THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO VISITING KYOTO, JAPAN

Kyoto is usually at the top of most people's travel bucket lists when visiting Japan and it's understandable why. Kyoto is a former capital of Japan that is incredibly rich with history and culture, as well as so many beautiful natural attractions. While cherry blossom season is the most popular season to visit in, I would personally recommend coming in the summer or fall when the crowds tend to be less, but everything is still very lush. Kyoto is easily accessible if you're staying in the Kansai region or a quick 3hr shinkansen ride away from Tokyo. Because there are just so many attractions in the area, I narrowed down an ultimate guide of what I would consider some of the most important places to visit in Kyoto. I hope you find the video helpful and you have an amazing trip! xx
The hostel that I stayed at in Kyoto: booking.tp.st/VlDDLr6v
Support my journey on Patreon: / alinamcleod
Paypal Account: [e-mail]
The travel health insurance I use - PassportCard Nomads: www.passportcardnomads.com/?r...
*I highly recommend this travel health insurance because you don't have to pay out of pocket for your medical expenses and they have very reasonably priced long term plans. You can buy the packages for shorter trips as well, but they're especially fantastic for digital nomads and nomads who want regular health insurance when they are abroad. I am an affiliate of this company, but of course use the plans myself.
Best Group Tours That I Recommend: G Adventures - www.jdoqocy.com/click-1008245...
How I Do My Taxes (awesome for both regular employed and self employed people) TurboTax Canada: www.kqzyfj.com/click-10082459...
My Favorite Browser Extension To Save Money Online - Honey (price shops everything for you with coupon codes, amazing): joinhoney.com/ref/ckenvq
My Favorite Travel Backpacks + Luggage - Osprey:
1 FREE AUDIOBOOK FROM AUDIBLE (I loooooove this service): www.audibletrial.com/alinamcleod
Best Way To Send Money Abroad - Wise.com: wise.com/invite/u/alinam371
The Music I Use In My Videos - Epidemic Sound
Get a 30 Day FREE TRIAL by using my referral link: www.epidemicsound.com/referra...
**************************************************************
- Equipment I Use To Film Videos -
Main Video Camera: DJI Osmo Pocket 2 - click.dji.com/AIUwjIKoAG-F-P4...
Action Camera: DJI Action - click.dji.com/AAGjfWjSvm9g0YS...
Photography + Sit down camera: Sony a6400 - amzn.to/3cSYaMK
Gimbal for Sony: DJI Ronin RSC 2 - click.dji.com/ADCjatxPUwRDPRl...
Drone: DJI Mini 2 - click.dji.com/AELErSRJdd777h9...
Microphone: Rode Micro - amzn.to/3muSHz8
Livestreaming Equipment: Iphone 11 and DJI OM - click.dji.com/AA-37ILfXyD-S4l...
** FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA **
Instagram - / alinamcleod
Facebook - alinamcleodo...
WEBSITE - www.alinamcleod.com/
Мой русскоязычный канал / My Russian Speaking Channel: / @user-yz5kc7ip7f
**************************************************************
** I USE AFFILIATE LINKS **
Affiliate links do not cost you as the consumer any more than you would normally pay, but it does offer a kickback to the person who initiated the sale. This allows me to financially continue to be able to make content for you and I only endorse products I genuinely love. Any sponsored content will be stated as so.
Contact me: [e-mail]
Lots of love xx
Alina

[@jimross7648]

I'm going to start my comment by saying that Alina's Patreon is great, and well worth the minor expense. I don't usually lobby to spend more money, but I've said she should add a tier above her postcard tier and below he highest tier, because I feel like I'm taking advantage of what I consider her superior perks. I'm very happy that Alina included Nijo Castle in her overview. It is my favorite castle in Japan and I've been to many. It's unique place as both a fortress and a governance centre make unlike most military castles. The shoji screens in the shogun's palace are striking. The fact that the floor plan can be changed by the movement of the shoji screens is something I've never seen anywhere else. The shogun's personal garden has an aura of peace. Most Kyoto vlogs neglect this national treasure. I spent five hours there and if not for companions would have spent the entire day. I must return. I wish I gone to the gion district in the evening, as impressive as it is during the day your visuals show how much more impressive it is at night. As with all your posts I saw a fraction of what you did. I must return and spend three or four days. I am very impressed with this guide to Kyoto, I've never seen one that does it better, and I can say it trumps my personal experiences and remembrances.

