Kyoto Journey: Explore the Ancient Capital of Thousand-Year Sanctity

Embark on a Kyoto journey to immerse yourself in ancient Japan, a serene space to cleanse your worries. For so long, you've yearned to rediscover spiritual values, monumental structures bearing the timeless marks of the Land of the Rising Sun. You long to stroll along cobblestone streets; join Mytour in uncovering Kyoto!

1. Introduction to Kyoto

Unlike the bustling vibe of Tokyo, Kyoto exudes an ancient and rustic charm. Devoid of towering skyscrapers and dazzling lights, Kyoto boasts historical relics and venerable temples. Stepping foot here, you'll feel like journeying back to Japan's 1800s in your Kyoto journey.

There lies a serene Kyoto amidst the hustle and bustle of life

Kyoto was once the capital of Japan for over 1000 years. Hence, it's not difficult to come across palaces, traditional tiled-roof houses steeped in culture and history. Despite past wars, Kyoto remained relatively unscathed. Therefore, palaces and historical architecture still stand intact as they were originally. Thanks to this, you can explore vividly during your Kyoto journey.

Here, you can breathe in the fresh, cool air. You can cycle through narrow streets, admiring ancient houses. These elements crystallize together, earning this place the title of Japan's cultural capital. Moreover, you can combine sightseeing with tours of Osaka as these two destinations are nearby. This will add myriad colors and experiences to your journey.

2. What's Beautiful About a Kyoto Journey?

2.1. Spring Season

Spring in Kyoto usually begins from February to April. During this time, the average temperature ranges from 10 to 18 degrees Celsius, making it pleasant for outings. However, in the early mornings and late evenings, temperatures can drop to around -4 to 4 degrees Celsius. Therefore, it's advisable to prepare warm clothing to keep yourself cozy.

Spring arrives in Kyoto, painting everywhere with cherry blossoms

In spring, you can admire the blooming cherry blossoms all over the sky. Cherry blossoms in Kyoto typically appear around mid to late April. You can stroll through ancient houses, quietly watching the cherry blossoms dancing in the wind.

If you want to capture beautiful moments during your Kyoto tour, you can visit the following places: Maruyama Park, Nijo Castle, Kamogawa River, Heian Shrine, Philosopher's Path, and more.

2.2. Summer Season

Summer in Kyoto typically starts from July to September. This period marks the festival season in Kyoto, where you can participate in various cultural festivals such as the Aoi Matsuri, Kamo Festival, Gion Matsuri, and more.

Additionally, you can experience camping or mountain climbing. During this time, Kyoto's greenery is lush, with comfortable temperatures ranging from 16 to 27 degrees Celsius, providing a pleasant and refreshing atmosphere for your Kyoto tour.

2.3. Autumn Season

Autumn is the perfect time to visit Kyoto. The autumn season in Kyoto typically starts from September to early December. During this time, Kyoto is bathed in red hues, known locally as the Momiji season. Visiting Kyoto in autumn allows you to admire the ancient beauty adorned with shades of red.

The famous red foliage season in the ancient city of Kyoto

You can witness the beauty of red leaves anywhere in Kyoto. To fully experience the crimson charm of the ancient capital, visit in early November. Walking through autumn in Kyoto feels like stepping on a red carpet woven from fallen leaves.

Make sure to visit Eikando Temple when booking your Kyoto tour. The temple boasts about 3000 red maple trees, creating a distinctive skyline in Japan tours. Additionally, you can join famous festivals here during each autumn such as the Arashiyama Momiji Festival and the Jidai Festival.

2.4. Winter Season

Unlike the romantic autumn, Kyoto dresses itself in a new coat of white snow during winter. However, this period is less popular among tourists. Traveling to Kyoto in winter can be chilly, with average temperatures around 10 degrees Celsius, dropping to 0 degrees Celsius in January. Therefore, if you decide to visit Kyoto during this season, make sure to prepare warm clothing.

The white snow blankets the Kyoto skyline

In winter, Kyoto adorns itself with a blend of antiquity and modernity. During this time, you can engage in traditional games and festivals such as the Fudehajimesai Festival, Kemari Hajime Festival, and Toka Ebisu Festival.

3. Transportation during your Kyoto tour

3.1. Getting to Kyoto

To reach Kyoto and Japan's ancient capital in general, it's best to prioritize air travel. Flying to Kyoto saves you travel time and ensures safety during your journey. Nowadays, you can fly directly from Vietnam to Kyoto. Alternatively, you can explore Tokyo first and then travel to Kyoto.

3.2. Getting Around in Kyoto

In Kyoto, you can easily explore the city using various modes of transportation. You have multiple options: taxis, subway, or buses. Choose the most suitable mode of transportation depending on your destination and schedule.

Moreover, Kyoto is a city with fewer cars, so you can opt for bicycles as a convenient means of transportation. You can cycle under the canopy of trees, admire the ancient capital at night, serene yet modern. Visiting historical sites, shrines, temples, and sanctuaries is easily accessible by bike.

If you're cycling, remember to ride on the left side and turn on your lights at night. Check your bike and anti-theft devices before moving. And remember to wear a helmet while cycling.

4. Must-Visit Destinations in Kyoto Tour

4.1. Kyoto Tower

Kyoto Tower is considered the city's icon and is dubbed the lighthouse of this region. Amidst ancient values spanning thousands of years, Kyoto Tower exists as a beacon illuminating these values.

