DIY Travel Guide to Kyoto, Japan [With Suggested Tours]
Do you want to travel to Kyoto? Here’s our DIY Travel Guide to Kyoto, Japan, with suggested tours.
One of my favorite cities in Japan is Kyoto. It has gorgeous scenery and a traditional vibe. It’s actually Japan’s cultural capital and has a collection of UNESCO World Heritage Sites like historic shrines and breathtaking gardens. You could travel here by yourself and enjoy what this lovely city offers.
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Table of Contents
List of Things to do in Kyoto, Japan
1. Walk along with Fushimi Inari Taisha
Nearest Station: JR Inari Station
Our travel guide to Kyoto will start with one of the most iconic spots; the Fushimi Inari Taisha. It is built in honor of the Shinto god of rice, Inari. There are thousands of red torii that lead to the sacred mountain. Most people would be seen taking pictures featuring these gorgeous gates (it’s a bit challenging if it’s crowded, though). Still, it’s a fantastic site you should not miss!
Suggested Tour: Kyoto and Nara Discover the Ancient City Day Tour
2. See the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Kyoto
The Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto are 17 historical sites spread around the cities of Kyoto, Uji, and Otsu. Fushimi Inari Shrine is one on the list, but there are also other 2 Shinto Shrines and 13 Buddhist Temples, and Nijo Castle. They were built as early as the 6th century to the 17th Century; one should not miss visiting at least three!
Suggested Tour: Kyoto Perfect Day Tour
3. Stroll along Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Nearest Station: Arashiyama Station
An instagrammable place in Kyoto is the Bamboo Grove to Mt. Arashi. Like the Fushimi Inari Shrine, it’s quite hard to get a picture due to the crowd, but if when you take one, it’s superb. It will take about 1-2 hours to complete your stroll here, so don’t forget to let the view sink in.
Suggested Tour: Arashiyama Rickshaw Tour
4. See the view from Kyoto Tower
Nearest Station: Kyoto Station
If you want to see the city of Kyoto, then go to the tallest structure, the Kyoto Tower. The tower is 131 meters high, with the observation deck at 100 meters. Check the 360-view of the city up above, and you might even see Arashiyama on a good day! Many people recommend going on near sunset as it’s spectacular!
Suggested Tour: Kyoto Tower Admission Ticket
5. Buy traditional souvenirs kach.howe@gtravelgurus.com
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Written by GTravel Gurus - Contributor
GTravel Gurus – Community Travel Blog is a travel blog and website. We quickly grew into a valuable source of inspiring travel stories, advice, itineraries and travel guides, with the aim of demonstrating how to live a sustainable life of travel, whilst living your own definition of success. If you'd like to contribute and write a guest post, contact us kach.howe@gtravelgurus.com