Is Kyoto Worth Visiting in Japan (September 2023)

I have been getting this question a lot so maybe we can address this - and talk with Kevin who is there a lot now!

[@51941028]

I love Kyoto and have visited there many times. Yes, there are places that cater to tourists, but why go to these places? Do your own research instead of relying on influencers or better yet, just walk around different neighborhoods and explore those hidden alleys.

[@ethanpope410]

Dude that was my FAVORITE thing to do. Just pick a direction and get lost.

[@crshovride]

Hey John: This is Frank Costanza. You think you could keep us out of Kyoto? We're moving in lock, stock and barrel. We're gonna be in the pool. We're gonna be in the clubhouse. We're gonna be all over that shuffleboard court! And I dare you to keep me out!

[@catherinehowell7893]

Kurama onsen closed during COVID and never re-opened.

[@onlyinjapanGO]

Sad 😢 very sad. I wonder if they plan to keep it that way … it was a nice getaway. Thanks for sharing this.

[@pandalover4lyfe]

I’m going to Japan in two weeks and have been binging your videos. Thanks for all your helpful information!!

[@TakezoTM]

Yes, 100% agree with you. And what is worse, Kyoto is located in a basin, you feel super humid during summer and frozen cold during winter there. I recommend you should rent a car and drive Yamanami Highway in Kyushu, Route 158 from Takayama to Matsumoto and Route 292 with 2,172 meter high.

[@ellessax]

Im in Kyoto at the moment. Love it, so much wonderful food! Yes some places are crowded but some are not. Yes i think it's worth it!

[@onlyinjapanGO]

Thanks for the feedback! ^_^

[@cucachoo]

I just got back from my first trip to Japan. I stayed in Kyoto for 3 nights/2 days. I got so many recommendations for the busy tourist sites. The only ones that interested me were the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and the Fushimi Inari Shrine. I did each of them in the morning. After the bamboo grove I hiked up into the mountains. I went through the haunted tunnel to Kiyotaki and then took a trail to Takao. After Fushimi Inari, I hopped on the train to Uji to learn about and enjoy tea.

[@definedphotography]

I was also just in Japan. I spent 1 night in Kyoto and also visited the Bamboo Grove & Fushimi Inari Shrine. Arashiyama was pretty crowded, but once you wandered away from the bamboo and into the surrounding area and various temples around, there were far less people and it was amazing. I got to Fushimi Inari later in the day, around 4pm or so. It wasn't super crowded at that time and once you climbed the hill a little, the numbers of people thinned out.

[@logansrun3126]

Hi John, I had a day trip in Kurama last year. Climbing the mountain tired me out. But great fun.

[@katerinaeva93]

I was in Kyoto a week ago, and there were fewer people than in pictures. But I think I was just lucky. I enjoyed Kyoto, stayed there for 3 days and didn't have problems with public transport. But someone from locals told me September is not a super crowded month. But still, I liked Kanazawa more than Kyoto.

[@onlyinjapanGO]

Also the time of day matters. I remember going to Fushimi Inari (open 24 hours) at 5am and it was super peaceful, I had it all to myself! I went back at sunset, all the bus tours were gone. Cats came out to say hi. It was a much different experience than 10am to 4pm!

[@katerinaeva93]

@@onlyinjapanGO oh nice, it supposed to look very beautiful in the morning. I love this place. There were people when I was there around 12 pm, but not everyone took a full path and after an hour the road became empty + I was in rainy day and people just don’t want to walk under rain. 😁 I think all my trip I just was super lucky with amount of people in touristic places. And I found out one thing- nearly everyone walks on same roads and go to same places. So even in Kyoto if you change a road you can get at nice quite street or shrine

[@kenplummer4644]

Just returned from Japan and visited Kyoto. We hired a go to personal guide. Took bullet train from Shinagawa station and retiurned same day. Yes, we enjoyed Kyoto. Guide really packed key sites into a one day excursion. It was very busy with lots of people!! Do wish we had time to do more off the beaten trail stuff, etc. Bottom line yes worth it and glad we didi......................................Thought, if you think uou can do Kyoto on your own good luck an experienced guide is a good $$$

[@nateshf9303]

My work/vacation schedule is aligned with the public school academic calendar in the US so I only go in April, June, July, and Dec.

