All you need to know about KYOTO

Summary

Kyoto, Japan's cultural heart, offers a rich history and stunning attractions. From the ancient Heian period to modern-day, it boasts temples, shrines, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Experience traditional cuisine, green tea, and unique sweets, while exploring festivals and enjoying the city's efficient transport. Nearby, discover Osaka's nightlife, Lake Biwa's tranquility, and the serene mountains, making Kyoto a must-visit destination.

Takeaways

• 📍 Kyoto is located in the Kansai region on Honshu, Japan's largest island, and is accessible from Tokyo Station by bullet train or from Kansai International Airport.
• 🏰 The city's history dates back to 710 when Nara was the capital, and it became the capital of Japan in 794, initiating the Heian period.
• 🏯 Kyoto is renowned for its cultural significance, with the largest density of shrines and temples in Japan, including about 400 shrines and 1600 temples.
• 🌸 Popular destinations include Kiyomizu-dera, Kinkakuji (the Golden Pavilion), and Fushimi-Inari Taisha, known for its red torii gates.
• 🍽️ Kyoto cuisine is diverse, with options like kaiseki (Japanese multi-course meals), shojin ryori (vegetarian cuisine), and Kyoto-style home cooking.
• 🍵 Kyoto is famous for its green tea and matcha, with green tea products being a popular souvenir.
• 🍪 Yatsuhashi, a traditional sweet made from rice flour, sugar, and cinnamon, is a typical Kyoto souvenir with an unchanged recipe since 1689.
• 🎉 Kyoto hosts several festivals, including the Gion Matsuri, Aoi Matsuri, and Jidai Matsuri, each showcasing different aspects of Japanese culture and history.
• 🚌 Transportation in Kyoto is primarily by bus, with an extensive network covering most attractions, and an all-day bus pass available for 500 yen.
• 🚲 Exploring Kyoto by bicycle is also a popular option due to its flat terrain and the availability of rental stations.
• 🌄 Nearby attractions include Osaka, Lake Biwa, and the mountains to the north of Kyoto, offering a variety of experiences from city life to natural retreats.

Q & A

Where is Kyoto located?

Kyoto lies in the Kansai region in the Midwest of Japan's largest island, Honshu. It can be reached from Tokyo Station in a little more than two hours by bullet train or in about 1 hour and 20 minutes from the Kansai International Airport.

What historical period marked Kyoto becoming the capital of Japan?

Kyoto became the capital of Japan during the Heian period, starting in 794 when the capital was moved to Heian-kyo, known today as Kyoto.

Why were Buddhist temples originally banned from the inner city area of Kyoto?

Buddhist temples were originally banned from the inner city area of about 23.4 square kilometers during the Heian period because Buddhist monks had gained too much political influence in the former capitals.

Which war devastated Kyoto and when did reconstruction begin?

Kyoto was devastated during the Onin War from 1467 to 1477. Reconstruction did not start until the 1580s.

What is the significance of Kiyomizu-dera in Kyoto?

Kiyomizu-dera is a shrine with a 13-meter high stage. Jumping off the stage was said to grant a wish if you survived. The practice led to the Japanese expression 'to jump off the stage at Kiyomizu,' equivalent to 'to take the plunge' in English.

What makes Kinkakuji, the Golden Pavilion, unique?

Kinkakuji, or the Golden Pavilion, is a three-story building whose top two floors are covered in gold leaf. It looks especially stunning when covered in snow.

What is Fushimi Inari Taisha known for?

Fushimi Inari Taisha is famous for its hundreds of red torii gates. The trails covered in them are about four kilometers long, leading up the mountain. Each gate is donated by Japanese businesses, costing between $4,000 to $10,000.

What are some recommended traditional foods to try in Kyoto?

In Kyoto, you should try kaiseki ryori (Japanese multi-course haute cuisine), shojin ryori (strictly vegetarian cuisine based on the diet of Buddhist monks), and obanzai (Kyoto-style home cooking). The city is also famous for its green tea and matcha products, such as matcha-flavored baumkuchen and Yatsuhashi.

What is the Gion Matsuri festival?

The Gion Matsuri is a festival with more than a thousand years of tradition held in the Gion district every year in July. It features a variety of floats up to 25 meters in height and is one of the most famous festivals in Japan.

What are the transportation options in Kyoto?

Unlike Tokyo, trains are not the primary mode of transportation in Kyoto. The city has a couple of train lines and only two subway lines. Most attractions are not easily accessible by train, but Kyoto's extensive bus network connects almost all locations. An all-day bus pass is available for 500 yen, and a subway and bus day pass can be purchased for 1,200 yen. Bicycles are also a popular way to explore Kyoto.

