4 Days in Kyoto
 

My "3 Days in Tokyo" thread yielded great advice and now I am looking for help with Kyoto. Given that we will set aside a full day for a trip to Nara, how would we best organize the other 3 days? Below are sights that might interest us but we really don't want to spend all of our time visiting temples. It would help to prioritize and leave enough time for shopping. Please suggest itineraries, with timing.

Ginkakuji Temple and "Path of Philosophy"
Gion District for shopping
Kyoto Handicraft Center
Kiyomizu-Dera (temple)
Sansjusangen-Do (temple)
Daigo-Ji (temple)
Fushimi-Inari Taisha (temple)
Niju-Jo (Castle)
Ryoanji Temple
Kinkakuji (temple)
Adashino Nembutsyji (temple)
Koinzan Sai Hoji (temple)
Enryaku-Ji (temple)
Imperial Gardens

We will be staying at the Hyatt Regency, by the way...

impressive...

Sanjusangendou is right next door to the Hyatt so unless you arrive too late you could go there the day you arrive. Allow an hour.

Kiyomizudera can be the start of a Great walk. Taxi up to the highest point they are allowed. Go through Kiyomizudera. Allow at least an hour. Walk down to Gion via the narrow and stepped streets of sannenzakka and ninenzakka. Along the way、assuming you reserved well in advance stop for lunch at Kikunoi Honten (and please don't order the kikunoi Obento as it just doesn't yield the sake experience in either food or service than if you order a proper kaiseki lunch. I've had both. The Obento was fine but not one thing made me or my coolleague say "wow that was good". Service was drop and go. No explanation. Same to everyone in the large shared room. Order kaiseki you get your own room and far more interesting dishes served by informative and pretty friendly staff. Food is hot - the Obento room temperature with the exception of the rice. All in the kaiseki is worth the cost and Obento not really. Reserve cfar in advance. The reason we had Obento the first time was because we reserved two weeks ahead and that's all they had left.

After lunch you could wander gion and shop a bit. It's city except in the back streets so follow the narrow roads to the sides.

Hyatt for cocktails in the very cool bar.

Another day taxi to nijono and look. Allow 90 minutes. Then taxi to Arashiyama. Ride the torookko train up then riverboat down. By all means engage a jinrikisha. They have English speakers I've reserved for others. Great entertainment and information. At least an hour but two hours would show you most everything. Eat tofu and tuba lunch. Taxi to Hyatt is about ¥2500. Back to the bar.


If you are looking for unique, high quality, not crazy priced goods skip the craft center. It is filled with several floors of nostly junky stuff and caters to tours who take advantage of the cheap lunch offer. Instead head to small galleries and studios. You'll find the good unique and fairly priced stuff outside places like the craft center. Go have a look but buy carefully.

Stop at Fushimi Inari to or from Nara. There are also sake breweries in Fushimi. Naramachi in Nara is home to lots of small craft and art shops and cafes.

Enjoy. Leave unplanned time to wander. Don't underestimate the size of Kyoto.

Nice suggestions, Kim. I'm going to let Craig post the first round of questions here, I'll be back with more specific questions.

Hanging on the coat tails of this one too! ;)

For shopping, also consider Teramachi-dori, a covered, pedestrian-only street that starts near the Kawaramachi subway station and runs south for several blocks. Lots of interesting shops and places to have a meal or a snack -- an especially nice shop (sorry, don't know the name) sells beautiful stationery woodprint scrolls, artist equipment, etc. Teramachi-dori intersects the pedestrian-only Nishiki market, a place with a dizzying array of food stalls selling one mystery meat (or sea creature) after another. To or from the Hyatt, you could take a bus to the train station then a subway to Kawaramachi, but a taxi is a lot more convenient and not outrageously expensive (I'll guess around 1500Y).

In Gion, please be sure to take a small detour to the streets next to the Shinbashi bridge. This is absolutely one of the very most pleasant city streets I've seen -- just a delightful place. There are almost always some maiko (apprentice geishas) hanging around, and they're happy to pose for pictures.

