Kyoto

Kyoto is one of Japan's oldest and most ancient cities, and was also the capital of the country for over 1,000 years. The city offers an incredible array of temples, history and culture, and is an absolute must for anyone travelling in this part of the world.

Kyoto

Me in Kyoto

Kyoto

Kyoto

Food in Kyoto 

Bamboo Forest

Located just outside of the city centre, the Bamboo Forest is one of Kyoto's most iconic attractions. The forests of bamboo are incredibly beautiful to walk around. It's free to get into the forest, and remember that it gets very hot and humid in the forest in the summer - although there are vending machines around to keep you hydrated.

Bamboo Forest

Me in the Bamboo Forest

Bamboo Forest

Bamboo Forest

Kinkaku-ji - The Golden Pavillion

Kinkaku-ji, officially named Rokuon-ji, is a Zen Buddhist temple, and is one of the most photographed places in Japan. 

The Golden Pavilion

The Golden Pavilion

This is one of the few temples in Japan where there is a charge to get in, and it's also a little bit off the beaten track if you are getting there by subway - it's a good 30min walk from the station. If you are brave enough to learn the buses however you can get a lot closer that way. 

The Golden Pavilion

The Golden Pavilion

Me at The Golden Pavilion 

Nishiki Market 

Kyoto's busiest food market is a lively, busy row of market stalls, fresh food, and cooked food for you to try. The array of interesting and wonderful food for you to see and try will keep you busy for a long time.  

The food here is excellent, and it is where the chefs of Kyoto come every morning to get the best items for their restaurants. 

Nishiki Market

Nishiki Market

Tea Ceremony

This is not so much a location but an experience you can do in Kyoto, and one that I highly recommend!

Tea Ceremony in Kyoto

I went to a tea house called "En" for my tea ceremony, where you can book join a group or book your own private ceremony. The private ceremony is obviously more expensive, but whichever one you want you are best to ask your hotel to book this in advance for you. 

Tea Ceremony in Kyoto

Tea Sweets

Sanjusangendo Temple

Sign to entrance for Sanjusangendo Temple

Sanjusangendo temple is one of the few temples in Kyoto that charges an entrance fee, but their reason for doing this is the same reason you are probably visiting this temple - to see the 1001 statues. 

Sanjusangendo Temple

There is a pretty strict policy at the temple regarding no photos in the room with the statues, so unfortunately I have no photos to show here and you will struggle to take them as well, but the sight of the 1001 statues is incredible and worth the trek out to this temple. 

Sanjusangendo Temple

Toyokuni Shrine

Toyokuni Shrine

This small shrine is a short walk from Sanjusangendo Temple, and is a beautiful example of a less touristy Buddhist place of worship. There is no entrance fee, making this the perfect stop off point on your way to the bigger temple.

Toyokuni Shrine

Kyoto International Manga Museum

Entrance to the museum

Manga is a huge part of Japanese culture, and this museum pays tribute to how popular Manga has become.

Manga Museum Library

The main feature of the museum is the sheer number of books they have in their library. They have manga books  going back to the 1940s, and any visitor to the museum can sit and read any of these books in the library. If you visit late afternoon you find 100s of people sat engrossed in manga books - which is quite an incredible sight. 

Imperial Palace

The Imperial Palace

Entrance to the Imperial Palace requires a permit, and a guide - two things I did not know before I walked there! Therefore I did not get chance to go inside the palace. Don't forget to do your research and get this done before you  visit here.

Gion

Gion

Gion is the area of Kyoto famous for Geisha - trainee Geisha are known for walking around this part of the city.

Gion

When you walk around Gion you will see a lot of women and girls dressed as Geisha - some will be genuine and some will just be tourists. Either way they add to the atmosphere and feel of the district. 

Gion 

Anthony Carlile