Despite concerns about "over-tourism," there is a reason why Kyoto is Japan's top tourist destination and remains a "must see" for any foreign visitor to the country.
Thanks for this excellent guide, Mark! After having visited Tokyo for business in the 1990'es, I decided to bring my family to Kyoto first, not the overwhelming big city. That paid off, especially because we stayed out in Arashiyama which is more calm, a good base when travelling with kids like we did. Nice mountain with the monkeys, view of the City. Tour boats on the river, and this cozy little train into town that runs literally between cherry trees and partially on the crowded roads, as well.
Thanks for checking out the guide and sharing your positive feedback about Arashiyama. I agree that it would be a great place to use as a base for a family visit to Kyoto. Last October, I visited the bamboo grove in the middle of the day and was surprised to see so many tourists. While I expected to be in good company, the sheer number of fellow tourists was somewhat overwhelming. Although Kyoto is a "must see," I hope that Japan can persuade more tourists to spread out and explore other parts of the country.
Yes, Japan has kinda created its own so-called "over-tourism" problem by failing to persuade visitors to visit anywhere except Tokyo, Kyoto and perhaps Osaka. Japan has so much to offer, all over the country. However, to avoid cries of "over-tourism" in "new" tourist markets, Japan needs to ensure that the necessary infrastructure is in place to cope with numbers. Infrastructure is not the only problem; but it is a big problem. Most countries would try to do something about it; but Japan seems to see its gift horse of "over-tourism" as a problem, one which it seems to blame on the tourists themselves. Weird.
Thank you for commenting on this topic. Many local communities in Japan are very interested in introducing their city and/or region to foreign visitors. Some are more adept than others at using a variety of tactics. However, there does not seem to be much national leadership. So my impression - especially based on my own town's desire to do this - is that each local government is, more or less, on its own. I am actually volunteering on a tourism development project to promote the small town where we live. Oddly enough, the regional (prefectural) bank in our area is leading this initiative. In addition to a few private citizens like me, the committee includes representatives from the town hall and the chamber of commerce. There is no participation from the prefectural or national level of government. While I kind of like the grassroots approach, it's probably not the most effective way to learn from all the different best practices around the country. Sorry to harp on this subject, but this situation seems to be another example of the so-called "enigma of Japanese power" in the sense that most government-related decisions are made at the local level and policy tends to be highly fragmented. There is, in fact, no national policy.
Well, looking on the bright side, if there is no national policy, then there should be fewer bureaucratic obstacles stopping local tourism development projects like the one you're involved with from forging ahead - except probably local opposition and a lack of funds?! I salute your efforts and wish your committee every success.
Having lived for my first two years in Japan on The Philosopher's Path in Kyoto, I would agree that your suggested itinerary is a good one. As an old person, I find the crowds, all the walking and especially the summer heat somewhat overwhelming; but hopefully people have the common sense to plan accordingly.
As you say, there is a very long list of things to see and do in Kyoto, which has 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and, allegedly, more than 2000 shrines and temples. One of my favorites would be a half- or full-day excursion to the summit of Mount Hiei (2782 feet), perhaps the most sacred mountain in Japanese Buddhism. It's about 50 minutes by car from Kyoto Station, or 90 minutes by public transport, including a cable car ride. The Enryaku-ji (founded 788) temple complex (spread over three areas of the summit, connected by forested foot-trails) is breathtaking, as are the views of Kyoto, Osaka and stunning Lake Biwa in Shiga Prefecture.
The problem visitors to Kyoto have - apart from "over-tourism" - is that they are spoiled for choice! A week is not long enough, let alone two nights.
You are very lucky to have lived near such a famous and picturesque place. Yes, time permitting, a hike up Mt. Hiei would be great. Thank you for reading and leaving a comment.
Well, first of all, thanks for reading the post. If you were to visit again, I imagine you would be surprised by the crowds. However, as you can imagine, many elements of this beautiful city are generally timeless. If you get up early, it is still possible to beat the tour groups and get a better sense of what Kyoto must have been like long ago. Exploring Maruyama Park or even Gion at dawn is a great thing to do. I like to hear all the chanting of the monks at that hour. Enjoy your next visit.
