{"id":7845,"date":"2015-04-14T10:21:12","date_gmt":"2015-04-14T09:21:12","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/insidejapanblog.com\/?p=7845"},"modified":"2025-03-13T14:50:45","modified_gmt":"2025-03-13T14:50:45","slug":"tokyo-vs-kyoto-clash-of-the-titans","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/2015\/04\/14\/tokyo-vs-kyoto-clash-of-the-titans\/","title":{"rendered":"Tokyo vs. Kyoto: Clash of the Titans"},"content":{"rendered":"<h4>Like this post? Help us by sharing it!<\/h4><ul class=\"wpfai-list\"><li class=\"wpfai-list-item facebook\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F7845&amp;t=\" title=\"Facebook\" class=\"wpfai-facebook wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-facebook fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item twitter\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/twitter.com\/share?text=&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F7845\" title=\"Twitter\" class=\"wpfai-twitter wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-twitter fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item pinterest\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F7845&amp;description=&amp;media=\" title=\"Pinterest\" class=\"wpfai-pinterest wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-pinterest fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item linkedin\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/linkedin.com\/shareArticle?mini=true&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F7845&amp;title=\" title=\"Linked In\" class=\"wpfai-linkedin wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-linkedin fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item envelope\">\r\n      <a href=\"mailto:?subject=&amp;body=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F7845%20-%20\" title=\"E-Mail\" class=\"wpfai-envelope wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-envelope fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item stumbleupon\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.stumbleupon.com\/submit?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F7845\" title=\"Stumble Upon\" class=\"wpfai-stumbleupon wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-stumbleupon fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item reddit\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.reddit.com\/submit?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F7845\" title=\"Reddit\" class=\"wpfai-reddit wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-reddit fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><\/ul><p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Just to set the record straight before I begin, if you\u2019re umm-ing and ahh-ing about whether you should visit Tokyo or Kyoto on your trip to Japan, you can stop right away. The answer is simple: you should visit both.<\/p>\n<p>But what if it doesn\u2019t tie in with your holidays plans? What if you don\u2019t have time to do both? In that is the case, this blog post is your whistle-stop tour of Japan\u2019s two greatest cities and their multitude of attractions. I warn you, though, it won\u2019t make the decision any easier!<\/p>\n<div id='gallery-1' class='gallery galleryid-7845 gallery-columns-3 gallery-size-large'><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/2015\/04\/14\/tokyo-vs-kyoto-clash-of-the-titans\/gion_kyoto\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/gion_kyoto-1024x683.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-7846\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/gion_kyoto-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/gion_kyoto-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/gion_kyoto-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/gion_kyoto-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/gion_kyoto-720x480.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/gion_kyoto-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/gion_kyoto-390x260.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/gion_kyoto-780x520.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/gion_kyoto-510x340.jpg 510w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/gion_kyoto.jpg 1800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<figcaption class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-7846'>\n\t\t\t\tKyoto\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/2015\/04\/14\/tokyo-vs-kyoto-clash-of-the-titans\/tokyo-night-with-fuji\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"680\" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/tokyo-night-with-fuji-1024x680.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/tokyo-night-with-fuji-1024x680.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/tokyo-night-with-fuji-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/tokyo-night-with-fuji-1200x797.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/tokyo-night-with-fuji-900x598.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/tokyo-night-with-fuji-720x478.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/tokyo-night-with-fuji-1440x956.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/tokyo-night-with-fuji-390x259.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/tokyo-night-with-fuji-780x518.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/tokyo-night-with-fuji-510x339.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>History in a nutshell<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong><em>Tokyo<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Ever since Japan\u2019s economic bubble of the 1980s, Tokyo has been a byword for high modernity and space-age technology. Think of Tokyo and you\u2019ll probably imagine a Bladerunner-esque landscape of soaring skyscrapers, neon lights and overhead flyovers \u2013 and there are certain times (when soaring across Tokyo Bay on the monorail to Odaiba Island, or when standing in the midst of the clamour of Akihabara, for example) when Tokyo seems to live up to its futuristic reputation. But it wasn\u2019t always like this.