Introduction

Most foreigners do not believe Kyoto was the old capital of Japan from 794 to 1868. Later on, after the emperor was moved capital was also renamed Tokyo. Today Kyoto is the capital of Kyoto prefecture in the Kansai region. According to the 2020 census, it is the ninth most crowded city in Japan. It is one of the major tourist destinations of Japan because of its culture. Due to Kinkakuji and other fourteen temples, shrines, and castles, Kyoto was able to place its name in the World Heritage Site UNESCO. According to Kyotojapan.com, Kyoto was rated “The World’s Best City” for 2 consecutive years in 2014 and 2015 by readers of “Travel+Leisure”, one of the world’s most influential travel magazines.

My low-budget journey to Kyoto

I am low budget traveler I always seek an opportunity and do some research so that I can travel on a budget, if you want to know more about me here it is. Kyoto was one of the top destinations on my bucket list, I made success in 2017. To access Kyoto best way is from the Tokyo Shinkansen (bullet train) it takes only 2 hours 15 minutes and costs roughly 13000 yen, but I chose to go by bus from Shinjuku station south exit and pick the last bus which was scheduled to depart at 24:05. If you want to book or know detail of bus schedule then here it is Highway Bus Tickets, Reason behind to choose last bus is I should not stay in hotel which I can save some extra cash.

I have traveled on a Japanese highway bus. Last year I went to Sendai to travel. I feel quite comfortable. Seats are quite adjustable and the bus driver gives short notice before departing like where the bus will stop for a break and what time we will reach a certain destination, which was good for all the passengers.

What did I do in Kyoto?

Early morning I reached Kyoto station I slept partially at night, it was winter and the sun was about to rise. Changing clothes in the toilet and put all my unnecessary stuff and small luggage in a locker which cost me 300 yen, after that I headed coffee shop so that I could book hotels and plan for the day while taking sips of coffee. I stayed almost one and a half hours taking two cups of coffee and I listed the place to visit:-

• Fushimi Inari-Taisha
• Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
• Kiyomizu-dera temple
• Gion District
• Kinkakuji temple

To start the journey I took one day bus and subway pass, which cost me 1100 yen to learn about the bus pass then One day kyoto bus pass. Taking a bus pass will be a good decision because in Japan even in short distance bus fair will be around 250 yen.

DAY – 1

Fushimi Inari-Taisha

Fushimi Inari-taisha is also called “o-Inari-san” I didn’t know that until I was in Kyoto. It is one of the influential Shinto Shrines in Kyoto. Popular for its thousands of vermilion torii gates, which lead behind its main buildings. I was Fushimi Inari-taisha in New Year 2017. Many Japanese visit different temples especially Shrine in New Year. Therefore it was so crowded it took me more than 3 hours just to reach the top. So if you have a plan to visit Japan, especially temples in New Year then better to postpone or reschedule. 

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Arashiyama bamboo grove is one of the scenic places in Kyoto. I have seen pictures and videos many times on online platforms, but to experience them in real time is worth it. It is around 500m long and I enjoyed every moment of wind and sounds even smells of bamboo leaves while walking, and the contrast of bamboo was very good.

While walking you can see an uphill small trek side, if you follow the path you can also see beautiful views of the Arashiyama Mountains and beneath Hozu-gawa River. In my opinion, during the time of the autumn season, it looks more delightful due to its orange and yellow color.

I was tired so on the first day, I went hotel quite early. I booked quite a cheap capsule-type hotel. If you want to know the details shape, size, and other facilities of a capsule hotel then here it is. For Solo travelers like me capsule hotel is one of the best choices it saves extra budget. And by the way in Japan whether you are train or a hotel, even in any public place nobody bothers you.

Day -2

Kinkakuji temple

In history, this golden temple was known as Rokuonji Temple. Later, it was named Kinkakuji because of its Golden pavilion. The second and third stories of the pavilion are covered in gold leaf. While walking around the pond, we can see a mirrored reflection on the serene Kyoko-chi Pond which was an aww moment. It is also a registered as world heritage site by UNESCO.

Kiyomizu-Dera temple

It is one of the most famous temples in Japan. Kiyomizu-dera which means pure water temple. It is also listed in the ancient Kyoto UNESCO World Heritage. This temple looks more beautiful in cherry blossom in early April and Momiji in October. Although I went in January still it was crowded. The main attraction of this temple is the wooden stage that stands out 13 meters over the hillside without the nails. Around Kiyomizu-dera temple there is also Otawara waterfall and three-storied Koyasu Pagoda which have their history and own beliefs.

Gion District

In Kyoto, if you want to wander, the Geisha district is one of them. While walking Gion district I found myself in the old era. The road is paved with stones, and buildings are traditionally old but well-managed. Walking here and there, looking at one building after another, I did not notice it was already evening. I also found lots of ochaya (tea house) and by the way Shirakawa area is quieter than Hanami-koji Street. You can choose the place to walk according to your nature I am quite a silent person I like quiet places rather than crowded so I love Shirakawa.

Conclusion

This was my two day tour in Kyoto. The place and view were worth to travel. My suggestion is if you want to avoid crowds then it is better not to travel on New Year, especially in temples. And two days will be enough to explore Kyoto. After the Gion district, I went to Osaka. I had a schedule to visit Universal Studio and then Nara. I hope you like the journey and have some idea about the location please share your journey in the comments section. And if you find a cheap method to travel then do not forget to share.