Guide Kyoto 2023 | Les meilleures choses à faire pour un premier voyage au Japon

Guide Kyoto 2023 | Les meilleures choses à faire pour un premier voyage au Japon

Kyoto embodies the essence of traditional Japan housing the greatest concentration of cultural treasures across the country. As a historic gem this captivating city is a must-see destination for travelers seeking an immersion in the Japan of yesteryear. In this video I will guide you through the must-see sites of Kyoto while sharing practical advice

Such as the ideal length of your stay, the best means of transport, where to stay and the optimal time to explore the ancient capital of Japan. Prepare to immerse yourself in a journey where past and present meet harmoniously in the heart of Kyoto. Let’s start by addressing the crucial question

Of the best time to visit Kyoto. If I had to recommend an ideal time it would definitely be fall. It is during this season that the leaves display orange-red hues transforming the city into a real fairy tale. However, keep in mind that autumn is also the most popular time

, so be sure to book your accommodation several months in advance to guarantee your place at the heart of this magic. Spring with the Sakura is an equally charming alternative with the flowering of the cherry trees which colors the city with incomparable floral splendor. As for summer,

Although it can be hot and humid, it offers a unique opportunity to participate in the famous Gion Matsuri festival , an unforgettable cultural experience. Now let’s talk about the ideal time to explore Kyoto. How many days should you plan to truly immerse yourself in the cultural richness of this city? Personally

I suggest you plan a stay of between 3 and 5 days. This time slot will allow you to explore Kyoto’s most iconic sites in depth without feeling rushed. Now let’s move on to the means of transportation in Kyoto to move around the city efficiently I recommend using the train or bus.

The key to hassle-free navigation is to take an IC transport card, a rechargeable electronic card such as Suica or Passmo. Simply add funds and use it to get in and out of transportation with ease. This card is also valid in most major cities including Osaka and Tokyo.

If you plan to explore more of the Kansai region the Kansai Thru Pass may also be an interesting option. This pass gives you public transport coverage in the area which can be beneficial if you intend to visit other cities such as Osaka and Nara. It’s a convenient and economical way

To experience all that the region has to offer. Now let’s explore the entire city of Kyoto which can be divided into several distinct areas. Here are the main ones to take into account: Northern Kyoto, known for its shrines and emblematic temples such as the famous Kinkakuji temple, the Golden Pavilion.

This area is characterized by its residential and peaceful atmosphere. Arashiyama a natural gem offering dazzling landscapes home to attractions such as the majestic bamboo forest and the entertaining monkey park. The center of Kyoto where we mainly find hotels, shops and restaurants. Although it is not the main tourist destination, its strategic central position

Makes it the ideal choice for a stay with easy access to all areas of Kyoto thanks to its status as a transport hub. And finally Gion the lively heart of the city with its streets lined with historic buildings, specialty shops , bars and restaurants. Now that we’ve explored the different areas of Kyoto

Let’s talk a little about the ideal place to stay. With the reopening of Japan’s borders, Kyoto is facing a problem of overtourism, which is why I personally recommend that you stay in the center of Kyoto. This will allow you to enjoy the tranquility of the tourist sites early in the morning

Before arriving. massive number of tourist buses during the day. It’s never pleasant to visit temples and streets crowded with tourists but staying in central Kyoto you will enjoy a peaceful and pleasant city experience early in the morning before the tourists arrive and also in the evening once they are gone.

Now let’s explore the Gion district, the historic heart of entertainment in Kyoto. It is here that there are many iconic buildings and streets steeped in history. Our first step is to stroll through the picturesque streets of Gion. The neighborhood’s streets are full of unique shops and charming traditional wooden buildings.

One of Gion’s must-see spots is Hanami-Koji Street , renowned for having preserved the authentic appearance of its tea houses along its route. It is a famous place for seeing geisha and maiko who roam the street on foot moving from their living space called “okiya” to one of the “ochaya” tea houses

To perform their private performance. If you stay there long enough you will probably have the chance to come across at least one of them. It is important to note however that Kyoto City has issued a photography ban in hanami-Koji as well as several other areas of Gion due to privacy concerns.

Please follow these rules to maintain harmony and respect in this historic community. In addition, a fine of 10,000 yen will be imposed on anyone taking photos without authorization. While you are in Gion don’t miss the iconic view of the Yasaka Pagoda a 46 meter high structure with graceful sloping roofs on every level

That photographers seek to capture to get the perfect photo. After exploring the unique charm of Gion let’s now dive into an unforgettable taste experience in the heart of Kyoto. Nishiki Market , a long, narrow shopping street with hundreds of shops and restaurants, is a culinary paradise for discovering the many flavors of Kyoto.