[@BojoPigeon]

I'm not a big night life guy, so if I were going to visit both, I'd stay in Kyoto and day-trip to Osaka. I was there last December and it didn't seem like it had gotten back to being too crowded yet. The exceptions being Arashiyama and Nishiki Market, but still didn't see a lot of foreign tourists yet. I was staying at an inn in Shimogyo ward, and that was still a very quiet neighborhood.

[@ajjcarter72]

We are coming to Japan in a month. We only booked a couple days in Kyoto, but we booked a gorgeous and pricey, I might add, hotel! We decided to splurge there.

[@jamesherman3750]

Glad you mentioned Kanazawa! I enjoyed it far more than Kyoto. Kyoto was way too crowded, early morn and evening. Kanazawa had everything Kyoto offers and more! But less tourists! One of my favorite spots in Japan. John, if you can, please do a doco or a video on some of Kanazawa's highlights.

[@stleonardtrap192]

or even Kamakura close to Tokyo.

[@nateshf9303]

My wife and I were in Higashi Chaya District on a rainy night in April and the walk and atmosphere were quite romantic.

[@henrychew235]

There are definitely lots of attractive places in Japan not touched by tourist that deserve more attention! That being said, i do adore kyoto and do go quite often but the key is i don't go to these tourist spots!! Kyoto has tones of amazing temples/gardens but most tourists go to a handful which create this problem. I will confess i never went to kiyomizu till my 3rd or 4th visit and i did it towards mid December post peak fall season which made it more bearable! Try myoshiji or kyoto botanical garden or danieikan temples or murian. Once you are willing to get out of the usual spots, you will be able to truly enjoy kyoto!

[@anthonyloke2846]

Stayed in Gion, Kyoto and Namba, Osaka in February. Really enjoyed Kyoto. Wasn't that crowded then.

[@onlyinjapanGO]

That’s a good point, Jan & Feb aren’t as popular times to visit Kyoto. The trees are bare, it rarely snows.

[@nateshf9303]

My wife and I always stay in a quiet residential neighborhood on Kiyamachi-dori, close to everything but away from the crowd.

[@ygreen6846]

Love Kyoto was there in mid August

[@marie-michellefortier2993]

One of my friends visited Kyoto a few months ago after many people convinced him to visit it. He didn't like it. He actually preferred the more countryside prefectures as Kyoto was too touristy and crowded for him. I totally understand these points, and then you have my other friend who came about a month ago with her boyfriend. They enjoyed Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka. It really depends on what you like, want to see, and what you're expecting. Wherever you go, whatever you do or whoever you meet, never have high expectations, pr at least, do your best to manage them so you're not disappointed in the end. 😊 Edit: After 7 years in Japan, I enjoy visiting big cities, but I don't know if I'd want to live there. I prefer to stay near those places where it's not a touristy or crowded, and where it's way more affordable! ^^ (Unfortunately, there aren't many jobs in my field where I live, and I don't gave N2-N1 anyway speaking wise, but that's on me and my learning disability. 😅)

[@onlyinjapanGO]

Great feedback! I lived in the “countryside” for my first 7 years in Japan. Smeller towns and cities. Going to Tokyo felt special! But living here - I want to be outside the city again 😂 that feels more special now. For tourists, I’d say crowds absolutely can break an experience but everyone is built different.

[@marie-michellefortier2993]

@@onlyinjapanGO I grew up in the countryside on a dairy farm and all. lol I now live in a more urban area next to Kyoto (very convenient), so taking a train to Kyoto Station only costs me 240 yen. If I feel like going straight to Sanjo or Shijo area, maybe 540 yen? So going to events such as the BitSummit 2023 was a breeze, and I didn't have to pay for a hotel (I just had to take the train back home to return the following morning for the last day and see some of the floats before Gion Matsuri). ^^ I'm trying to stay in the same area, but job hunting is tough for me at the moment... But that's another story. 😆

[@kochichris]

😊kevin is the best guide around kansai😅when i visit him i bring him dutch cookies and cakes.

