"Kyoto - a modern city" Kyoto by CliffClaven

Kyoto Travel Guide: 1,834 reviews and 5,753 photos

Traditional Japanese architecture - like the Kiyomizu temple shown above - is what most people imagine when they think of Kyoto. But while these oases of calm and peace may be found - and when you find them, it's best to adopt a zen state of mind to blot out the giggling schoolgirls and camera-clicking senior citizens - Kyoto is really a modern, bustling city. Okay, it's not quite so frenetic as Tokyo or so money-minded as Osaka, but it is still hard to think of shoguns and geishas when you are stuck in a jam on the Meishin highway or lost in the bowels of Kyoto station. Since the guidebooks dwell so well on the temples and shrines and palaces of Kyoto, this short page attempts only to offer a more personal view of this wonderful city.

Last visit to Kyoto: Apr 2004
Intro Updated May 6, 2004
Add to Trip Planner (?)
Report Abuse

Reviews (10)

Down the Hozu river Off The Beaten Path (2)

Old Cliffie is a bit too old for white-knuckle pastimes such as bungee jumping or whitewater rafting. But he did enjoy... more travel advice

Kyoto by bus Transportation (2)

Kyoto has a simple and very efficient subway system - but you don't see much when you are hurtling through an... more travel advice

When darkness falls Things to Do (3)

When darkness falls over Kyoto, it's time to leave the more westernised shops and restaurants of Kawaramachi street and... more travel advice

Kyoto Tower Things to Do (3)

The first thing you see as you exit Kyoto station - that is, if you can find your way out of Japan's biggest station -... more travel advice

Restaurants (1)
Pasta alla giapponese
Been to Kyoto?
Share your travels with the world!

Comments (35)

Reply
- Report abuse
Helenbb Dec 12, 2007 at 12:09 AM

really ? then whom i need ? tell me. i really want to know. haha
Reply
- Report abuse
SLLiew Nov 24, 2006 at 7:31 AM

Entertaining write ups on Kyoto. There are so many temples in Kyoto. Cheers, SL
Reply
- Report abuse
volopolo Oct 14, 2006 at 11:22 AM

lovely page! Nikos
Reply
- Report abuse
Wild_Orchid Jul 13, 2005 at 3:11 AM

looking for geishas-but found school girls instead!
Reply
- Report abuse
craic Dec 23, 2002 at 6:27 AM

Always enjoy the Claven adventures.
Reply
- Report abuse
angel-eyes Nov 22, 2002 at 2:45 AM

Leave the schoolgirls alone, Cliff!
Reply
- Report abuse
Krystynn Sep 13, 2002 at 1:47 AM

Molto bellassimo! Great page. Great tips. Great recommendations. Well done! :-)
Reply
- Report abuse
demonia Aug 13, 2002 at 7:17 AM

Great read!
Reply
- Report abuse
tini58de Aug 9, 2002 at 4:34 AM

Cliffie, I just love your stories!!!
Reply
- Report abuse
catweazle Jun 20, 2002 at 2:55 AM

nicely different view on kyoto!