Tokyo may have the lights and Osaka may have the pace, but for culture and cool – nowhere beats Kyoto. The pretty city is awash with cherry blossoms, shrines, teahouses and the powder soft faces of Geisha peeping out from behind the maze of alleyways.  For visitors making a swinging visit to the beautifully preserved city, you will find lanterns burning bright, Buddhist temples, blues music blazing until the dawn, and monkeys waiting to welcome you in the green hills. Here is how to catch your breath in Kyoto…

Friday Afternoon:

See the Lights at the Yasaka Shrine

After touching down in Kyoto, head to the sacred destination of the Yasaka Shrine. This is one of the most famous landmarks in Kyoto and if you visit during the Spring, you may be lucky enough to catch the pink froth of cherry blossom dappling in the evening light. Built in 656, the East Kyoto shrine is a popular spot for a myriad of ceremonies throughout the year. At night the lanterns glimmer against the dark, making for an incredible after-hours sight.

 

Gorge in Gion and Look for Geishas

The lively quarter of Gion is the place to wander and dine, especially if you hope to catch sight of the powdered face of a Maiko ducking down the streets. Stretched from Kamo-gawa River in the west to Yasaka-jinja Shrine in the east, Gion is the perfect traditional entertainment district. You can find Gion north and south of Shijo street.

 

Lose Yourself in the Blues

For night owls, Kyoto is a delirious dream offering a storm of nightlife and some incredibly popular haunts for live music. Taku is considered one of the best live music spots in Kyoto and specializes in the blues. Luminaries like John Lee Hooker and Los Lobos have lit up the stage in the past, and the ambience is always electric. You can check the website for their gig schedule.

Saturday:

Buddha Temples and Bamboo

Early risers will be rewarded for shaking their dreams and making their way to the Golden Pavilion. In the first light of day you can draw a deep breath as you gaze at the buddha temple with its golden reflection glimmering against the still water pond. Afterwards, head to Arashiyama, the towering bamboo forest where you can wander in shady groves and experience Mother Nature as you have never seen her before. For those who enjoy a sleep in on holidays, head straight for the Bamboo Forest and visit Tenryuji Temple, another beautiful Buddhist temple boasting mountain views.

Head to Arashiyama for a Local Specialty

Arashiyama is a fabulous spot to stop for lunch. For an authentic tea experience, head to the pretty little tea house of Hiranoya where you can sip sweet delights along with having a delectable sit-down meal. More adventurous diners should head to Unagiya Hirokawa, famous for its specialty eel dish.

Climb the Hill and Find the Monkeys

One of the best ways to digest is to take a hike into the wild hills – and stumble upon some monkeys along the way. The Iwatamaya Monkey Park is another highlight of the Arashiyama area. After a 45-minute hike boasting beautiful vistas across the city and far flung mountain, you will come to the macaques, or snow monkeys who live at the top. With over 200 macaques in the park you can watch the little ones tumble and play, see the parents snooze in the sun, and witness the whole family be fed by the rangers, before taking a gentle stroll down.

Watch the Sunset Over the Inari Shrine

As the afternoon light starts to dwindle head to the Inari Shrine, a dedication to the god of rice. Flanked by a wooded forest and at the foot of the sacred Mount Inari, the shrine looks truly spectacular at this time of day. The tori gates are also striking with their dark pumpkin coloring set against the blaze of green and the rosy gold fingers of the departing day.

Dine Beneath the Lights of Pontocho

Indulge in a spectacular dinner in the atmospheric area of Pontocho. The tight little alley that runs from Shijo-dori to Sanjo-dori is packed with restaurants whether you fancy an exclusive sit-down dinner or a quick and easy yakitori. As the moon rises, the lights flicker along the alleyway and the restaurants on the eastern side also overlook the soft flowing river – delivering a dollop of romance to an already stunning scene.

Sunday morning:

Splurge your Yen on Japanese Goodies

Lazy Sundays are all about recovering from an action-packed weekend. Those who wish to splurge a little Yen can head to Kyoto’s Kawaramachi to pick up some spectacular Japanese delights. Whether you want a pillow customized to the way you sleep or a beautiful cherry blossom hanko, a handwoven kimono or some edible treats to take with you – the Kawaramachi is the place to dig deep into your pockets before heading to your next destination.