10 Mistakes People Make When Visiting Kyoto
What Not to Do in Kyoto on Your 1st Visit
If you’re planning a trip to Kyoto, it’s best to know the mistakes you should avoid if you want your time to go smoothly in this stunning ancient capital (as well as Japan as a whole).
It’s a common concern to worry about certain aspects of a first-time trip to Japan. The language barrier and cultural differences are potential hurdles that you’ll no doubt encounter. Some of these issues might be well known, others less so, but all of them should be noted to ensure a great time in Kyoto.
10 Mistakes People Make When Visiting Kyoto
- Packing the wrong clothes for the season
- Being loud on trains and subways
- Taking too many taxi cabs or subway trains
- Being late for appointments
- Booking a hotel in the wrong area
- Expecting locals to speak foreign languages
- Sticking to the tourist hot spots
- Failing to plan ahead
- Expecting to pay with credit cards everywhere
- Standing on the left side of the escalator
1. Packing the wrong clothes for the season
It’s extremely hot and humid in summer, and cold in winter
Categorías: Parejas, Familias
Kyoto experiences very different climates throughout the year, and you would be well advised to consider the climate when packing for your trip. During summer, the weather is typically warm and very humid. Temperatures can exceed 86°F (30°C) in July and August, but it’s the humidity that will leave you sweaty when walking the streets.
Winter in Kyoto is markedly different. Snowfall is common in December and January, along with sub-zero temperatures. Make sure you bring a winter coat, scarf, and some comfortable boots.
Packing the wrong clothes for the season
2. Being loud on trains and subways
It’s impolite in Japan
Categorías: Parejas, Familias
The train network in Kyoto will likely be your main mode of transportation, so it’s a good idea to learn about the dos and don’ts. Firstly, keep your phone on silent mode and try to avoid long phone calls that could disturb other passengers.
Other etiquette tips include not eating or drinking on the train in Kyoto, and not leaving litter, although this is just as important off the train as on it. Always, let passengers get off the train before boarding and leave the priority seats for elderly passengers, pregnant women, people traveling with kids, and passengers with disabilities.
Being loud on trains and subways
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3. Taking too many taxi cabs or subway trains
Many neighborhoods are accessible on foot or bicycle
Categorías: Aventuras, Asequible
Kyoto is a walkable and very bike-friendly city with a superb train system, but which is best depends on what part of the city you’re exploring. It’s easiest to think of Kyoto in terms of three distinct neighborhoods for exploration. There’s the southern area, close to JR Kyoto Station. Then comes the downtown area surrounding Karasuma subway station and then we have the northern area where you’ll find many ancient shrines and the Imperial Palace.
Once you’re in an area, you can often walk or cycle from place to place. Reserve train and taxi cab rides for trips between these three neighborhoods.
Taking too many taxi cabs or subway trains
4. Being late for appointments
People in Kyoto are extremely punctual (along with the rest of Japan)
Categorías: Parejas, Familias
The Japanese are incredibly punctual in all aspects of life. This is most important when it comes to work, but you should pay attention to this fact when it comes to dinner reservations, leisure activities, and public transportation.
People work so hard to appear punctual there is a thing called a “train delay certificate” (densha chien shoumeisho), which is given to passengers on trains or buses if there is a delay of any kind. Passengers can then use this certificate to prove their late arrival was the fault of the transportation company. If you do find yourself running late, apologize to your Japanese acquaintances by saying “gomen nasai” (I’m sorry).
Being late for appointments
5. Booking a hotel in the wrong area
Are you intending to stay in Kyoto or explore the Kansai region?
Categorías: Parejas, Familias
Deciding where to book your hotel in Kyoto is one of the most important decisions you will have to make before your trip. It makes most sense to decide what you intend to see and do in Kyoto.
Are you planning to visit the ancient temples and shrines within the city limits? If so, look to stay in Kyoto city center. The downtown area around Karasuma is a safe bet. But if you’re planning on exploring the whole Kansai region, look for accommodation around JR Kyoto station in the south of the city.
Booking a hotel in the wrong area
6. Expecting locals to speak foreign languages
Many Japanese people cannot speak other languages
Categorías: Parejas, Familias
It’s not common for Japanese people to speak foreign languages in Kyoto, outside of hotels and sightseeing hot spots. Be sure to have your translation app or guidebook handy for everyday conversations to help you get what you expect.
If you’re feeling a bit lost in translation and are looking for English speakers in Kyoto, head to an Irish pub around Kawaramachi or Sanjo-dori. There are many locals of all ages there who are looking to converse in English. Or learn a few phrases of Japanese yourself before your trip.
Expecting locals to speak foreign languages
7. Sticking to the tourist hot spots
There are many lesser-known awesome sights in Kyoto
Categorías: Aventuras, Fotos
Kyoto is packed full of jaw-dropping ancient landmarks, but don’t discount lesser-known landmarks that are, in many ways, just as interesting, with the added benefit of fewer crowds. Take a look at the colorful Yoshida Shrine or the imposing Myomanji Temple to name a few. These historic gems are ideal for photos and videos that won’t be cluttered with other tourists.
Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple is celebrated for its 1,200 whimsical stone rakan statues, while Shisen-do offer beautiful gardens, bamboo groves, and seasonal colors. Explore historic neighborhoods such as Fushimi and Nishijin to get a glimpse of the city’s traditional way of life.
Sticking to the tourist hot spots
8. Failing to plan ahead
Booking ahead is one of the smartest things you can do in Kyoto
Categorías: Comida, Ambiente nocturno, Fotos
If you want to experience some of the most sought-after and exclusive experiences in Kyoto, it would be wise to plan ahead. Unlike many destinations where you can simply show up, several of Kyoto’s most famous sites control visitor numbers. High-end restaurants often take only a limited number of diners each evening and tea ceremonies are often held in historic tea rooms that may accommodate only a handful of guests.
This means making advance reservations at the city’s most popular fine-dining restaurants (kaiseki-ryōri) or Geisha teahouses (ochyaya). If you’re already in Japan, ask your hotel concierge to help you. Otherwise, look for details online to be sure you don’t miss out on a bucket-list experience.
Failing to plan ahead
9. Expecting to pay with credit cards everywhere
Some places only accept cash
Categorías: Comida, Ir de compras
Don’t rely on credit cards when visiting local attractions or small shops in Kyoto. Of course, in hotels and shopping malls you’ll be able to use your credit card to pay for goods and services, but this is less certain at local places. In many instances, you’ll need to pay cash.
This is especially true if you visit local, family-owned restaurants or small villages in Kyoto Prefecture. You don’t need to carry large amounts but be sure to have enough cash to cover admission fees, snacks, and transportation.
Expecting to pay with credit cards everywhere
10. Standing on the left side of the escalator
Right is for standing, left is for walking
Categorías: Parejas, Familias
There’s no better example of how willingly the Japanese follow the rules than their use of escalators. As is customary in many cultures around the world, different sides of the steps are intended for people who want to stand and people who want to walk. But in Japan, this is done without exception. In Kyoto, the left side of escalators is for people in a hurry, who want to walk up the stairs and don’t want to be slowed down.
However, if you travel north to the Kanto region of Tokyo and Yokohama, this convention is the opposite way around. People in that region use the right side of the escalators for walking; don’t ask us why.
Standing on the left side of the escalator
En este artículo se incluyen las opiniones del equipo editorial de Go Guides. Los autores de este tipo de artículos reciben una compensación por parte de Hoteles.com, que puede abarcar desde viajes hasta cualquier otro tipo de costes.