There's an outfit that offers cycling tours of the city with English-speaking guides ( http://www.kctp.net/en/tour/index.html -- both half-day and full-day tours are available). I took one of these on my last trip and enjoyed it a lot. The guide was terrific, the cycling was very easy and completely adapted to my needs, and it was a way to see parts of the city that I'd never have found on my own. A potential downside to the cycling tours is that reservations & payment are necessary in advance, and it will not be postponed if it rains.

Agree strongly w/Kim & others that the Touzan bar at the Hyatt should not be missed.

Using computer rather than iphone this time ^ fewer typos I hope! Example tofu and tuba lunch - that ought to be filling! I meant tofu and yuba!

For amazing paper, I think the shop Don refers to is Kyukyodo http://www.kyukyodo.co.jp . I also really like the small shops like Uragu and Rokkaku. Uragu is a bit of a challenge to get to but in a very nice area for walking around http://www.uragu.com/infomation/map2.htm Rokkaku is easier to find. http://www.rokkaku-kyoto.com/secure/introduction/
Suzuki Shofudo does workshops http://www.shofudo.co.jp

I am happy to say that I just booked the Hyatt Regency in Kyoto and 4 of our 5 nights will be "free". We took advantage of the Hyatt Visa promotion and earned 2 nights each...

Good for you, Craig!

Happy for you, gutted for me. ;)
We are staying at the HR in Kyoto too. ( sounds like quite a few of us are staying there) where are you staying in Tokyo?

Nicky, in Tokyo we are staying at Citadines, Shinjuku. Bob found it. It is conveniently located and the rates are fantastic.

Nothing better than a free(almost)stay at the Hyatt Kyoto.

Your list is impressive and shows someone has done their homework. You would need 3 trips of 4 days each to see this list. I hesitate to add to the excellent answers you've already received but I will try.

When we stayed there the Hyatt offers a one-way free taxi ride to and from JR Kyoto station. Just walk to the taxi stand on the shinkansen side exit(not the main northern entrance)and tell them you are going to the Hyatt Kyoto. The cost is only IIRC ¥710 for the first two kilometers and the Hyatt is within that area or sometimes one click away(depending on traffic and route taken)anyway if you happen to take the wrong exit.

The infamous Touzan Bar has a Happy Hour(50% off)from 5:00pm till 7:00pm and should be taken advantage of as you will find out when you see the prices at the other hotel bar/restaurant venues.

The boat ride back from Torroko Kameoka is very scenic but for guys with girth like me and a knee problem, sitting on the floor of a crowded boat for two hours was a little uncomfortable but shouldn't be a problem for you two. Make sure you take advantage of the "facilities" before rushing off the bus and onto a boat......it is two hours on the water after all,lol.

I love Kim's reco of Sanjusangendo the day you arrive. I really like this venue for some reason. We have been twice now with my only complaint being the no cameras allowed inside alla the Sistine Chapel rule. Linda and I have started our day at Sanjusangendo, then walked up the hill to Kiyomizudera. Walking on the street to the right up the hill then following the other street that parallels down hill towards the Gion area stopping at the bottom of the hill and a favorite kani restaurant about a block before the Shijo Dori intersection. No English signage but you can't miss the large crab signs on the front of the building. From there you can explore the Gion and shopping streets Don mentions. A long walking day but one you two will enjoy.

Fushimi-Inari is doable to or from Nara but you will not be able to hike to the top if done this way. We only hiked for about an hour up-hill before turning back but it would have taken a few more hours to do the whole trail to the top and back. We felt we saw enough doing this way but wouldn't have minded making it to the top. Don't miss the sampling the inari sushi sold by many of the small resident restaurants in Inari. Just rice and a vinegar tofu covering but one of my favorites.

If you wanted a day plan for a few more of your choices one day could look a little like this:

Taxi to Kinkakuji and take in the Golden Pavilion followed by a 20 minute walk(or taxi) down to Royanji. Then taxi over to Ginkakuji and visit the exquisite garden then walk out the front gate and down the Philosopher's Path picking up a snack from the yatai vendors as you leave. Hail a taxi at Nanzenji at the end of the path and take it into the Shoji Dori area for more shopping(kyoto handicrafts or whatever) and some food or back to the Hyatt for a breather.
What are your dates in Kyoto again?
Looking at your recent threads reminds me that I've got to get our Japan plans started ;)

Aloha!

