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Embark on a journey to Kyoto and immerse yourself in the ancient charm of Japan, where tranquility washes away all worries. Long have you dreamed of reconnecting with spiritual values and exploring architectural marvels that bear the marks of time in the Land of the Rising Sun. Join Mytour to discover Kyoto's hidden treasures!
1. Introduction to Kyoto
Unlike the bustling metropolis of Tokyo, Kyoto exudes a serene and rustic charm. It lacks the towering skyscrapers and flashy buildings found in Tokyo but instead boasts historical landmarks and ancient temples. Stepping foot in Kyoto feels like stepping back in time to Japan's 1800s during your Kyoto journey.
Discover Kyoto's Timeless Tranquility Amidst the Bustle of Life
Kyoto once served as Japan's capital for over 1000 years. Consequently, you'll encounter palaces and ancient tiled-roof houses steeped in cultural and historical significance. Despite past conflicts, Kyoto remains relatively untouched, preserving its palaces and historical architecture in their original state. This allows you to explore the essence of Kyoto deeply in your Kyoto journey.
Here, you can breathe in the fresh, cool air and leisurely cycle along narrow streets, admiring ancient houses. These elements coalesce, earning Kyoto the title of Japan's cultural capital. Additionally, you can combine your Kyoto trip with tours of Osaka since these two destinations are close. This adds myriad colors and flavors to your journey.
2. What Makes a Kyoto Tour Beautiful?
2.1. Spring
Spring in Kyoto typically starts from February to April. During this time, the average temperature ranges from 10 to 18 degrees Celsius, making it ideal for outings. However, in the early morning and late evening, the temperature can drop to around -4 to 4 degrees Celsius. Therefore, it's advisable to wear warm clothes to stay cozy.
Spring arrives in Kyoto, painting everywhere with cherry blossoms
In spring, you can admire the blooming cherry blossoms filling the sky. Cherry blossoms in Kyoto usually bloom from mid to late April. You can stroll through ancient houses, silently watching the cherry blossoms dancing in the wind.
If you want to capture beautiful moments during your trip to Kyoto, you can visit the following places: Maruyama Park, Nijo Castle, Kamogawa River, Heian Shrine, Philosopher's Path, and more.
2.2. Summer
Summer in Kyoto usually begins from July to September. This is the festival season in Kyoto, where you can participate in many cultural festivals such as Aoi Matsuri Festival, Kamo Festival, Gion Matsuri Festival, and more.
Moreover, you can experience camping or hiking. During this time, the greenery of Kyoto is lush, without feeling too cold or too hot. The average temperature ranges from 16 to 27 degrees Celsius, providing a cool, fresh, and pleasant climate for your Kyoto trip.
2.3. Autumn
Autumn is the perfect time to visit Kyoto. The autumn season in Kyoto usually starts from September to early December. During this time, Kyoto is enveloped in red hues, and locals often refer to this season as Momiji season. Therefore, visiting Kyoto in autumn allows you to admire the ancient beauty adorned with red colors.
The famous red foliage season in the ancient land of Kyoto
You can witness the beauty of red leaves anywhere in Kyoto. To fully experience the red hues in the thousand-year-old ancient capital, you can visit in early November. Stepping into autumn in Kyoto feels like walking on a red carpet woven from falling leaves.
You must visit Eikando Temple when booking your tour to Kyoto. The temple boasts around 3000 red maple trees, creating a unique atmosphere in Japan tours. Additionally, you can participate in famous festivals here during the autumn season, such as the Arashiyama Momiji Festival and the Jidai Festival.
2.4. Winter
Unlike the romantic autumn, Kyoto dresses itself in a new coat of white snow during winter. However, this period is less preferred by tourists to visit. Traveling to Kyoto in winter can be chilly, with an average temperature of 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.
Blanketed in white snow, Kyoto's skyline vanishes
During winter, Kyoto presents itself with a blend of antiquity and modernity. During this time, you can partake in traditional games and festivals such as the Fudehajimesai Festival, Kemari Hajime Festival, and Toka Ebisu Festival.
3. Transportation in Kyoto Tours
3.1. Getting to Kyoto
To reach Kyoto specifically and Japan in general, it's advisable to prioritize air travel. Flying allows you to save travel time and ensure safety during your experience. 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 trains, or buses. Depending on your destination and time, choose the most suitable mode of transportation.
Moreover, Kyoto is a city with few cars, so you can opt for bicycles as a convenient mode of transportation. You can ride under the trees, admire the ancient capital at night, which is serene yet modern. You can easily reach historical sites, shrines, temples, and shrines.
If you're using a bicycle, remember to ride on the left side and turn on the lights at night. Check your bike and anti-theft devices before moving. And remember to wear a helmet when riding.
