🔙 Main Story: Japan Golden Route (10 Days)
Did you survive the Tokyo maze? If you missed my Tokyo tips (Suica, Skyliner, Shibuya Sky), check this guide before you get lost in Kyoto!
🛑 Stop! Don’t go to Kyoto blindly!
Kyoto is not just a tourist spot. It is a “Time Maze” with 1,200 years of history. If you wake up late, it is a “Crowded Hell.” But if you know the strategy, it becomes a “Quiet Heaven.”
I am Hachi-Sensei!
Kyoto is tough on your legs. Check the stats below before you start!
📊 Kyoto Stats Dashboard
💀 My Biggest Mistake (Don’t do this!)
Years ago, I made a terrible mistake. I took the City Bus (206) from Kyoto Station to Kiyomizu-dera with my huge suitcase at 10:00 AM.
The result?
The bus was packed like a sardine can. I couldn’t move. The locals stared at me with angry eyes because my bag was blocking the aisle. It was the most stressful 30 minutes of my life.
👉 Lesson: NEVER take big luggage on the bus. Send it via “Takkyubin” or drop it at your hotel first.
🚅 Money Saving Hack (Golden Route)
Do you plan to visit Hiroshima/Miyajima after Kyoto? (Day 9-10).
STOP! Do not buy individual Shinkansen tickets. You will lose money.
🆚 Price Comparison (5 Days)
*Note: JR Pass doesn’t cover Kyoto city subways. For city sightseeing (Day 1-2), get this ticket:
💰 The Real Cost (Per Person / Day)
- 🚌 Transport: ¥1,500 (1-Day Pass + Extra)
- 🎟️ Entrance Fees: ¥3,000 (3-4 Temples)
- 🍱 Lunch & Snacks: ¥4,000
- 🔥 Total Estimate: ¥8,500 (approx. $55 USD) / Day
*Hotel and Dinner are NOT included. Small temples often accept CASH ONLY.
- 📊 Kyoto Stats Dashboard
- 💀 My Biggest Mistake (Don't do this!)
- 🚅 Money Saving Hack (Golden Route)
- 💰 The Real Cost (Per Person / Day)
- 🌅 Day 1: The "No-Nail" Miracle & Old Gion
- 🎋 Day 2: Bamboo & Gold (Arashiyama & Kinkaku-ji)
- 🦌 Day 3: Deer, Matcha & Foxes
- 🥩 Food & Gourmet: Meat & Ramen (And Vegan!)
- 🏨 Where to Stay in Kyoto
- ⚠️ Kyoto Survival Guide: 8 Iron Rules
- ☔ FAQ: What if it rains?
- 🚄 Mission: Moving to Osaka (Warning!)
- 📦 When should I move?
🌅 Day 1: The “No-Nail” Miracle & Old Gion
Kiyomizu-dera is the King of Kyoto. The amazing thing is the “Kake-zukuri” architecture. The massive wooden stage on the cliff is built without using a single nail.
- 🕕 06:00 – Kiyomizu-dera: The most famous temple. Go early to see the “Stage” without 3,000 people.
- 🕢 07:30 – Sannenzaka: The most beautiful historic street. Perfect for photos when empty.
- 🕘 09:00 – Starbucks Ninenzaka: Coffee on Tatami mats? Only in Kyoto.
- 🕙 10:30 – Kennin-ji Temple: Why? The oldest Zen temple with a breathtaking “Twin Dragon” ceiling painting.
- 🕛 12:00 – Lunch in Gion: Try “Kyoto Udon” or “Sabazushi” (Mackerel Sushi).
- 🕑 14:00 – Nanzen-ji Temple: Why? It has a huge Roman-style brick aqueduct. Great for Instagram.
- 🕓 16:00 – Nishiki Market: “The Kitchen of Kyoto”. Eat Soy Milk Donuts and fresh Seafood.
🏆 Mission: Choose Your Fate!
Find the “Otowa Waterfall” inside Kiyomizu-dera. Three streams of water fall down.
- 1. Academic Success (Wisdom)
- 2. Love Success (Romance)
- 3. Longevity (Long Life)
Rule: Do not be greedy! If you drink all three, the luck disappears. Choose only ONE and drink it.
