This was published 1 year ago
Kyoto, Japan, travel guide and things to do: Nine highlights
By Ute Junker
The Heian Jingu Shrine.Credit: iStock
THE ONE GARDEN
Only in Kyoto, home to some of Japan's best gardens, could the magnificent Shin-en Gardens fly under the radar. Set across three hectares adjoining the Heian Jingu Shrine, a stroll through this serene garden takes you past ponds scattered with stepping stones and stocked with carp and turtles. The garden is designed to look good in any season but is particularly lovely in June, when the irises fringing the ponds bloom. heianjingu.or.jp
THE ONE HOTEL
Old-meets-new at the Hotel Seiryu Kyoto Kiyomizu, situated near the Yasaka Pagoda at Hokanji. The hotel embraces tradition – with its lovely landscaped setting and its traditional breakfasts served in the exquisite library – while also offering more modern touches. The generously-sized rooms are a comfortable retreat, and the hotel's rooftop bar is the perfect spot for sunset drinks. seiryukiyomizu.com
THE ONE KAISEKI
Have you embraced seasonal eating in the last few years? In Kyoto, they have been doing it for centuries. The city's signature cuisine is a kaiseki, a multi-course banquet in which each course reflects the season not just through the ingredients but also in the choice of crockery and garnishes. At Kyoryori-Manshige restaurant they have perfected the art of kaiseki – no surprise given that they have been doing this for more than 90 years. Highlights include the red snapper steamed in sake served in a dashi broth or tempura prawns wrapped in yuba. kyoryori-manshige.co.jp
THE ONE STREET
Kyoto's greatest charm is its atmospheric streets with their traditional low-slung houses, lantern-lit doorways and stone paving. If you only have time for one, take a stroll along the steeply sloping Sannenzaka – or better yet, stay a bit longer so you can also explore Ninzaka, Nene-no-michi and Yasaka-dori, leading to Yasaka Pagoda. Arrive early to beat the crowds and watch as the street-proud shopkeepers sweeping the street with their old-style brooms.
THE ONE FOREST
Credit: JNTO
Even the light looks different when you are standing amid the soaring Bamboo Grove in Arashiyama, where the leaves add a soft green filter that casts a special mood. While you are there, take a walk through the hilltop Kameyama-koen Park (watch out for the mischievous monkeys) or hire a rowboat to enjoy a different perspective on the area.
THE ONE TEMPLE
The five-storey pagoda at Ninna-ji temple is imposing but it is the goten, the head priest's former residence, designed to resemble an imperial palace with covered corridors and pretty gardens, that is the most intriguing site in this sprawling complex. Ninna-ji's other claim to fame is its grove of rare omuro cherry blossom trees. These late-blooming trees are also much shorter than the usual cherry blossoms and walking through the garden in spring feels like walking through clouds of blossom.
THE ONE TEA CEREMONY
When is a cup of tea more than just a cup of tea? When it is part of a tea ceremony, a ritual that is all about slowing down and appreciating every element of the experience. Long before you lift the cup of matcha to your mouth, the sounds and scents of the experience work have a soothing effect on your senses. One of the best ways to experience it is with a private session at Camellia Tea Ceremony. tea-kyoto.com
THE ONE FOOD MARKET
Credit: iStock
Fresh fish, pickled vegetables, octopus balls, mochi – whatever your favourite Japanese foodstuff you will find it at Nishiki Market, a narrow shopping street in the heart of town. If you want to browse in peace without the crowds, come early; if you want to fill up on fabulous food, come at lunchtime when the eateries in and around the market are buzzing.
THE ONE RYOKAN
From the moment you arrive and are greeted by a kimono-clad Tomoko Nakamura and her mother Kyoko, who presents each guest with a calligraphy scroll she has created herself, a stay in Yoshida Sanso is a special experience. The ryokan – a former imperial residence – has just three private suites done in traditional style, complete with tatami floors and shoji paper screens. yoshida-sanso.com
ONE MORE THING ...
Kyoto is full of scenic spots but hands-down the best photo opportunity is a selfie with the torii gates at the Fushimi Inari shrine (watch a video of the shrine above). Thousands of these gates, each one painted a blazing shade of orange, snake their way along the hillside. If you want to compete the entire circuit allow an hour or more, but take the time to explore the small shrines you encounter along the way. inari.jp
Ute Junker travelled with the assistance of Visit Kyoto See kyoto.travel
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