Travelling to a new destination can be a thrilling experience, but it can also be daunting when you have high expectations. I remember feeling this way when I visited Kyoto in Japan. I had heard so much about the city’s beauty, history, and culture that I worried it would not live up to the hype. However, my fears were quickly put to rest once I arrived in Kyoto.

Kyoto is a city that is rich in history and tradition. Everywhere you look, there are reminders of the city’s past, from the ancient temples and shrines to the traditional architecture. One of the things that struck me the most about Kyoto was how well-preserved the city’s cultural heritage is. It’s easy to see why Kyoto was once the capital of Japan and remains a cultural centre to this day.

In addition to its cultural heritage, Kyoto is a city of outstanding natural beauty. Mountains and forests surround the town, with many parks and gardens. One of my favourite places to visit was the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, where I walked through a forest of towering bamboo stalks that seemed to go on forever.

But perhaps what I loved most about Kyoto was the people. Everywhere I went, I was greeted with warmth and kindness. From the shopkeepers to the hotel staff, everyone was eager to share their love for the city with me. And it’s not just the locals who are passionate about Kyoto – tourists from all over the world flock to the city to experience its unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.

Kyoto is a city that truly lives up to its reputation. It’s a place where history and tradition are alive and well, natural beauty abounds, and people are welcoming and friendly. If you’re planning a trip to Japan, I highly recommend adding Kyoto to your itinerary.

It’s a city that will not disappoint and one that you’ll remember for a lifetime. Read further to see why Kyoto in Japan is everywhere and more.

 

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Do you want to see the best of Kyoto? Click here to see the best city tours with all the best attractions.

 

 

Kyoto in Japan – A City Exceeding its High Expectations

Kyoto in Japan is a city that certainly meets its high expectations. The town has beautiful temples, shrines, and stunning gardens and parks. You can feel Kyoto’s rich history and culture from arrival.

Kyoto is also home to many excellent museums and galleries, making it the perfect place to learn about Japanese culture and history. The food in Kyoto is also fantastic, with many restaurants serving traditional Japanese dishes. Overall, Kyoto is an amazing city that I would highly recommend visiting. Few other places in the world can match its beauty and uniqueness.

Let’s discuss why Kyoto in Japan is one of the best cities in the world.

 

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Mesmerizing Kyoto Temples deliver a WOW factor.

Kyoto, located on the island of Honshu in Japan, is a city known for its rich cultural heritage, and its temples are a testament to that. The city has over 400 temples with unique history and architecture. While it may not be possible to visit all of them, you can still see some of the best temples with beautifully designed buildings and picturesque scenery that gives them a peaceful and serene atmosphere, even amongst a hoard of tourists.

One of the most famous temples in Kyoto is the Kinkaku-Ji, also known as the Golden Pavilion. This Zen Buddhist temple features a stunning golden pavilion that seems to float on a pond. The temple is in a beautiful garden, perfect for a stroll. The park features various types of trees, including Japanese cypress, Japanese maple, and cherry trees that bloom in the spring, making it a perfect spot for a serene walk.

Another temple worth visiting is the Tenryu-Ji, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple is located in the Arashiyama district of Kyoto and features a beautiful garden with a pond and a bamboo grove. The temple was initially built in the 14th century and has been rebuilt several times. The park features a variety of flowers, including azaleas and hydrangeas, that bloom in the spring and summer, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely walk.

If you’re looking for a temple that’s a little off the beaten path, the Kodai-Ji Temple is a great option. This temple is located in the Higashiyama district of Kyoto and features a beautiful garden with a pond and a waterfall. The temple was built in the late 16th century and is known for its stunning architecture. The park features a variety of flowers and trees, including cherry trees, that bloom in the spring, making it an excellent spot for a peaceful walk.

Of course, many more temples in Kyoto are worth visiting. Some other temples you might want to check out include the Kiyomizu-dera Temple, the Ginkaku-Ji Temple, and the Nanzen-Ji Temple. These temples have unique features and will leave a lasting impression on you. The Kiyomizu-dera Temple is known for its stunning views of Kyoto, while the Ginkaku-Ji Temple features a beautiful garden with a sand garden and a moss garden. The Nanzen-Ji Temple features a beautiful garden with a waterfall and a pond.

 

 

 

Don’t forget those Kyoto Shrines.

Nestled in the heart of Kyoto lies a treasure trove of spiritual sites that attract thousands of tourists daily. With a rich cultural heritage and stunning architecture, the numerous temples and shrines in the region offer a glimpse into Japan’s fascinating history.

