gion district kyoto japan

TRAVELING TO KYOTO

Considering Kyoto doesn’t have an airport, Osaka is the closest major city I could fly into. As soon as I got out of customs and claimed my bag, I went straight to the Japan Rail Station to purchase my tickets for Kyoto.

Although there are other options to get to Kyoto, such as bus or shuttle service, the train was the fastest and easiest option. The whole entire ride was smooth, comfortable, and took approximately 75 minutes.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

The change of pace from Tokyo to Kyoto was quite evident. The moment I stepped out of the train station in Kyoto, the vibe and energy of the city was calming and relaxing. It was a complete 180 from Tokyo where the sheer pace on how things can happen and how people move can overwhelm anyone.

gion district japanese wave

The warm Japanese greetings



BEST SIGHTS TO SEE IN AND AROUND KYOTO

1. Arashiyama Bamboo Forest (Nanzen-ji)

The Arashiyama Bamboo Forest was the number one place to visit in my Kyoto itinerary.

Located about 20-minutes on the outskirts of Kyoto, Arashiyama Bamboo Forest will leave you speechless with its giant bamboo stalks. Walking around this area will make you feel like you are in another world. Must visit.

arashiyama bamboo forest japan

Arashiyama bamboo forest

2. The Golden Temple (Kinkaku-ji)

A popular tourist attraction, this temple was built in 1397 and is covered entirely in gold.

golden temple kyoto japan

Golden temple

3. The Fushimi Inari Tori Gates

If you’ve seen Memoirs of a Geisha, this place will look oddly familiar. These grounds are said to hold over 10,000 gates that dates back all the way from 711 A.D. Let that sink in for a minute!

torii gates kyoto japan

The Torii Gates

4. Gion

Arguably the most famous Geisha district in all of Japan, not just in Kyoto. This historical neighborhood offers restaurants, shops, ochaya (teahouses) and Geishas quietly going from place to place to entertain their clients.

gion district kyoto japan

Gion district

5. Nara

This little town just outside of Kyoto is known for its shrines, temples, gardens, and…bambi. I don’t think I’ve ever seen as many deers roaming around as much as I did in Nara.

nara deer park japan

Look, it’s bambi!

CUISINE IN KYOTO

Kyoto offers some of the richest culinary tradition in all of Japan. However, the experience to taste authentic Japanese cuisine comes with the price tag. But if you are a Japanese cuisine aficionado, the experience is worth every penny.

Check out Inside Kyoto – they have a great list of different cuisines and restaurants to try in Kyoto.

dining in kyoto japan

Oishi!

FUN FACTS

Kyoto was once the capital of Japan. Also, many of the scenes from the popular movie Memoirs of a Geisha were filmed here.

SOMETHING FIRST ON THIS TRIP

Hunting Geishas. They’re not easy to spot!

The first time I went to Japan was  in 2009 and I remember being disappointed because I didn’t see a Geisha. For those of you know who don’t know who they are or what they do, Geisha’s are Japanese women who are profesionally trained in the arts of music, dance, and entertainment (Geisha in Japanese literally means “person of art” – see also “Memoirs of a Geisha”). They are iconic Japanese entertainers and has been a big part of the Japanese culture as far back as the 18th century. They are mostly hired by businessmen who has a budget of roughly $1000 USD an hour for their entertainment services (serving sake, playing musical instruments, among others….)



Booking.com


Anyway, with that said, there are barely any Geisha’s in Tokyo. Most of them reside and work in Gion (one of the oldest neighborhoods in all of Japan) where you can still see some posters advertising Geisha shows.

For those who wish to spot them – head over and walk around Gion between 4-6 p.m. where you may spot a Geisha heading to work. However, these Geishas are quite shy and will not stop for a photo op. You just gotta do a selfie and snap real quick!

geisha gion district kyoto japan

A Geisha (on the right) with her Maiko (apprentice)

INSIDER TIPS

If you want to be close to the arts and culture in Kyoto, look for AirBnb in the Gion District. There are plenty of selection where you can find Machiya residences (traditional housing) or single bedroom with traditional Japanese interior design.