[@muezoom1]

Please John could you make a video on arising COVID situation in Japan? Should we expect any restrictions soon? Thank you!

[@onlyinjapanGO]

No, no new restrictions and zero plans to do anything for this with regards to tourism. It is what it is (right now). If it does change and impacts tourism, I’ll let you know. I received a voucher for another vaccination shot. That’s the answer, those who want it can get it and the country won’t close again since we’ve got antibodies now.

[@jamesherman3750]

@@onlyinjapanGO Glad to hear this! Hopefully tourism stays open for the last few months of the year

[@evanpw7455]

Hey John, lots of people are wondering what's going on with the Kurama onsen in Kyoto. It was such a gem for years, and now "temporarily" closed and possibly abandoned? Sounds like a mystery worth investigating!

[@onlyinjapanGO]

Yes, I see it’s “temporarily” closed but still not open. Many businesses that closed on the countryside are still in limbo so it’s not unusual despite the fact that we’ve gotten past it. I’ll see if there is any news from the Kyoto tourism association as soon as I can.

[@arwenevenstar215]

Feature Takayama, Gifu next. I was there few weeks ago. It’s the “little Kyoto” of Central Japan.

[@alessandroconfente6545]

I ve been in kyoto yesterday for 3 days fantastic city but theres is many people

[@gosikh]

Where in Kochi is that location? So cool.

[@Gundam4]

Do you think Kyoto is a good place to live is what I meant? Is it's affordable

[@onlyinjapanGO]

Hmm, I don’t think so. I can think of a lot of better places - and as a non-Japanese you’re never treated as a resident but a tourist. Can’t escape it but KYOTO’S countryside, sure! I think there are so many better places and I listed Hiroshima as my favorite!

[@heatherfling7095]

Hello John, I got a question about Japan. I’m 60 years old and I have no car and no License to drive. I Love to visit Japan and I had been watching your videos and trying to learn as much as I can. It would be my very first time ever in Japan. Do you recommend anything? Thanks John .😊

[@onlyinjapanGO]

If you like to travel around a lot, the JR RAIL PASS is great! If you want to just stick to one or two places, find an excellent RYOKAN and soak up the Cultural Japanese stay experience and country attractions. I’d say 100% stay at one traditional Japanese Inn (ryokan) for 1-2 nights with all meals (breakfast and dinner) in a tatami room 🤩

[@heatherfling7095]

@@onlyinjapanGO Thank you so much for the advice. I’m be coming from Colorado USA 🇺🇸 😃👍 Love learning about Japan. ♥️🇯🇵😃

[@ForestTekkenVideos]

Big fan! 👍🎈

[@Ljberkow]

We have a couple of nights in Kyoto after four in Tokyo before our cruise. Got the new DoubleTree for $230 a night, including breakfast. It’s much less costly than our hotel in Tokyo. I appreciate this video, but want to do two days in Kyoto. We’ll limit our time in shrines and temples. Cruise does an overnight in Osaka, so that’s covered. This video is a downer.

[@MyAirMyles]

No it’s not worth it. I just spent 8 days there and wish I’d spent more time in Tokyo. Escaped a few days out to Hikone and Himeji but Kyoto was just a bit boring. Outside of the tourist spots Kyoto is a ghost town which is strange, like 2 mins walk away from a tourist trap and you’d think no one lived there. Nice if you like to explore more peacefully.