One of the most famous shrines in Kyoto is the awe-inspiring Fushimi Inari Shrine. Known for its renowned orange Torii Gates featured in the hit movie “Memoirs of a Geisha,” this shrine is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Kyoto. As visitors walk through the winding paths of the shrine, they can soak in the tranquil atmosphere and appreciate the intricate details of the gateways.

Those exploring the city’s many other shrines cannot miss a couple of gems close to the city centre. The Heian Shrine is a stunning example of traditional Japanese architecture, with its intricate wooden structures and well-manicured gardens. Visitors can stroll through the gardens and marvel at the beauty of the cherry blossoms during springtime.

Another must-see shrine in Kyoto is the vibrant Yasaka Shrine. This shrine is known for its lively atmosphere and bustling markets that offer a variety of souvenirs and street food. Visitors can try out local delicacies such as takoyaki and yakitori while browsing through the many stalls that line the streets.

Overall, visiting Kyoto’s shrines is an unforgettable experience that offers a glimpse into Japan’s rich cultural heritage. With so many stunning shrines to explore, visitors are sure to be left in awe of the beauty and serenity of these spiritual sites.

 

 

Do you want to see the best of Kyoto? Click here to see the best city tours with all the best attractions.

 

 

 

The scenery in and around Kyoto is breathtaking.

The city of Kyoto is truly a gem of Japan, tucked away in the surrounding mountains, making the whole region look sensational. The city is a perfect blend of ancient culture and modernity, and it never ceases to amaze visitors with its awe-inspiring beauty. Furthermore, some places in Kyoto must be seen to be believed, with beautiful scenery you never want to leave.

Firstly is Arashiyama, a popular tourist area known for its famous bamboo forest, hidden temples on the mountain slopes, and other gorgeous landscapes and water features, including the Katsura River and its beautiful riverside walks. The area is a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, offering a serene atmosphere that is hard to find elsewhere. The famous bamboo forest is a must-visit spot in Arashiyama, where you can walk through the towering bamboo trees and feel the tranquillity of nature.

Kiyomizu-Dera is another beautiful area of Kyoto, based around the main temple, an official UNESCO site. This attraction comes with more picturesque views of the surrounding scenery and towards the city and has a few marketplaces that are buzzing with tourists. The area is home to many traditional Japanese shops and restaurants, where you can indulge in authentic Japanese cuisine and shop for souvenirs. The Kiyomizu-Dera temple is one of the most famous temples in Kyoto, dating back to the 8th century, and its architecture is truly stunning.

I’m only touching on a couple of the locations in Kyoto because, quite honestly, several stunning attractions will fill your photo album with fond memories. The city is one giant postcard waiting to be explored and shared on your Facebook profile. Whether you’re interested in history or culture or want to enjoy the beauty of nature, Kyoto has something for everyone. So, if you’re planning a trip to Japan, don’t miss out on the opportunity to visit this magical city and experience its unique charm firsthand.

 

 

 

Centuries-old landmarks that look incredible

Kyoto is a city that offers a unique opportunity to travel back in time and witness the mesmerizing beauty of ancient architecture and monuments. Among the top attractions that draw tourists from all over the world is the Nijo Castle. This magnificent castle boasts several unique buildings, lookout towers, a large moat, and centuries-old paintings inside the main castle area. Though it may not resemble a European-style castle, it still exudes a royal vibe and offers a glimpse into its rich history.

A little farther down the road is the Kyoto Imperial Palace, another popular attraction among history buffs and architecture enthusiasts. Though it’s not as crowded with tourists as other popular sites, it’s still a great place to learn about history and enjoy complimentary walking tours to understand the palace’s past better. The castle boasts unique architecture and beautiful gardens, leaving you in awe.

Kyoto is also home to many other landmarks perfect for Instagram-worthy pictures. For instance, the Fushimi Inari Shrine is another must-visit attraction that features a seemingly endless trail of vibrant orange torii gates leading to the mountaintop. The Kinkaku-ji Temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion, is another popular attraction featuring a stunning golden structure surrounded by lush gardens.

In addition to these landmarks, Kyoto is a city that offers many other exciting things to do. You can explore the bustling streets of the Gion district, where you can witness the traditional Japanese culture and art. You can also indulge in some of the best Japanese cuisine, including sushi, ramen, and tempura. The city also boasts numerous museums and art galleries that showcase the rich history and culture of the region.

Kyoto in Japan is a city that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and modernity. It’s a city with something for everyone – from ancient monuments to modern attractions, from traditional culture to contemporary art and cuisine. It’s no wonder Kyoto is known as one of the most beautiful cities in the world and a must-visit destination for anyone who loves travelling and exploring new cultures.

 

Do you want to see the best of Kyoto? Click here to see the best city tours with all the best attractions.

 

 

Tradition is alive on the streets of Kyoto City.

