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Kyoto is an amazing city, full of history and culture.
The city was the nation's capital for about 800 years since the late 8th
century.
Even now, 400 years after the national capital was moved to Edo(the old
name for Tokyo) in 1603,
Kyoto remains to be one of the most infuential cities in Japan.
From reading thick guidebooks that travelers carry, I was overwhelmed by
how many "things to do" and "things to see" there are
in Kyoto. Until reading the guidebooks, I dd not know that there were over
2,000 temples and shrines in Kyoto. A bit shameful for a Japanese man living
in Kyoto.
By the way, you want to carefully choose where to go and where to skip,
as you are most likely to skip some 1,990 temples/shrines.
When I travel, I DO NOT want to visit solely the places that are listed
in famous guidebooks. However, I also know that there are places where
I should not miss out, even if they are in guidebooks. Don't we all have
the same problem?
The whole purpose of making this webpage is to introduce Kyoto from a local's
point of view.
To have you learn about the city fas, deep and wide. See all the best options
possible.
Then decide on your own, where to visit.
My wife, who is from Kyoto, myself and our daughter who was born in 2010
will do our utmost to introduce you the city of KYOTO, INSIDE OUT!
MY FAMILY & I will list up best tips & advise possible,
YOU
decide where to go:)
May this webpage be a good help to your trip to Kyoto.
Best wishes to your travels!
Things to do in Kyoto
(List is for everybody, including travelers with children.)
Nishi-hongwanji
One of the nicest temples you can visit around JR Kyoto station area. It
is the headquarters of one of the Jodo-shinshu branches(it is complicated,
there are branches among one big branch) of Buddism. You can enter for
free and the inside the temple is amazing.
The first room you will step into is a huge room with few hundred tatami
mats. When my daughter was 1 year old, we would come here and let her crawl
around and run around because there are very few people in the temple(do
not do it in the high season!).
Chicago(second hand clothing store)
If you are looking for second-hand clothing store in Kyoto, this is the
place to go. It is on the west side of Teramachi street, just few blocks
down from Sanjo. On the second floor, they have second hand traditional
clothings.
Shimogamo delta
This is not officially a "delta," but we all call it Shimogamo
delta. It is where the Kamo river is forked, located a 30 second walk west
of Demachiyanagi station. Also known as Demachi delta. It is popular among
the locals who live in northern part of Kyoto.
There are several Universities around and in the evening, you can see students
practicing their trumpet, juggling, dancing and more. From the river side,
you can also have a great view of the Daimonji mountain(which lights up
on Obon in Aug.).
There is a local market 2 min. walk west of this delta, called Demachi
shotengai. Here, you can find Kyoto's well known dessert called mame-mochi
(at Futaba, 160yen) and yummy Japanese style fast food called korokke (at
Okada- shokai, 50yen).
*Price is subject to change
Shimogamo shrine
I am not sure if Shimogamo shrine is even listed in English guidebooks.
I do not see many foreign travelers here.
Please note that this is the GOD SHRINE of Kyoto.
The protector, the guardian shrine of Kyoto.
More Information
My family go here in the early summer to see fireflies.
Imperial Palace
This is a well known place. But many do not know that this place is more
like a park than a palace. I recommend family travelers to come here for
a picnic on a nice sunny day! That is what we do!
Kiyamachi street
Drinking street. Literally, thousands of little bars. To be honest, some
are not tourist friendly. However, if you don't like the one you chose,
you can just hop next door. There are just soooo many of them!!
Some of them have a table charge, so try to find the ones with a "No
Charge." sign.
Sarasa(of Kayuu-koji)
This is a nice small restaurant/cafe near Shin Kyogoku shopping street
in the back alley. if you are coming from Shijo Shin Kyogoku, turn east
on the first alley, head straight for 50m and it is on the south side next
to an instrument store. I really like the food here, healthy, modern Japanese
style food.
Price:is around 1,000yen and big portion by Japanese standards
Sankyu-en(of Ayano-koji)
A nice little tea house 5 min. walk south west of Shijo station.
You will be drinking tea in a cafe, formally a house, which is over 100
years old.
Price:is around 1,500yen
Only open from 1pm to 5:30pm on weekdays
*Price and hours are subject to change
Department stores
There are many department stores in Kyoto.
Daimaru, Fujii Daimaru, Marui, Takashimaya, Isetan.
They are all fun to stroll around.
Warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
You might think it is a boring decision to visit department stores when
you are traveling, but these are the places where locals go.
Please enjoy finding interesting things in Japanese department stores!
*For families with babies, it is easy to find large restrooms where you
can find places to change diapers.
Also, if you go to food floors at around 7pm, you can find tasty bento boxes(good for dinner or lunch) for discounted prices!! Great buy.
Loft and Mujirushi(or Muji)
These are not as big as department stores, but fun places to see unique
products. They both sell random things. From cookwears to living room products
to clothings to stationaries!! So muc fun looking though these stores.
They are both on Kawaramachi street, a few blocks south of Sanjo street.
Loft is on the west side of the street. Muji on the east side of the street(in
BAL building).
AND please don't forget Haru Cooking Class -Kyoto-!!
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