Let yourself be enveloped by the pleasant atmosphere of the market where you can taste the best of Japanese gastronomy . The products sold at the market are mainly grown or produced in Kyoto and many stalls offer free or low-cost samples . Although street eating is generally considered rude in Japan,

The practice is commonplace at Nishiki Market. You will find restaurants of all sizes from the most traditional to the smallest with no counter and a few chairs. If you are more sweet than savory near the market near Kyoto kawaramachi station, discover the Maccha House café. Their specialty , matcha tiramisu,

Is a delight for both the eyes and the mouth. They serve matcha drinks and desserts original and refined prepared with matcha from Morihan, a famous uji tea company in Kyoto. Finally, if you are ready to spend a little more on your budget, I recommend the Teppanyaki Lien restaurant for an exceptional culinary experience.

This restaurant focuses on steak , offering enchanting dishes prepared with seasonal ingredients sourced from Kyoto. As you enter the doors of Lien you will discover a restaurant with a luxurious atmosphere far from the narrow streets outside. Lien offers you the opportunity to enjoy exquisite dishes including carefully selected high quality

Japanese Black Wagyu beef all in an extraordinary atmosphere. During your stay in Kyoto, take the time to discover the wealth of temples and sanctuaries. Among my favorites is the Nanzen-ji temple famous for its Aqueduct and its magnificent dry Zen garden called “the garden of the tiger crossing a river”.

A little hidden away from the main tourist thoroughfares, the Eikan-do temple is worth the detour for its magnificently maintained gardens and its tranquility. Its exceptional garden makes it one of the best places to enjoy autumn colors in Kyoto. However, it is important to note that its popularity peaks

In November which can make the site very busy or even crowded, so be prepared to be patient to fully enjoy this experience. Another option to consider is Yasaka Shrine the main shrine here in Gion. If you are lucky enough to come in summer, don’t miss the famous Gion Matsuri festival

Which also takes place at the shrine. Finally the Kiyomizu-dera temple known for its majestic main temple whose platform floats 13 meters above the ground. Perched on a hill, this temple offers visitors a magnificent view not only of the city but also of the countless cherry and maple trees that dot the region below.

In November during the autumn illuminations the vision of the warm-tinted foliage becomes truly magical. After a day of intensive exploration, there’s nothing like relaxing with a delicious meal. If the Nishiki market has tickled your taste buds, an unmissable gastronomic experience awaits you at Pontoncho, a picturesque alley brimming with restaurants and bars

Offering a variety from sushi to soba and tasty grills called “Yakiniku”. Most establishments along the east side of the alley offer stunning views of the Kamogawa River. From May to September many of them erect temporary platforms above the water creating a unique experience called “kawayuka”. These platforms where customers can dine alfresco

Bring a touch of magic to your meals especially during summer evenings. Kawayuka developed to counter the summer heat offers the unique opportunity to taste traditional Kyoto cuisine while reveling in the cooling effects of flowing water and the bustling atmosphere of summer. If your budget is a little more limited,

I advise you to visit the establishments of the Yakiniku Hiro chain , they offer a wide selection of quality meat at relatively affordable prices. For ramen lovers don’t miss Ramen Sen no Kaze, an ideal place to enjoy a hearty bowl. Personally I LOVE their Tonkotsu ramen. although shio choyu and miso ramen versions

Are also offered. Keep in mind that this place can get very busy so be prepared to possibly wait in line for this unforgettable dining experience in Pontocho. We are now heading to the Arashiyama region, one of the most popular areas of Kyoto. This area offers a striking change of landscapes

With its mountain ranges, rivers and greenery. One of the must-see spots is the famous Arashiyama bamboo forest where you can find yourself among bamboo reaching more than 30m high. It’s a unique experience not to be missed, but be careful, I advise you to arrive very early to avoid the crowds.

Right next to the bamboo forest is Tenryuji, one of the main Zen temples in Kyoto known for its magnificent Japanese garden. If you want a little hike I highly recommend walking to Daihikaku Senkoji temple. The walk through dense forest to this secluded temple offers a picturesque experience.

You can even meet the famous Shiba Inu, the dog of Senkoji Temple. Not far from the temple is the Iwatayama Monkey Park , home to more than a hundred snow monkeys. A 20-minute walk will allow you to observe them and even feed them with snacks available at the park.

Before leaving the Arashiyama region, don’t miss the opportunity to live a unique experience by boarding the romantic Sagano train. A rail experience that captures the timeless magic of Japanese nature. This scenic train takes you along the Hozu River offering a scenic experience especially when the autumn leaves paint the landscape in warm colors.

Traveling a 7km line, this journey lasts approximately 25 minutes, allowing the train to meander slowly between the majestic surrounding mountains. The Sagano Romantic Train has a fully open carriage offering an immersive experience and 4 carriages with windows that you can open as you wish allowing stunning views of the natural beauty around you.