👘 Where to wear Kimono?
Q. Should I wear Kimono at Fushimi Inari?
A. NO! Fushimi Inari is a mountain hike with many stairs. It is too hard in Kimono/Geta.
Day 1 (Gion/Kiyomizu) is the best place. The streets are flat and traditional.
Inside this Zen temple, there is a Roman-style brick aqueduct (Suirokaku). It looks like a movie set (or Ghibli world). Highly recommended for photos!
🚌 Too lazy to plan?
If you want to see Nijo Castle, Kinkaku-ji, and Kiyomizu-dera in one day without walking too much, join this bus tour.
🚌 Book Full Day Kyoto Tour (Viator)🎋 Day 2: Bamboo & Gold (Arashiyama & Kinkaku-ji)
Today we go West to “Arashiyama” (Nature), then North to “Kinkaku-ji” (The Golden Pavilion). This is the classic Kyoto route.
- 🕖 07:30 – Bamboo Grove: Listen to the sound of bamboo leaves before the tourists arrive.
- 🕗 08:30 – Tenryu-ji Temple: A World Heritage Zen garden that borrows the scenery of the mountains.
- 🕙 10:30 – Randen Tram: Ride the cute retro purple tram to Kitanohakubaicho.
- 🕐 13:00 – Kinkaku-ji: Why? It is the only building covered in REAL GOLD leaf. The afternoon sun makes it shine brightest.
- 🕒 15:00 – Tea Ceremony: Experience the art of Matcha in a traditional kimono.
*Rickshaws can enter special paths where tourists cannot walk.
🏆 Mission: Find the Glaring Dragon!
Go to the “Hatto” (Dharma Hall) of Tenryu-ji Temple. Look up at the ceiling. A giant “Cloud Dragon” is painted there.
Rule: Walk in a circle. The dragon looks like it is staring at you from everywhere. If you make eye contact, Mission Clear!
It is literally covered in REAL GOLD leaf. The reflection in the pond is iconic. It is the most famous photo spot in Kyoto. Don’t miss it.
Don’t just watch, experience it. Try an authentic Tea Ceremony near Kinkaku-ji.
🍵 Book Tea Ceremony (near Kinkaku-ji)Do you have a JR Pass? You can use the “West Japan JR Bus” (Takao-Keihoku Line) for FREE! It runs from Kyoto Stn to Kinkaku-ji and Ryoan-ji. Look for the blue bus with the JR logo.
🦌 Day 3: Deer, Matcha & Foxes
Today involves a lot of walking. We go to Nara (Deer), stop at Uji (Matcha), and end at Fushimi Inari (Foxes). The JR Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass covers all these trains!
- 🕗 08:30 – Train to Nara: Use JR or Kintetsu.
- 🕘 09:30 – Nara Park: Why? 1,200 wild deer bow to you for crackers. Also, the Great Buddha at Todaiji is massive.
- 🕐 13:00 – Uji Station: Stop here on the way back to Kyoto.
- 🕜 13:30 – Uji: Why? The birthplace of Matcha. Eat authentic sweets and see the “10 Yen Coin” temple.
- 🕔 17:00 – Fushimi Inari Shrine: Sunset/Night Hike through thousands of red gates.
🍵 Why stop at Uji?
1. The 10 Yen Coin Temple:
This is “Byodoin Phoenix Hall”. Check your 10 Yen coin—it’s the same building! It is a World Heritage site.
2. Matcha Heaven:
Uji is the birthplace of Matcha. Stop at Nakamura Tokichi near the station for the best Matcha Jelly/Parfait in the world.
Night: Fushimi Inari “Night Hike”
Most guides say “Go in the morning.” I disagree. At night, the crowds disappear, and the red Torii gates look mysterious.
🏆 Mission: Guess the Stone’s Weight!
After passing the Torii gates, find the “Omokaru Stone” lanterns.
1. Make a wish.
2. Lift the top stone.
If it feels lighter than expected, your wish will come true. If heavy, you need more effort. Try it!
🥩 Food & Gourmet: Meat & Ramen (And Vegan!)
