Kyoto

HOW TO MAXIMIZE your time in Kyoto

It’s a great idea to visit both Kyoto and Tokyo when you go to Japan. When you visit Kyoko, you’ll leave with a fantastic window into traditional Japanese culture. It’s known for it’s temples and shrines, peaceful gardens, and teahouses. With all this history and beauty comes a lot of visitors (and higher price points than the rest of the country). Here’s my advice on how to make the most of your time in Kyoto.

Start your day early. With the recent onslaught of tourists in Japan, you can expect crowds at most major temples. Many temples in Kyoto open as early at 5:00 AM. If you want tranquility while viewing these gorgeous sites (and to avoid large tour groups), showing up around 7:00 AM is a good plan.

You won’t get to all the temples. There are over 2,000 temples in Kyoto. Plan to go to 4-6 temples to get the gist. I have a recommended temple itinerary, including one that allows the public to attend Buddhist monks’ morning chants.

The stunning Kiyoimizu-dera temple

The beauty is in the backstreets. Downtown Kyoto (area around the Nishiki Market and department store Takashimaya) gets pretty crowded with tourists. Give yourself time to wander the backstreets of Kyoto where you can see locals living their daily lives and stumble across hidden cafes and restaurants.

If you’re going to Osaka, plan to visit the Kuromon Fish Market and then skip the Nishiki Market in Kyoto. The market in Osaka is more diverse, larger, less crowded, and much cheaper than Kyoto.

Kyoto by night

Public buses will be the easiest way to get around. And the subway is not far behind! Mass transit is different in Japan. It’s reliable, clean, and safe. With less traffic & less English speaking cab drivers than Tokyo, the bus is an efficient and (very) inexpensive way to get around.

Restaurant Pick ($$$): Nikuryori Yama. Hidden inside a small house with no signs and no telephone number to call, Nikuryori Yama is the best kept secret for wagyu lovers. Eat an omakase menu at the six seat counter that is centered around the highest-quality Japanese black beef. Chef Ryuji Yamagishi is a gracious and gregarious host.

If you can believe it, this chateaubriand katsu sandwich tasted even better than it looks

Chef Ryuji Yamagishi

Grilled beef tongue. Sizzle sizzle.