Kyoto Support » Forum: Sightseeing in Kyoto

Kyoto Support » Forum: Sightseeing in Kyoto - Recent Posts http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/forum/sightseeing-in-kyoto Sad to say, but this lovely old town requires some support. en-US Sat, 11 Feb 2012 11:58:36 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/search.php miwa on "Visiting Kyoto over New Year" http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/visiting-kyoto-over-new-year#post-201 Sat, 12 Sep 2009 10:40:19 +0000 miwa 201@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ Hello ezencia, If you are coming to Kyoto that time and hasn't booked accommodation or restaurant, please make reservation as soon as possible. I used to work in Ryokan, and I know that people who come to Kyoto on new years day book for the next year when they leave Kyoto. peko on "Visiting Kyoto over New Year" http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/visiting-kyoto-over-new-year#post-200 Sat, 12 Sep 2009 05:34:50 +0000 peko 200@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ Hello ezencia, Thanks for your question! The New Year celebration in Japan, O-shogatsu, as it is called is surely the most wonderful celebration of the year, but it can be difficult for foreign travelers as many restaurants and shops will be closed. If you are not on a tight budget or you have friends or family, I think that you can have nice time in Kyoto at O-shogatsu. You might consider coming at another time of year thought too. We touched on this issue previously, please see the link below for more. Here is a summary: Visiting Japan at New Year's, Oshogatsu (お正月)  Generally I would NOT recommend visiting Japan during the New Year's celebration for several reasons. - New Year's in Japan is family time, like Christmas in Western countries.  - Few shops, stores, restaurants will be open from January 1-4.  - Hotel and ryokan will be difficult to book. Sightseeing The shrines and temples will all be open -- and will be packed. Japanese visit a shrine for hatsumode, the first visit to a shrine in the new year. Here is a KyotoFoodie article with some photos of hatsumode: <a href="http://kyotofoodie.com/hatsumode-the-first-visit-to-a-shrine-of-the-new-year/" rel="nofollow">http://kyotofoodie.com/hatsumode-the-first-visit-to-a-shrine-of-the-new-year/</a> Japanese visit a temple at midnight to ring in the new year with the temple bell being rung 108 times. This is also a very wonderful experience. Trains often run all night on new year's eve and new year's day. Museums are generally open from January 3rd or 4th. Accommodations If you can get a reservation at a ryokan, one the includes meals, you should have no trouble as the staff ought to take good care of you. The problems is that it is a Japanese custom for families to stay at a ryokan over the new year so it it difficult to get a reservation. Food and Restaurants Few restaurants will be open. Very expensive, proper Kyoto-style kaiseki restaurants are obliged to be open (many are not now). Some cheaper restaurants near sightseeing attractions such as temples and shrines will be open. Most moderately priced restaurants, like the ones near your hotel or ryokan will likely be closed. If you stay at a ryokan, dinner and breakfast are usually included. The over-priced, mediocre restaurants in the international hotels ought to be open. From January 2nd, the department stores are open and you can get very good food at a moderate price to take out at the food courts. Convenience stores will be open as usual, 24 hours, through the holiday and the food offered isn't too horrible. Transportation Trains, buses, taxis etc are all available as usual during the holiday. Vegetarian/Vegan and Visiting Japan at New Year's: <a href="http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/vegetarian-vegan-and-visiting-japan-at-new-years" rel="nofollow">http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/vegetarian-vegan-and-visiting-japan-at-new-years</a> ezencia on "Visiting Kyoto over New Year" http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/visiting-kyoto-over-new-year#post-199 Sat, 12 Sep 2009 03:10:10 +0000 ezencia 199@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ Hi, I am travelling to Kyoto between 28 Dec and 31 Dec. I heard many places are closed during