[@AlinaMcleod]

Aw thank you very much for all your support, Jim! Yes Nijo Castle is definitely such a special place. Was a bit sad a good portion was under renovation but hopefully will be all done by the summer.

[@DavidL23.]

Hello Alina! 😁🙏👋🌟 I hope your having a marvelous day! This is really a beautiful excellent super fantastic video! 😄👍❤️👏📹🇯🇵🍣🥢🏯⛩🥇💯💫✨🌟 Kyoto looks so truly amazing! Also the Tenryu-Ji, Kinkaku-Ji and Ryoan-Ji Temple looks absolutely magnificent! Even the Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama and Nijo Castle is marvelous! The Fushimi Inari Shrine is so wonderful! The food at the Sushino Musashi restaurant looks delicious! I would definitely like to visit the city of Kyoto one day. It really is a marvelous city. Thank you so much Alina to share with us this excellent fantastic video. You are the best and greatest world traveler adventurer ever! 😃👍👏✈️🌎📹🗺🥇💯🏆💫🌟 I wish you Alina a wonderful marvelous glorious blessed day. Have a excellent time in Japan! 😊🙏❤️👋🇯🇵👍✨🌟

[@AlinaMcleod]

My pleasure, thank you!

[@shiva.chennai]

Wow, Alina's Kyoto vlog was absolutely breathtaking! I loved how she captured the essence of Kyoto by showcasing its unique cultural landmarks and natural wonders. The monkey park was definitely a highlight for me, and Alina's enthusiasm and energy made the whole experience even more enjoyable. I can't wait to visit Kyoto myself and explore all the amazing places she showed us in this video. Keep up the great content, Alina!

[@AlinaMcleod]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@theoadelaidabondocabe7261]

Alina,Thanks you so much for this new remarkable video today’s from Tokyo, Japan this week to shows these great places in April of 2023❤❤❤Remarkable video to watch in 2023❤❤❤

[@ervinsmoviecorner8748]

A very awesome trip in Kyoto! Happy weekend!❤❤

[@westernwanderer8397]

I've always found it so adorable how they groom each other. These are the same snow monkeys who lounge in the thermal waters, right? They always look so deep in thought. Contemplating the meaning of life, no doubt.

[@AlinaMcleod]

haha yes I think they're very smart

[@icevoss9917]

I like this city, the old with the new. The older part is more peaceful.

[@sandycollins3613]

Amazing, you make it so relaxing. It's sad that such beautiful young woman have to see and experience the world by yourself. Thank you for sharing

[@justdustino1371]

Everything about Japan is super cool!😎👍🇺🇸🇨🇦

[@vinodpund1574]

Fantastic video Really great coverage on Kyoto Wonderful job enjoyed video 🎉

[@theoadelaidabondocabe7261]

Alina,Congratulations to you for your new remarkable video today’s from Tokyo, Japan this week in April of 2023.I will definitely LOVE to see the remarkable Cherry Trees & other great places in April of 2023❤❤❤

[@TheGoToFamily]

Great guide! We're so excited to be revisiting Kyoto this summer!

[@AlinaMcleod]

Hope you have a great time!

[@kaustav_prradan]

40 hours of filming and then another 15 hours of editing.....It shows, a lot of hard work is hidden behind nice things and that great perseverance you have, Alina.....truly praiseworthy..!! You grind so hard so you can produce such informative and smashing contents at the end of the day....!!! A big 👍👍👍Alina...!!!

[@AlinaMcleod]

Aw thank you very much!

[@alexdorado8224]

Beautiful a professional videographer Alina at her best. Wow ❤❤🇵🇭🇵🇭

[@kenichinishikawa7007]

This video shows the highlights of a few popular places in Kyoto. I also visited Kyoto this April after cherry blossom. I visited all places except Nijo castle since I visited it several times. I also walked through the bamboo forest, it took almost one hour walk to Ninna-ji from Tenryu-ji.

