#7 in Best Places to Visit in Asia "Kyoto"

 

Why Go To Kyoto

Cherry blossom petals caught on a breeze, the burble of a water fountain permeating the silence of a peaceful rock garden, a pair of elegantly dressed geisha flitting between wooden tea houses ... Kyoto is the Japan of the past, the Japan of your imagination. Standing as Japan's capital from A.D. 794 to 1868, Kyoto has thrived as a hub for Japanese culture, art and education. Given the city's respect for its

history, it's not surprising that millions of people visit Kyoto each year for a snapshot of imperial Japan.

But no matter where you point your lens, modern-day Japan is sure to make it into the frame. Centuries-old Shinto shrines and pagodas share the city with the headquarters of companies like Nintendo and electronics manufacturer Kyocera. Kyoto's blend of ancient and contemporary makes it a vibrant city that certainly isn't stuck in the past.

Best Months to Visit

The best times to visit Kyoto are from March to May and from September to November when the weather is the mildest. However, the blooming cherry blossoms in spring and the vibrant fall foliage are big tourist draws, so be prepared for higher hotel rates and fewer vacancies. Crowds do wane a bit in the summer and winter, but June's sticky humidity and January's chilly temperatures are too uncomfortable for some travelers.

How to Save Money in Kyoto

Travel in the winter You may miss out on spring's cherry blossoms and autumn's changing foliage, but a decline in hotel and flight rates might make up for it.

Spring for a kaiseki lunch Kyoto's signature haute-cuisine, kaiseki, is a must-try, but it can cost a small fortune at night. Instead, follow the locals to a kaiseki restaurant at lunchtime for a set menu at a more manageable price.

Walk! Public transportation costs in Kyoto can add up quickly, so bring a pair of comfortable shoes and plan to amble (or cycle). (Tetsugaku-no-michi, the Philosopher's Walk, in Higashiyama is especially pleasant for strolling.)

Culture & Customs

Being the epicenter of Japan's cultural heritage, Kyoto is certainly geared toward tourists. However, that doesn't mean that the city is an amusement park – locals are still deeply rooted in customary Japanese etiquette and visitors should respect the rules. For example, you may be asked to remove your shoes or stow your umbrella upon entering a house, temple or shrine. Photography, eating and drinking are often prohibited within these structures, and it is polite to be silent while in a temple's vicinity.

Photography is also a touchy subject when it comes to geisha in Gion. You can recognize geisha by their colorful traditional kimonos, elaborate hairstyles, white-painted faces and red lips. Remember that geisha are neither prostitutes (as many westerners believe) nor theme park mascots. These women are respected entertainers and keepers of ancient Japanese traditions. If you must photograph them, do so from a respectful distance or with explicit permission.

The official language in Kyoto is Japanese. However, you might hear some people in Kyoto use the Kansai dialect, which is regarded as a more elegant and formal version of the language. It diverges from common Japanese in a few ways. For example, "thank you," in the Kansai dialect is "ookini," while in standard Japanese it's "arigato." When meeting new people, it is customary to bow, though handshakes are becoming more commonplace. If you are visiting someone's home, Japanese custom dictates you should bring a gift (a small token from your home country is usually acceptable).

Kyoto's official currency is Japanese yen (JPY). One American dollar (USD) equals about 110 yen (JPY), but you'll want to check the current exchange rate before you visit. And while your daily budget in Kyoto may have to be a little higher than in other cities, you won't have to worry about tipping, since it is not customary here.

What to Eat

Kyoto is famous for its kaiseki ryori style of dining, a traditional and formal way of eating; shojin ryori, composed strictly of vegetarian dishes and inspired by the diet of Buddhist monks; obanzai (Kyoto home-style cooking); and other popular Japanese fare such as ramen, sushi and udon. And, as in any large city, there is a variety of international cuisines. For those looking to try a kaiseki meal, head to the Pontocho and Gion districts of Kyoto. Budget travelers beware: Traditional kaiseki dinners can be expensive. To enjoy a kaiseki meal without blowing your budget, consider a breakfast or lunch instead. Kaiseki restaurants often offer a sample of their dinner selections at half the price for breakfast or lunch.

Tofu, a local Kyoto specialty, is a common ingredient in shojin ryori and can be found in many local restaurants. Look for yudofu, soft tofu simmered with vegetables in broth on menus, a very popular dish. Meanwhile, foodies shouldn't miss the Nishiki Market in central Kyoto to see and sample all sorts of local delicacies, including tsukemono (Japanese pickles), wagashi (Japanese confections) and plenty of fresh fish.

While you're enjoying your meal, keep a few etiquette rules in mind: Never pass food with chopsticks or use them to point at things on the table; passing food with chopsticks is a big faux pas only reserved for funeral rituals. Equally rude: sticking your chopsticks vertically into a bowl of rice. If you're done with your chopsticks, simply place them sideways on your plate.