this time. Is it a bad time to go? Or are there still things to see? Thanks! bern on "Rub A Dub Bar, Kyoto Reggae Bar" http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/rub-a-dub-reggae-bar-kyoto#post-198 Fri, 11 Sep 2009 12:59:38 +0000 bern 198@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ thank u, I did check the website but couldn't find an email - wood for trees, maybe peko on "Rub A Dub Bar, Kyoto Reggae Bar" http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/rub-a-dub-reggae-bar-kyoto#post-197 Thu, 10 Sep 2009 14:01:23 +0000 peko 197@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ From their website: <a href="mailto:info@rubadub.org">info@rubadub.org</a> bern on "Rub A Dub Bar, Kyoto Reggae Bar" http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/rub-a-dub-reggae-bar-kyoto#post-196 Thu, 10 Sep 2009 13:58:37 +0000 bern 196@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ Looking for a contact - pref. email - for Rub A Dub bar n Thank you miwa on "Fun places to go with children in Kyoto" http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/fun-places-to-go-with-children-in-kyoto#post-186 Mon, 24 Aug 2009 02:24:42 +0000 miwa 186@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ Fun places to go with children in Kyoto Recently I took a family to the Umekoji Steam Locomotive Museum and their children had a wonderful time. I decided to make a list of several places that you can visit and enjoy with your kids in Kyoto Kyoto Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama (京都嵐山モンキーパークいわたやま) 150 Japanese monkeys are in the mountain, where you can see them VERY close and even feed them hand to hand. You can also get the best view of Kyoto. 5 minutes walk from Arashiyama station of both Hankyu railway and Keifuku railway. <a href="http://www.kmpi.co.jp/" rel="nofollow">http://www.kmpi.co.jp/</a> Umekoji Steam Locomotive Museum (梅小路蒸気機関車館) You can get on authentic Japanese steam locomotives. It is educational and fun, even for adults. 20 minutes walk from JR Kyoto station. <a href="http://www.mtm.or.jp/uslm/" rel="nofollow">http://www.mtm.or.jp/uslm/</a> Toei Kyototo Studio Park (東映映画村) A real town set of Japanese traditional Movie. An amusement park where you can enjoy all day. Good information in several languages. English <a href="http://www.toei-eigamura.com/info/lang_e.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.toei-eigamura.com/info/lang_e.html</a> Korean <a href="http://www.toei-eigamura.com/info/lang_k.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.toei-eigamura.com/info/lang_k.html</a> Chinese簡体 <a href="http://www.toei-eigamura.com/info/lang_c2.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.toei-eigamura.com/info/lang_c2.html</a> Chinese繁体 <a href="http://www.toei-eigamura.com/info/lang_c1.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.toei-eigamura.com/info/lang_c1.html</a> peko on "Favorite Hiking Destinations Around Kyoto" http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/favorite-hiking-destinations-around-kyoto#post-176 Sat, 20 Jun 2009 14:09:03 +0000 peko 176@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ The mountains surrounding Kyoto offer many excellent opportunities for day trip hikes. Where do you go? Daimonji Yama (Mt. Daimonji) This small mountain offers an excellent view of Kyoto and can be climbed in 40 minutes or so. The jump off point is Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion) and Philosopher's Path neighborhood. Mt. Daimonji is the place where the largest of the five great bonfires are burned for the Gozan-no-Okuribi ceremony at O-bon in mid August. <a href="http://openkyoto.com/sightseeing/hiking-kyoto-daimonji-yama.html" rel="nofollow">http://openkyoto.com/sightseeing/hiking-kyoto-daimonji-yama.html</a> peko on "Kyoto Top 10 List: Shrine, Temple, Garden, Palace and Castle" http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/kyoto-top-10-list-shrine-temple-garden-palace-and-castle#post-148 Wed, 13 May 2009 01:25:36 +0000 peko 148@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ Hello Funazushi, Thank you for the info and the link! I have been to the Kawai Museum once and I loved his work very much. I don't recall seeing the noborigama kiln though. I will have to go and check that out again. <a