Most tourists only have a few days in Kyoto and try to see everything. This is not relaxing or wise. Don’t try to do too much, too quickly: if you do, you will remember very little of your trip. Kyoto is perfect for taking breaks. Try to plan your day loosely and to limit yourself to one main zone (the east side, north side or west side of Kyoto) and one minor zone (Gion, downtown,Imperial Palace,Nijo Castle) each day. Stay off the beaten track Many tourists (everywhere) make the mistake of staying on the beaten path (main streets, famous places, etc.) only. The true, exotic essence of Kyoto is generally to be found away from major streets and attractions. Whenever possible, try to: explore the general area around famous places; stay away from major streets as often as possible; take parallel narrow side streets instead. Since the Old Capital is laid out on a grid work pattern, it is almost impossible to get lost. Use your imagination and trust your instincts. Kyoto is a world of secrets. Look for them and you are sure to see something special. Timing is everything in Kyoto Kyoto, in keeping with its natural rhythms, is often most exotic and alive and moving early in the morning (6:00-8:00) and evenings (16:00-19:00). These are the best times to take great photos, and see the ”local people,” old and young, walking the dog, talking, relaxing, etc. in parks, along the river, on the grounds of large temples and shrines. On Sundays and national holidays try to arrive at famous places and areas as early as you can: after12:00 the city can become extremely crowded (Kyoto gets nearly 50 million Japanese visitors a year!!)

Spring Special Nighttime Opening

Enjoy the beautiful lit-up scenes featuring a spring of marvelous scents During the spring time, important temples and shrines in the area will open at night. This is a great opportunity to see stunning gardens and building illuminations. Until April 17 Cherry Blossom Nighttime Lit-up Nijo Castle Nijo Castle was built in 1603 and it is designated as a UNESCO world heritage site in 1994. The castle features about 200 of many kinds of cherry trees and the large garden will be lit up at night to create an elegant scene; 18:00-21:00; Entry: 400 yen; Access: Kyoto City Bus #9, 50, 101 or Subway Tozai Line, Nijojo-mae Stn.; Tel: 075-841-0096 Until April 17 To-ji Temple Also the one of UNESCO’s World Heritage sites in Kyoto. Having a fivestory pagoda as the backdrop, the double flower weeping cherry tree will be gorgeous in appearance; 18:30-21:30; Entry: 500 yen; Access: Kintetsu Kyoto Line, Toji Stn.; Tel: 075-691-3325

Maruyama Park

The most popular cherry blossom viewing site in Kyoto. A grand weeping cherry tree will be lit-up from the end of March; Sunset – 1:00; No entry fee; Access: Kyoto City Bus #206, get off at Gion; Tel: 075-561-1350

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

This amazing temple is probably Kyoto’s most popular and wellknown sightseeing spot. From the temple’s large wooden balcony and some of its other excellent hillside locations visitors can gain excellent night views of the city. Also about 1,000 cherry blossom trees can be seen, this beautiful scenery has been loved by people since Muromachi period; 18:00-21:30 (doors closed at 21:00); Entry: 400 yen; Access: Kyoto City Bus #206, get off at Kiyomizu-michi; Tel: 075-551-1234

Okazaki Cherry Blossom Viewing Boat Ride

     Until May 8

This traditional water tour, on one of two small boats, will take visitors along a canal route that is famous for cherry blossom viewing; These special tour boats depart from the Nanzen-ji Temple boat park (in front of Biwako Sosui Memorial Museum); 29 boat tours each day, between 9:30 and 16:30 (boat departs every 15-30 min.); Until 20:30 from Mar. 26-April 10 for night-time boat ride. Tickets: 1,000 yen; Access: Subway Tozai Line, Keage Stn.; Tel: 075-321-7696

Sagano Romantic Train Ride

The Sagano Sightseeing Tram route (7.3 km) runs from Saga to Kameoka along a gorgeous river gorge and passes through 8 old tunnels; No service on Wed. (except for holidays and tourist season). Tickets: 620 yen (one way); Access: JR Sagano Line, Saga Arashiyama Stn.; Sagano Kanko Tetsudo: Tel: 075-861-7444