Kyoto > Kyoto Experience

Advantages: It is a fascinating city which presents many of the contrasts of Japan
Disadvantages: This review is very long - but there is so much to Kyoto that I've only given you the main sites

...it is far too long. Kyoto has a great deal to see though... Kyoto gives its name to possibly Japan's most historically and culturally rich prefecture (kyoto-ken), and is contained within the Kansai region. The city itself which was then known as Heian-kyo, was used as the country's capital before Tokyo and shares this privilege with nearby Nara which predates it. Along with Osaka, Nara is ...
...are just intending on visiting Kyoto is Kansai International Airport. This is located in Osaka, which can be reached most cheaply by JR train (costing 540yen and taking approximately 30 minutes) and quicker still by Shinkansen (bullet train). If you are intending on visiting Tokyo too, you may well wish to fly in and out of the country's capital. You can reach Kyoto by Shinkansen in two and a half to three hours by taking the train bound for Hikari. ... Read review

Advantages: A very spiritual but vibrant city with places easy to find
Disadvantages: When it's hot - it's sticky, if you like that kind of thing!!!

...spent 3 fabulous days expolring Kyoto in May this year and I loved every moment. The city is set out in a grid pattern, so finding places is simple and most people speak some degree of english. I loved the temples and shrines - the Golden Pavilion is a must see, the reflection in the water is awesome and the surrounding gardens are beautiful. The Daiokuji Temple Complex with the Zen Gardens at Daisen-In are another definite to behold. Another 2 great ...
...only way to travel to Kyoto in style is by the bullet train, which arrives at the futurist looking station. The only down side was that it was very hot and sticky when I was there, however I used the very good public transport instead of just walking everywhere which is possible if you so desire. I can't wait to return to explore all the other places I had to miss out during my 3 day trip. ... Read review

Advantages: beautiful, hundreds of temples and shrine
Disadvantages: real danger of shrine overload

...Tokyo encapsulates modern Japanese culture Kyoto does the same for traditional Japan. For the most part it doesn't disappoint the shear number of Temples and shrines to be found here is absolutely incredible. Some of them are extreamly famous and as expected are pretty impressive but some of the better finds are hidden away on the outskirts of the city and exploring is very much rewarded. Getting there- Most travellers will arrive at either Osaka ...
...the price. Both arrive at Kyoto station. From the station find the right exit and start exploring, most of the sights are to to the north of the station. Trains from Osaka to Kyoto are frequent and only take about half an hour. Getting around- Local buses cover most routes, remember to pay when you get off not on. Hiring a bike can be a good idea, the centre is very flat and it saves a lot of time. What to do- Take in all the sights, go searching ... Read review

Advantages: Enormous temples, exciting centre & good wooded walks.
Disadvantages: Disappointment if you let the guidebooks build it up too much & expensive.

...KYOTO I went to Kyoto determined to dislike it. Everyone had said I should go – parents, employer, students and friends had all told me how wonderful it was. However, I’d also heard several things that put me off. For example, Kyoto does not have a baseball team. Apparently you must live in Kyoto for three generations before you’ll be accepted as a “Kyoto person”. When I met other westerners working in Japan those that ...
...of this edition live in Kyoto we discover) I was quite ready to pass it by entirely. However, flight times and weekends falling as they did I found that I had three days at the end of my stay in Japan and that unless I spent them in Kyoto I would place my chances of catching my plane in severe jeopardy. Thus I boarded the 23:00 overnight bus from Hiroshima, surrendered Y6020 and at 5:58 the next morning I rolled into town – Kyoto would have ... Read review

Advantages: great history
Disadvantages: can get crowded

Kyoto is a must for anyone visiting japan, along with Tokyo. Whereas Tokyo is the modern, vibrant japan, Kyoto is the old Japan. Kyoto is easy to find your way around, as all the underground stations have the signs written in English. The main attractions are the gold and silver temples. The gold temple is stunning - a two story building completley covered in gold leaf. The nice thing about the temples is that they are all set in their own tranquil ...
...that the tourist sites in Kyoto can get very crowded, especially with partied of school children. Be prepared also for them to want to take your photo! As with all of Japan, accommodation in Kyoto is expensive. Eating out is OK, but make sure you try the Japanese food and don't just stick to Macdonalds! ... Read review