href="http://www.e-yakimono.net" rel="nofollow">http://www.e-yakimono.net</a> is a site that I first discovered 5 years or so ago and is a wonderful resource. (yakimono means ceremics/pottery) Funazushi on "Kyoto Top 10 List: Shrine, Temple, Garden, Palace and Castle" http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/kyoto-top-10-list-shrine-temple-garden-palace-and-castle#post-147 Tue, 12 May 2009 17:26:55 +0000 Funazushi 147@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ Excellent list. One suggestion I would make is that in the scenic neighbourhood you should visit Kawai Kanjiro's machiya. He was a famous Mingei(folk art) potter and designed his house and interior. There is a nobori kiln on the property for those interested in pottery. <a href="http://www.e-yakimono.net/html/kawaikanjiro.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.e-yakimono.net/html/kawaikanjiro.html</a> peko on "Top 3 Places to see Cherry "Sakura" Blossoms in Kyoto" http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/top-3-places-to-see-cherry-sakura-blossoms-in-kyoto#post-112 Sat, 04 Apr 2009 05:36:27 +0000 peko 112@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ Sakura 'Light-ups' in Kyoto A number of temples and several shrines and the castle in Kyoto have springtime 'light-ups' in which people go to see the cherry blossoms at night and the trees are lit up, usually from below. The sakura flowers are very delicate and light pink in color, so they are not that prominent against a light blue sky or white clouds. Being lit up at night helps one focus on and accentuates and dramatizes the beauty of the sakura. These light-ups are extremely popular in Kyoto. Kodai-ji Temple (高大寺) Kodai-ji Temple is a Zen temple located in the scenic Higashiyama/Gion neighborhood. It is an historic temple and was the residence of 'Nene', the ex-wife/widow of warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Kodai-ji has a spring sakura light-up and an autumn momiji (maple) light-up every year. In addition to the temple buildings there are three wonderful tea houses in the garden that are important cultural properties. One of the rock gardens has a funky light show designed by a different artist every year. Be sure to walk up the hill in the back of the garden to see the two tea houses on the hilltop and the bamboo grove which is also lit up. Nijo-jo Castle (二条城) Nijo-jo Castle is a blockbuster of a sakura light up and is conveniently located on the Tozai subway line at the intersection of Horikawa and Nijo Streets. While the castle interior is not open in the evening (it is during the day) the grounds, with a large number of sakura trees are dramatically light up. This is the only place in Kyoto where you can see sakura blossoms on a large scale amid castle moats and ramparts. Timing: Traditionally, sakura bloomed at around the beginning of April, but now with a warmer climate this generally happens a week or so earlier now. So, generally, it is late March now. However, the winter and early spring weather of the year determine when they will bloom, and there are numerous varieties of sakura, some blooming early, some late. For example the sakura at Gosho (The Imperial Palace), bloom quite early. Hanami (Flower Viewing): Many people picnic and barbecue under the sakura trees, often at night. This can be nice but generally it is loud, extremely crowded, there are a lot of obnoxiously drunk old men and there is often stinking garbage piling up. Maruyama-koen (Maruyama Park), at the east end of Shijo-dori (Shijo Street) is a popular destination for this kind of hanami. Light ups on temple grounds, anywhere that an admission fee is required, will be free of picnickers. miwa on "Top 3 Places to see Cherry "Sakura" Blossoms in Kyoto" http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/top-3-places-to-see-cherry-sakura-blossoms-in-kyoto#post-108 Sun, 29 Mar 2009 00:52:31 +0000 miwa 108@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ Philosopher's Path 哲学の道 Pretty path from Ginkaku-ji Temple to Nanzen-ji Temple. 