When visiting Japan, one of the most striking things you’ll notice is the Japanese’s pride in their culture. This pride is evident when you set foot on the streets, where you’ll see many locals donning traditional kimonos to showcase centuries of history.

It’s not just the women who dress in kimonos, either. Although it’s more common to see women wearing them, men also partake in this tradition, particularly for special events such as weddings or festivals. Even Western tourists can join in on the fun by renting a kimono. It’s an excellent way to immerse yourself in the culture and will not feel out of place in Kyoto.

If you want to experience the vibrant street markets and attractions where kimonos are often on display, there are plenty of places to explore. For instance, Fushimi Inari Shrine, one of the most famous shrines in Japan, is known for its thousands of vermilion torii gates. Here, you’ll see many locals and tourists dressed in kimonos, offering a unique opportunity to take pictures and fully immerse yourself in Japanese culture.

Finally, Ninenzaka is a pedestrian thoroughfare that shouldn’t be missed. It’s a great place to stroll and admire the stunning Japanese architecture and tea houses. The street is lined with cherry blossom trees, making it a popular spot during the spring season.

Overall, Kyoto is a fantastic destination to explore Japanese culture, and dressing up in a kimono is an excellent way to immerse yourself in the experience fully.

 

 

Cleanliness and politeness are a way of life.

Walking the streets of Kyoto is an experience unlike any other. The city, with its population of approximately 1.5 million people, is a bustling metropolis that somehow manages to maintain a level of simply astonishing cleanliness. Walking down the roads, you’ll notice hardly any rubbish in the gutters or sidewalks. This level of cleanliness is a rare find, and it’s something that the people of Kyoto take great pride in.

But it’s not just the streets that are immaculate. The cleanliness extends into the city’s malls, restaurants, cafes, and hotels. Everything looks fresh and clean down to the smallest detail, which can be attributed to the Japanese culture’s emphasis on perfectionism and attention to fact.

It won’t surprise you that Kyoto, like the rest of Japan, is home to an amiable race of people. Politeness is noticeable from the outset, whether checking in or out of a hotel, buying a coffee, or simply getting around the city and minding your business. The locals are always willing to help and are incredibly respectful of others, making it a fantastic city to explore and immerse yourself in. So, if you’re looking for a destination that offers both cleanliness and friendliness, Kyoto should be at the top of your list.

 

 

Excellent food, Good Beer

Food is an essential part of the journey to experiencing the best of Japan. Japanese cuisine is renowned for its unique flavours, textures, and presentation. If you’re a foodie, you’ll find that Japanese cities are a wonderland of culinary delights.

Kyoto, in particular, has a lot to offer regarding food. Whether a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveller, you’ll find many dining options that satisfy your taste. The city has some of the country’s best restaurants, from traditional Japanese cuisine to fusion dishes that combine local flavours with international influences.

Kyoto has plenty of options if you’re looking for a high-end dining experience. You can choose from Michelin-starred restaurants that offer multi-course meals, or you can try one of the many upscale Japanese restaurants that serve sushi, sashimi, and other delicacies.

But that’s not all. Kyoto also has a vibrant street food scene perfect for those who want to experience Japanese cuisine on a budget. Food stalls sell everything from yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) to takoyaki (octopus balls) in the city’s bustling streets.

And, of course, no trip to Kyoto would be complete without trying some of the famous ramen. Whether you like your ramen with a rich, creamy broth or a spicy, savoury sauce, you’ll find plenty of options in Kyoto. Some of the best ramen shops in the city are located in the narrow alleyways of downtown Kyoto, where you can sit down and slurp up a bowl of noodles with locals and tourists alike.

 

Do you want to see the best of Kyoto? Click here to see the best city tours with all the best attractions.

 

 

 

Getting around Kyoto is no problem at all.

Kyoto is a city that truly has it all. This beautiful city has something for everyone, from ancient temples and shrines to modern shopping centres and bustling streets. And with all these fantastic attractions stretching out far and wide in Kyoto, it’s comforting to know there is public transport in the form of trains, buses, and taxis that will take you anywhere you need to go with little hassle.

During my visit to Kyoto, I found that using Google Maps and purchasing an ICOCA card for trains and buses made my experience even smoother. I had no issues getting to all these great attractions, and the public transportation system was reliable and efficient.

But sometimes, I also enjoyed walking the streets of Kyoto and taking in this great city at a steady pace. Savouring every moment of my little time in Kyoto, I explored the city in a way that would allow me to appreciate its beauty and culture truly.

As I explored Kyoto, I found many reasons to fall in love with this city. Whether it was the stunning architecture of the temples and shrines, the delicious food, or the friendly locals, Kyoto truly dazzled in many ways. And even after leaving this beautiful city, I could only hope that my return to Kyoto would not be too far away in the future.

