For most visitors to Japan if 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 or Tokyo airports. Kyoto can easily be reached by bullet train or bus from Tokyo. The train takes a few hours the bus about twice as long but for about half 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 for a geisha. There are so many temples to visit that you'll either need a proper guide book or just explore. Try asking other travellers where their favourites are. Most open at about 7-8am and shut by 5-6pm try visiting earlier especially to the more popular ones because the crowds can ruin the peaceful ambience that they try to provoke. Probably the most popular is the golden pavillion 'kinkakuji' it is set on a beatiful mini lake but upclose the temple itself seems a bit garish and tacky.
Some of the best temples are to be found heading up into the hills where it is a lot quieter and also cooler during the summer.
Where to stay- Look in a guide book for a list of places there are a few hotels right next to the station and a large number of Ryokan spread throughout the city which are feel worth staying in to enhance that traditional Japanese feel. Kyoto is a haven for the budget traveller because of a series of guesthouses. I stayed at Uno house to the north of the city during my stay. They are generally pretty grotty places but a lot cheaper than hotels and are great places to meet other travellers.
Night Life- There is a pretty good choice of night life as you'd expect in a major city try heading along the Western side of the river. Some of the bars have great views over the river and often you can see children setting off fireworks along the river banks over festival periods.
So in summary the closest most short stay travellers will get to seeing traditional without heading out into the countryside and smaller towns. Really it is quite beautiful but be prepared to never want to see another temple, shrine or zen garden after a few days there.
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