Modern and old, concrete and gold (Kyoto)

Member Name: nepochan

Product:	Kyoto
Date:	19/07/09 (11 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: History

Disadvantages: Packed full of tourists

Kyoto is of course a must for all tourists visiting Japan because of the history and sheer volume of beautiful places to visit. But be warned: it is a typical modern Japanese concrete city with nice things in it and it can be a nightmare if you go peak season.

The train station looks like something out of Star Wars and you look at the skyline and see a fusion of old beautiful with modern teaming concrete. I suppose the contrast works well once you are in a peaceful traditional Japanese garden sipping green tea.

The gold temple, silver temple and Philosophers' Walk are excellent. Gion is great to see the geisha, but foreigners have been warned to respect them - I think there were a few problems with foreign males touching their expensive kimonos.

I much prefer Nara which is very close by. This is everyone's typical image of traditional Japan: gorgeous countryside with fantastic temples. The pace is much slower here and they even have deer roaming the streets.

Summary: A must, but go to Nara too