Bob didn't find the Citadines in Shinjuku......I did. It's going to be a feat if he can find it the first day he arrives in Tokyo :))

Aloha!

Peter, sounds like we better start planning now for two more trips in addition to this one...

Thanks for finding the Citadines. We arrive in Tokyo 2 days before Bob and Karen, so it may be a feat for us to find it also...;-)

I think our dates in Kyoto overlap. We are there 11/1 to 11/6. Hopefully we can all hook up for drinks and/or dinner in the evenings. Are you staying at the Hyatt or at the same place as Bob and Karen?

Wishing we overlaped with you guys too, shame we don't but we do with the lovely Filmwill and David so all is not lost. :)

Am still feeling overwhelmed with all the sites to see in Japan, so many thanks to Craig and the respondents as that has definitely helped........
Now back of the fact u have secured free nights at the HR, as a UK cirizen who doesn't qualify for one of those cards..... Gutted.. :(

I guess relocating is out of the question, Nicky? :-)

Well considering how much it's going to cost me to stay at the Park Hyatt Tokyo, it may just be worth it!!! Now, East or west coast??

We have the annual Fodor's GTG in Boston on the east coast, would that help you decide?

We too are staying at the Citadines Shinjuko in Tokyo, and it does look centrally located and a good value. We thought the same about the Citiadines in Kyoto and are booked there, but we also have the 4 free nights from the Hyatt card available which I thought we would use in Hawaii. Is there any downside to staying at the Kyoto Citiadines that I am missing? BTW, thanks for finding the Citadines, HT.

shelley, not sure which Hyatt you are looking at in Hawaii, but the one on Kauai is awesome and probably more expensive than the one in Kyoto. Thus, use your freebies there. From the TA reviews, I can't see any reason why you wouldn't be happy with Citadines in Kyoto.

Craig, We are staying with Bob and Karen but would love to meet up in Kyoto for your 50% cocktails :)
I am sure by the time we reach Kyoto we will have discussed the particulars.

shelley, the Grand Hyatt Kauai is one of our favorite island getaway weekenders for Linda and I. We should have been there this past month actually as we often go in the Feb/March time frame to whale watch and just chill out but family and work commitments are keeping us trapped here on Oahu this year....actually not a bad thing,lol.

Aloha!

I looked at the Kyoto Citadines for our October trip but in the end I decided against it on location. Although it's central, and looks fine for transport, when I looked on Google Maps it didn't seem like the kind of area I would find interesting to walk around of an evening, in terms of restaurants etc.

But since we didn't book it / didn't stay, I can't comment.

The one in Shinjuku looks like a superb location.

Regarding Kyoto, here's some of what we did:

On our first afternoon, Nishiki food market + nearby shopping streets, and Yasaka Shrine, near our ryokan, where we had dinner

Day 2, explore traditional Gion and Higashiyama districts, visit several temples and shrines including Kennin-ji, Yasui Konpiragu, Yasaka Pagoda and Kiyomizudera, browse many traditional food, drink and craft stores, dinner in local area

Day 3, completely scrapped because of illness

Day 4, visit Suntory Yamazaki Distillery and then Fushimi Inari Shrine (had also planned to visit Sanjusangendo Temple and sake breweries but reduced our plans as still recovering)

Day 5, visit to Sagano/ Arashiyama, bamboo forest and Tenryuji Temple, then shopping and walking in area near hotel (original afternoon plan was to visit Miho Museum but as before, scaled back because of that illness)

I've written about the temples and shrines we visited during the whole trip here: http://www.kaveyeats.com/2013/03/mes...of-love-6.html

Smeagol,

Maybe you can take advantage of the "Explore Classic Japan" special going on now till the end of the year since you will be staying at a Hyatt in Tokyo and Kyoto. Might get you one free night in Kyoto anyways. See here for details:

http://tokyo.grand.hyatt.com/hyatt/h...sBookable=true

Aloha!

craig--we have added the night of the 28th at Hakone at the hyatt, cutting back one day from kanazawa.

agree with KimJapan about skipping the handicraft center.

How about dinner and a stroll in old Gion, or Pontocho?