Kyoto Tower - one of the city's renowned landmarks

Embarking on the Kyoto tour, you can feast your eyes on the vibrant cityscape of Kyoto. A small tip: if you stay at Kyoto Tower Annex hotel, you'll get complimentary admission to Kyoto Tower.

4.2. Kinkakuji Temple

Kinkakuji Temple nestles amidst the lush greenery of the mountains. Kinkakuji Temple is a sought-after destination for many travelers seeking spiritual connection in their journey to Kyoto. The Golden Pavilion temple is also known by another name: the Golden Pavilion Shrine.

The solemn golden temple hides amidst the lush forests

Prepare to be amazed when you visit here, as you'll marvel at the extravagance and grandeur dating back to 1955. That's why the temple was recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage site in 1944. Each season, the temple adorns itself with a new attire as the landscape changes. The pink hues of cherry blossoms, the red hues of autumn leaves, and the white hues of snow have made the Kyoto tour always diverse.

4.3. Fushimi-Inari Taisha Shrine

When it comes to Fushimi-Inari Taisha Shrine, people think of the temple with over 4,000 vibrant red Torii gates. The shrine boasts a unique architecture along with the fox statue holding a key, creating a remarkable focal point. Additionally, you can write your prayers on an Ema plaque as you explore the journey to Kyoto.

The famous red shrine - Fushimi-Inari Taisha Shrine

Besides the spiritual aspects of the shrine, you can also indulge in endless photo opportunities. With its distinctive red color, you can capture impressive photos for your social media feeds.

4.4. Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is situated in the Sagano district, west of Kyoto. Stepping into the bamboo forest, you'll feel like you've been transported back to the era of the Samurai right in your journey to Kyoto.

You can reach the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove in two ways:

• First method: Enter through the main gate of the bamboo grove, although this area is usually crowded with tourists coming and going.
• Second method: You can visit the Tenryuji Temple, then exit through the northern gate of the temple. From there, turn left to enter the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. This approach allows you to visit one of the largest Shinto shrines in the Land of the Rising Sun. Not only that, it also shortens the travel time and avoids overcrowding when experiencing your journey to Kyoto.

4.5. Nishiki Market

If you want to savor the distinctive flavors of the Land of the Rising Sun, you cannot miss the Nishiki Market. Visiting the Nishiki Market, you can enjoy the rich flavors of this place and also buy gifts for your loved ones.

A market area with unique cultural charm in the city of Kyoto

The culinary experience at Nishiki Market is diverse and rich. Here, you can enjoy a variety of dishes such as sushi and dried seafood at very reasonable prices. If you want to explore Kyoto's culinary culture, feel free to ask the locals here. They are polite and friendly, so they can answer all your questions.

5. What to Consider on Your Kyoto Tour

When you come to Kyoto, you want to make your trip more memorable with many unforgettable memories and activities. You may not know what to do to preserve your journey. So let Mytour help you remember these things:

5.1. Carry Some Coins

According to local beliefs, throwing coins before making a wish will help the prayer be answered sooner. That's why you'll often see many coins at the prayer areas in temples and shrines.

5.2. Try Traditional Costumes

It's not uncommon to see locals or tourists wearing colorful yukata costumes. Why not try dressing up as a Japanese local and stroll through the ancient streets? This will surely make your photos more impressive.

6. Must-Try Foods When Exploring Kyoto Tours

Renowned for its long historical heritage, Kyoto's cuisine reflects its unique cultural identity, preserving traditional culinary heritage. When embarking on a tour of Kyoto, you cannot miss out on these distinctive and refined dishes:

• Tenkaippin (Kyoto-style Ramen).
• Tofu.
• Kushikatsu (Grilled skewers of meat and vegetables).
• Chirimen Sansho (Small fish mixed with sansho pepper).
• Nama-fu (Similar to tofu).
• Kyoto-style Sushi.
• Soy milk doughnuts.
• Tsukemono pickles.
• Yatsuhashi (Triangle-shaped rice flour cake).
• Kaiseki.

7. Some Affordable Kyoto Tour Packages

Purchasing a Kyoto tour package will save you a lot of time and money compared to traveling independently. Nowadays, there are many tours to explore this land, such as the Osaka - Kyoto tour, the 3-day, 2-night Japan tour,... If you're unsure about the most suitable and budget-friendly tour of Kyoto, consider the following suggestions:

6 Days 5 Nights Japan Tour:

• Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City - Osaka/Nagoya.
• Day 2: Osaka/Nagoya - Kobe.
• Day 3: Osaka - Kyoto - Nagoya.
• Day 4: Nagoya - Mount Fuji - Yamanashi.
• Day 5: Yamanashi - Tokyo - Narita.
• Day 6: Narita - Ho Chi Minh City.

Japan Tour from Hanoi:

• Day 1: Hanoi - Narita - Tokyo.
• Day 2: Tokyo.
• Day 3: Mount Fuji - Oshino Hakkai Village.
• Day 4: Nagoya.
• Day 5: Kyoto - Osaka.
• Day 6: Osaka - Hanoi.

Are you yearning to explore, discover the ancient charm with a trip to Kyoto? Do you wish to 'reverse time' to behold a unique Japan? Then call Mytour now for Mytour's full support from A to Z.