[@onlyinjapanGO]

Thanks for the feedback ^_^

[@cissymissy8079]

I agree. What most people don't realise is that Kyoto is very urban and there are stretches of busy roads you can walk along feeling like you're just about in any city. No sign of that Kyoto-ness for miles and miles. I remember walking toward Yasaka Shrine at night from my hotel and I walked past rows and rows of closed shop houses facing a quiet main road before I hit the bright area of the Yasaka Shrine Junction. Kanazawa was way more authentic. Having said that, Kyoto is beautiful where it counts. But just don't expect to see that everywhere you turn

[@nolisarmiento1719]

I think it was last September 2022 when Prime Minister Kishida announced the reopening of Japan to foreign leisure travelers......just a year later this is what the tourism situation in Japan looks like....so overcrowded...so many people

[@bravosierra2447]

What’s it like in Jan?

[@thatshowyoutravel]

As any other popular places, Kyoto gets congested but only if you don’t plan it right. And always have a plan b or c or d. Tourists only go to the most popular ones

[@onlyinjapanGO]

Thank you for adding to more to the debate ^_^

[@rbh224]

I am going there next month for 1 day what would you recommend I do for the day trip

[@kochichris]

Osaka is the kitchen of food😊 everyone knows osaka castle(but osaka have 5 more castles offroad) sakura spots a lot, autumn spots, each part of osaka have other food, mascots(yudakari), traditional art, pottery, even geisha and maiko's in osaka😊offroad in osaka is like visiting 12 prefectures in 1 city.

[@anasibndawood6696]

Interesting

[@kaylaplumb7502]

Not like it belongs here but John, or anybody, any advice on SIM cards for japan. Im there for 31 days

[@ethanpope410]

I loved Tokyo and everything it had to offer. But Kyoto, I don’t really know how to explain it. It was just much more comfortable. I really enjoyed Kyoto on a different scale. I had a day and a half in Kyoto last time and have planned 4 full days in Kyoto my next trip with another day in exclusively in Nara

[@rbh224]

I am spending 1 day there next week what would you recommend to do

[@ethanpope410]

@@rbh224 if I were going for one day I probably would hire a guide and try to see as much as I possibly could. I personally am super into the architecture and history of Kyoto so I’d try and see as many shrines/ temples as possible.

[@1peruvianguy]

I like going to Kyoto to relax after being in Tokyo for a week

[@onlyinjapanGO]

Why Kyoto and not another place in the countryside? It’s not exactly close to Tokyo and if you’re traveling 2 hours, why stop there? 🤔 curious.

[@1peruvianguy]

@@onlyinjapanGO kinkaju ji never gets old for me 💛…climbing fushimi inari is always a nice hike ⛩️…ryoan ji is peaceful for me 🪨…also can’t forget the kawaii monkeys 🐒🐒🐒…it’s that combination that makes it special for me 😊

[@neubro1448]

You really have to go out of the way like to more suburban areas. I had traveled to Yukushiji Temple in Nara. Not many people, no foreign tourists contrast to Todaiji. Not really the best site when one of the pagodas was covered in scaffolding.

[@kochichris]

Shin-osaka can go everywhere😅 shinkansen very fast but expensive depends your route. Using local trains like from namba station can go to wakayama, mie prefecture, deep nara mountains...to avoid tourist, theres more castles in japan and mountain food😊❤ autumn best for momiji🍁🍁even in sakura season.

[@miriamcollinge9162]

Off the beaten track for me next time around regardless of language HI😂

[@patrickeason9105]

Hard to get people on their first trip to Japan to hit the "off the beaten path" kind of places. If you don't know if you'll ever get to go back you wanna see the big "tourist trap" things it's just natural.

[@tomservo9254]

I was planning on visiting Kurama/Kibune on my previous trip, but it was the day Hagibis made landfall... :E I've said it before, but I've done the daytrip-from-Kyoto-from-Osaka thing you talk about on my first trip and TBH I really disliked it. Osaka's train stations and Kyoto's main sights are both so decentralized that you waste a ton of time just getting to where you want to start your day, then it's doubled for the trip back. And after an entire day on my feet in Kyoto I'm too wiped out to take much advantage of Osaka's nightlife anyway. Next time out I had spent a couple of nights in a hostel in central Kyoto and then moved on to Osaka as a base for daytrips to smaller spots and I found that it was way more efficient and better for my endurance (uh, typhoon notwithstanding...)

