There are a million and one reasons to take a trip to Kyoto, the former imperial capital of Japan, and the nearby cities of Nara, Osaka and Kobe. Here are just 11…
1) Because exploring the ancient capital of Japan will fill you with wonder, no matter your age.
2) Because the streets of Kyoto are insanely clean, organized and safe at any time of the day or night.
3) A stroll through historic Gion at night will make you feel like you stepped back in time, and you just might see a real geisha.
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- The streets of Gion
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- Not real geishas…
4) Because Japanese Schoolgirls are so Kawaiiiii. (Click for video)
https://www.instagram.com/p/BCswaQJu7dw/
5) Asahi draft and edamame are kind of a perfect combination.
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- Perfect combination
6) You might get to meet the lady that lives behind the subway ticket machine, when you press the HELP button.
7) The sushi, duh…
8)The chance to pet wild deer that seem tame, while watching your back to make sure you don’t get attacked by an alpha deer that isn’t so tame.
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- Watch your back
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- Hello deer
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- The tame ones
9) Chou brΓ»lΓ©e. ‘Nuff said.
10) You might be able to squeeze yourself through Buddha’s nostril in Nara’s Todaiji Temple, for a lifetime of luck, abundance and health.
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- Buddha’s nostril is pretty small
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- Auntie Bora made it this far…
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- But only Naia could fit through Buddha’s nostril
11) Cuz after a hectic day of exploring, you might find stillness in a towering forest of bamboo.
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Have you ever wanted to visit Kyoto and Japan? What are YOUR top reasons?
Minh Nguyen
i used to live in Japan for a year and Kyoto is one of my favorite cities there. I loved the temples, especially the thousand gate one. this city pretty much reminded me of Hoi An and Hanoi in Vietnam. It’s also lovely wandering around the city with a glimpse on geisha and randomly stopping at street shops along the streets. One more thing, I had a great time with my Couchsurfing host and Couchsurfers in Kyoto, which is one of the reasons why I liked this city
crystal @unepeach
That all sounds perfect to me! Also…well done taking a baby abroad…I know me and my nerves couldn’t do it. π
Shelley @Travel-Stained
I am dying to get back to Kyoto as soon as possible. The chilled out energy was such a wonderful break from the intensity of Korea. We’re so lucky with her, she’s the best baby ever…hardly ever cries or fusses, but if she was otherwise, I’d probably think twice about traveling with her… π
Indah Susanti
A lady lives behind the ticket machine!!! That is hilarious π Did you try another button? Perhaps there will be more surprises coming…
Shelley @Travel-Stained
Lol, yes! And I must admit that we pressed the CALL button in as many subway stations as we could, just so we could see who would pop out. Haha. I shoulda documented all of them. π
thenomadicpanda
I can’t wait to go to Kyoto in mid April! Looks like you had the best time!
Shelley @Travel-Stained
We did have the best time!! I wish we’d been able to spend more time there. I really really loved it there, and felt like I could’ve spent weeks and weeks without getting bored. Have a wonderful trip! (I know you will) π
andthreetogo
I have loved following you on Instagram and love that you sum them all up here! Fantastic. I loved Japan, though we only went to Tokyo… I wold love to have more time to really explore the whole country!
Shelley @Travel-Stained
I could keep posting pics of Japan forever…lol. Glad you’ve been enjoying the pics! π I’d only been to Tokyo before this trip to, and while I liked it, I didn’t love it. I found it very similar to Seoul, except a bit quieter and less modern, so it didn’t feel so much like traveling…but Kyoto I absolutely adored. It really stoked my desire to see other parts of Japan…and now I can’t wait to go back again! π
andthreetogo
The next place we want to explore is Seoul. Someday soon hopefully. You will be getting an email from me if we do. π
Shelley @Travel-Stained
Fantastic!! And I am happy to help in any way I can. π
BHall-Somewhere to Get Lost
Thanks for post! I’m planning on visiting Japan next year!
Shelley @Travel-Stained
We loved our time in Kyoto, and can’t wait to go back again. You’ll love it there! π
Jen
I lose it every single time I see the picture of the subway lady. WHO KNEW.
Shelley @Travel-Stained
Lol…we pressed the HELP button in as many subway stations as we could, just to see who would pop out. Pure entertainment. :p
AndysWorldJourneys
Kyoto is an absolutely adorable, wonderful city. Probably my favourite city in all of Asia. Love it – great post!
Shelley @Travel-Stained
Thanks Andy! We absolutely loved it too, and can’t believe we wasted so much time before visiting. Will definitely be going there regularly from now on! π
lexklein
They are all appealing reasons, but I’d go just for that forest of bamboo!
Shelley @Travel-Stained
We stumbled on that one by accident, behind the Fushimi Inari Shrine, which is amazing in it’s own right…but had planned to visit the bamboo grove in Arashiyama. Ran out of time though, unfortunately. Will have to hit it next time we visit – I feel so amazingly peaceful surrounded by all that green! π
CrazyChineseFamily
Looking so much forward to go there myself. Originally we had planned this autumn but we never know how things will turn out with our business. It Is so fascinating hoe clean it is in China, especially compared to China…
Shelley @Travel-Stained
Lol…especially compared to China…and compared to Korea. And Korea is pretty clean, though I have to say it’s because of the amazing workers that are constantly picking up after all the litterers. In Japan, I felt like the cleanliness came from the whole society. I can’t imagine anyone littering there, and it makes me so MAD when I see kids do it here. >.<
You will love it there, and it was such a great city to travel with Naia. Everything easy and safe and people so friendly. I imagine Kyoto must be sooo beautiful with all the fall colours! π
twobrownfeet
Great post, Shelley! How we miss all the places you visited. I’m feeling so nostalgic right now. π
Shelley @Travel-Stained
Aww thanks π We just left and I’m already feeling nostalgic about it. Haha. Will definitely be going back as soon as we can. There’s so much we didn’t get to do. I really felt like I could spend weeks and weeks there just hanging out and enjoying the energy.