Kyoto

Kyoto has to be one of my favourite places in Japan. It's calm lifestyle along with fantastic sites and restaurants make it a dream…Surrounded by mountains on all sides it is really quite a pretty place.

My favourite sushi restaurant in Kyoto…And cheap too…

Kyoto is a very big place and you need to have some sort of transportation in mind before you set out to do anything. Though flat the distances can be a bit deceptive on maps.

A bike is a realistic option if you do not mind fighting crowds, otherwise the subway works very well but only offers service to specific, central areas.

Gion is the fabled area of the Geisha. Wandering around do not be surprised to be confronted with geisha or, more often, trainee geisha (maiko).

This old area of town remains largely untouched by development though, as such, has some startling contrasts between the old and new.

Seriously. There are LOTS of temples in Kyoto and you can spend many, many days visiting them and never see them all. A good place to start would be to go on the Philosopher's Walk which starts from near Gion to the north-east part of the city (far away, unfortunately, from any subway station).

The Toji temple is probably one of the more famous temples (but difficult to get to) with it's fantastic pagoda (which you cannot, unfortunately, climb up into). There are also a large number of smaller temples all around the area that are also worth a look.

The Imperial Palace can be difficult to get into. You need to apply for tickets in advance either via the web site or in person at the “Kyoto Office of the Imperial Household” building located directly to the west of the palace itself (just off of Karasuma-Dori). You may be required to show a passport when applying for tickets.

The tour (which is free and are held every hour (Monday to Friday only) – with only two tours a day in English) begins with a short video presentation after which you are guided around a small area of the grounds. You are not allowed in any buildings but can take as many pictures as you like.

The park surrounding the Palace is worth a visit in it's own right as it is a refreshing break from the city all around.

Well, it was a bit of a let-down since they do not actually show you the silk worm silk removal process nor the actual spinning of cloth but it did have an interesting fashion show (held every hour or show) and the shop was really fantastic – Oh, do not miss the textile display on the top floor.

See their official site at http://www.nishijin.or.jp/eng/eng.htm (English).

For further information, please see:

• Imperial Household Agency - Official Site (English) of the agency from which tickets to the Imperial Palace can be obtained
• Kyoto City Web - Official Site (English)
• Kyoto Shimbun News - Tourist information (English)
• Kyoto Travel Guide - Wiktravel