka, night cormorant fishing (ukai) in summer, and dining at one of the area's many vegetarian shojin-ryori restaurants, such as Tenryuji Shigetsu. There is also the Iwatayama Monkey Park for the kids to enjoy, as well as Kyoto Studio Park, the Japanese equivalent of Universal Studios theme parks.

Unfortunately, your stay in Kyoto will most likely come to a close long before you have visited all of the "must-see" sights of the city, but with the time you have left you might be tempted to take a day trip to the ancient city of Nara, where the world's largest wooden building, massive Todai-ji Temple, houses a huge bronze Buddha. Or you may wish to enjoy fishing, camping, or hiking at nearby Lake Biwa.

One thing is certain, the best formula for any trip to Kyoto is to get up early, stay up late, and see as much of this fascinating city as you can. Your visit here is going to be simply unforgettable. Lots more information about touring Kyoto is available from your nearest representative of the Japan National Tourist Organization (JNTO).

Boat Tours

Amanohashidate Tour Boat (+81 77 2420323/ http://www.pref.kyoto.jp/visitkyoto/en/theme/activities/activity/historical/ama_boat/)
Hozugawa River Boat Ride (+81 77 122 2111/ http://www.pref.kyoto.jp/visitkyoto/en/theme/activities/activity/historical/hozugawa_boat/)
Ine Bay Pleasure Cruise (+81 77 242 0323/ http://www.pref.kyoto.jp/visitkyoto/en/theme/activities/activity/historical/ine_bay/)

Tour Companies

Sunrise Tours (+81 35 796 5454/ http://www.jtb-sunrisetours.jp/JTB.SunriseTours/FrontEnd/)

Walking Tours

Walk in Kyoto Talk in English (+81 75 622 6803/ http://web.kyoto-inet.or.jp/people/h-s-love/)
WaRaiDo (http://www.waraido.com/)
Kyoto City Tourist Association (+81 75 752 0227/ http://www.kyokanko.or.jp/eng_tour/english_tours.html/)