So, if you’re looking for a destination that surpasses your expectations and leaves you with unforgettable memories, I highly recommend putting Kyoto on your travel bucket list. Trust me, it won’t disappoint you. It’s just not possible.

 

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On Monday the 18th of June 2018, at 7: 58 am, Osaka was hit by an earthquake that hit 6.1 on the Richter scale, tragically killing three people and injuring hundreds of others.

The earthquake in Osaka, Japan, was the first time I had been involved in an earthquake or any significant natural disaster. While I felt safe throughout the whole experience, my memories of the occasion when the quake shook the earth are still fresh in my mind, and I can’t get over how organised the authorities were from the moment the earthquake in Osaka hit.

 

 

The moment I experienced an Earthquake in Osaka – Japan

 

Sometimes the best-made plans don’t work out.

On the morning of the 18th, I left the hotel at a reasonable hour with a busy day ahead as I was heading out to Nara to visit some temples and deer. After a quick feed and coffee, I was out the door and off to the Kitahama subway station, eventually leading to the Kintetsu-Nara Line.

So far, so good.

Like any other morning in Osaka, I assume it was a routine morning for all commuters. The train had been packed with business people and students going about their everyday routine. Most eyes are fixated on their mobile phone screens and checking out the latest news or social media gossip for the day.

Halfway to Nara, with everyone minding their own business, all the mobile phones on the train gave out a loud alert, including mine. I had no idea what was going on because the message on the phone didn’t specifically mention it was an earthquake; in fact, it read:

 

“Emergency Alerts

Stay calm and seek shelter nearby.”

 

 

Emergency! Take cover? WTF. Those were the thoughts racing through my head.

Was it terrorism? Were we under attack? Had there been a significant incident somewhere in the city? I was somewhat rattled by not having any understanding.

Fortunately, a high school student sitting next to me on the train had seen my puzzled look and good on her for reaching out. In broken English, she said, “earthquake.”

“Earthquake,” I repeated, and my jaw must have hit the floor because a few other people in my vicinity were laughing at my reaction to the earthquake. At least everyone on board was relaxed, a clear tale sign that things may not appear to be so bad, just another day for them, remembering that earthquakes in Japan are frequent.

It’s important to note that I never actually felt the earth move while sitting on the train. That would happen during the next 24-hours when I felt a few tremors with the aftershocks following the major quake, which got my heart racing also.

At the same time, the alarms were belting out over the phones. Announcements went over the speakers, but it was naturally all said in Japanese, so it didn’t help me get an idea of what was going on. At about the same time, I was getting my head around it. I could safely assume that the train had come to a complete halt, much like every train in Osaka.

We sat there for much longer than I anticipated, although time was going quick due to the mind being fixated on the morning’s events. I messaged my wife in Australia to tell her the circumstances, posted a message on Facebook and for the next hour, I checked the news on the [easyazon_link identifier=” B06Y14T5YW” locale=” US” tag=” fdt0c-20”]Samsung Galaxy[/easyazon_link]phone about the earthquake in Osaka.

 

 

Finally, albeit slowly, the train began to move, taking us only as far as the next station, where we waited longer, with more announcements over the speakers and the local authorities walking back and forth on the train. Finally, we were let out of the train at the Ikoma Station, where we stayed for more hours. As the time began to crawl, boredom had indeed sunk in.

With no idea what was happening, I asked a different student, with my phone translator, “how long,” he answered it would be another 1-2 hours. I nodded my head. There was nothing I could do about it, I bought a terrible coffee from the vending machines, and I waited much like everyone else.

After about a four-hour wait, trains began to move; I decided to head back to the city instead of going out of Nara. I didn’t want to wander too far from the city at this stage, especially during uncertainty.

I took the train back to Osaka, but the sightseeing didn’t end there as I explored different parts of the city with everyone out and about in Osaka City with little fear of the earthquake that happened in the morning. While the experience stayed on my mind for the rest of the trip, I’ll never forget the moment I experienced my first earthquake in Osaka.

 

 

A shout out to the emergency responses in Osaka

I need to applaud the emergency responses in Osaka, from the instant alert to the phones, to the authorities reacting quickly to assure everyone’s safety, the situation had been handled like clockwork, and I send a huge thank you to everyone involved.

As I said, I felt safe and out of harm’s way the whole time. However, it was a great comfort to know that the city of Osaka had organised structures in place in case of emergencies.

 

 

Osaka-Kyoto Diaries – Days 1-2 – Visiting Japan for the Very First Time

 

 

 

Check out these books from Amazon about earthquakes in Japan