Top Ten Kyoto

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1. Before you do anything else in Kyoto, make sure that you have reserved one of the lovely tatami rooms at Bola Bola Guesthouse. It is a small ryokan (traditional inn) owned by a kind thirty-something couple that has a gorgeous three year old daughter who loves to play with the guests! It is a twenty minute train ride to the center of town, but it’s well worth the extra effort. It is decorated wonderfully, has a lovely covered porch, and wonderful service. Even better, there is an amazing onsen that is only a five minute walk away. Beware of the train tracks nearby, though. I have to admit, it can get pretty loud, but bring some ear plugs and stay anyway because this place was my favorite part of Kyoto!

2. Go to an onsen. These are the Japanese bath houses that also include saunas. They are elegant, inexpensive (about 12 USD or less), and extremely relaxing after a long day of taking in the sights. Be prepared to bare all because these are nude baths- no bathing suits allowed! The sexes are separated, of course, but if you are traveling co-ed, there is the common room where you can meet up and relax together. Just remember one very important thing: you MUST wash yourself at the showers near the door inside the baths BEFORE you jump into one of the pools. Also, if you have tattoos like I do, be prepared for some stares or the possibility of not being admitted to the baths. I didn’t have any problems, though, and my tattoos are quite visible. The baths are a unique experience to see a part of Japanese culture while pampering yourself a bit, so put your inhibitions aside and have fun.

3. Rent a bicycle. Transportation in Japan is very expensive- even for busses. In Kyoto, there are so many shrines and temples to see and many of them are within a fairly close distance to one another. You can usually rent a bicycle at your hostel…Bola Bola has them for about 6 USD a day. It’s a great way to leisurely see the city and ensure that you don’t miss any hidden treasures. Plus, you can bike through the neighborhoods, most of which have fairly traditional achitecture (Kyoto was one of the only cities not bombed in WWII).

4. Hang out in Gionfor a day and enjoy the shops and people watching, as well as the amazing temples and Shinto shrines in the hills above the area. Stroll down the main street as you eat delicious green tea soft-serve ice cream and pick up a few souvenirs at one of the many shops that line the street. The best part is seeing all the women dressed in gorgeous kimono shuffle down the street.

5. Stroll around in what I believe is the loveliest part of Kyoto- the hills above Gion, right at the end of the main drag. This slight hill has cobblestoned streets that pass tons of Shinto shrines and little gift boutiques and restaurants. This is the best place to buy souvenirs in Japan as well as to observe the maiko (geishas in training), who often stroll through this area in full make-up and dress. You can also find a few kimono shops that will give you a good deal on a cotton kimono or a whole ensemble (purse, sandals, and obi included). Don’t expect to pay anything less than 100-200 (or more) on a silk kimono in Kyoto.

6. Kyoto is all about temples and my favorite is Kiyomizu Templein Gion. In order to get to the temple, just walk all the way up the street in the Gion hill- you can’t miss it. The temple has a few buildings to stroll around, so you can bring some sushi and gren tea and have a bit of a picnic on the grounds after your visit, if you wish. The best part of the temple, however, is the natural fresh spring that provides delicious water to drink. Catch the water with one of the cups provided by the temple and drink the water which is said to have healing properties.

7. Go to Gion Corner and enjoy their cultural show. It seems like a tourist trap, but the bunranku puppetry demonstration and Geisha dances are worth the money. Skip their tea ceremony, however, and opt for one at a traditional tea house instead. This is a great option for theatre lovers, as many traditional Japanese theatre (like Noh or Kabuki) is shown only during certain times of the year. When your show is over, walk around the area by Gion Corner around dusk, as you are likely to see maiko as they head off to entertain at the expensive and exclusive tea houses. The Geisha are the soul of Kyoto, which is the most traditional and artistic part of Japan, and watching them is absolutely fascinating. However, many tourists act like paparazzi, bombarding the women as they pass by or lying in wait for them outside the tea houses (most foreigners are not allowed into these tea houses). It is best to observe them from a distance and respectfully.

8. Don’t miss the opportunity to see ancient Zen Gardens, as Kyoto has a few that are really beautiful. My favorite was at Ginkakuji Temple, which is surrounded by a beautiful mountain trail. It’s pretty busy there, so I recommend going in the early morning. Remember, all the temples close at 5pm, so plan for early days in Kyoto. Another great Zen garden, and perhaps Kyoto’s most famous, is the one at Ryoanji Temple. This atmosphere is very peaceful and outside the garden you will find lovely lotus-filled ponds.

9. Check out Sanjusangendo Temple, which has hundreds of ancient gold statues of the god Kannon set up next to one another creating a veritable army. Be sure not to miss The Golden Pavillion Temple, the most famous temple in Kyoto. It’s golden hue against the lake it stands beside is breathtaking at sunset. Afterwards, walk around the city at dusk and stop in at the various Shinto shrines, which have beautiful lighted lanterns hanging from their outdoor pagodas as soon as the sun goes down. The best shrines are near the hills of Gion.

10. If you need a break from all the temples and Zen gardens, take a day trip to Hiroshima, which is only a two hour train ride from Kyoto. You will be amazed and inspired by the courage and will to survive of the inhabitants of the town. Be reminded of the horrors of nuclear war at the A-Bomb Dome, the only building left standing after the blast. Be sure to go to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum to learn more about the tragedy and its aftermath. End the day by walking around Peace Park and having a snack by the riverside, where young people often gather to hang out or play music. You will certainly leave feeling inspired.