Page 31 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Japan

With its easily navigable grid layout, Kyoto rewards
exploration on foot or by bicycle. Rentals are commonly
available, and many hotels provide bicycles to their
guests for free.
2 DAYS

in Kyoto

Day 1 Day 2
Morning Start your trip at Ryoan-ji Morning Spend your morning exploring
(p200). This extensive temple serves as Nijo Castle (p184), the former home of
a mausoleum for several emperors, but the Tokugawa shoguns. Listen out for the
its crowning glory is its zen garden, an squeaking “nightingale floors”, designed
ideal place to relax and reflect. The com- to protect the occupants from assassins
plex also houses a tofu restaurant called by making a noise when anyone walks on
Ryoanji Yudofu, where visitors can drop them. For lunch, a good option is Kaiseki
in for a shojin-ryori meal – traditional Hyoki, a Michelin-starred restaurant
Buddhist vegan cooking. located near Shijo Station that offers
Afternoon The park surrounding Royan-ji reasonably priced lunches (hyoki.jp).
offers a number of walking trails, which Afternoon Cycle to Kiyomizu-dera Temple
are particularly lovely in autumn and (p191) for spectacular views over the city.
spring. After exploring these, cycle the The approach to the temple along the
short distance to the Golden Pavilion steep and busy lanes of the charming
(p199). This is one of Japan’s most famous Higashiyama District is part of the fun, but
sites, and you cannot fail to be enchanted it might be wise to park your bike before
by its golden silhouette. The pavilion also the start of the hill. The many shops and
offers the opportunity to take part in a restaurants in the area have been catering
traditional tea ceremony. to tourists and pilgrims for centuries –
Evening Join a walking tour of the seek out local specialties such as sweets,
evocative Gion district (p192). Tours start pickles, and Kiyomizu-yaki pottery.
every night at 6pm in front of the Gion Evening A gentle five-minute cycle ride
Omoide Museum (www.getyourguide.com). away is Pontocho Alley (p191), one of the
Be sure to book a table for a late dinner most atmospheric streets in the city. It
afterwards at Kikunoi (kikunoi.jp). Run by runs parallel to the broad gravel path of
the famed chef Yoshihiro Murata, this the Kamogawa river, a popular place for
eatery is renowned for its kaiseki, a a nighttime stroll. For dinner, eat at the
decadent multi-dish meal of reimagined world famous Kichikichi (p195), home to
traditional plates. Round off your night Japan’s most celebrated maker of omurice
with a tasting course at the Jam Sake Bar (you’ll need to book in advance). Grab a
(p192), where the staff will be delighted drink afterwards at Hello Dolly, a jazz bar
to walk you through the nuances of known for its impressive collection of
Japan’s national drink. vinyl LPs (hellodolly.hannnari.com).
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