A quick taste of Kyoto

Taking in the splendour of Japan’s 1000-year capital is hardly easy. However, Kyoto, with its easily navigable pathways and fantastic transportation facilities, makes it a lot less stressful, even if you’re short on time. The city welcomes you with warmth — whether it’s the expanse of the shrines or geishas shying away, there is definitely more soul to this ancient.

From the moment you set foot on the winding streets of Gion , you will see old wooden teahouses, and if you’re in luck, even a geisha or two, making their way around inquisitive tourists. For lunch, pick a restaurant such as the Gion Karyo that is easily walkable from the station and has an English menu too.

Post lunch, the area that flanks the Imperial Palace, Teramachi (or temple town), is a colourful street to start shopping. Fresh green tea comes attractively packaged in turquoise and orange tins at Ippodo, which is easily among the oldest retail establishments in Kyoto. Also impressive are the books and clothing on sale. Once you’ve seen everything that Teramachi has to offer, you can amble down Shinkyogoku to discover the shopping arcades.

If you’re looking to rest, The Ritz-Carlton in Kyoto is a natural suggestion as it offers a great view of the river along with other essential comforts in bamboo and metal interiors. The hotel also holds a number of attractions within its walls including a four-storey waterfall, stone and sand gardens and an in-house Zen garden. Other dwelling options around the river include the Suiran and the Hoshinoya, considered a popular lodging option for tourists. Also, blending in the local flavour with its global appeal, is the Hyatt Regency Kyoto that boasts of an expansive garden on its premises.

Freshen up and make your way to the Fushimi Inari Shrine that resembles a beautiful autumn day with orange walled walkways up the slopes that culminate with statues of foxes representing prosperity in business. (That’s where the orange comes from.) Given that Kyoto is called the city of 10,000 shrines, you can drop into another one — the Tofuku-ji Temple, which is one of the five great Zen temples of Kyoto. It is truly a sight to behold as it contains 24 sub-temples within the temple structure. The Sanmon Gate inside the premises dates back to 1425. Not too far away is the Kyoto Station, where you can either catch a train ride in the bustling railway line or simply take in the sights and sounds of a normal day in Kyoto. Before it’s too late, make your way to Kiyomizu-Dera, a Buddhist temple that dates back to AD 798, whose construction didn’t involve the use of nails in most sections. If you’re hankering for a bite after all this walking, the Mizuki at the Ritz-Carlton, is a fantastic place to retire for dinner. Their serving of the Kaiseki is based on the five flavours, five colours and five cooking methods that are celebrated in Japanese tradition. The options for a delicious meal in Kyoto are endless — for a Michelin-star experience then it’s Gion Nanba, and for a great time head to the Giro Giro, a modern kaiseki restaurant. If you want a taste of Kyoto’s famous tofu then do try the Shoraian, in the Arashiyama area. While it is quite a distance away, it also offers you the opportunity to visit the Bamboo gardens there, and that makes it an ideal plan for a longer trip.

On your way back from Arashiyama District you can visit the Ryoan-ji Temple and its beautiful rock garden. A little closer towards your destination you will find the Kinkaku-ji or ‘Golden Pavilion’. Flanked by a number of scenic gardens, it is truly a sight to behold. Also well-known is the Nijo Castle, famous for its squeaky floors that warn you about approaching foes. If you have any shopping left then stroll through the bustling Nishiki. It’s a great place to purchase some of the choicest edibles from the land.

Kyoto grows on you. After the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, this tranquil yet lively city bridges the sharp contrast between the new and the old, all that is preserved and all that continues to develop.

Dhiram Shah is the Mumbai-based founder of Luxurylaunches.com

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