[@onlyinjapanGO]

Yeah, another reason to stay in the Japanese countryside and take ALL the stress away from exactly what you wrote 😉 that typhoon was awful. Almost got stuck in it in 2019, Peter and I took the last Shinkansen back from Hakata before they shut it down.

[@dalejay8901]

Glad to hear you and Peter caught that last Shinkansen out of Hakata. We were lucky to have been on a brief trip to Hokkaido when Typhoon #19 (Hagibis) struck Honshu. Seeing its aftermath with the flooding visible from the Shinkansen as we headed back to Yuzawa through Tokyo was unforgettable. Reportedly more rain fell in a 48 hour period in some parts of Japan than in any other such period in Japan's recorded history. I'm sure everyone in Japan still has a mental picture from the TV reporting of all the Shinkansen cars that were flooded and eventually taken out of service. @@onlyinjapanGO

[@johnlopez9626]

Nice John explaining the places in Japan your so smart

[@linhrom7227]

everytime i go to Japan, Kyoto is always number 1 stop, doesnt matter which island i go for the trip mainly. Also i love all the touristy places. IDK, there is something about it thats so modern (because of all the tourist) yet so traditional I come from a 3rd world country for context. So maybe i dont really like the country sides, they are the same as my country. Im the complete opposite of John, where hes from USA so different perspective.

[@onlyinjapanGO]

There’s nothing wrong with that because people want different things but the prefectural capitals of Japan are cities too and more “Japanese” than throes world countries so I’m not sure the countryside is the same - cities like Aomori, Nagasaki, Fukuoka, Kochi don’t get so many tourists. You might be surprised by Toyama, Fukui (Dinosaur Museum is world class), Sendai. Matsue is an amazing Japanese castle town. These are considered “countryside”? They’re just off the tourist path 😉

[@johnhodgeman3980]

Oooh. That video of the narrow alley and stairs reminds me of the 1st episode of samurai champloo. Ill be staying in Osaka soon and talking a day trip to kyoto and also a day trip to studio ghibli theme park and mei and satsuki's house. Definitely will be masking up. I should iterate again but totoro forest near the saitama seibu lions stadium is incredible. Hardly any people. The countryside. I felt like i was in my neighbor totoro! Im not really that into shrines and temples. I respect it but seeing a few is more than enough of me. Same with castles. When you see so many in so many countries, they start to blend in and you really need to focus on what you need to see before you die and, if you have time for things you want to see but dont need to see, great.

[@bmedve3427]

Thank you for mentioning Mei and Satsuki's house, I wasn't aware you could visit those! Have a great time when you get there, then!

[@drumetii.2024]

Greetings from Romania

[@onlyinjapanGO]

Bună ziua ٩(^‿^)۶ miss my friends in Cluj and we miss good Sarmale and Țuică 😋 🇷🇴

[@drumetii.2024]

@@onlyinjapanGO Buna ziua! 🖐🏼🖐🏼🖐🏼 Te asteptam inapoi!

[@barttheseeker6834]

Hard to here kuma?

[@dalejay8901]

Of the places to spend time in Kansai Kobe deserves consideration. Like Osaka it is a good option as a home base for day trips to the other Kansai sights including Kyoto, Nara, and especially much closer Himeji. As a seaport city it has an international flavor much like Yokohama and it is close to the Rokko Mountains that are easily accessible by cable car. The onsen hotels above Kobe in Arima Onsen are some of the best in Japan. Excellent dining, a great and varied Shoten Gai, and overall just a fun city to explore. The underground shopping and eating options at Sannomiya Station's Santica Town rival that of the underground at Tokyo Station.

[@d0tc0mmie]

Fully agree with this! Osaka is probably my favourite "Hub" in Japan, such easy access to so many places.

[@michaellee7630]

shout outs to osaka den den town

[@kerryscutt9934]

Ok, think i will change my five nights in Koyto to three and add two to Kobe instead. 😀