Kyoto

Where to Stay

Resort Kyomachiya

We stayed at this place the first time we went in 2019 and it was really good. It was spacious, cooking facilities, just lovely in general. From memory, I believe there is a train station quite close by. Like maybe 800m.

Resi Stay Brix

There are a number of Resi Stay properties, we were at the Brix specifically. This was good, and includes some shared laundry facilities so if you need to wash then there is that. It is small with a family though. Two adults and two children became a little challenging here and we had to split up some time from each other.

It's fairly convenient. They have a reception counter just walking distance from the station, and you can utilise a minibus from them to get dropped off to your accommodation. So, all in all, this was pretty solid.

What to do

Kiyomizudera

Yes! Go here, it's worth it. It will be busy, but you should still be able to find your pockets of space to take in both where you are, as well as the views out from where you are.

Nishiki Market

Yes, do this. There is plenty to see, try, and buy! You have my blessing, go forth! Ostensibly a fresh food market, but you will find other shops along the way too.

Bamboo Forest

Unfortunately there is no world in which I can recommend this. Some things are just down to marketing and group think.

The Kimono Forest Of Arashiyama

You see a picture from nighttime, and you think oh that looks so pretty! But then you end up there in the day, and it's quite bland and underwhelming. Look, if you go to my temple recommendation, then this is the opposite of inconvenient to get to. Just, I dunno, maybe have low expectations or try to work out your timing to be here when it is dark.

Fushimi Inari Shrine

Obviously this is going to come up in many trip planning suggestions. I think you just need to ask yourself:

• Do I want to walk up a lot of stairs?
• Do I want to be surrounded by approximately 1 billion people?
• Am I willing to get up extremely early?

If you aren't hitting at least 2/3 yesses, then probably give it a miss. at least 2/3 yesses, then probably give it a miss.

Tenryuji Temple

Here is one we really liked. This is a pretty big set of buildings are gardens to poke around in. If I was limited to selecting one temple recommendation in Kyoto, it's probably going to be this one.

Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion)

Maybe this is a hot take, maybe it's not, but considering the popularity of this I would give it a miss. The experience here basically boils down to shuffling along a path through the gardens, to get to a nice view of the temple, to be asked to take photos for people, and then to shuffle out again. This is the cliche over tourism spot, avoid it!

Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion)

This is a definite yes from me. Obviously YMMV, but we found this to be really beautiful and lovely gardens. It wasn't too busy or full of people (unlike the Golden Pavilion), so it was an enjoyable experience.