Once you arrive at the last station you have the choice between going in the opposite direction on the train or opting for a two-hour boat trip on the Hozu River to return to Arashiyama. I highly recommend this last option which offers a peaceful and pleasant experience perfect for relaxing

While enjoying the enchanting landscapes. Moving away from Arashiyama We head towards the northwest end of Kyoto where the famous Kinkakuji Temple also known as the Golden Pavilion stands . It is one of Japan’s most iconic buildings attracting thousands of visitors every year. The temple, whose upper floor is covered in gold leaf,

Offers a spectacular view. The lower floor constructed of natural wood adds visual harmony to this architectural work of art. Originally designed as the residence of a Shogun it was later transformed to its current state as a Zen Buddhist temple. Although the area has many other temples and shrines

To explore, if you have time I highly recommend doing the Kurama – Kibune hike. It takes about 30 minutes by train from central Kyoto to reach Kurama but the journey is worth it. This charming hike guides you through sanctuaries and temples allowing you to immerse yourself in the splendid surrounding nature.

Don’t forget to explore the hidden gems of the area as each sanctuary offers a unique experience. Enjoy the peace and quiet of this picturesque getaway. Finally we head towards the south of Kyoto where there is undoubtedly the most visited place in the whole city, the Fushimi Inari shrine. This shrine dedicated to Inari,

The Shinto God of rice in Japan, is marked by the presence of numerous statues of foxes considered like the messengers of Inari. The fame of Fushimi Inari is largely based on these thousands of torii gates which form a network of paths leading to Mount Inari. Although this tourist spot is obviously very busy,

Many visitors only come to take a photo and do not fully enjoy the atmosphere. As is often the case in popular places in Japan as you climb and advance on the trail the crowds start to thin and eventually there are relatively few people reaching the summit. If possible

Consider an early morning or evening visit for a more peaceful experience. Near the shrine a small food market offers a variety of street food and local snacks. After your visit to the sanctuary you can take the opportunity to taste some of these local delicacies, which is a great way

To end this day rich in discovery in Kyoto. You are now ready to explore Kyoto a city rich in tradition and cultural wonders. If your next stop takes you to Tokyo, I invite you to discover my video detailing a 5- day itinerary in this fascinating metropolis,

Ideal for a first stay in Japan. And on this happy journey!

Dans ce guide sur Kyoto, en plus de vous guider à travers les sites incontournables de Kyoto, je couvre tout ce qu’il faut savoir pour un premier voyage au Japon : combien de temps rester, quels moyens de transports, où séjourner et la meilleure période pour venir.

Si vous avez prévu de visiter aussi Tokyo j’ai également fait un guide avec un itinéraire en 5 jours.
– Tokyo en 5 jours (Guide 2023) | L’itinéraire parfait pour un premier voyage au Japon : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_HwrjSm0L14

Et avant de partir au Japon, mes conseils pour éviter les mauvaises surprises.
– 5 choses que j’aurais aimé savoir AVANT de venir au Japon : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H675WA1GUsw

Pour les transports, avec l’augmentation du JR Pass, ce n’est plus forcément rentable de le prendre mais heureusement, il y a des alternatives.
– Oublie le JR Pass, l’alternative pour voyager au Japon sans se ruiner : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D0v9qBhISSo

Chapitrage :
00:00 | Introduction
00:40 | La meilleure période pour venir à Kyoto
01:33 | Combien de jours pour visiter Kyoto
01:53 | Les transports
02:43 | Vue d’ensemble de Kyoto
03:45 | Où séjourner à Kyoto
04:24 | Gion
05:54 | Le Marché Nishiki
07:50 | Les Temples de Kyoto
09:22 | Pontocho
11:09 | Arashiyama
13:39 | Kinkakuji : Le Pavillon d’or
14:25 | Randonnée Kurama – Kibune
15:00 | Fushimi Inari
16:26 | Tokyo

Transports :
– Carte Welcome Suica : https://www.jreast.co.jp/multi/fr/welcomesuica/welcomesuica.html
– Kansai Thru Pass : https://www.surutto.com/tickets/kansai_thru_english.html

Café et Restaurants :
– Café Maccha House : https://maps.app.goo.gl/wJHi3424Re1oYqbj6
– Teppanyaki Lien : https://maps.app.goo.gl/LoDgf6L2hapKoXWm9
– Kyoto Yakiniku Hiro : https://maps.app.goo.gl/LoDgf6L2hapKoXWm9
– Ramen Sen no Kaze : https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZPokWpJoLdLxAEaZ6

Mon Twitter : https://twitter.com/Ryo_Saeba_3
Twitter de la chaine : https://twitter.com/JaponXYZ