Weather in Kyoto | Kyoto's climate is generally mild with some extremes. Kyoto summers are hot and humid. Winters are cold and many times temperature drops below zero. Usually, Spring (March/April/May) and fall (October/November) are the best seasons to visit Kyoto. |
Clothes & Shoes for Kyoto | If visiting in winter, bring a good jacket as it can get cold. Bring a good pair of walking shoes as you will be walking a lot in Kyoto. Clothes and shoes are Asian size (0-9) for women and (s-m) for men. Finding clothing/ shoes may be difficult in Kyoto if your size is outside these parameters. |
Heavy Luggage Transportation in Japan | Most people use trains/subway/metro/Shinkensen (Bullet train) to commute in Japan. It is common in Japan that anything bigger and heavier than carry-on luggage is transferred by luggage delivery for a small fee. This Luggage transportation system (locally called as takuhaibin) operated by specialized companies. They will deliver your luggage to your hotel or destination address or Airport on the way back. These companies have counters at all major Airports and also pick-up service from home or hotel. for delivery to Airport or other destination addresses in Japan. |
Local transportation in Kyoto | Pickup local map in English at Kyoto Station. Tourist attractions are well connected by the Subway network and/or bus system The subway system and public buses are inexpensive, organized, efficient, and the fastest way for local commute in Kyoto and surrounding areas. Kyoto's Taxi cabs are efficient and affordable; make sure to have destination address written in Japanese in case your driver does not speak your language.
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| Cycling in Kyoto | Bicycles are available on rent. They are inexpensive and faster way to get around in Kyoto. |
JR Rail Pass | JR rail passes are worth purchasing if you plan to travel to many cities in Japan in specific time frame. You must buy a JR rail pass outside of Japan. You cannot purchase these JR Rail passes in Japan. If you plan on going only to one or two cities buy roundtrip tickets for the Shinkansen (bullet) train. Make sure to get reserved seats if possible for any train. Japanese trains are fast, roomy, clean, comfortable, and efficient. |
Eating in Kyoto |
Japanese love good food- simply prepared but always elegantly presented. There are many local restaurants and cafes serving Okonomiyaki, Yakitori, various Soba noodles, Taokoki, or very fresh Sashimi/ Sushi at reasonable prices. Most local restaurants have English menus and usually located in alleys along the main streets. FYI: Lines for restaurants can be long so be patient- most are worth the wait. Many local restaurants are tiny so try to eat earlier or later, especially if you have a large group/family. Another affordable option for meals are Bento boxes. They are sold in trains stations and in the food section of large department stores. Some restaurants have ticketing machines for meals. Simply select and pay for your meal choice, and go into the restaurant with your meal ticket/token. After a few minutes you will be served! Kyoto has many bakery shops. Eat at a bakery. Get a tray and sample any of the delicious, fresh, and affordable breads and sweets for a nice snack or breakfast! |
Restaurant Tipping in Kyoto |
Tip is not expected and will be refused if you offer in most places in Japan. In most local restaurants after finishing a meal go straight to the counter and place your money on the money tray next to the front entry door to pay your bill. |
Safety in Kyoto |
People are friendly and always ready to help strangers in Kyoto, Japan. Although Kyoto is safe, it is a big city and you should consider these safety tips: |
Languages in Kyoto |
English, Korean, and Chinese are spoken by most hotel front-line staff, mall shops, big restaurant, and tourist places. However, languages other than Japanese are not widely spoke. Japanese is the most commonly spoken language. Remember to carry your hotel card and/or a map in case you need to ask directions. Tourist counters at Stations and big hotels have maps of attractions in English, Korean, and Chinese and to make visitors life easy. Downloading a language translator on your smartphone can be helpful in communicating with others in Japanese. |
Electronic Japanese Toilets |
You will encounter toilets with electronic features all over Japan. The multiple buttons can be confusing initally, however are easy to use. They are basically automated bidets. Hotel have toilet paper in the bathroom as well. |
Electricity (Power) in Kyoto |
If visiting from outside, 100 Volts (as compare to U.S./Canada are 110-120 Volts) power supply in Kyoto, Japan. |
Culture Corner |
Rule for Queques: Don't try to cut a queue in Kyoto, Japan. Japan is a very orderly and polite society and taking your turn is a big rule to keep. Money/ credit cards are never directly given from hand to hand. Put your cash or credit card on the money tray provided and pick up any change/ receipt from the tray. |