[@RedMapleCanada]

Beautiful, beautiful! Loved every moment of this video, thank you for taking us along on a tour of Kyoto, what a place! 💕Happy travels, Alina!

[@AlinaMcleod]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@balazs2000]

Just watching, and already forwarded it to a Japan-fan friend 👍 Great summary of Kyoto, btw!

[@AlinaMcleod]

Aw thanks so much!

[@meat_loves_wasabi]

Bamboo forest one of my fav spots in Kyoto.. 1st visited in 2013 was so peaceful and quite..sipping green tea at the tea house and just pondering about life..went back in 2017 and it was packed but still nice 😊

[@Tripreporternet]

Hoi, Alina, superb well done and to follow. Been to Japan, you know, should catch Kyoto immediatelly.

[@bulletfreak224]

It's been my dream vacation ever since...

[@AlinaMcleod]

I hope you get to make it happen!

[@Keith_Aerotrunk]

Wow! Kyoto, Japan is ❤. Would love to visit this place soon. Thank you for showcasing the beauty of Kyoto. Enjoy and safe travels. 👍

[@AlinaMcleod]

For those wondering about where I stayed for accommodation in Kyoto, it was this hostel: Ryokan Hostel Gion booking.tp.st/VlDDLr6v *affiliate link, but you don't pay any extra. This was probably one of the best hostel experiences I ever had (not a big fan of hostels lol) but since prices in Kyoto were super high, this was actually pretty good. Fantastic location, super comfortable bunks and everything is insanely clean.

[@maureenalder8905]

When it comes to putting a great travel vlog together Alina you are second to none..Japan is a fascinating country ❤

[@AlinaMcleod]

😊 thank you

[@huapiavesyviajes]

hi alina! Fantastic guide! Awesome video! kyoto is stunningly amazing and beautiful!

[@jacku8304]

You looked so pretty while climbing up the Torri lined hill.Even foreigners would turned their heads to look at you, their own kind even in Japan !

[@jonathanmatias1647]

One of my dream is to visit Kyoto. Thanks

[@AlinaMcleod]

I hope you do!

[@darellnewsome4459]

Another excellent video Alina! I think my favorites were the Monkeys and then the bamboo forest. Thanks so much for what you do in bringing us these great quality videos. Take care and stay well and safe out there.

[@AlinaMcleod]

You are so welcome!

[@stephenworthington-white8294]

Taking my family to Japan next year!!! Going to be amazing for sure. Happy Travels

[@raveentheranravi]

Very nice,japanish background music 🤩

[@gabriellagirardi4741]

Fantastic video! Thank you very much Alina

[@AlinaMcleod]

You're so welcome!

[@gediminasmurauskas7817]

Hi Alina! Fantastic guide! Awesome video! Kyoto is stunningly amazing and beautiful!

[@AlinaMcleod]

Thank you so much!

[@henryktocoaching]

The sushi looks amazing, Alina.

[@theoadelaidabondocabe7261]

Alina,Thanks you so much for your new remarkable video today’s from Tokyo, Japan this week in April of 2023.I really LOVE your great videos so much in Southeast Asia 2023❤❤❤

[@AlinaMcleod]

Thank you very much!

[@juancarlosa2020]

Thank you Alina, 👌✨✌️

[@costasworldofmusicmemories5792]

What a beautiful and impressive video, beautifully filmed and what a musical score. Main stream Media couldn't do any better, and it's just you. Harriet and I have been to Kyoto several times and it never gets old. It's Magical ! Thank you for the wonderful memories we had of the city of Kyoto. Sending you much love🙏❤🙏. Harriet, Jim and Yuki Richmond, Va.

[@AlinaMcleod]

Aw thank you very much! I'm glad you enjoyed it :)

[@rahulrasam]

Another beautiful video from Japan filled with insightful narration, crisp editing, vibrant videography, and of course cute monkeys🐒From a viewer's perspective, it is truly an enlightening experience watching your videos 💫

[@AlinaMcleod]

I'm glad you liked it :) Thank you so much!

[@rodwilkinson5682]

Hi Alina,that was amazing as usual,makes me want to go to Japan for a holiday,

[@ti7753]

字幕があって良いですね。外国の方から見た京都もいいですね。😊

[@kitchenkh]

Beautiful video view, thanks you Alina. Happy Khmer New Year 2023😊

[@AgeCobra]

Thanks Alina very nice have a good weekend.

