🍁 Editor's Perspective: A Complete Travel Guide to Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan's ancient capital, boasts not only world-class temples and shrines but also breathtaking scenery that changes with each season. Here, you can experience the richness of traditional Japanese culture, whether it's spring cherry blossoms, summer greenery, autumn maples, or winter snow, the beauty is breathtaking.

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🏯 Recommended must-see attractions

1. Kiyomizudera Temple

• Highlights : A world cultural heritage site, with a wooden stage overlooking the stunning scenery of Kyoto city.
• Editor's Tip : The autumn nighttime illuminations are incredibly romantic, so it's recommended to purchase tickets in advance.
• Nearby : Sannenzaka & Ninenzaka shopping streets, a paradise for Japanese souvenirs and sweets.

2. Kinkaku-ji Temple

• Highlights : The gleaming golden exterior, reflected in the Mirror Lake, looks like a painting.
• Editor’s tip : The light is best for taking photos in the morning, when there are fewer tourists.

3. Fushimi Inari Shrine

• Highlights : The Thousand Torii Gate Trail, walking into it is like entering another time and space.
• Editor's Tip : If you want to take photos of the deserted Torii, arrive before 7am!

4. Arashiyama

• Highlights : Bamboo forest trails, Togetsukyo Bridge, and Sagano train, the scenery is super healing.
• Editor's Tip : The autumn maple season is very crowded, so it is recommended to visit on weekdays.

5. Nishiki Market

• Highlights : Kyoto's kitchen, a variety of Japanese cuisines are available at once.
• Editor’s Tip : Try the fried skewers, matcha desserts, and black bean tea!

6. Philosophy

• Highlights : Walking along the cherry trees and stream is perfect for relaxing.
• Editor’s Tip : The cherry blossom season is the most beautiful in spring, so it is recommended to take a slow walk and take a closer look at the surrounding shops.

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🚋 Kyoto Transportation Guide

City transportation

• Bus : Kyoto has a dense bus network that can reach almost all major tourist attractions.
  • We recommend purchasing a Kyoto Bus One-Day Pass (around 700 yen for adults), which allows unlimited rides and is a great value.
• Subway : There are only two lines (Karasuma Line and Tozai Line), which are suitable for use in conjunction with buses.
• Taxi : It is convenient when traveling with a group or with a lot of luggage, but the fare is higher.

How to get there

• From Osaka : Shinkansen approximately 15 minutes, JR Limited Express approximately 30 minutes.
• From Tokyo : Tokaido Shinkansen Nozomi, approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes.

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🗓 My personal 2-day itinerary suggestion

Day 1 (Dongshan Cultural Route):
Kiyomizu-dera Temple → Sannenzaka & Ninenzaka → Yasaka Shrine → Gion Hanami-koji → Nishiki Market

Day 2 (West Mountain Natural Route):
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove → Togetsukyo Bridge → Sagano Sightseeing Railway → Kinkaku-ji Temple → Fushimi Inari Shrine

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🍵 Editor adds food map

• Gion Tsujiri : Matcha smoothie is a must.
• Ichimonjiya Kazusuke: A century-old grilled dumpling shop.
• Yudoufu Sagano : A must-try Japanese vegetarian dish in Arashiyama.

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💡Editor 's friendly reminder :

• There are many bus stops in Kyoto, so it is recommended to use Google Maps or NAVITIME to check the route.
• Accommodation is tight during the autumn maple and spring cherry blossom seasons, so be sure to book a room 3-6 months in advance.
• Most of the attractions are walking areas, please wear comfortable shoes.