Kyoto is rightfully considered to see Japan soul. Previously, the city called Heian-ko, which means the capital of the world and calm, because it was in this unique city that the past and real Japan are closely intertwined - the countries of the Rising Sun. A hundreds of old temples are located in the city, which are still pissed by the early traditions of the country, which are honored to this day.
Many times the city became a victim of civil wars, fires, political disagreements, because of which many structures in the city were simply erased from the face of the earth. But here's the fact that there is still left here, just amazing imagination. Just think of the numbers - for 1.5 million urban residents account for about two thousand old temples, as well as more than a hundred parks and dozens of beautiful Japanese palaces.
Kyoto cannot be compared with other Japanese cities, since they are all unique, and each of the cities can offer tourists some features of the rest, which are simply unpetual. For example, there are hot springs in Atama, but in Kyoto - many temples and architectural monuments, this is how they can be compared, and for what standards? All cities are beautiful, but now we are talking about Kyoto, and about the peculiarities of rest in this wonderful and beautiful city.
Among the attractions of the city most popular are: the Imperial Palace of Goso, the castle of Nijo, the Golden Pavilion, the Silver Pavilion, the Temple of Sanyusangen-To, the Temple of Röandji, the Temple of Clean Water and other temples that are rather difficult because of their just a huge amount.
But the most bright place is considered the Shinto complex Fusimi Inari Thaya, who is very impressive not only by his appearance, but also by the path that leads to the complex itself. We were very surprised when the path to the complex had to overcome on a 4-kilometer tunnel with thousands of gates. Moreover, you should not be afraid when the gates will see the stuffed foxes who are considered messengers of the deities. And in general, with regard to the cultural features and religious aspects of Japan, there is a lot of interesting things and unknown by tourists.
And even in Kyoto, it is very beautiful, not only in the temples and palaces, but also in urban parks and the surrounding area, because the city is located in Kyoto Vpadina. Thus, the city from all sides surround the mountain ridges and hills, then the mountains. For example, China's Mountains and Niciima are located in the north-western part of the city, and in the south-east - Diago Mountains. We especially liked in Kyoto a peculiar harmony of numerous buildings with the surrounding landscape, because sometimes it seems that the palace or the temple just rose from hills or lakes. This feature of the Japanese means the highest level of skill in the field of architecture, which is called merging with nature.
In the city, the best time of recreation is considered the gap from September to November, as well as from March to May months, since it is these months that may well emphasize the uniqueness of Kyoto. For example, in April, Sakura bloom here, and in November - the maple leaves acquire a crimson color. These are the most popular times when the city has the greatest number of tourists.
By the way, at this time there are serious problems with housing, therefore it is worth taking care of it in advance. And this is despite the fact that in the city more than a hundred hotels who are able to meet the needs of each visitor to the city. For example, Dormy Inn Premium Kyoto 3 * or Kyoto Tokyu Hotel 4 *. More expensive - Nishikiro Ryokan 5 *, HYATT REGENCY KYOTO 5 *. It offers lovers of originality to accommodate in one of the temples where the cost of one night is about 40 dollars.
In addition to mastery of landscape designs, Kyoto residents have mastery of culinary art, which can be tried in any of the many venues of the city. Of course, the dishes are predomined by seafood dishes and traditional Japanese noodles - Udon or Soba.
Among the institutions I would like to highlight Giro Giro Hitoshina, in which it is not very cheap, but not too expensive. Lunch per person will cost about $ 40, but the chef here is simply unique. He constantly comes up with new dishes, for example, last time I tried Daikon Rolls with Fu-Gra, which is very unusual, but tasty.
You can look at the Ancient Restaurant Honke Owariya, which has a menu and English, which is considered to be a big rarity in Kyoto's institutions. Here they offer traditional Japanese noodles with various additives. And you can sit in both ordinary halls and in more traditional, with tatami.
In Kyoto, you can spend great time with children, because in hotels there are nanny for the smallest, and in many restaurants there are a special children's menu. Many children really like parks and walks in the sights. Yes, and in the middle of the city there are many entertainment for children, like children's playgrounds and inflatable trampolines, not to mention the entertainment in the shopping centers of the city.
Shopping in Kyoto is simply amazing, because in the largest shopping area of the city along Szizos Street, expensive boutiques with ordinary shops and culinary products are calm. This is a kind of mix that will easily notice any visitor to the area.
Especially striking the vintage stores, which are already hundreds of years. They sell blades, marble and porcelain products. The most famous of them - Aritsugu, in which the usual souvenir costs at least 250 dollars.
Many tourists prefer to visit the flea markets, which in the city are several. In the markets, the choice is very large, because there is absolutely everything, starting with clothes, and ending with different handmade products.
As for security, in Kyoto you can feel absolutely protected. The only thing that should not be done is to react to the name, which will fall asleep you with suggestions and questions. In addition, you should not ask the road or anything else from the locals, because few people know here English, and in general, they are all very shy.
It is better to contact a policeman who exactly share the necessary information.