[@KajaKubicka]

PERFECT TIMING!!

[@AlinaMcleod]

😁😁😁

[@SyifaAdriana]

I feel your pain in hiking and filming at the same time. 😢 I havent done a proper hike filming but the closest I got was hiking over 1500 steps to a mountain castle. I set the tripod, frame my shot, walked past the camera back and forth to illustrate this hike. It took a normal tourist to do it in a couple of hours but I took 4 hours to film it, and got my taxi driver upset as he waited for far too long 😂 Glad that you enjoyed seeing monkeys, youve come so far away from your initial monkey experience in Bali 😜 Well done for taking the time to film and edit, crafting your art mindfully. Lots of love 💕

[@AlinaMcleod]

Haha I love it! 😂

[@satyaprakashprajapati9008]

Great work

[@donstravelsandrants.]

It looks absolutely fantastic Alina.😲👍😊🇯🇵⛩️🗾

[@markw3267]

I enjoyed your video, it is my favourite place in Japan. I am going to visit Japan in the fall and am really looking forward to get back there. Keep the videos coming. Thanks from a fellow Canadian, living in Thailand.

[@AlinaMcleod]

That's awesome, thank you!

[@shakpro4296]

Totally enjoyed ❤Alina. #Japan #Cuisine & #Culture!❤

[@kochanken8183]

I'm Japanese. Please make note while you are crossing over the bridge(Togetsukyo Bridge), never turn around, even though someone behind you call you. Otherwise your coming luck will be gone away. I,ve been there 100 times so far, but never trun around and walk looking ahead. This is a famous superstition which has been passed down from olden days.

[@proudlycanadian3023]

Alina Mcleod is the perfect ambassador and diplomat! She can ease tensions and avoid major military conflict between powerful countries! Her awareness of cultural sensitivity/etiquette is perfect! It's such a shame that very few people have this important skill!

[@ImagesOfCountries]

Superb !!! ... 😊

[@frankswarbrick7562]

Love the monkeys! And, as you said, the fact that the people and not the animals are in the cages is really cool.

[@AsgharAli-yb6td]

Love you Alina so much more more more more more ❤

[@katzukateh6164]

There are lots of vegetable dishes concerning Buddism or Zen Cuisine in Kyoto, Soba noodle looks very tasty. As an aside, this restaurant's name NANOHANA means canola flower. 😄😃🙉🙊🙈😋❤💙💛

[@inquisitvem6723]

What are the best times of the year to come to Japan and avoid crowds? Also best time to see cherry blossoms..great vid!

[@AlinaMcleod]

Probably right after Golden Week in the summer and the later part of fall in November

[@CCCC-tq8yo]

9:42 what they don't tell u it's 60 min of walking uphill lol

[@GreyAngel-ng2ss]

🌏 the Season of Cherry Blossom 🌸 is the Time ⏳ of Dreams , " the fall of the Cherry Blossom petal 🌸, is as the fall of the tear of the Dreamcatcher ". catch the petal 🌸 , catch the tear 💧 , catch the Dream and make a wish 🌠✨⭐.

[@IftikharAhmed-nm3vc]

Very nice and beautiful

[@nickob55]

Hi from Bulgaria, looks pretty spectacular but I am not really taken with places becoming theme parks really or food being served on conveyor belts, it is probably efficient but not really for me. I like the last area on the vid, pretty chic and stylish, great reporting I haven't seen your vids for a while.

[@pankajmishra5445]

Awesome Video.

[@AlinaMcleod]

Thank you!

[@pankajmishra5445]

@@AlinaMcleod Most Welcome!!

[@williansaltarenacosta8670]

Nice ❤

[@BreeandBlake]

I love your coat! 😍 Where to buy if you don’t kind?

[@11scgo02e1216]

I enjoyed my trip to Kyoto with your video. Thank you. Didn't you eat delicious matcha parfait in Kyoto?

[@AlinaMcleod]

I did but just didn’t film it!

