At least two full days are needed to get a taste of Kyoto; however, the city is extremely rich in history and culture, and you could easily spend a week exploring Japan’s ancient capital and not run out of first class attractions to visit.
Is Nara closer to Osaka or Kyoto? Nara is 35 kilometers south of Kyoto City and about 28 kilometers east of Osaka. Thus, it’s within easy day trip distances of these cities. Of course, if you want to slow down and enjoy Nara a bit more, it makes sense to stay a night in Nara to really explore the area.
Then, Is Kyoto better than Osaka? Kyoto is more culturally immersed as it is the ex-capital where as Osaka is more for commerce developed from the old merchant town. Osaka is good for a day or less(mainly eat & drink) but Kyoto for 3 or more days. If you can find a hotel room, stay in Kyoto. You can commute but may get tired & miss out on night scenes.
Is Kyoto worth visiting? It’s the best place in all Japan to experience traditional temples, shrines, gardens, geisha, shops, restaurants and festivals. In short, Kyoto is the most rewarding destination in all of Japan and it should be at the top of any Japan travel itinerary.
FAQ
What is the best time to visit Kyoto?
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.
Is Kyoto Tokyo? Before Tokyo became the capital city of Japan, Kyoto was the country’s capital. Does it mean that Tokyo was therefore named after Kyoto? That’s not entirely true, but rather Kyoto and Tokyo share history in their names. In Japanese, Kyoto means the imperial capital, while Tokyo means the east imperial capital.
Is Nara a day trip from Kyoto? Nara is the most popular day trip from Kyoto, and there are two train operators for lines running between Kyoto and Nara: JR West and Kintetsu Railways.
Can I use JR Pass from Kyoto to Hiroshima? Kyoto and Hiroshima are connected by the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen lines. You can use your JR Pass and the journey between Kyoto Station and Hiroshima Station takes 1 hour 40 minutes. The Nozomi Shinkansen trains only take 1 hour 15 minutes but are not covered by the pass.
Is it cheaper to stay in Kyoto or Osaka?
Kyoto is a more touristy destination and a cultural melting pot. This is why accommodation and food tend to be more expensive here. If you’re on a budget, I highly recommend visiting Osaka. The city is a nice mix of culture, nightlife, and great food.
Is Osaka cheaper than Kyoto? Cost of Living Comparison Between Osaka and Kyoto
You would need around 486,265.15¥ in Kyoto to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with 500,000.00¥ in Osaka (assuming you rent in both cities).
Is it better to visit Tokyo or Kyoto?
Tokyo is the political and economic capital of Japan, so it’s much more bustling, modern and new. Kyoto, on the other hand, is the storehouse of Japan’s traditional culture. So, if you want to see what modern Japan is all about, visit Tokyo. And, if you want to experience traditional Japan, then visit Kyoto.
Is Kyoto English friendly? It’s a fact: Japanese don’t speak English as well as educated Europeans or Singaporeans. But, they usually speak some English and many of them are keen to practice their English.
Is Tokyo or Kyoto better?
Tokyo is the political and economic capital of Japan, so it’s much more bustling, modern and new. Kyoto, on the other hand, is the storehouse of Japan’s traditional culture. So, if you want to see what modern Japan is all about, visit Tokyo. And, if you want to experience traditional Japan, then visit Kyoto.
Which part of Kyoto should I stay?
The best area to stay in Kyoto for tourists is Downtown Kawaramachi. Other recommended best places to stay in Kyoto are Gion, Kyoto Station and Central Kyoto. Downtown Kawaramachi offers plenty of shops and restaurants, and is in walking distance to historical Gion, making it the best place to stay in Kyoto.
How cold does it get in Kyoto? In Kyoto, the summers are short, hot, oppressive, and mostly cloudy; the winters are very cold, windy, and partly cloudy; and it is wet year round. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 33°F to 89°F and is rarely below 27°F or above 94°F.
What kind of food is Kyoto known for? 5 Famous Foods You’ll Find in Kyoto
- 1) Yudofu (Boiled tofu) Japanese-style yudofu. …
- 2) Hamo (Conger eel) Conger eel rice bowl, baked with a sauce, put on rice and eat. …
- 3) Tsukemono (Japanese pickles) Pickles at Nishiki Market, a famous spot in Kyoto. …
- 4) Matcha. Matcha time! …
- 5) Yatsuhashi.
Does Kyoto have an airport?
Kansai International Airport (KIX): The main international access point to Kyoto – about 90 minutes from Kyoto by direct express train.
Is Kyoto safe? Kyoto is considered the safest city in Japan since the crime levels are very low. It is one of the very few cities that is safe to walk at night and to travel on public transport, but sensible precautions are necessary, as in any other major city.
Why is Kyoto better than Tokyo?
Tokyo is the political and economic capital of Japan, so it’s much more bustling, modern and new. Kyoto, on the other hand, is the storehouse of Japan’s traditional culture. So, if you want to see what modern Japan is all about, visit Tokyo. And, if you want to experience traditional Japan, then visit Kyoto.
Is Nara Park free? The Nara Deer Park is open 24 hours a day.
Admission is free, but you will most likely wish to purchase deer crackers during your visit.
Can I use JR pass from Kyoto to Nara?
How to travel between Nara and Kyoto. Miyakoji rapid trains operate every 30 minutes between Kyoto Station and JR Nara Station. The one way trip takes 45 minutes, costs 720 yen and is covered by the Japan Rail Pass. For the same fare, the trip could also be made by twice-hourly local trains in 75 minutes.
How much time do you need in Nara? While six or eight hours is ideal for a daytrip, you might find yourself with a mere half day to spend in Nara. If that is the case, don’t despair: A half-day (four hours) is enough to see a lot of Nara’s major sights.
