Wonder Boy Style Kyoto Travel Guide

A friend of mine in North America is coming to Kyoto with his family this summer, and I would like to introduce some of my recommendations for sightseeing spots in Kyoto.
But first, let's go over the basics of sightseeing in Kyoto.

Basics of sightseeing in Kyoto

1. You should do sightseeing on weekdays

2. Don't take the bus, walk slowly

3. Get a rough idea of Kyoto's geography

4. Enjoy the safest country in the world

5. Do things you can only do in Kyoto

You should do sightseeing on weekdays

As you know, Kyoto is a popular tourist city that attracts visitors from all over the world. All major tourist attractions in Kyoto are crowded. Therefore, it is quite important to plan your trip to avoid crowds as much as possible. This is because your comfort level for sightseeing depends greatly on the degree of crowding.
Do not forget that Kyoto is not only popular among foreigners, but also among Japanese. Kyoto is the spiritual home of the Japanese people. On weekends, many Japanese tourists gather from all over Japan. There are so many Japanese who love Kyoto. In addition, students on school excursions also come from all over Japan. It is impossible not to be crowded.
I recommend that you avoid consecutive holidays as much as possible. Weekends in Kyoto are always crowded, so it is best to focus on Tuesdays through Fridays.

Don't take the bus, walk slowly

Kyoto is a small city. There are many bus routes within the city. However, if you want to enjoy Kyoto, I recommend walking as much as possible. Unlike other cities in Japan, Kyoto's streets still retain the atmosphere of a thousand years ago. Everything you see as you walk around has a distinctly Kyoto flavor. Please take your time and enjoy a stroll. Enjoy the special atmosphere that can only be found in Kyoto.
It is not easy even for Kyoto residents to master the local bus system. There are many buses that stop at the same bus stop for different destinations, and it is difficult to find the bus stop where the bus you want to take stops. I recommend that you take a cab. Japanese cab drivers are very friendly. There are no bad drivers who try to swindle tourists out of their money. You can rest assured.

Get a rough idea of Kyoto's geography

Unlike Tokyo, Kyoto is a compact city. It takes less than an hour by car from the east end to the west end. The city of Kyoto is surrounded by mountains on three sides: east, west, and north. Kyoto has been the capital of Japan for more than 1,000 years because this topography was suitable for protecting the capital from outside enemies.
At the foot of the mountains protecting Kyoto are numerous shrines and temples. These shrines and temples have also protected the capital from evil spirits and monsters. In other words, most of the shrines and temples that are famous as tourist attractions are located at the foot of the mountains. The paths leading to temples and shrines are often uphill, so it is advisable to visit with comfortable, well-worn shoes.
Inari-taisha Shrine in Fushimi and Jingo-ji Temple in Takao require a hike up the mountain, so a towel and a drink are a must.

Enjoy the safest country in the world

Japan is a very safe country. There are no cell phone thieves, no stores trying to fleece foreign tourists out of more money. You can go for a walk at night, or walk along the back streets where there are few pedestrians. You are safe wherever you go.
Compared to the big city of Tokyo, Kyoto is even safer. People in Kyoto are laid back, warm and friendly. If you get lost or have any problems, don't hesitate to ask for help from Japanese people nearby.
And since you are here, I recommend the following experience that you can only have in Japan.
Suppose you enter a cafe such as Starbucks. You find an empty table. You place your precious bag there. You leave your bag and go to the counter to order.
Don't worry, no one will steal your bag. Most Japanese people use this procedure to secure a table. Only in Japan can you experience this kind of excitement. Please give this a try! LOL!

Do things you can only do in Kyoto

It is not a good idea for you to try to eat Sushi in Kyoto, because Kyoto City is far from the sea. This is because Kyoto city is far from the sea. You should not expect good sushi in Kyoto. If you want to eat good sushi, I suggest you eat in Tokyo or Osaka, which are closer to the sea.
As you can see, each region in Japan has its own unique characteristics, and there are many things you can experience only in that region.
And most of them can be experienced in Tokyo. Whether you are looking for delicious ramen, soba, udon, Italian, French, or Japanese food, I recommend eating in Tokyo. Tokyo is a huge city with a large number and variety of restaurants, and there is a wide range of choices from reasonably priced to upscale restaurants.
If you come to Kyoto, experience what only Kyoto can offer. Kyoto is filled with places and products that allow you to experience the traditions of Japan. Kyoto has a deeply rooted culture of preserving old things. The reason why so many Japanese come to Kyoto from all over Japan is because they want to experience the good old things of Japan.
You can rent a kimono from a rental store, stroll around the city, or try your hand at making Japanese sweets. Of course, you can also visit shrines and temples that stand in harmony with nature and admire the antiques and gardens that are national treasures. You will find that Japanese temples and shrines are museums themselves.
And somehow, Kyoto is full of yakiniku restaurants. You can eat both Kobe beef and Omi beef. Beef tongue is also delicious, so be sure to try it.

Have a nice trip!