Kyoto has been Japan’s Imperial capital for a thousand years and has . . . a thousand temples. If, like me, you can get a bit templed out, its quite easy to get tired walking from one temple to the next and, honestly, whilst I enjoyed the trip to Kyoto, I don’t remember any of the specific temples. So, my tips for a visit:
#1 Rent a bike to cycle around the temples, and generally around Kyoto. It adds a different angle to the day as you can see areas outside of the standard temples, including the large gardens, are not restricted by a driver, and Kyoto city centre is very safe to cycle, including being able to cycle along the canals.
#2 Unless you are a Japanese history geek, one day is more than enough for the temples.
#3 The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove in the west of the city is definitely worth checking out as it’s super dense green bamboo forrest makes you think you’re in Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon.
#4 I’d highly recommend taking a half day trip to the Suntory Whiskey Distillery just outside Kyoto. Even if you are not a whiskey fan, it’s a nice experience as they show you how the whiskey is made, tell the history and give you some free samplings at the end. Considering the standard of these whiskies and their recognition internationally (they won many of the world’s best awards), this is very generous. It’s only a 25min train ride (which is fun on its own) from Kyoto Station and has very pleasant surroundings nestled in a glen.
#5 As with all things Japan, try and stay somewhere with an Onsen – coming back and relaxing in them at the end of the day really adds to the overall Japanese experience. You’ll find your blood pressure dropping quickly and even catch yourself dropping in a small bow to people in the lifts.
#6 We stayed near the station, which was a perfect location
For more details on how Kyoto can fit into a week itinerary for the highlights of central Japan, see the individual travel entry for – A week in Japan from Tokyo, to Mount Fuji and Kyoto