Next Stop, Kyoto

Taking the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto is an excellent experience when travelling in Japan. The high-speed train is comfortable, punctual, and efficient, covering approximately 450 kilometres in about two and a half hours, taking you from Tokyo to one of Japan’s most historic cities. I actually noticed many more tourists there than in Tokyo, especially around the most famous locations.

Located in the Kansai region on the island of Honshu, Kyoto was Japan’s imperial capital for more than 1000 years, from 794 until 1868. This long history is one of the reasons why the city is so rich in cultural heritage today. It is home to 17 UNESCO world cultural heritage sites and more than 2000 temples and shrines, making it one of the best places to experience Japan’s history, spirituality, and traditional architecture.

Before visiting Kyoto, I did not know the difference between a temple and a shrine, but it is actually quite simple: temples are Buddhist, while shrines are Shinto. Kyoto is full of both, making it one of the best places to experience Japan’s spiritual and cultural heritage.

My temple sightseeing began with Sanjūsangendō, one of the most impressive temples I visited. Inside, it houses a large collection of Buddhist sculptures, including 1001 statues of the Thousand-Armed Kannon, as well as other national treasures dating mainly from the Heian and Kamakura periods. Photography inside was not permitted, but the visit was very memorable and definitely worthwhile.

I also explored the famous Gion district and Ninenzaka Street, known for their preserved traditional buildings, souvenir shops, cafés, and local food. Walking through these streets offers a beautiful glimpse of old Kyoto. Matcha was also a constant part of my trip to Japan, and Kyoto was one of the best places to try different matcha drinks and desserts. Another stop was Yasaka Shrine, one of Kyoto’s well-known Shinto shrines, located between Gion and Maruyama Park.

One of the most authentic experiences was visiting Fushimi Inari Shrine, renowned for its thousands of red torii gates leading up the mountain. I recommend visiting in the evening, when there are far fewer tourists than during the day and the atmosphere is much more peaceful. The hike through the gates is beautiful, especially as the path climbs higher into the forest. It is advisable to stay alert, as I saw several wild boars along the way, so visitors should be cautious, particularly in quieter areas.

Another significant temple I visited was Kiyomizu-dera, one of Kyoto’s most famous landmarks. Its wooden terrace offers a wonderful view over the city, with the surrounding hills in the background. I also visited Shōsei-en Garden, a tranquil garden with bridges, ponds, and attractive photo spots – a pleasant break from the busier sightseeing areas.

Kyoto would not be complete without a visit to the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. Walking through the tall bamboo paths is one of the classic Kyoto experiences, and although it is very popular, it remains a beautiful place to visit. The wider Arashiyama area also has a calm atmosphere, with nature, temples, and riverside views nearby.

The National Museum is an excellent place to learn more about Japanese history, art, and culture. Another highlight was teamLab BioVortex Kyoto, an immersive digital art museum that combines light, movement, and space in a unique way. I would recommend this museum to everyone! It was one of the most interesting museums I visited during the trip and provided a contrast to Kyoto’s more traditional sights. After this trip, I could honestly say that Japan was the most amazing country I had visited so far.