🍜 Kyoto Soul Food (Non-Vegan)
- 🔥 Menbaka Fire Ramen: The chef creates a massive fire tower in your bowl. Touristy? Yes. Fun? Absolutely. (Book ahead!)
- 🥩 Hafuu (Wagyu Beef): Want to try Wagyu Beef Sandwich? This is the place. Expensive but heavenly.
- 🥟 Chao Chao Gyoza (Sanjo): Crispy gyoza and cheap beer. Best for night snacks.
- 🍜 Tenkaippin (Main Store): Kyoto’s famous thick chicken broth ramen. Cult favorite.
🌱 Vegetarian Survival Guide
Kyoto is famous for “Zen Cuisine,” but regular shops often use “Dashi (Fish Stock)”. It is invisible, so be careful.
- Mumokuteki Cafe (Kawaramachi): Popular vegan cafe. The Tonkatsu-style plate is amazing.
- Tousuiro (Kiyamachi): Tofu course. *Must ask for “Vegetarian Dashi (Kombu)” when booking.*
- Ain Soph. Journey (Kawaramachi): 100% Vegan Pancakes and Curry.
🏨 Where to Stay in Kyoto
Kyoto Rule #1: Stay near a Subway or Train Station. Avoid buses (Crowded with luggage).
1. Ace Hotel Kyoto (Luxury / Pine 🌲)
⚔️ Strategic Advantage (No Stress):
- Zero Language Barrier: Staff speaks perfect English. No “Lost in Translation” stress.
- Subway Direct Access: Connected to “Karasuma-Oike” Stn. You can go to Kyoto Stn (for Nara) without walking in the rain.
🌟 Quick Specs & Amenities
🐾 Hachi’s Pro-Tip:
“Leave your pajamas at home! The waffle robes here are super comfy. Expensive, but worth it for the art vibe.”
2. Cross Hotel Kyoto (Best Value / Bamboo 🎍)
⚔️ Strategic Advantage (Tactical Base):
- The “Golden Triangle”: Between Keihan (to Fushimi), Hankyu (to Arashiyama), and Subway (to Station). PERFECT for this 3-day plan.
- Nightlife: Pontocho (Dinner Alley) is 1 min away. Drink sake and walk home.
🌟 Quick Specs & Amenities
3. Piece Hostel Sanjo (Budget / Plum 🌸)
⚔️ Strategic Advantage (Budget Strategy):
- Invest in Food: Save money here, eat “Kobe Beef”. Sleep cheap, eat rich.
- Information Hub: Ask other travelers for real-time tips.
🌟 Quick Specs & Amenities
⚠️ Kyoto Survival Guide: 8 Iron Rules
1. 💴 Cash is GOD
Temples and small shops ONLY accept cash. Carry 20,000+ JPY.
2. 👟 Shoe Discipline
Wear easy-to-remove shoes. You will take them off at every temple.
3. 📶 Connectivity
Public WiFi is weak. Google Maps is essential for finding bus stops.
4. 💳 Transport Pass (ICOCA & Bus Pass)
Get an “ICOCA” card for trains. If you ride the Subway/Bus 4+ times a day, buy the “Subway & Bus 1-Day Pass” (¥1,100) at the station.
5. 🛅 The Luggage Rule (Strict!)
Do NOT bring suitcases on the City Bus. Locals hate this. Use “Takkyubin” (Shipping) or drop bags at your hotel *before* checking in. Coin lockers at the station are always full.
6. 🚫 NO TIPPING
Japan has 0% tipping culture. If you leave money on the table, the staff will run after you to return it. It is considered rude.
7. 🍽️ Dinner Reservation
Kyoto restaurants are tiny. Book in advance or eat early at 17:30.
8. 📸 Don’t be a “Geisha Paparazzi”
Taking photos of Geisha/Maiko on private streets is banned (Fine: ¥10,000). Respect them.
☔ FAQ: What if it rains?
Q. Kyoto weather says rain. What should I do?
Don’t worry! Kyoto in the rain is moody and beautiful. Here is your Backup Plan:
- Nishiki Market: Covered arcade. Eat everything.
- Sanjo Shotengai: Huge covered shopping street with vintage shops.
- Kyoto International Manga Museum: Read manga all day in an old school building.
