Hotels and accommodation in Kyoto

A Brief Overview of Kyoto

Kyoto is the capital of Kyoto Prefecture located in the Kansai region of Honshu Island, Japan. Kyoto is part of the Keihanshin metropolitan area along with Osaka and Kobe. The city is a center of culture, history, and ancient heritage and is known as Greater Kyoto.

Kyoto is one of the oldest cities in Japan. Kyoto used to have the original name of Heian-kyo, where in 794, it was chosen as the center of the Japanese imperial government that lasted for over 1,000 years. That means, Kyoto was the capital of Japan before Tokyo. It wasn't until 1869 after the Meiji Restoration that the capital of Japan was moved to Edo or what is now better known as Tokyo.

At the end of World War II, Kyoto was a potential target of the atomic bomb by the United States Manhattan Project Target Committee. The consideration was due to the existence of great interests in Kyoto which was considered to be a weapon to persuade Japan to surrender.

Henry L. Stimson, Secretary of War in the Rooselvet and Truman administrations, urged to cancel Kyoto as a bomb target. He was impressed by Kyoto's rich architecture and considered the ancient Japanese capital to have great religious significance for the Japanese people.

Thanks to that, Kyoto escaped the devastation of World War II and became one of Japan's important cultural treasures. There are more than 2,000 shrines and temples in Kyoto and 17 places in Kyoto are listed in UNESCO World Heritage Sites. For this reason, Kyoto is very attractive to foreign tourists and has become one of the main tourist destinations in Japan.

What Does Best Known For Kyoto

Kyoto was once the eighth largest city in Japan during the late 16th century. Today, Kyoto is known as the City of Ten Thousand Temples as there are more than 3,000 temples scattered throughout the city. One of the most iconic temples is the Fushimi-Inari-Taisha on the mountainside and the Kiyomizu-dera (Buddhist temple) which was established in 778.

The history and culture in Kyoto is very strong. This can be seen from Kamo-wakeikazuchi Shrine or Kamigamo Shrine, a 1,300-year-old Shinto shrine that was established on the banks of the Kamo River in 678 AD. Kamigamo Shrine was declared one of the 17 Historical Monuments of Ancient Kyoto and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Then, Gion District in Kyoto is one of the most famous Geisha districts in Japan that is visited by many tourists. Geisha or geiko is a term for traditional Japanese dancer-entertainers that were common in the 18th and 19th centuries. The most popular area is Hanami-koji Street (from Shijo Avenue to Kenninji Temple) which is filled with exclusive restaurants and teahouses.

In addition, Kyoto is famous for being the home of one of Japan's most prestigious universities, Kyoto University, which was founded in 1897. It is the second oldest university in Japan and is consistently ranked second in all of Japan, the top 10 in Asia, and the world's top 50 higher education institutions.

How to Get to Kyoto from Australia

The single easiest and fastest way to get to Kyoto from Australia is to take an international flight. Australians can enter and stay in Japan visa-free for a maximum of 90 days. So, you don't need to apply for a visa if you only want to travel in Kyoto for a short time.

Generally, the flight from Australia to Kyoto takes 10 to 12 hours, but it can be more depending on the length of transit time. You can depart from Australian airports with international flights to Kansai International Airport (KIX), the closest international airport to Kyoto.

When arriving in Japan, go through customs and immigration procedures if required. Make sure your travel documents are prepared and completed any required arrival.

After immigration procedures, you can take the Haruka Limited Express train directly to Kyoto in less than 1.5 hours.

Weather in Kyoto

Kyoto is located in a valley, part of the Yamashiro Basin surrounded by the Higashiyama, Kitayama, and Nishiyama mountains. This geography gives Kyoto hot summers and a Koppen or humid subtropical climate.

Here are the details of weather in Kyoto:

• Spring: March to May, with an average temperature of 10°C to 20°C.
• Summer: June to August, with an average temperature of 25°C to 35°C
• Fall: September to November, with an average temperature of 15°C to 28°C
• Winter: December to February, with an average temperature of 2°C to 10°C

Transportation in Kyoto

Getting around Kyoto is a piece of cake! Kyoto has a well-developed public transportation system, meaning visitors have plenty of options for getting around. Relying on public transportation is the easiest and least expensive way to get around Kyoto.

Here are several transportation options available in Kyoto:

• Road transport: bus lines, taxis, bicycles and car rental,
• Rail transport: JR train, subway, privately-operated railways
• Air travel: domestic and international flights.

