JNTO Kyoto walks

The JNTO website has a pdf with several different walks around Kyoto. Has anyone ever tried one of these, or is anyone familiar with the areas the walks go through?

I can't post links yet, but the address is:

jnto.go.jp/eng/location/rtg/pdf/pg-503.pdf

I'm hoping one or two of them would take me a little off the beaten path.
Thanks!

Those walks seem pretty interesting, but for us to better help you. How long do you have in Kyoto? And exactly what are your main interests. Kyoto is a very interesting city, with many things to see. So if you don't have much time you have to maximize what time you have.

I'm still in the very early planning stages for my trip next year. At this point I'm planning on 3 days in Kyoto, but I may stretch that to 4.

I'm mostly interested in history and more traditional architecture.

Takayama and Koyasan are also on the list of places I'd like to see, if that helps. Will have to see if I can actually fit those into the trip though.

Thanks.

Go for four days if you can. There's so much to see that you don't want to have to rush around.

I've only covered the area in the first 2 walks and the one on page 4. These seem OK, but don't forget to cover the Gion district (shown to the west of the route on page 2). Actually, Gion is quite nice to do as an evening walk.

Also factor in time to actually go into the various temples and shrines marked on the maps. I personally liked Yasaka shrine and Maruyama park - but try to go outside of the weekends and not at lunchtimes if you want a semi tranquil setting without some Gaijin and his amplified guitar singing crap songs!

If you have a Japan Rail pass you can use some of the busses in Kyoto that depart from outside the main rail station. One of these will take you up to the Kinkakuji – Ryoanji area.

If you like your traditional architecture then give the city's castle a look as well.

Amos is right, Kyoto just has so much to see. It makes me sad that so many people make it a 1 day side destination.

Thanks for the responses.

Amos - Are you talking about Nijo-jo Castle, or the Imperial Palace? I've noticed some mixed opinions on whether the Imperial Palace is worth the tour, but that the garden is very worthwhile.

I've read that some people saw so many shrines and temples that they got a bit burned out on them. Hopefully I can decide on a big enough variety of things to see so that doesn't happen to me.

I'm pretty sure the Japan Rail Pass will save money over paying for the side trips separately, so I'll probably get the 14 day pass.


So what do you do on weekends to avoid the crowds?

Thanks again!

JasonS said:

Thanks for the responses.
Amos - Are you talking about Nijo-jo Castle, or the Imperial Palace? I've noticed some mixed opinions on whether the Imperial Palace is worth the tour, but that the garden is very worthwhile.
I've read that some people saw so many shrines and temples that they got a bit burned out on them. Hopefully I can decide on a big enough variety of things to see so that doesn't happen to me.
I'm pretty sure the Japan Rail Pass will save money over paying for the side trips separately, so I'll probably get the 14 day pass.
So what do you do on weekends to avoid the crowds?
Thanks again!

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Nijo-jo Castle. I didn't go to the imperial palace (from memory you have to apply in advance to go and see it). I thought the castle and it's gardens were very attractive.

Temple burn can be an issue. Personally, I love them so never get bored. What got me was the 4 days constant walking! You could always break up your time with a side trip to Nara. I know it's another temple, but at least you'd have a trip out of the city and see some of the surrounding area.

The weekend crowds are just something you have to put up with. Getting to places early can help if you want to see them in more tranquil settings. Also note that many of the temples close around 16:30.

Fushimi Inari
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