Thanks for this excellent guide, Mark! After having visited Tokyo for business in the 1990'es, I decided to bring my family to Kyoto first, not the overwhelming big city. That paid off, especially because we stayed out in Arashiyama which is more calm, a good base when travelling with kids like we did. Nice mountain with the monkeys, view of the City. Tour boats on the river, and this cozy little train into town that runs literally between cherry trees and partially on the crowded roads, as well.
Thanks for checking out the guide and sharing your positive feedback about Arashiyama. I agree that it would be a great place to use as a base for a family visit to Kyoto. Last October, I visited the bamboo grove in the middle of the day and was surprised to see so many tourists. While I expected to be in good company, the sheer number of fellow tourists was somewhat overwhelming. Although Kyoto is a "must see," I hope that Japan can persuade more tourists to spread out and explore other parts of the country.
Yes, Japan has kinda created its own so-called "over-tourism" problem by failing to persuade visitors to visit anywhere except Tokyo, Kyoto and perhaps Osaka. Japan has so much to offer, all over the country. However, to avoid cries of "over-tourism" in "new" tourist markets, Japan needs to ensure that the necessary infrastructure is in place to cope with numbers. Infrastructure is not the only problem; but it is a big problem. Most countries would try to do something about it; but Japan seems to see its gift horse of "over-tourism" as a problem, one which it seems to blame on the tourists themselves. Weird.
Thank you for commenting on this topic. Many local communities in Japan are very interested in introducing their city and/or region to foreign visitors. Some are more adept than others at using a variety of tactics. However, there does not seem to be much national leadership. So my impression - especially based on my own town's desire to do this - is that each local government is, more or less, on its own. I am actually volunteering on a tourism development project to promote the small town where we live. Oddly enough, the regional (prefectural) bank in our area is leading this initiative. In addition to a few private citizens like me, the committee includes representatives from the town hall and the chamber of commerce. There is no participation from the prefectural or national level of government. While I kind of like the grassroots approach, it's probably not the most effective way to learn from all the different best practices around the country. Sorry to harp on this subject, but this situation seems to be another example of the so-called "enigma of Japanese power" in the sense that most government-related decisions are made at the local level and policy tends to be highly fragmented. There is, in fact, no national policy.
Well, looking on the bright side, if there is no national policy, then there should be fewer bureaucratic obstacles stopping local tourism development projects like the one you're involved with from forging ahead - except probably local opposition and a lack of funds?! I salute your efforts and wish your committee every success.
Having lived for my first two years in Japan on The Philosopher's Path in Kyoto, I would agree that your suggested itinerary is a good one. As an old person, I find the crowds, all the walking and especially the summer heat somewhat overwhelming; but hopefully people have the common sense to plan accordingly.
As you say, there is a very long list of things to see and do in Kyoto, which has 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and, allegedly, more than 2000 shrines and temples. One of my favorites would be a half- or full-day excursion to the summit of Mount Hiei (2782 feet), perhaps the most sacred mountain in Japanese Buddhism. It's about 50 minutes by car from Kyoto Station, or 90 minutes by public transport, including a cable car ride. The Enryaku-ji (founded 788) temple complex (spread over three areas of the summit, connected by forested foot-trails) is breathtaking, as are the views of Kyoto, Osaka and stunning Lake Biwa in Shiga Prefecture.
The problem visitors to Kyoto have - apart from "over-tourism" - is that they are spoiled for choice! A week is not long enough, let alone two nights.
You are very lucky to have lived near such a famous and picturesque place. Yes, time permitting, a hike up Mt. Hiei would be great. Thank you for reading and leaving a comment.
I’ve been to Kyoto many times but not for about ten years. Everything you wrote really tugged at me, making me want to go again soon !
Well, first of all, thanks for reading the post. If you were to visit again, I imagine you would be surprised by the crowds. However, as you can imagine, many elements of this beautiful city are generally timeless. If you get up early, it is still possible to beat the tour groups and get a better sense of what Kyoto must have been like long ago. Exploring Maruyama Park or even Gion at dawn is a great thing to do. I like to hear all the chanting of the monks at that hour. Enjoy your next visit.
I’m an early riser— perfect!