The lure of Kyoto 3

Destination:  Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture (Distance from Tokyo: 470km, approximately 294 miles)

Map →　http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/location/regional/kyoto/index.html

Date:  December, 2009
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Enjoying the nature of Kyoto. 

The best season to visit Kyoto is, as I mentioned before, in spring or fall because of the mild weather conditions.  But the main reason can be something else.  It is, for me and I believe for many people as well, the beauty of cherry blossoms and fall foliage.

@ The Old Imperial Palace
(http://www.env.go.jp/garden/kyotogyoen/english/index.html)

@ Kamigamo Shrine
(http://www.kamigamojinja.jp/english/index-e.html)

@ Daigo Temple
(http://www.daigoji.or.jp/index_e.html)

@ The Old Imperial Palace
(http://www.env.go.jp/garden/kyotogyoen/english/index.html)

The city of Kyoto is basically clean everywhere. In Kyoto, the frequency you come across the typical dirtiness of big cities is less than in other big cities. Even the Shijo-Kawaramachi district where the local people usually flock in for shopping, dining out, or nightlife is quite clean compared to Tokyo or Osaka. 


Especially at their historic sites, the tidiness is strictly maintained.  This high morality creates a haven for the trees and plants that have grown at those places.  They are treated very well under the peaceful environment and express the joy of nature when the time comes.  It doesn’t matter which historic site you visit, they show you such a beautiful face. 

@ Eikan Temple
(http://www.eikando.or.jp/English/index_eng.htm)

@ Eikan Temple
(http://www.eikando.or.jp/English/index_eng.htm)

@ Eikan Temple
(http://www.eikando.or.jp/English/index_eng.htm)

@ Kamigamo Shrine
(http://www.kamigamojinja.jp/english/index-e.html)

@ The Old Imperial Palace
(http://www.env.go.jp/garden/kyotogyoen/english/index.html)

@ The Old Imperial Palace
(http://www.env.go.jp/garden/kyotogyoen/english/index.html)

On the other hand, the wild nature doesn’t want to allow itself to be an underdog of the sheltered upbringing counterpart. The wild plants of Kyoto hills, mountains, and even streets are willing to exhibit how beautiful they are. 

@ Kamo River

@ Arashiyama

@ Kiyamachi

@ Kamo River

The best tourist point you can casually enjoy the Kyoto’s natural environment would be the Arashiyanma – Sagano area which is located at the west end of the city.  Taking a tour of the sight-seeing tram (http://www.sagano-kanko.co.jp/pdf/english.pdf) or Hozu-River boat ride (http://www.hozugawakudari.jp/en/history-en) would be quite fun in the travel-friendly season.

Hozu Canyon

Katsura River @ Arashiyama

@ Katsura River

Kamos (Ducks) of Kamo River

Exploring the nightlife:

The Shijo-Kawaramachi district is the main nightlife spot of Kyoto. There are plenty of bars, restaurants, and several clubs.  But if you want to have further upbeat vibes, jump on a train to get down to Osaka.  Only 30 minute train ride takes you to the biggest city in the Kansai region.  Umeda and Minami are the two major towns to experience the Osaka nightlife and give you more variations and excitement than Kyoto does till you pass out! 

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Traveling Tips in Kyoto


-  Getting there by:


Train;  Shinkansen to Kyoto from Tokyo  (140 minutes). JPY13,520 for a one-way ticket.  (http://english.jr-central.co.jp/index.html). This is the regular fare offered by Central Japan Railway Company. You can get a bit cheaper ticket at around JPY 12,500 from a discount ticket shop.
If you don’t use Shinkansen, the price can be reduced to about half. But it requires you to ride on several non-rapid local trains all day long from Tokyo.  The cheapest service would be “Seishun 18 ticket” offered by East Japan Railway Company →　http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/pass/seishun18.html

Bus;  There are many companies offering overnight bus services from Tokyo to the Kyoto area   ( 7 hours – 8 hours).  Approximately JPY7,000 for a round-trip ticket.

FYI → (http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2366.html)  

Car;  Tomei & Meishin Expressway (Approximately7 hours) from central Tokyo.

-  To get around the Kyoto area:

There shouldn’t be a big problem in going from one place to another by using the public transportation within the city limits. Even if you extend your trip to somewhere its suburb, trains and buses still work well.

-  Accommodation in Kyoto: 
        

Because of the high popularity as a tourist destination, there are various types of hotels in Kyoto. From luxury hotels to capsule hotels (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capsule_hotel),,, you can find suitable one according to your needs and budget range.

FYI →　(http://www.agoda.com/asia/japan/kyoto.html?NoLanguageRedirect=1)

-  Travel Expenses:

You might have to prepare JPY 5,000 – JPY 10,000 (excluding hotel charges) a day to enjoy your stay in Kyoto, but it totally depends on what you do.  The highest burden of your cost is probably meals.  Other expenses are not so high.  For instance, admission fees to get into a historic site are usually less than JPY 1,000.  So if you are happy with having your meals at a McDonalds or somewhere similar, you can cut down your expenditures a lot.

-  Local Tourist Information:

Official Kyoto Travel Guide (http://www.kyoto.travel/)

Kyoto Travel Plans (http://www.kyoto-okoshiyasu.com/en/)

Kyoto Perfect Guide (http://www.kyotokanko.com/index.html) <Japanese>