Visit Kyoto: What are the best things to do and see in the ancient capital of Japan?
There are so many Things to do in Kyoto it would take a month simply to see the most interesting attractions and activities. This city was the imperial capital of Japan from 794 to 1868 and is world-famous for hosting the Kyoto Protocol conference to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. There are many reasons to visit: here is a list of things to see during your stay in Kyoto!
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1. Discovery of Kyoto temples
There's more. 1,600 temples in Kyoto, then making a choice will be an intimidating task for you if you travel to this city only a few days. The temples you must not miss are the following (but you will find many more during your stay). Click on the links to see where they are on Google Map. - Ryoan-ji - Nanzen-ji - Tofuku-ji - Daitoku-ji - Ginkaku-ji - Chion-in - Honen-in – and a special mention for the latter, the Temple Kinkaku-ji : 
Flickr - He tales about Luna
The famous " Gold Pavilion "is Kyoto's most emblematic site. Try to choose a moment where the crowds of tourists are not there to go to see this magnificent temple. Its snowy roof in winter or its very green environment in summer always gives it a beautiful look. Son reflection in water is magical. The current construction covered with gold leaves was inaugurated in 1955, five years after the original temple of the 14th century was burned by one of the monks of the temple.
2. Gion and its geishas
This is not the only one geisha quarter still existing in Japan, but Gion , a set of streets defined by its old wooden buildings, tea lounges and local restaurants, is by far the most famous. Spend an hour to stroll around the neighborhood and you will have a chance to see a geisha or two go with their heavy zori sandals and their pretty kimono. But Gion is not only meant to see the geishas. Each month of July, their charms are eclipsed by the Gion Matsuri , a festival that attracts more than a million visitors for its traditional charade and musical shows. 
Flickr – dalobeee
3. Unmissable shrines of Kyoto
A few 400 shinto shrines exist in Kyoto, what to delight you but also discourage you if you want to make a small selection... No problem, I did it for you! Here are a few. Click on the links to see where they are on Google Map. - Fushimi-Inari-Taisha - Shimogamo-jinja - Yasaka-jinja - Heian-jinga - Kamigamo-jinja - Yoshida-jinja
4. Get a panoramic view from the Kyoto Tower
From the height of its 131 meters, the Kyoto tower is impressive because it was built (in 1964) on the roof of a building. It offers a 360° view over Kyoto for 770 yen (5,50€).
5. Arrive in Shinkansen in the futuristic station
In front of the Kyoto Tower is the station. This is where the famous Shinkansen high speed train arrives. The station is to be seen because its architecture is impressive and it also serves as a shopping centre.
6. Taste of Nishiki market specialities
Flickr - [cipher]
The Nishiki market is by far the cheaper to eat Kyoto. You will find all the main ingredients of traditional local cuisine: tsukemono (Japanese cornichons), fresh tofu, Kyo-yasai (Kyoto vegetables), wagashi (Japanese candy), tea, fresh fish and crustaceans. Some shops sell food to take away like yakitori or sashimi pins, and some restaurants with tables to sit are in the heart of the shops. Nishiki is also a good shopping center with many traditional souvenirs offered.
7. To imitate the zeitude of the many gardens
The temples listed above are surrounded by gardens where it is ideal to walk. You should also discover those of imperial villas Katsura and Shugakuin , or the garden Sento Gosho in the Imperial Palace of Kyōto. 
Flickr – np ‘djjewell’
8. Visit the Kyōto International Manga Museum
Fans of mangas can go to another sanctuary in Kyoto, but very different from those presented above in the article... The museum presents a collection of some 300,000 BD, and exhibitions related to manga. Visit the official website (French version) to learn more.
9. And all that Kyoto has to offer you
Yes, the list is long, as I indicated in the intro. You can go do some things. hiking (see pilgrimages) to the different sanctuaries and temples of the city, often arranged on hills. Many things are to be discovered on your plates, you should sincerely write restaurants even if it will come to you forcibly. Try in particular the neighbourhood Ponto-chō . Also, do not hesitate to rent a bike which is a pleasant way to visit this city also ... pleasant.
How to get to Kyoto?
Kyoto is a large metropolis of nearly 1.5 million inhabitants. It is very well served in terms of transport (trains, metros, buses, etc...). However, to reach it by air, you must land at Osaka Airport. A train will then take you to Kyoto. To find a cheap flight for Kansai International Airport , visit our partner's website Ulysses .
Find a hotel in Kyoto
Kyoto is one of three major cities in Japan and it is important to reserve its accommodation in the right neighborhood in order to be close to the places to visit, especially the many temples. To find a cheap hotel in Kyoto, search this Compare hotels .
Have you been to Japan? In Kyoto? What do you think? Post a comment!
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