500 trees when: late March/early April Kiyamachi Street 木屋町通り So many cherry trees on Kiyamachi Street, which is along Takasegawa River. Especially at night when they lit up between Sanjo Street to Gojo street. when: late March/early April Shirakawa Street 白川通り 43 trees along Shirakawa River, where the Memoirs of a Geisha took place. It is centre of Gion District. Lit Up from 27th March to 5th April. from 6 p.m. to 10p.m. when: late March/early April <a href="http://gion-nawate.com/sakura/shousai.html" rel="nofollow">http://gion-nawate.com/sakura/shousai.html</a> (Japanese only) miwa on "Top 16 Places to See Plum 'Ume' Blossoms in Kyoto" http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/top-16-places-to-see-plum-ume-blossoms-in-kyoto#post-105 Thu, 26 Mar 2009 12:49:33 +0000 miwa 105@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ Hello Adania. Wow you know a very interesting story! Yes, that is a famous tale and the magical plum tree is in Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine in Fukuoka, Kyushu. It is called TOBI UME. (Flying Plum) Here is a photo. <a href="http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E9%A3%9B%E6%A2%85" rel="nofollow">http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E9%A3%9B%E6%A2%85</a> The tree is said to be over 1,000 year old!! miwa on "Cherry Blossoms" http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/cherry-blossoms#post-104 Thu, 26 Mar 2009 12:02:26 +0000 miwa 104@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ Hello,Lotus, You will still be able to enjoy Cherry Blossoms in mid April, because some of those best Cherry Blossom sight's trees are famous for blooming late. Ninna-ji Temple and Nakaragi no michi near Kyoto botanical garden are my favorite spot. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ninna-ji" rel="nofollow">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ninna-ji</a> You can also check Cherry Blossom information from below. <a href="http://kaiwai.city.kyoto.jp/raku/modules/information_en/index.php/sakuradayori_en.html" rel="nofollow">http://kaiwai.city.kyoto.jp/raku/modules/information_en/index.php/sakuradayori_en.html</a> Please enjoy Spring in Japan! lotus on "Cherry Blossoms" http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/cherry-blossoms#post-103 Thu, 12 Mar 2009 16:43:47 +0000 lotus 103@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ Hello I will be in the Kyoto / Osaka area mid April .... will Cherry Blossoms be around til then and what are some best places to view them? I'm seeing late March as the first bloom forecast..... many thanks! adania on "Top 16 Places to See Plum 'Ume' Blossoms in Kyoto" http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/top-16-places-to-see-plum-ume-blossoms-in-kyoto#post-101 Mon, 09 Mar 2009 05:33:40 +0000 adania 101@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ So I recently heard a story about Sugawara Michizane and a plum tree. I was told that when he was exiled to Kyushu, his beloved plum tree uprooted itself and followed him, so he awoke one morning to see it growing in his Kyushu garden. Is there a place in Kyushu that claims to have this magical tree growing there? miwa on "Top 16 Places to See Plum 'Ume' Blossoms in Kyoto" http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/top-16-places-to-see-plum-ume-blossoms-in-kyoto#post-91 Sat, 14 Feb 2009 15:52:51 +0000 miwa 91@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ Plums are the first trees to blossom in Kyoto. They blossom in late winter, so if you are lucky you can see them in the snow. Here is the definitive list of temples, shrines, castle and palaces in Kyoto that are known to have the best, or most rare plum blossoms and plum trees. Kitanotenmangu Shrine 北野天満宮 how many, what kind: 2000 plum trees when: mid Feb. to early Mar. Plum festival on 25th Feb. 075-461-0005 Umenomiya Taisha Shrine 梅宮大社 how many, what kind: 35 varieties of plums, 550 plum trees when: mid Feb. to early 075-861-2730 Kyoto Imperial Palace 京都御苑 how many, what kind:20 varieties of plums, 250 plum trees, South of Hamaguri-gomon Gate when: mid Feb. to mid Mar. 075-211-6348 Nijo Castle 二条城 how many, what kind:3 varieties of plums, 130 plum trees when: mid Feb. to early Mar. 075-841-0096 Manshuin Temple 曼殊院 how many, what kind: 2 varieties of plum, 20 plum trees when: from late Feb. 075-781-5010 Tenryuji Temple 天龍寺 how many, what kind: 3 varieties of plums when: from late Feb. 075-881-1235 Otoyo-jinja Shrine 大豊神社 how many, what kind:The biggest weeping plum tree in Kyoto and is 250 to 300 year old. when: early to mid Mar. 075-771-1351 Botanical