[@towada1066]

You can take the train from Kyoto to Arashiyama instead of the bus. Anyway, London Books here is small but really nice (my first time seeing the complete works of Dostoevsky in Japanese!). In Kyoto I can recommend hiking up to Doshisha Cemetery,... I was last here in August 2022 before foreigners could easily visit. It was really peaceful (like it used to be). Even if you don't speak Japanese, the Kanji Museum in Gion is really fun (and they give you lots of free stuff on the 2nd floor). The train museum looked so good but it's too popular with unvaccinated children so I never went. @14:00 ah! since you crossed the Kamo River bridge I would recommend the restaurant Kyoto Mamehachi ... they specialize in tofu dishes,... really yummy! (^_^) ... I personally wouldn't eat sushi in Kyoto,... it doesn't have an ocean so the fish are kind of mediocre ...

[@bgtvafrica]

Alina❤

[@michaelbrown8446]

I like the monkeys!!

[@MdShihab-pg7xt]

❤❤❤

[@stevenlapidus2902]

Alina - Excellent video as always and a question. I will be arriving in Japan in about 2 weeks and I was wondering in your time in the country whether you are seeing evidence that the recent Japanese government campaign to encourage less mask wearing by the Japanese public - especially in outdoor spaces - is having much effect. I look at the backgrounds in your videos and it is hard to tell if the campaign is having much effect. I will be arriving in Japan on May 1 and will be moving around the country for a few weeks. Thanks.

[@informationcollectionpost3257]

Sitting waiting to go to Church via the internet. Also debating whether to bath after burning weeds yesterday after watching one of your old videos where you & your boy friend were hiking in an Ontario Provincial ark while providing dinner for I assume the black flies and other northern blood hungry insects. The burned weed smell acts as insect repellent and need to mow my large yard today. I am definitely wearing yesterday's stinky smoke smelling cloths. Yes, the unpleasant smoke smell definitely out weighs being an insect feast. I always believed Kyoto was the steel making center of Japan, not the cultural center with nearby gorgeous bamboo forests. I expected smoke, red/orange dirty air, and metal clad buildings.

[@traveljourneybd]

Pretty❤

[@akbargabbar505]

Hi👋Alina🌸❣ you are fantastic👍 Seriously this is great video💘💞❤🔴

[@mhsnjjkhan5333]

Very naice.

[@choohengheng1751]

Hi Alina - Is it that crowded as I am planning to visit Kyoto's Bamboo forest in end October and November month ? Thanks!

[@AlinaMcleod]

It should be much better than the time I went but I would still recommend avoiding weekends

[@user-ki4de6iq7y]

11月後半は紅葉の時期ですので混雑してます。😢

[@bobtvbify]

Алиночка привет! 🌞🌸🌸🌸💖💖💖

[@visitorfan1890]

Love from 🇵🇰🇵🇰🇵🇰

[@ChandraSekhar-zv7vj]

Awesome video ❤ when you come to India 🇮🇳 Alina❤💐🙏

[@AlinaMcleod]

Thank you!

[@bernabecaneta6154]

Hi ma'am good evening I'm happy to see you good health and safe, madam I have freind working in horashima hapon,his name is Mr junei Dinolung pipe wilder,and Thaks for Shering this video God Bless yuo all ways

[@user-hs1ii3wp6v]

Чем старше становится тем более явственнее проявляется русский типаж.

[@twanabaiz9516]

Hi Alina I enjoyed your video great girl always beautiful

[@ayurvedalectures2714]

Send me a postcard

[@user-ki4de6iq7y]

私は日本人です。京都の穴場に興味ありませんか？興味があれば、その場所を教えます。①草創が西暦650年のお寺②鳴き龍の体験

[@jukio02]

Now, that China is opened up for tourism, you should visit there. Might as well since you are in Asia. How can you not visit the biggest most major country in Asia.

[@AlinaMcleod]

I’d like to go sometime in the future but I’ve already been on the road for almost a year so I’m going back to Canada after Japan.

[@jukio02]

@@AlinaMcleod Alright. Don't miss out, though. It's the happiest country in the world.

[@user-bq1mu6ye2o]

北海道には猿は居ません、居るのは青森県です！

[@alexandersumarokov5901]

[@erkkokauppila9054]

I would like to say Thank You🚏Because of all the wonderful things that You do in Kyoto🎎🎏