Outlines

00:00

🌍 Discover Kyoto: A Cultural Journey

Kyoto, located in the Kansai region of Japan, is rich in history and culture. This paragraph provides a detailed overview of Kyoto's geographical location, its accessibility from Tokyo and Kansai International Airport, and its historical significance as Japan's capital during various periods, including the Nara, Heian, and Edo periods. Noteworthy historical events such as the Onin War and Kyoto's exemption from atomic bomb targeting during World War II are highlighted. Kyoto is renowned for its dense concentration of shrines and temples, with notable sites including Kiyomizu-dera, Kinkakuji, Fushimi Inari Taisha, and Nijo Castle. The city's historical monuments are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

05:00

🍽️ Culinary Delights and Festivals of Kyoto

This paragraph delves into Kyoto's culinary offerings and traditional festivals. Kyoto cuisine, such as Kaiseki Ryori and Shojin Ryori, emphasizes local and seasonal ingredients, with a focus on vegetarian dishes. Famous local foods include Kyoto tofu, Obanzai, and various green tea-based products like matcha. The paragraph also describes popular souvenirs like Yatsuhashi and unique Kyoto-only Kit Kats. Additionally, it highlights Kyoto's major festivals, including the Gion Matsuri, Aoi Matsuri, and Jidai Matsuri, each with its unique historical significance and traditional celebrations. The paragraph concludes with practical travel tips, emphasizing the city's extensive bus network and the convenience of exploring Kyoto by bicycle.

Keywords

💡Kyoto

Kyoto is a city in Japan known for its rich history and cultural significance. It is the central theme of the video, which discusses its location, historical importance, and tourist attractions. The script mentions Kyoto as the former capital of Japan and a current major tourist destination with numerous shrines and temples.

💡Kansai region

The Kansai region is where Kyoto is geographically situated, in the Midwest of Japan's largest island, Honshu. The region is significant as it is the access point for travelers coming to Kyoto, either from Tokyo or Kansai International Airport, and it provides context to the city's location within Japan.

💡Heian period

The Heian period is a historical era in Japan that began when the capital was moved to Heian-kyo, now known as Kyoto. The video script refers to this period to illustrate the city's long-standing role as the capital and its cultural development during that time.

💡Onin War

The Onin War was a conflict that took place from 1467 to 1477, which is mentioned in the script as a period when Kyoto was devastated. This historical event is key to understanding the city's past and the subsequent reconstruction efforts that shaped modern Kyoto.

💡Kiyomizu-dera

Kiyomizu-dera is a shrine in Kyoto with a 13-meter high stage that is one of the city's popular tourist attractions. The script uses it as an example of Kyoto's religious and cultural heritage, and it is associated with a tradition of jumping off the stage to 'take the plunge'.

💡Kinkakuji

Kinkakuji, also known as the Golden Pavilion, is a three-story building covered in gold leaf and is another of Kyoto's renowned landmarks. The video script describes it as a stunning sight, especially when covered in snow, highlighting its aesthetic appeal to visitors.

💡Fushimi Inari Taisha

Fushimi Inari Taisha is a shrine famous for its hundreds of red torii gates and is a significant religious site in Kyoto. The script mentions it as a place with trails covered in torii gates, which are donated by Japanese businesses, reflecting the shrine's popularity and cultural importance.

💡Nijo Castle

Nijo Castle is a flatland castle completed in 1626, which served as the Kyoto residence of the Shoguns during the Tokugawa period. The script uses it to illustrate the lifestyle of Japanese rulers during the feudal age, providing insight into the city's historical significance.

💡UNESCO World Heritage Site

The video script mentions that some of Kyoto's attractions are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto. This designation underscores the global recognition of Kyoto's cultural and historical importance.

💡Shojin-ryori

Shojin-ryori is a type of Japanese cuisine that is strictly vegetarian, traditionally followed by Buddhist monks. The script describes it as a key part of Kyoto's culinary culture, highlighting the city's unique food offerings that are based on local and seasonal ingredients.

💡Kyoto-style cuisine

Kyoto-style cuisine, or 'Kyo-ryori', is a culinary tradition that emphasizes simplicity and the use of seasonal ingredients. The script mentions it as the soul food of Kyoto, showcasing the city's distinct gastronomic identity.

💡Green tea

Green tea is a famous product from the Kyoto Prefecture, known for its high quality. The script discusses green tea and matcha products as popular souvenirs in Kyoto, reflecting the region's agricultural heritage and the importance of tea culture in Japanese society.