Also,
http://www.kyoto-gioncorner.com/global/en.html

and
http://www.kyotoguide.com/ver2/event...archive10-.htm

Did anyone else notice that on Mrwnrfl's second link that the Special Autumn Opening of the Kyoto Imperial Palace and will be held and having a free admission and no reservations required days between Oct 31 thru Nov 4th? Perfect timing for some of us. Bob are you ready to get up early and stand in line? ;)

Aloha!

s.a., we won't be there those days...

I wish I was going to be there those days!

HT thanks for the heads up ref the Hyatts I'll look into it and let you know how it pans out.

ooh ooh ooooooooh

s.a. we are there from 11-2 till 11-7

we could try 11/3 or 11/4. I will set my alarm for you. Just about a twenty minute walk from the house :)

lots of comfy old chairs and pillows to sit on if no one is looking while walking around the palace.....

Kathie, You will be there later in Nov. Check the calendar for Nov dates and see there are a few things you might be interested in....maybe the chrysanthemums at the temples or the festivals at Nijo-jo.

Smeagol, hope it works out for you! No need to prepay yet as it is early and more specials may come out during summer but be aware that the Hyatt Kyoto is a popular place and may sell out for a few Nov days by early fall.

Aloha!

Its saying it's not available for the Park Hyatt in Tokyo for my dates!!!
I already have reservation there and great rates for the Kyoto HR, but will continue to check for offers.....
Thanks again. :)

duh... i read it as the imperial palace in tokyo--duh... how many houses do these royals need anyways??

better still we can send craig to go early and hold a place for us in line and we can show up mid-morning when the gates open...

Bob - I'm sleeping in that day...

Peter - is the Imperial Palace a must do?

Craig,

I have never been because of the reservation process(always so many sights to see in Kyoto with no hassle). You still won't be let into any of the buildings I understand but you don't have to take a tour and can walk freely. There are only a few days in the spring and autumn periods when Kyoto Imperial Palace can be entered without advance reservations and without joining a tour. So if you wanted to see without the hassles, this would be the time.

I don't think we really need to wait in line early, just be there relatively early in the day....lines might be longer than usual but not a busy time of year anyway and passport would still probably need to be in hand especially people who look suspicious like rhkkmk.....and remembering that he freely admitted recently online to the world what the h in his name stands for.....he probably would be placed in the same category as Paul McCartney and given the anal probe.

Smeagol, too bad about the Park Hyatt in Tokyo. Really one of the better hotels in all of Japan but you can also stay for less at the Grand Hyatt Roppongi and the stay includes club privliges which would get you free breakfasts and free heavy hors duervres and cocktails every evening. Roppongi is a very vibrant neighborhood, one of our favorites and the Grand Hyatt is a very lux place in itself. Check to see if they have an opening unless of course you really want the PH.

You can visit the PH for a drink at the NY Bar and still get the feel of the place along with ¥2000 martini prices,lol

Aloha!

I DO,like the look of the GH in Tokyo but I think I have sold myself the "lost in translation" experience @ the PH Am I wasting my yen? Is the location of the GH better than the PH??? ( my eyes water every time I see the rates per night....)

For the most part, the GH has a better location than the PH. The GH is in a major shopping/restaurant complex, sits on top of two important subway lines, is more or less in the geographic center of Tokyo, and has a lot going on in the immediate vicinity. The PH is in a business district, well away from the subway and in the westernmost part of the city.

That said, the PH is one of the very best hotels in Tokyo, if not the planet. It would not be a burden to spend several days there, even if (or maybe especially if) you never left the hotel.

As Peter says, the GH is no slouch, either. While its service might not match the PH or the other very top tier hotels (Peninsula, 4 Seasons), it's still a very, very comfortable and welcoming place to stay and compares favorably to nearly any other hotel in any other city.

Peter has stressed this before, but it's often overlooked: in Tokyo, consider carefully the places you'll want to visit when choosing a hotel location. If you're planning to spend time in places like the Ginza, the Imperial Palace, Asakusa, and Tsukiji, then you're better off at the GH. If you're planning to isit mostly the Meiji shrine, Harajuku, and Shinjuku Gyoen and maybe also wouldn't mind just hanging around the hotel bar for some long stretches, then the PH is a better choice.

and if you plan to do both of those things, the Y is the best choice...

nicky--go with GH and save money for Gaggan