{"id":90,"date":"2019-08-30T11:10:18","date_gmt":"2019-08-30T10:10:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/japanrailplanner.com\/blog\/?p=90"},"modified":"2020-12-22T13:43:11","modified_gmt":"2020-12-22T13:43:11","slug":"what-to-do-and-see-in-kyoto","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/japanrailplanner.com\/blog\/what-to-do-and-see-in-kyoto\/","title":{"rendered":"What to do and see in Kyoto"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you think that a trip to Kyoto is just about visiting historical monuments and temples, then think again. While the city has more than its fair share of historical monuments – being the birthplace of ancient Japanese civilisation – it\u2019s also home to a host of modern attractions too. 
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The purpose of this article is to serve as a guide for your next trip to the city. Not only will it tell you about the places that you\u2019ll want to visit, but also when they\u2019re open, how much you\u2019ll expect to pay, and other helpful tidbits so that you don\u2019t arrive unprepared. 
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Kyoto is firmly within the Japan rail network and well-served by rail services, making it a great place to stop off and have a look around, whether as a tourist or business traveller. 
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The Temples<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Kyoto is brimming with temples. For the sake of brevity, we\u2019ll run through them in list form. However, that doesn\u2019t mean that each does not have substantial charm and character. <\/p>\n\n\n\n


Nijo-jo Castle<\/strong>. This castle was once a shogun residence and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The complex is unique in the sense that it looks medieval, thanks to the shimmering white wall that surrounds it. Opening times vary throughout the year with the castle opens between 8:00 and 8:45 and closes between 17:00 and 18:00 depending on when you visit. Entry prices are 600 yen for adults and an extra 400 yen if you want to step inside the Nimomaru Palace. To get there from Kyoto Station, take the Karasuma Subway Line To Karasuma-Oike Station and then get on the Toazai Line To Nijo-jo Station. Expect to pay 260 yen for the trip. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Higashiyama Temples<\/strong>. The Higashiyama Temples are a group of ancient monuments, shrines, and parks along Kyoto\u2019s eastern mountains. It\u2019s one of the best-preserved districts in the country, full of narrow lanes and wooden buildings. The Higashiyama temples are part of a much large area so you may or may not pay entry fees depending on where you go. Getting to the district by train is possible. From Kyoto Station, make your way to Higashiyama Station on the Tozai Subway Line. Alternatively, pick up the 100 or 206 bus from Kyoto Station, advertising Kiyomizudera as the destination. You\u2019ll find yourself in the district within about ten minutes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kyoto Temples.<\/strong> The great thing about Kyoto is that you don\u2019t have to venture out of the center to see temples. They\u2019re everywhere. If you\u2019re the sort of person who loves temples, then you can find a mixture of Buddhist and Shinto temples right from the train station itself. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Other things to do, besides temples<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Yes, Kyoto is famous for its temples, but there are so many other things to do in the city too. 
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See the monkeys in Arashiyama<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The bamboo groves of Arashiyama might be \u201ctouristy,\u201d but there\u2019s a reason for that: they\u2019re stunning. If you\u2019ve never been to a bamboo grove before, you have to check it out. Seeing giant grasses rise like trees and form a canopy is something to behold. You can wander around the place in a state of awe and bemusement. 
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