How to efficiently spend 2 days in Kyoto, Japan – of scenic temples, winding streets and aromatic cuisine

The answer to the above rests squarely on the shoulders of the individual and what he or she wants out of a holiday to Kyoto. The peak holiday season in the city coincides with the seasons of spring and fall respectively (March to May & October to mid-December). Pleasant weather spells underpin travelling in Kyoto during these periods but as a caveat, you will find yourself having to navigate swarms of people when at sought-after places of interest. The shoulder season (June to September) experiences the height of summer and is the time of year where Kyoto breaks out into colourful festivals and is by far, the best for exploring Japanese gardens. With reference to the low season which is when winter descends over Kyoto, understand that you will be well placed to visit snow-capped shrines and especially, enjoy off-season discounts provided at some of the top hotels Kyoto has to offer such as Oakwood Hotel Oike Kyoto.

Surround yourself in the company of towering bamboo trees when at the serenely positioned Arashiyama Bamboo Forest which will come off as an outstanding way to not only kick-start your adventures in Kyoto but also to appreciate the city’s natural beauty. As one of the most beautiful places in Kyoto that will only exhaust between 10 to 15 minutes of your time, patrons should remember to bring their cameras in order to capture the taller trees. Next up is the stately setting of the Golden Pavilion which stays true to its name in every sense of the phrase. Once here, you may meander through its gardens, find that perfect spot to pose against the Pavilion together with emerald green mountains and look out across the lake that encircles the attraction. Before you leave and head back to your mode of accommodation, do give your tastebuds a holiday of their own by ordering some black sesame ice cream which is sold at the Golden Pavilion.

After breakfast, head straight for Nishiki Market where you may shop as well as eat to your heart’s content. Well known for selling tasty yet unfamiliar fare, Nishiki Market’s stalls can be explored if you are hoping to purchase souvenirs for a friend or an ornate Japanese teapot for home. Kyoto is at the heart of Japan’s geisha culture and no sooner you arrive at Gion, keep your eyes peeled for a geisha or even an apprentice geisha (maiko) clad in a red kimono and hurrying down the street. Thereafter, move over to the temple district of the city – Higashiyama. Arguably, the main draw of Ryozen Kannon is the magnificent statuette of the Buddha which looms over a pond. While you are allowed to light incense and have your own moment, lost in deep thought with only dense jungle for company, the said shrine is one of the most photogenic sites in all of Kyoto. Worthy of your time and presence is Kodai-ji which is a temple that is easily identified by the enormous zen garden that surrounds its structure. Furthermore, the temple possesses its own bamboo forest where travellers can journey through before turning their attention to other sights and sounds. Take to the Philosopher’s Path which was named after Kitaro Nishida who himself utilised this stone-paved path to meditate and stroll through for one memorable encounter with Kyoto’s natural beauty. While you will find it quite an arduous task to keep up with the waters of Shishigatani Canal as you merrily move along, vistas of picturesque shrines and temples will easily fall into focus, the farther you walk. Prior to taking your leave, do stop by one of the many cafes located here for a cuppa coffee or brewed matcha.

If you cannot get enough of caffeine-centred beverages and brews, then do drop by Sentido while for a captivating ride through the flavours of Okinawa, Asian Cample Foods Goya located at the end of Philosopher’s Path will exceed your every expectation. For home-cooked Japanese meals, overflowing in taste and texture, then do find your way towards Soto.