<\/p>\n<p>Tokyo began life as a small fishing village called Edo (meaning \u201cestuary\u201d). Fortified by the Edo clan in the late 12<sup>th<\/sup> century, it boasted a castle by 1457, and was chosen to become the centre of the military government of Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu (the founder of Japan\u2019s most powerful shogunate) in 1603. Over the course of the long and peaceful Edo Period (1603-1868) to which it gave its name, the city of Edo became one of the largest and most populous cities in the world: Japan\u2019s capital in all but name.<\/p>\n<p>In 1867 the last Tokugawa shogun was overthrown, and in 1869 the young Emperor Meiji moved his imperial capital from Kyoto to Edo \u2013 renaming it Tokyo (meaning \u201ceastern capital\u201d).<\/p>\n<p>In the 20<sup>th<\/sup> century, Tokyo suffered two major catastrophes: the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923, which killed 140,000, and World War II, which saw the city\u2019s population dwindle from 6.7 million to just 2.8 million. Both events wrought widespread destruction on the mainly wooden buildings of the city.<\/p>\n<p>Following the war, Tokyo defied all expectations to make a spectacular recovery, culminating in the economic bubble of the 1980s, which brought the breakneck development and massive building projects that made Tokyo what it is today.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_7850\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7850\" style=\"width: 468px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/5-asakusa_tokyo.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-7850\" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/5-asakusa_tokyo.jpg?w=468\" alt=\"Asakusa district, Tokyo\" width=\"468\" height=\"312\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/5-asakusa_tokyo.jpg 1800w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/5-asakusa_tokyo-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/5-asakusa_tokyo-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/5-asakusa_tokyo-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/5-asakusa_tokyo-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/5-asakusa_tokyo-720x480.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/5-asakusa_tokyo-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/5-asakusa_tokyo-390x260.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/5-asakusa_tokyo-780x520.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/5-asakusa_tokyo-510x340.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 468px) 100vw, 468px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-7850\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Asakusa district, Tokyo<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><strong><em>Kyoto<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Often posited as the yin to Tokyo\u2019s yang, the city of Kyoto is considered by many to be the custodian of Japan\u2019s traditional culture \u2013 with a beautiful temple, shrine or garden seemingly hidden behind every corner and sliding door. This reputation is the legacy of more than a millennium as Japan\u2019s imperial capital, which, as you might expect, left the city with an incredible repository of cultural and historical treasures.<\/p>\n<p>Kyoto (or Heian-kyo, as it was originally known) was established as imperial capital by Emperor Kammu in 794, inaugurating the Heian Period (794-1159) of Japanese history. The city was based on the grid-style capital of Chang\u2019an (now Xi\u2019an) in China, and remained the political as well as the cultural heart of the country until power shifted to Kamakura in 1185.<\/p>\n<p>Despite suffering destruction in various conflicts over the centuries, Kyoto was spared bombing during WWII and survives today in better condition and with more pre-war buildings than most Japanese cities.<\/p>\n<p>Kyoto\u2019s reputation as historical treasure-hoard leads many first-time visitors to expect a quaint, wood-panelled town with quiet, traditional streets \u2013 but don\u2019t be fooled. Kyoto did not escape from modernisation unscathed, and today you will find a bustling, modern city that hides its cultural gems beneath a veneer of concrete, steel and glass.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_7851\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7851\" style=\"width: 468px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/kyoto-station-at-night-12.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-7851\" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/kyoto-station-at-night-12.jpg?w=468\" alt=\"Kyoto Station area\" width=\"468\" height=\"310\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/kyoto-station-at-night-12.jpg 1544w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/kyoto-station-at-night-12-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/kyoto-station-at-night-12-1024x679.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/kyoto-station-at-night-12-1200x796.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/kyoto-station-at-night-12-900x597.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/kyoto-station-at-night-12-720x478.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/kyoto-station-at-night-12-1440x955.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/kyoto-station-at-night-12-390x259.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/kyoto-station-at-night-12-780x517.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/kyoto-station-at-night-12-510x338.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 468px) 100vw, 468px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-7851\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Kyoto Station area<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>See and do<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong><em>Tokyo<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a title=\"Tokyo life\" href=\"https:\/\/vimeo.com\/119766696\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Tokyo<\/a> has pretty much everything, if I\u2019m honest. The way the city grew over the years to absorb neighbouring towns means that there is no one \u201ccity centre\u201d, but a number of different centres, each with its own character and attractions.