✅ Wake up 6 AM
✅ No suitcase on bus
✅ Wear slip-on shoes
✅ Book dinner
✅ Say “No Dashi” if Vegan
✅ NO Tipping
🚄 Mission: Moving to Osaka (Warning!)
Do you plan to take the Shinkansen to Osaka?
🛑 STOP! That is a trap!
Kyoto and Osaka are very close (only 45km). The Shinkansen is fast, but the station (Shin-Osaka) is far from the city center. You will lose time transferring.
🆚 Kyoto Stn ➡ Osaka Stn (Umeda)
Price: ¥1,450
Time: 14 mins
*Arrives at Shin-Osaka (Need transfer)
Price: ¥580 (Winner!)
Time: 29 mins
*Arrives at Osaka Stn (City Center)
Hachi’s Advice: Save your money! Take the JR Special Rapid (Blue Line). It’s cheap, fast, and no reservation needed.
📦 When should I move?
Option A: Day 3 Night (Recommended)
After Fushimi Inari, take the train to Osaka and check in near USJ. You can wake up late and still be first in line.
Option B: Day 4 Morning
If you sleep in Kyoto, you must wake up at 5:30 AM to beat the crowd at USJ. The rush hour train with luggage is hell.
🎢 Route A: Universal Studios Strategy
Planning to go to USJ next? Listen carefully.
USJ opens early. If you travel from Kyoto in the morning, you are already LATE. The Mario Kart queue will be 120 minutes wait.
Strategy: Sleep “Next to the Gate” on your last night.
1. The Park Front Hotel (Luxury 👑)
⚔️ Why Here? (Time is Money):
It is literally 0 minutes walk to the gate. You can sleep until 7:30 AM and still be the first in line.
🌟 Hotel Quick Specs & Amenities
🐾 Hachi’s Pro-Tip:
“There is a Lawson (Convenience Store) inside the hotel lobby. Buy your breakfast and drinks here the night before to save time in the morning!”
2. The Singulari Hotel & Skyspa (Value ♨️)
⚔️ Why Here? (Healing):
Directly connected to the station. The best part? It has a huge SKYSPA (Onsen) on the roof. Perfect for healing your legs.
🌟 Hotel Quick Specs & Amenities
🐾 Hachi’s Pro-Tip:
“You can wear the provided Pyjamas and Slippers to the Skyspa! No need to dress up to go to the bath. It feels like a luxury Ryokan.”
3. J-Hoppers Osaka Universal (Budget 🎒)
⚔️ Why Here? (Save Money):
Hotels near USJ are expensive ($200+). This is a clean, friendly hostel for budget travelers. Save money for Mario merchandise!
🌟 Hotel Quick Specs & Amenities
🐾 Hachi’s Pro-Tip:
“This is a Hostel, so bring your own Towel and Toothbrush! But the shared kitchen is great—you can cook your own breakfast to save even more money.”
⛩️ Route B: Hiroshima Base Strategy
Choosing the “History Route”? Wise choice.
Hiroshima has two main areas: “Station Area” (Convenient) and “Peace Park Area” (Atmospheric). Choose your base carefully.
1. Sheraton Grand Hiroshima (Luxury 👑)
⚔️ Why Here? (Zero Stress):
Directly connected to Hiroshima Station (Shinkansen). No need to drag luggage. You can drop bags and go straight to Miyajima.
🌟 Hotel Quick Specs & Amenities
2. The Knot Hiroshima (Value & View 🍸)
⚔️ Why Here? (Iconic View):
Located near the Peace Memorial Park. The Rooftop Bar has an amazing view of the city. Very popular with international travelers.
🌟 Hotel Quick Specs & Amenities
3. KIRO Hiroshima (Budget & Cool 🍸)
⚔️ Why Here? (Stylish Base):
A renovated boutique hotel with a cool “THE POOLSIDE” bar. It’s cheap but super stylish. Perfect for meeting other travelers.
🌟 Hotel Quick Specs & Amenities
✅ Quest Complete!
You have conquered Kyoto.
Where will you go next? Choose your path!
*Using JR Kansai-Hiroshima Pass? Route B is practically FREE!
コメント