Kyoto Cruise Guide

Overview

Kyoto is the cultural heart of the Japanese nation, and with more than 2,000 temples and shrines, it is a place of pilgrimage as well as a veritable open-air museum. No fewer than 17 major sites in and around the city have gained UNESCO World Heritage status.

In Kyoto the old ways of the country are kept alive, both in the arts and in real life. From geisha to kabuki actors, the past is still present in the old capital. Temples, shrines, teahouses and old wooden machiya townhouses give the visitor a vivid impression of what traditional Japan must have been like.

Sightseeing

Kyoto has some of Asia's most breathtaking scenery. It is home to 2,000 Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines, in addition are the imperial palace, castles, gardens, parks, museums and monuments. A thorough exploration of these cultural riches would take weeks or even months. Yet by visiting some of the most famous sites and areas, it is possible to get a good impression of what Kyoto has to offer in a short time. 

Strolling through the old lanes is the best way to delve into the city. A good place to begin is the Higashiyama district in the east for its numerous temples and peaceful walks. Arashiyama should also figure high in an itinerary with historic temples set in lush bamboo groves. There are yet more inspiring temples and the original imperial palace in northwest Kyoto. For a break from the cultural wanderings, browse the shops around Shijo-dori or have a look around downtown Kyoto.

Highlights
• Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
• Kiyomizu Temple
• Ginkakuji Temple
• Kinkakuji Temple
• Heian Shrine
• Ryoanji Temple's Zen garden
• Imperial Palace
• Nijo Castle

Tourist Information

Kyoto City Tourist Information
2/F, JR Kyoto Station Building, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
Tel: (+75) 343 6655.
Website: http://kaiwai.city.kyoto.jp/raku/modules/english/index.php

Shopping

The heart of Kyoto's main shopping is around the intersection of Shijo-dori and Kawaramachi-dori. This is home to huge department stores as well as high-street brands.

Fashionable shops, exclusive boutiques and trendy restaurants can also be found along the elegant Kitayama Street, which stretches eastward from Kitayama Bridge.

For Kyoto's famous arts and crafts shops, visit the multistorey Kyoto Handicraft Center, Kumanojinja Higashi, Marutamachi-dori, Sakyo-ku.

Eating Out

Kyoto has an excellent range of restaurants, and this is a great city for delving into the full offerings of Japan's varied cuisine. Downtown Kyoto is the best place to begin a culinary journey.

When To Go

The best time to visit Kyoto is in spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). Crowds are thinner and temperatures are mild, plus you'll see blossoms in spring and the fiery beauty in autumn.

Transfer Times

Nearest Destination

Kyoto.

Transfer Distance

4km (2.4 miles).

Transfer Time

10 minutes.

Key Facts

Region

Japan

Time Zone

GMT + 9.

Currency

Japanese Yen (JPY; symbol ¥).

Language

Japanese.

Location

Situated in the central part of the island of Honshū, Japan.

Population

1,473,873.

Government

Constitutional monarchy.

Religion

Shintoism and Buddhism with a Christian minority.

Social Conventions

Bowing is the customary greeting but handshaking is becoming more common for business meetings with Westerners.

When entering a Japanese home or restaurant it is customary to remove shoes - and there are separate ‘toilet slippers' that should be put on before entering a bathroom, and taken off again on leaving. 

Tipping: Tips are never expected since a 10 to 15% service charge is added to the bill.
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