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| Welcome to Kyoto! |
After visting Osaka, I arrived in Kyoto, the former Capital of Japan. The number 1 priority for me was to find my hostel, so I could get rid of my backpack. Once again, some Japanese people not only indicate the road you should take, but also come with you to be sure you arrived safely in the right place. At that time, the youth hostel provided the breakfast, the evening dinner and the possibility to take a bath "Japanese style" (where water temperature was at least 40 °C). This was really great, particularly after spending a long day walking. In the hostel, I had the opportunity to meet some fellow travellers, with Asian roots, which allowed me to visit a lot of sites in very little time. If you plan to stay 2 days in Kyoto, here are some ideas. |
| 1. Using the Japanese transport system...Like every big city, Kyoto has several means of transport: metros, bus, trains and taxis. On the right-hand side, you can see a typical train connection ticket machine. At first glance, it looks impossible to use but really it's not that bad: basically, the further you go, the more you have to pay. In Kyoto, buses were the most efficient way to access the tourist sites. |
| 2. Enter the Kyoto
Imperial Palace Park... The Imperial Palace park is huge and pleasant to visit. Obviously, January is not the best month to enjoy the Japanese flora to the full. |
 Photo 2. Kyoto Imperial Palace Park. |
| 3. Look at the Kyoto Imperial Palace...Because it is hidden behind a great wall and its doors are closed almost permanently, it is pretty rare to get the chance to see the Kyoto Imperial Palace. I got lucky... the doors opened when I was wandering in the park. |
| 4. Go to the altar... There are still quite a lot of altars in Kyoto City Centre. Unfortunately, the surrounding modern buildings are not always in harmony with the old structures. |
| 5. Visit a cinema studio... Here is a typical example of an activity I wouldn't have done on my own. It was an interesting experience... |
 Photo 5. Cinema Studio in Kyoto. |
| 6. Decipher the local signs... This sign looks familiar to all francophiles! Not far from the town hall of Kyoto, here is a proof of the good relationship between France and Japan. Surprisingly, a few months later, I actually found the same sign in Paris in the 15th district, not far from the Eiffel Tower. |
| 7. Look at the traditional houses... On the right-hand side, you can see an example of a traditional house in Japan. Of course, those are not really built anymore and the current trend is the building of skyscrapers to meet the demand of overpopulated Japanese cities. |
| 8. Take photos
in the streets of Kyoto... On the right-hand side, you can see a photo of a shop, which was selling spiritual objects in a commercial street of Kyoto. |
| 9. Contemplate Kinkakuji Temple... Without a doubt, this is one of the best known sites in Japan. It is also called the Golden Pavilion. It is a designated World Heritage site by UNESCO. The photo speaks for itself. |
| 10. Visit the Heian Shrine...Here is an example of a beautiful temple in the heart of Kyoto. With such a colour scheme, it's difficult to miss it. |
 Photo 10. Heian Shrine. |
| 11. Visit a Japanese Garden... The photo #11 was taken near the Ryoanji Temple. |
| 12. Admire the Japanese writing... Here is a photo taken inside the Ryoanji Temple, I don't know what it means but I always found Asian characters fascinating. |
| Kyoto in pictures | ||
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 Photo 3. Kyoto Imperial Palace. |
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 Photo 4. An altar in Kyoto |
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 Photo 6. French Street sign in Kyoto. |
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 Photo 7. Japanese House. |
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 Photo 8. Japanese shop in Kyoto. |
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 Photo 9. Kinkakuji Temple. |
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 Photo 11. Japanese Garden. |
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 Photo 12. Japanese Writing. |
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