Garden 植物園 how many, what kind: 60 varieties of plum, 150 plum trees when: mid Feb. to late Mar. 075-701-0141 Jonangu Shrine 城南宮 how many, what kind: 2 varieties of plums, 150 weeping plum trees when: late Feb. 075-623-0846 Kanshuji Temple 勧修寺 how many, what kind: A single plum tree, very old, the third generation. when: mid to late Feb. 075-571-0048 Takaragaike Park 宝ケ池公園 how many, what kind: 200 plum trees when: late Feb. to Mar. Shozan しょうざん how many, what kind: 200 or 300 plum trees when: early to mid March 075-491-5101 Zuishinin Temple 随心院 how many, what kind: 200 plum trees. The Plum garden open from March 1st. when: from late March 075-571-0025 Ryoanji Temple 龍安寺 how many, what kind: 80 plum trees when: late Feb. 075-463-2216 Shoseien Garden 渉成園 how many, what kind: 30 plum trees when: mid Feb. 075-371-2961 Jojakkoji Temple 常寂光寺 how many, what kind: 30 pots of plum trees when: mid to late Feb. 075-861-0435 peko on "Bicycle rental in Kyoto / is Kyoto bicycle friendly city?" http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/bicycle-rental-in-kyoto-is-kyoto-bicycle-friendly-city#post-55 Tue, 06 Jan 2009 04:18:03 +0000 peko 55@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ Hello Dess-tin, Winter in Kyoto: Though snow can usually be seen on the surrounding mountaintops it rarely snows in Kyoto now. Accumulation is a rarity and only lasts for a few hours. Bicycles in Kyoto: Yes, bicycles are a primary mode of transportation for many residents of the city. Sightseeing in Kyoto by bicycle is an excellent way to experience the city. Kyoto is a bicycle friendly city, ALTHOUGH, you must be careful parking a bicycle in the downtown areas, especially near stations and in the Shijo, Sanjo areas. Bicycles are impounded on a daily basis. Usually the impounding is done in the A.M. and not done on weekends. (I could be wrong about this or it could change any time.) Rental: Try Kyoto Electric Bicycle Rental "Kyo no Raku Chari", I haven't rented a bicycle here before but I have heard good things about Kyo no Raku Chari. They have an English language website and it is conveniently located just off of Sanjo Street, near the Sanjo-Higashiyama intersection Kyo no Raku Chari homepage: <a href="http://eng.rentacycle.jp/" rel="nofollow">http://eng.rentacycle.jp/</a> Kyo no Raku Chari map: <a href="http://eng.rentacycle.jp/mapinfo_e.html" rel="nofollow">http://eng.rentacycle.jp/mapinfo_e.html</a> Used Bicycle Purchase: If you are going to be in town for a few weeks or months, you can often purchase a used bicycle in good condition at a reasonable price. There are numerous shops that sell them. Just ask around in your neighborhood. Jess-tin on "Bicycle rental in Kyoto / is Kyoto bicycle friendly city?" http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/bicycle-rental-in-kyoto-is-kyoto-bicycle-friendly-city#post-54 Mon, 05 Jan 2009 17:42:30 +0000 Jess-tin 54@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ I have not been to Kyoto previously but it appears to be the scale of which one can thoroughly travel the city by bicycle, I am right on that? Is there snow in the winter season on the streets? Do people bicycle there in the winter? Do you know of any companies that rent bicycles? Thank you. miwa on "Kyoto Top 10 List: Shrine, Temple, Garden, Palace and Castle" http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/kyoto-top-10-list-shrine-temple-garden-palace-and-castle#post-19 Sun, 16 Nov 2008 15:35:16 +0000 miwa 19@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ If you only have one day in Kyoto and you want to do some sightseeing, you've got a whole lot of choices. Here is our 'Top 10 List' to choose from. Shinto Shrine 1. Fushimi Inari Taisha 伏見稲荷大社 (Fushimi Inari Shrine) 2. Kamo Shrine Complex: Kamigamo-jinja, Shimogamo-jinja 上賀茂神社・下鴨神社 (Kamigamo Shrine and Shimogamo Shrine) Buddhist Temple (Architecture/Sculpture) 3. Sanjusangen-do 三十三間堂 (Sanjusangen Temple) Garden (at temple) 4. Ryoan-ji 龍安寺 (Ryoan Temple) 5. Daitoku-ji 大徳寺 (Daitoku Temple) 6. Tofuku-ji 東福寺 (Tofuku Temple) Water Garden (at shrine) 7. Heian Jingu 平安神宮 (Heian Shrine) Palace and Garden 8. Katsura Rikyu 桂離宮 (Katsura Imperial Villa) Classical Japanese Screen Paintings and Interior 9. Nijo-jo 二条城 (Nijo Castle) Scenic Neighborhood 10. Gion-Kiyomizu-dera 祇園・清水寺 (Gion and Kiyomizu Neighborhood)