💡Transportation in Kyoto

The script explains that Kyoto has a unique transportation system with buses being the primary mode of public transit due to the city's layout. It also mentions the availability of bicycle rentals, providing context on how to navigate the city efficiently.

Highlights

Kyoto is a popular tourist destination in Japan with a rich history.

Located in the Kansai region, Kyoto can be reached from Tokyo in over two hours by bullet train.

Kyoto's history as Japan's capital began in 794 during the Heian period.

The Onin War (1467-1477) devastated Kyoto, with reconstruction starting in 1580.

Kyoto became the official capital of Japan in 1869, after over a thousand years of history.

Kyoto was almost an atomic bomb target during WWII but was saved by Henry L. Stimson.

Today, Kyoto is known for its cultural significance and high density of shrines and temples.

Kiyomizu-dera is a famous shrine with a high stage associated with a wish-granting tradition.

Kinkakuji, the Golden Pavilion, is a stunning three-story building covered in gold leaf.

Fushimi Inari Taisha is renowned for its red torii gates and trails, attracting many visitors.

Nijo Castle provides insight into the lifestyle of Japanese rulers during the feudal age.

Kyoto's attractions are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, historic monuments.

The best time to visit Kyoto is year-round, avoiding hot summers and typhoons in the fall.

Kyoto cuisine includes multi-course meals and vegetarian options like Shojin Ryori.

Green tea and matcha products are popular souvenirs from Kyoto.

Yatsuhashi, a traditional sweet, and other Kyoto sweets are famous food souvenirs.

Kyoto offers various festivals, including the Gion Matsuri, one of Japan's most famous.

Public transportation in Kyoto includes buses and subways, with day passes available.

Bicycles are a convenient way to explore Kyoto's mostly flat terrain.

Nearby Kyoto, visitors can explore Osaka, Lake Biwa, and traditional Japanese ryokans.

Transcripts

Kyoto is one of the most popular tourist

destinations in all of Japan its history

where to go what to eat and more right

after the intro

[Music]

