Kyoto Street Scenes
Explore the real Kyoto
Every time I visit Kyoto I discover something new. It is my favourite place in Japan. The sheer number of sightseeing spots in Kyoto is mind-boggling. The city is also changing a lot through the seasons. I have been there during cherry blossom season, autumn and winter.
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I also like to explore the hidden spots and suburbs of this city. Once you see more local people than tourists you start to get a feel for the real life in Kyoto. As for a first time visitor you probably have a checklist with the top ten sightseeing spots, but in my case I just turn the smartphone off and start walking and walking for hours to absorb this amazing atmosphere.
My tips for local activities
How about exploring the best parts of my favourite city Kyoto with a local guide? The personalized tour by our partner GetYourGuide can take between 2 - 8 hours. For more details check out this page >
Gion District
The Gion district in Kyoto is the most famous geisha district in Japan. My recommendation is to walk through this preserved area at night. The beautiful sight of traditional wooden machiya merchant houses are an absolute highlight.
Stroll along the Kamogawa River
The Kamogawa River runs through the heart of Kyoto. It is a popular place for a relaxing stroll, meeting friends and enjoying the cherry blossom season. It was also really fun the cross the river at this spot:)
Residential Area near Ninnaji Temple
One of the most beautiful residential areas in Kyoto can be found right beside the Ninnaji Temple. I enjoyed there large villas with traditional Japanese gardens.
Shirakawa Canal in Kyoto
The Shirakawa district is located north of Gion. The canal running through the district is the perfect place for a picnic after walking for hours.
Togetsukyo Bridge in Arashiyama
After crossing the Togetsukyo Bridge in Arashiyama I followed the river banks of the Katsura River. This area has great things to offer like hiking trails, famous sightseeing spots (Bamboo Grove, Tenryu-ji Temple, Rakushisha Residence) and all of this in combination with the beautiful surrounding nature.
Where to stay in Kyoto?
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Day trips from Kyoto:
My 100 Best Moments in Japan
I have visited Japan nearly every year since 2004. This is my collection of the 100 best moments in my favorite country. Enjoy the pictures and I hope you will start your own journey soon.
Find out more >
Books about Japan
Reading books is a great source of inspiration for me. Check out my recommended list of books about the fascinating country Japan.
My Book recommendations >
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Top rated - Best Machiya Houses in Kyoto
THE MACHIYA Ebisuya, 192 Ebisuya-cho Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto 600-8062
This 3-star guesthouse got an excellent rating. All 30 individually furnished rooms offer free WiFi, air conditioning, bathrooms incl. toilets, fridges, 40-inch flat-screen TVs, and more. THE MACHIYA Ebisuya is located in central Kyoto.
View on Expedia.com
This 3-star guesthouse got an excellent rating. All 30 individually furnished rooms offer free WiFi, air conditioning, bathrooms incl. toilets, fridges, 40-inch flat-screen TVs, and more. THE MACHIYA Ebisuya is located in central Kyoto.
View on Expedia.com
The Machiya Kazahaya, 570-6 Kazahayacho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto, 600-8475
The Machiya Kazahaya offers for all guest rooms free WiFi, air conditioning, safes, bathrooms with toilets, refrigerators, and much more. Enjoy also the beautiful Japanese Garden. Guests gave this property the rating - Exceptional.
View on Expedia.com
The Machiya Kazahaya offers for all guest rooms free WiFi, air conditioning, safes, bathrooms with toilets, refrigerators, and much more. Enjoy also the beautiful Japanese Garden. Guests gave this property the rating - Exceptional.
View on Expedia.com
Kyomachiya Ryokan Sakura Urushitei, 425 Kichimonjicho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto, 600-8069
This beautiful 3-star guesthouse offers 32 rooms with free WiFi, air conditioning, bathrooms incl. showers and toilets, refrigerators, and much more. Enjoy also the relaxing indoor public bath (no minerals). Guests gave this property the rating - Wonderful.
View on Expedia.com
This beautiful 3-star guesthouse offers 32 rooms with free WiFi, air conditioning, bathrooms incl. showers and toilets, refrigerators, and much more. Enjoy also the relaxing indoor public bath (no minerals). Guests gave this property the rating - Wonderful.
View on Expedia.com