The ninth largest city in Japan with a population of 1,475,000, Kyōto remains the country's artistic and religious capital. A muted conflict is taking place between Tōkyō and Kyōto. The first thinks that the second is snobbish, too rooted in the past, using its dialect and traditions for polemical and outdated purposes. The second considers the first to be too opportunistic and too Americanized or accessory-oriented. Kyōto is one of the few cities in Japan where you can still enjoy ancient architecture on a large scale, from temples to traditional houses, machiya, and get an idea of Japan as it was several decades ago. Unlike most urban areas, the height of the buildings is restricted, so there are no real buildings. But it is above all the slower pace, a certain nonchalance and disparity in the urban landscape that will allow us to progress gradually towards a curious and amused discovery of the city. A very special atmosphere prevails, one feels light-hearted and ready to capture the ambient poetry, present in the century-old gardens as well as in the details of everyday life. It is a city that you can feel its inhabitants cherish it, whether it is in the time they spend by the river or in the many seasonal plants and flowers that decorate the facades and sidewalks. Quiet and lively, modern and historic, urban and so close to the mountains, this is a city with a delicious balance. Extremely pleasant, for its climate and organization, the city is accessible by foot or bicycle, and transport is rarely required. Due to its geographical location and the distribution of artistic and cultural events, it can be said that, from spring to autumn, the city is always full, even if the hot and humid air of July and August discourages tourists a little.

What to visit Kyoto?

When to go to Kyoto?

When to go to Japan? Spring and autumn are the high tourist seasons in Japan, so it is at this time that hotel rates are highest and since accommodation is the most important budgetary expenditure in Japan so it can be interesting to travel out of season to save money. To avoid the highest crowds and pay less, the best time to travel to Japan is late November-early December, late February-early March, or late May and June, i.e. during the low tourist season. If you go to Japan in the spring you can attend Hanami, the festival of flowering sakura cherry trees. A national event. May 5th is the children's day. In autumn, the flamboyance of maples and ginkgo bilobas is celebrated. It's Moniji. In any season, know that you can find an old apartment, not very popular with the Japanese, for rent at a reduced cost. Western tourists will appreciate its retro charm. Avoid winter, however, as heating in older homes is limited. Finally, the Gion Matsuri Festival of Kyōto takes place in mid-July. It is the most famous in Japan. It takes place around the Yasaka-jinja sanctuary and sees the parade of about thirty tanks, called yamaboko. This millennial festival was initiated to appease the divinity in order to fight against plagues and diseases. Finally, you should know that to visit the Imperial Villa of Katsura, one of the most beautiful jewels of traditional Japanese architecture and landscape garden, as well as the Imperial Villa of Shugakuin (17th century) you must obtain a permit from the Imperial House Agency. The authorization may take more than a week. Make your request as soon as possible.

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Weather at the moment

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Weather all year round

With 7,000 islands and islets, spread over 3,800 km, Japan has multiple climates, not to mention the significant variations in mountains. Boreal in northern Japan and tropical in the south, the climate in central Japan is more temperate. Spring and autumn enjoy pleasant temperatures and are the high tourist season. The rest of the year corresponds globally to the low tourist season in Japan, particularly at Kyōto where it is very hot in summer and very cold in winter.

Budget

Most of the budget is spent on accommodation, which is rarely cheap. On the other hand, we eat for a very fair price. Public transport is more expensive than in France, especially high-speed rail. We pay more often in cash than by credit card, not always accepted. The currency is the yen, the easy exchange rate. To collect yen go to the ATM counters of 7/12 mini-markets. No tip in Japan, perceived as an insult!

Procedures

No visa is required for a stay of 90 days or less. All you need is a passport valid for the duration of your stay, a round-trip air ticket and enough money to support yourself while in the country. Checks are possible. Politeness and citizenship rules are inherent to the country. Always be charitable and do not outlaw yourself. You can travel with a regional Japan Rail Pass on the high-speed train to Osaka, for example. You can buy it there now, but it will cost less if you buy it in advance, in your country.

Health

In summer, pollution and heat are to be taken into account for the fragile persons. There is no malaria in Japan, and no vaccine is required to enter the country. Vaccinations against tetanus, diphtheria, poliomyelitis (unless up to date) and hepatitis A (unless immunized) are recommended in Japan. The country has a remarkable hospital structure (but you should check before leaving that your health insurance will cover medical expenses, which are high in this country). Embassies also have their own doctors attached to them. Wearing a protective mask is common. This is a good idea if you are ill, to avoid being contaminated by others and in case of pollution peaks.

How to go to Kyoto? Our advice & tips

To Japan, the offer is very large. For a first time you will be offered tours to discover the triptych Tōkyō, Kyōto, Nara in one week. For a longer time, Ōsaka and Hiroshima could be added to the program. Contrary to popular belief, small budgets can find a reasonably priced free-roaming Kyōto package with small room accommodation. Big budgets have the choice of luxury ryokans.

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Traveling alone in Japan is not a problem, Japan is a very safe country and Japanese people are always ready to help you. A single girl can return to her accommodation in the middle of the night without being bothered. The only problem is the language. Japanese people rarely speak English. Bring a lexicon or Google translation. Book a few nights in a hostel before leaving. On the spot you will make contacts and find accommodation at good prices.

In the city, a bicycle is ideal. In Kyōto you will find several rental companies and dedicated parking lots. Some areas of old Kyōto are pedestrianized. Hiking in the parks and gardens, but also in the surrounding mountains is a pleasure. Public transportation, streetcar, subway, bus, are efficient but expensive because of different companies: several tickets are needed for one trip. Some lines to the countryside go through a beautiful natural environment.

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Pictures and images Kyoto

Quartier historique de Higashiyama, à Kyoto. Sean Pavone - Shutterstock.Com
Heian-jingū. Tom Pepeira  - Iconotec
Ryokan Hiiragi-ya. Sylvain GRANDADAM
Apprentissage de la calligraphie japonaise

Discover Kyoto

When to travel?

When to go to Japan? Spring and autumn are the high tourist seasons in Japan, so it is at this time that hotel rates...
Read more about it

Weather forecast

With 7,000 islands and islets, spread over 3,800 km, Japan has multiple climates, not to mention the significant vari...
Read more about it

Budget

Most of the budget is spent on accommodation, which is rarely cheap. On the other hand, we eat for a very fair price....
Read more about it

Formalities

No visa is required for a stay of 90 days or less. All you need is a passport valid for the duration of your stay, a...
Read more about it

Health

In summer, pollution and heat are to be taken into account for the fragile persons. There is no malaria in Japan, and...
Read more about it

How to travel by yourself?

Traveling alone in Japan is not a problem, Japan is a very safe country and Japanese people are always ready to help...
Read more about it

How to get organized?

To Japan, the offer is very large. For a first time you will be offered tours to discover the triptych Tōkyō, Kyōt...
Read more about it

Getting around

In the city, a bicycle is ideal. In Kyōto you will find several rental companies and dedicated parking lots. Some ar...
Read more about it

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