where is Kyoto Kyoto lies in the Kansai

region in the Midwest of Japan's largest

island

han-soo it can be reached from Tokyo

Station in a little more than two hours

by bullet train or in about 1 hour and

20 minutes from the Kansai International

Airport before we get into what to do in

Kyoto let's take a quick look at the

city's history in 710 the city of hey

Tokyo today's Nara became the capital of

Japan which marked the beginning of the

Nara period in 784 the capital was moved

to Nagaoka kyo in only 10 years later in

794 - hey Onkyo which is today known as

kyoto this move initiated the Heian

period and kiotas history as the capital

of Japan because Buddhist monks had

gained too much political influence in

the former capitals Buddhist temples

were originally banned from the inner

city area of about 23.4 square

kilometers during the onin war from 1467

to 1477 in which two clans fought

viciously in and around the capital city

most of it was devastated reconstruction

was not started under 1580 from this

time on the first tempest inside of the

city were constructed after the Shogun

had resided in today's tokyo during the

edo period it became the official

capital city of japan in 1869 after

kyoto had this title for more than a

thousand years during the Second World

War the city was leading the atomic bomb

target list but was removed on the

intervention by Secretary of War Henry L

Stimson who had visited the city during

his honeymoon

and ever since fallen in love with it

today it is the capital of Kyoto

prefecture and houses are on one point

for seven million people it is a

well-known tourist destination described

as Japan in a nutshell the authors of

tremendous cultural significance with

the largest density in shrines and

temples in all of Japan with about 400

of the former and 1600 of the letter

some popular destinations are

kiyomizu-dera a shrine with a 13 meter

high stage jumping off the stage is said

to grant a wish should you survive of

the 234 recorded jumps taken in the edo

period a whopping eighty five point four

percent survived based on this practice

the expression to jump off of the stage

at kiyomizu is the Japanese equivalent

to the English to take the plunge

dropping

from the stage was forbidden in 1872

kinkakuji the damper with the golden

pavilion a three-story building whose

top two floors are covered in gold leaf

I think it looks especially stunning

when covered in snow fushimi-inari

taisha which is famous for its hundreds

of red torii gates the trails covered in

them about four kilometers long leading

up the mountain a new gate costs between

about four thousand to ten thousand

dollars to create and each of the modern

thousand of them have been donated by

Japanese business due to the shrines

popularity it is estimated to have about

32,000 submarines all over Japan it is

recommended to come for visit early in

the day before the masses of tourists

arrive Nijo castle a flat land castle

completed in sixty 26 it was used as the

Kyoto residence of the Shogun's during

the Tokugawa period and will give you an

impression of the simplistic lifestyle

of the Japanese rulers during the feudal

age and many many more some of the

aforementioned are also part of the

UNESCO World Heritage Site historic

monuments of ancient Kyoto now that we

know where to go when is the best time

to go Kyoto can be visited at any time

of the year that being said the summer

months will be hot and humid

especially July and August like most

parts of Japan facing the Pacific coast

typhoons can be expected in September to

October during the winter months you

will occasionally experience snowfall

the cherry blossom starts in the middle

of March bringing spring but also lots

of tourists different but equally

beautiful are the autumn colors the

foliage season starts from around

mid-october with its peak and

mid-november finishing with December

humans can't live of attractions alone

so what should you eat in Kyoto Keisuke

really is Japanese multi-course odd

cuisine kya kya Kyoto steak on the meta

and includes local and seasonal

ingredients

so generally OD is based on the diet of

Buddhist monks it stands out by being

strictly vegetarian which is still rare

to find in Japan today

Kyoto's famous tofu will be used for the

meals and the arashiyama area of the

city is particularly well known for them

Avon's I really is Kyoto style home

cooking often simpler to prepared in

Keisuke really

it also features seasonal ingredients

and is considered to be Kyoto's soul

food as for food souvenirs the og area

and Kyoto prefecture is famous for its

fantastic green tea there for green tea

and matcha and green tea products can be

purchased throughout the city for

example pure BOM is the city's version

of palm cuckoo which of course includes

matzo Yatsuhashi is another typical

souvenir made from rice flour sugar and

cinnamon its recipe hasn't changed since

its invention in 1689 nama-hatta or

roi yot saw her she is sweet red bean

paste rep in the not baked

but steamed dough of Yatsuhashi it goes

especially well with you guessed it

green tea and Holly mochi is one of

Kyoto's more representative Vargas tea

or Japanese sweets it consists of a rice

flour and egg paste dough on the outside

and the red bean paste filling according

to legend this kind of mochi was used by

monks to escape starvation during

particularly brutal training and then of

course there are also a limited edition

Kyoto only Kit Kats

despite its temples shrines and food

kyoto also offers a variety of festivals

the three most famous ones are the gion

matsuri is a festival with more than

thousand years of tradition held in the

gion district every year in july it

features a variety of loads up to 25

meters in height it is one of the most

famous festivals in all of Japan the our

Matsuri

is said to have originated during the

reign of emperor Kim May the purpose of

this festival is to offer hollyhock or

soy in Japanese to the gods to prevent

disasters during the event more than 500

people dressed in the aristocratic style

of the Heian period make their way from

the Kyoto Imperial Palace to the north

of the city it is held every year on the

15th of May the GD Matsuri is the

festival of the ages held on October

22nd more than 2,000 people dressed in

costumes representing the different

areas of Kyoto's more than thousand 200

years of history parade through the city

now of course Kyoto isn't small so you

need a way to get from A to B unlike

other cities like Tokyo trains are not

the transportation method of choice

Kyoto has a couple of trends and

only two subway lines the subways are

best used for north-south and east-west

connections most of the attractions are

not easily accessible by train but

thankfully the bus network in Kyoto is

very extensive it will connect you to

almost all locations inside and even

outside of the city an all-day bus pass

is available for 500 yen per person a

subway and bus day pass can be purchased

for 1200 yen you can use this week or

pass more prepaid cards you might have

purchased in Tokyo to pay for the bus as

well Kyoto is a great place to explore

by bicycle is mostly flat and drivers

are more or less same you will have no

issue finding a bicycle rental station

close to your hotel one thing to be

careful about though is to only park

your bike in the intended areas

otherwise it might be removed I

personally like getting around by bus

the most it probably has the best cost

performance if you want to take some

time off of the city you can easily

explore the areas around Kyoto Kyoto is

close to the large city of Osaka Lake

Biwa

and koban Osaka office nightlife

okonomiyaki ante Universal Studios Japan

Cobra is a smaller city with its most

famous speciality the arguably most

famous beef in the world like beaver is

one of the oldest lakes in the world and

Japan's largest inland lake what I like

doing though is escape to the mountains

in the north of the city you can get

there with the public buses directly

from Kyoto and can check into a

traditional Japanese ryokan enjoy the

fantastic nature and relax in an onsen

or hot spring bath now you know

everything you need to know before

visiting Kyoto you're good to go now I

hope you enjoyed this video it really

took a long time to make so I would

appreciate if you could help it reach

more viewers speed by liking commenting

down below or even sharing it with your

friends for now thank you for watching

and see you next time

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