Accommodation in Kyoto

1. Richmond Hotel Premier Kyoto Ekimae

Richmond Hotel Premier Kyoto Ekimae is wrapped in contemporary interiors with a warm Japanese summer feel. An oasis-like green mini garden is set in the center of the hotel. There are various room types with city view and mountain view. Access to train and subway stations is also close by.

2. SOLARIA Nishitetsu Hotel Kyoto Premier

Overlooking the Kamo-gawa River, SOLARIA Nishitetsu Hotel Kyoto Premier has spacious and clean rooms. It is strategically close to exciting tourist destinations, such as Nishiki Market Shopping District and Nijō Castle. Another plus point of this hotel is the availability of gender-differentiated hot spring baths, as well as a spa and massage.

3. Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kyoto Ekimae PREMIER

Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kyoto Ekimae PREMIER is a modern luxury hotel that offers very comfortable rooms and complete amenities. The a la carte, buffet and continental breakfasts are very satisfying. Popular walkable places around the hotel include Kyoto Tower, Higashi Hongan-ji Temple, and Nishiki Market Shopping District.

4. New Hankyu Kyoto Hotel

New Hankyu Kyoto Hotel is a 3-star hotel in Kyoto city center that features currency exchange services, a bar, and massage services. The hotel is just five steps to Lawson, train and subway stations, Kyoto Tower, Asty Road, and Sanjusangendo Temple.

5. Kyoto Tower Hotel

Looking for affordable accommodation with the best city light view in Kyoto? Kyoto Tower Hotel is just a 2-minute walk to Kyoto Tower. Packed with amenities and wrapped in a warm minimalist feel, the hotel's facilities are extensive including currency exchange, bar, massage, laundry, and grooming services.

Tourist Destinations in Kyoto

1. Fushimi-Inari Taisha Shrine

This is a Shinto shrine and one of the most popular landmarks in Japan. Located in Fushimi, the main attraction of Fushimi-Inari Taisha Shrine is the long torii that runs on a hilly path surrounded by beautiful forests.

2. Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Kiyomizu-dera Temple is one of Kyoto's iconic temples. Built on the eastern slope of Higashiyama, this temple is one of the best spots to enjoy the beauty of Kyoto from a height. Don't miss this tourist destination because the whole area is very instagenic.

3. Gion's Geishas and Temples

Gion is known as the geisha district because of its history. Walking through Gion, you can feel the graceful atmosphere of classic Japanese culture. There are many traditional houses, temples and beautiful gardens, including Yasaka Shrine.

4. Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is an iconic landmark of Kyoto and Japan in the form of a tall, dense bamboo forest. Be sure to take a tranquil stroll along the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove's pathways that connect to Tenryu-ji Temple and the famous Togetsukyo Bridge.

5. Kyoto Tower

An observation tower in the heart of Kyoto that offers a spectacular panoramic view of the city. Kyoto Tower is the best place to admire the cityscape and city light.

Food Specialties in Kyoto

1. Kyoto Nishin Soba

Local cuisine that is highly appreciated by Kyoto locals. Kyoto Nishin Soba is a Kyoto-style soba (wheat noodle) dish served with savory and sweet nori nishin (anchovies).

2. Kyoto Tsukemono Sushi

This is sushi made from Kyoto's specialty ingredients, such as daikon, cherry blossoms, and other fermented vegetables called tsukemono. The tsukemono is combined on top of the sushi rice and creates a combination of salty, sweet, and sour flavors.

3. Kyoto Warabi Mochi

This dessert is made from warabi flour and water, then frozen and cut into small pieces. It has a chewy, jiggly texture and is usually enjoyed with kinako powder and brown sugar syrup.

4. Miso Glazed Kamonasu Eggplant

Miso Glazed Kamonasu is a grilled eggplant coated with sweet miso sauce.  This Kyoto local cuisine has a distinctive blend of savory, sweet, and slightly spicy flavors.

Travel Tips in Kyoto

Kyoto has many mesmerizing spots that are not to be missed. A Kyoto vacation is great if you have prepared well in advance. You can also book a Kyoto Day Pass to make traveling by bus or subway to various places of interest easier.

To maximize your trip in Kyoto, make a travel itinerary that includes a schedule of activities, places you want to visit, and the estimated budget spent at each place.

Although Kyoto experiences the same 4 seasons as Australia, the time periods are different. So make sure you bring appropriate clothing and skincare products to keep your skin healthy.

The excitement in Kyoto can always be surprising and you should visit it at least once in your lifetime. Traveling to Kyoto is even more fun by booking accommodations at Traveloka. Enjoy the easy and attractive promos here.