About this video

• Video Title: Kyoto Travel Guide - The Best Things to Do in Kyoto
• Channel: Allan Su
• Speakers: Allan Su
• Duration: 00:17:15

Overview

This video is a travel guide to Kyoto, Japan, presented by Allan Su. It covers the best times to visit, the ideal duration of stay, transportation options, and a comprehensive overview of the city's various districts and attractions. The guide highlights key areas such as Gion, Nishiki Market, various temples, Pontocho, Arashiyama, Kinkakuji (The Golden Pavilion), and Fushimi Inari Shrine, offering recommendations for activities, food, and cultural experiences.

Key takeaways

• Best Time to Visit: Autumn is highly recommended for its beautiful foliage, though spring is also a good alternative. Summer offers festivals but is hot and humid.
• Recommended Stay: 3 to 5 days are suggested for ample time to explore the city's main attractions.
• Transportation: Trains and buses are the primary modes of transport, requiring an IC card. The Kansai Thru Pass is an option for those visiting multiple cities in the region.
• Kyoto Districts: The city is divided into Northern Kyoto (shrines, temples), Arashiyama (scenic nature, bamboo forest), Central Kyoto (hotels, shops, restaurants, transportation hub), and Gion (historic entertainment district).
• Must-Visit Attractions:
  • Gion: Explore historic streets like Ninsaka, Sinden Saga, and Hanami Koji. Be aware of photography restrictions in certain areas.
  • Nishiki Market: Sample diverse Kyoto flavors and visit specific food stalls.
  • Temples: Key temples include Nansenji, Kodaiji (for autumn foliage), Yasaka Shrine (for summer festivals), and Kiyomizudera (known for its wooden stage and city views).
  • Pontocho: A vibrant area with numerous restaurants and bars, offering various dining options.
  • Arashiyama: Features the famous Bamboo Forest, Tenryu-ji temple, a scenic railway (Sagano Romantic Train), and the Iwatayama Monkey Park.
  • Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion): A stunning Zen Buddhist temple covered in gold leaf.
  • Fushimi Inari Shrine: Famous for its thousands of torii gates winding up Mount Inari; visit early morning or late evening to avoid crowds.

In Kyoto, you have several excellent options for dining:

• Nishiki Market: This is a narrow, long shopping street filled with hundreds of shops and restaurants, offering a great place to sample various Kyoto flavors. A specific recommendation is Kimura Fresh Fish, a seafood shop where you can order and eat your meal right there.
• Pontocho: This area is packed with many types of restaurants and bars, serving everything from seafood and soba to yakiniku.
  • For a taste of Kobe beef in a casual environment, "Staking Wine" is suggested.
  • For quality, affordable meat, "Yakiniku Hiro" is recommended.
  • For ramen, "Ramen Sedno Kaze" is highlighted, with a preference for their tonkatsu ramen, though they also offer shoyu and miso versions.
• Gion: While exploring Gion, you can find many eateries along its historic streets and within traditional wooden buildings.
• Fushimi Inari Shrine Area: Next to the shrine, there is a small food market where you can try street food and local snacks.

The video focuses on destinations within Kyoto. Here are the places mentioned for travel or exploration in Kyoto:

• Gion: Described as the old quarter and main entertainment district.
• Nishiki Market: A food market.
• Temples of Kyoto:
  • Nanzenji Temple
  • Kodaiji Temple
  • Yasaka Shrine
  • Kiyomizudera Temple
• Pontocho: An area for dining and nightlife.
• Arashiyama: Known for natural scenery.
  • Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
  • Tenryu-ji Temple
  • Sagano Railway (Romantic Train)
  • Iwatayama Monkey Park
  • Senkochi Temple (mentioned with a hike)
• Kinkakuji (The Golden Pavilion): Located in Northern Kyoto.
• Fushimi Inari Shrine: Located in Southern Kyoto.
• Kurama to Kibune Hike: A hiking trail.