4. Must-Visit Places in Kyoto Tour
4.1. Kyoto Tower
Kyoto Tower is considered the city's symbol and is dubbed the lighthouse of this region. Amidst the ancient values worth thousands of years, Kyoto Tower exists like a candle illuminating those values.
Kyoto Tower - one of the city's famous landmarks
Embarking on the journey of Kyoto tour, you can feast your eyes on the colorful panorama of Kyoto city. A small note, if you stay at Kyoto Tower Annex hotel, you will be entitled to a free admission ticket to Kyoto Tower.
4.2. Kinkakuji Temple
Kinkakuji Temple hides amidst the lush green nature of the mountains. Kinkakuji Temple is one of the sought-after destinations for many travelers seeking spiritual connections on their Kyoto tour. The Golden Pavilion temple, as it is also known, is revered for its majestic golden appearance.
The majestic golden temple hidden amidst the forests
You will be amazed when you come here because you will admire the luxury and splendor from the 1955s. That's why the temple was recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage Site in 1944. Every season, the temple seems to put on a new coat as the landscape changes. The pink of cherry blossoms, the red of autumn leaves, and the white of snow have made the Kyoto tour always diverse.
4.3. Fushimi-Inari Taisha Shrine
When mentioning Fushimi-Inari Taisha Shrine, people will remember the shrine with over 4000 brilliant red Torii gates. The shrine boasts unique architecture along with the fox statue holding a key creating a striking focal point. Moreover, you can write your prayers on the Ema plaques while wandering around on your Kyoto tour.
The famous red shrine - Fushimi-Inari Taisha Shrine
Besides the spiritual elements of the shrine, you can also freely capture stunning photos here. With its distinctive red color, you can create impressive pictures for social media.
4.4. Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is located in the Sagano district, west of Kyoto. Stepping into the bamboo grove, you will feel like traveling back to the time of the Samurai right on your Kyoto tour.
You can reach the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove in two ways:
- First Method: Enter through the main gate of the bamboo grove, although this area tends to be crowded with tourists.
- Second Method: You can visit the Tenryuji Temple first, then exit from the northern gate of the temple. From there, turn left to enter the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. This way, you'll get to explore one of the largest Shinto shrines in the Land of the Rising Sun. Not only that, it will shorten the travel time and avoid overcrowding when experiencing your Kyoto tour.
4.5. Nishiki Market
If you want to savor the distinctive flavors of the Land of the Rising Sun, then you definitely can't miss Nishiki Market. Visiting Nishiki Market, you'll not only enjoy the unique local cuisine but also have the opportunity to buy gifts for your loved ones.
A market with a unique cultural flair in Kyoto city
The cuisine at Nishiki Market is incredibly diverse and rich. Here, you can indulge in dishes like sushi, dried seafood, all at very reasonable prices. If you want to learn about Kyoto's culinary culture, feel free to ask the locals here. They are very polite and friendly, so they can answer all your questions.
5. Things to Consider When Going on a Kyoto Tour
When visiting Kyoto, you want your trip to be memorable with many unforgettable memories and activities. You may not know what to do to preserve your journey. So, let Mytour help you remember the following:
5.1. Carry Some Coins
According to local beliefs, releasing coins before making a wish will help the prayer be answered soon. That's why you'll always see many coins in the prayer area at temples.
5.2. Try Traditional Costumes
You won't have difficulty spotting locals or tourists wearing colorful yukata costumes. Why not try dressing up as a Japanese local and strolling through the ancient streets? This will make your photos even more impressive.
6. Must-Try Foods When Experiencing a Kyoto Tour
Renowned as a land of long history, Kyoto's cuisine reflects its unique cultural heritage, preserving traditional culinary traditions. When embarking on a tour of Kyoto, you simply can't miss these exquisite and unique dishes:
- Tenkaippin (Kyoto-style Ramen).
- Tofu.
- Kushikatsu (Grilled skewers of meat and vegetables).
- Chirimen Sansho (Small fish mixed with sansho pepper).
- Nama-fu (A dish similar to tofu).
- Kyoto-style Sushi.
- Soy milk doughnuts.
- Tsukemono pickles.
- Yatsuhashi (Triangle-shaped rice flour cakes).
- Kaiseki.
7. Some Budget-Friendly Kyoto Tours
Purchasing a tour to Kyoto will save you a lot of time and money compared to traveling independently. There are many tours available to explore this region, such as Osaka - Kyoto tour, 3 days 2 nights Japan tour,... If you're unsure about the most suitable and affordable tour of Kyoto to take, consider the following suggestions:
6-Day 5-Night 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 longing for a journey to explore the ancient charm with a Kyoto tour? Do you wish to 'reverse the flow of time' to behold a unique Japan? Then, call now Mytour for comprehensive support from A to Z.
