Kyoto > Kyoto Attractions

Advantages: Japan's cultural heritage - designated historic relic
Disadvantages: Can't think of any!

NIJO CASTLE in Kyoto, is a delightful place to visit. It is easily accessible by bus and is a stunning example of a Japanese castle and you can also visit the Ninomaru palace on the same site. In fact there are several buildings on the site, all of which you can wander around and which I am reviewing under the heading of the castle as they are all part of it. When I visited some months ago the opening hours were 9 am until 4 pm and it is open all ...
...it was not extortionate! Nijo Castle was built originally in 1603 and was intended to be the official residence of the first Shogun. Throughout the centuries the castle was changed and had additions made to its structure and is now designated a historic relic, the Ninomaru Palace itself is a National Treasure. So it is well worth visiting this piece of history. In 1867 the Castle was given to the Imperial Family and in 1939 it was donated to the ... Read review

Advantages: breathtaking castle, glistening in the sun
Disadvantages: A long way from England!

KINKAKUJI TEMPLE If you are visiting Kyoto you must visit this magnificent temple, it is simply breathtaking! Set in the northern hills of Kyoto this temple was once part of a larger complex. There are regular bus services from the centre of Kyoto to the temple entrance and from there you walk along a tree lined walkway, the trees almost manicured in appearance, they are so neatly trimmed. Buses go from outside Kyoto station or you can take the ...
...Of course there are organised tours you can take too, but I prefer to wander around these places at my leisure and not be herded along with a crowd. That way you can take as much time as you want to look at things and not have to listen to some tour guide giving a boring commentary. After passing through the entrance gate, you walk past a high bamboo fence lining the walkway, and then suddenly you see this magnificent building, the Golden Temple ... Read review

Advantages: Most popular tourist attraction
Disadvantages: None

...of a Geisha). In Gion, you can see many old buildings and there are many restaurants. In the evening, you will most probably bump into a geisha while strolling along Hanami-Koji. You are not able to stop a geisha and talk to her because most of the time, if you see them, they are on their way to the teahouse where they serve their clients. (From what my Japanese friend told me, a geisha is paid about USD$800 per hour to entertain a guest). The ...
...rich can afford to go. And, you have to be recommended by an existing member of the teahouse to join it. If not, as a tourist, you cannot enter a teahouse no matter how much money you have. However, nowadays, you can purchase a package that includes meal and geisha entertainment. The cheapest package is about £300. I met a geisha in my friend's teahouse but she was in a hurry to attend another appointment in another teahouse so I could only take ... Read review

Advantages: Free admission to see one of the best Japanese Architecture and Landscaping!
Disadvantages: Need to obtain visitor's permit.

Katsura Imperial Villa is one of the iconic Japanese architecture and garden. Its built as a princely estate in the early 17th century by the bank of the Katsura River, which supplies the water for its magnificent ponds and streams. The estate covers an area of about 16 acres. In 1590 it was given to Prince Toshihito, the younger brother of the emperor. The Japanese government tightly controls access to Katsura even today. You should apply permit ...
...black watching you every move you make during the tour. It doesn't bother you once you start admiring the beauty of Katsura Villa. Several tours are held daily on weekdays. They last about one hour and guides are in Japanese only but you can request English audio thing on arrival. ... Read review

Advantages: Beautiful, good views, cheap.
Disadvantages: A steep climb from the centre of the city.

Kiyomizu Temple is one of the most famous temples in Kyoto and a beautiful site with brilliant views over the rest of the city. It is dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy (Kannon) and named after the clear natural spring that allegedly offers wisdom, health and hapiness if you sip from its three spouts. The main temple is on a huge high platform that was once used for performances and is famous as the origin of a well known folk tale about the ten thoughts ...
...death. It is a great place to go if you want to see Geisha as they tend to pray their - especially in the first 3 days of January. It is one of the cheapest temples to visit at a cost of only 300yen all in (most temples charge additional fees for every building inside the compound). You can also act like a local and go in the exit which is a bit cheeky but allows you to access all the site except for the main temple building. The temple is on a ... Read review