<\/p>\n<p>Shinjuku is the entertainment and business hub, packed with skyscrapers; Akihabara \u201celectric town\u201d is the home of flashing neon, Maid Cafes and <em>otaku <\/em>counterculture; Asakusa is the city\u2019s traditional district, home to Senso-ji Temple and souvenir shops; while Harajuku is the mecca for Japan\u2019s outrageously-attired youths and atmospheric Meiji Shrine. These are just a few of Tokyo&#8217;s many districts &#8211; there&#8217;s also cosmospolitan Roppongi, exciting Shibuya, seedy Kabukicho, futuristic Odaiba, upmarket Ginza&#8230; you could <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/japanese-destinations\/tokyo\/\">stay in Tokyo<\/a> for years and feel as though you haven&#8217;t seen it all.<\/p>\n<p>What are the highlights? Of course, that\u2019s a very subjective question \u2013 and in a city that offers so much, you could choose almost anything. These are a handful of great sights and experiences to start with:<\/p>\n<p><strong>Tsukiji Fish Market<\/strong> \u2013 the largest seafood market in the world, Tsukiji welcomes tourists every morning for the tuna auctions and fascinating main market. Go now, as it\u2019s due to move to a new location soon \u2013 and will stop accepting visitors!<\/p>\n<p><strong>Golden Gai<\/strong> \u2013 hidden in the middle of Shinjuku, Golden Gai is a totally unexpected slice of old Edo slap-bang in the skyscraper district. With just six narrow alleyways groaning with over 200 tiny clubs and eateries, bar-hopping here is an unmissable Tokyo experience in my book.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Hamarikyu Gardens<\/strong> \u2013 Sipping green tea at the teahouse in the serene centre of Hamarikyu Gardens, quite literally an oasis at the heart of the metropolis, is a definite must. Even Prince William thinks so!<\/p>\n<p><strong>Tokyo Skytree<\/strong> \u2013 Tokyo\u2019s 634m Skytree is the tallest tower in the world, and the views from the top are incomparable. If you\u2019re strapped for cash, however, you can take in your surroundings for free from the top of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Senso-ji Temple<\/strong> \u2013 Located at the heart of Asakusa, Tokyo\u2019s most traditional district, the bright red Senso-ji is the city\u2019s oldest temple. Be sure to wander the surrounding market stalls and grab a bite to eat from a roadside stand!<\/p>\n<p><strong>Studio Ghibli Museum<\/strong> \u2013 For fans of Hayao Miyazaki\u2019s animated masterpieces, the Studio Ghibli Museum in the Tokyo suburbs is a must-visit.<\/p>\n<div id='gallery-2' class='gallery galleryid-7845 gallery-columns-3 gallery-size-large'><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/2015\/04\/14\/tokyo-vs-kyoto-clash-of-the-titans\/5715985835_4469704216_o\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/5715985835_4469704216_o-1024x768.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-2-7855\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/5715985835_4469704216_o-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/5715985835_4469704216_o-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/5715985835_4469704216_o-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/5715985835_4469704216_o-900x675.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/5715985835_4469704216_o-720x540.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/5715985835_4469704216_o-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/5715985835_4469704216_o-390x293.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/5715985835_4469704216_o-780x585.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/5715985835_4469704216_o-510x383.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<figcaption class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-2-7855'>\n\t\t\t\tRobot at Studio Ghibli Museum\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/2015\/04\/14\/tokyo-vs-kyoto-clash-of-the-titans\/1-asakusa_tokyo\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/1-asakusa_tokyo-1024x683.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-2-7856\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/1-asakusa_tokyo-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/1-asakusa_tokyo-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/1-asakusa_tokyo-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/1-asakusa_tokyo-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/1-asakusa_tokyo-720x480.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/1-asakusa_tokyo-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/1-asakusa_tokyo-390x260.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/1-asakusa_tokyo-780x520.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/1-asakusa_tokyo-510x340.jpg 510w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/1-asakusa_tokyo.jpg 1800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<figcaption class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-2-7856'>\n\t\t\t\tSenso-ji Temple\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/2015\/04\/14\/tokyo-vs-kyoto-clash-of-the-titans\/tokyo-skytree-from-the-asakusa-view-hotel\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/img_6469-1024x768.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/img_6469-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/img_6469-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/img_6469-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/img_6469-900x675.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/img_6469-720x540.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/img_6469-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/img_6469-390x293.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/img_6469-780x585.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/img_6469-510x383.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/2015\/04\/14\/tokyo-vs-kyoto-clash-of-the-titans\/hamarikyu-gardens-may-2005-1\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"679\" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/hamarikyu-gardens-may-2005-1-1024x679.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-2-7853\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/hamarikyu-gardens-may-2005-1-1024x679.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/hamarikyu-gardens-may-2005-1-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/hamarikyu-gardens-may-2005-1-1200x796.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/hamarikyu-gardens-may-2005-1-900x597.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/hamarikyu-gardens-may-2005-1-720x478.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/hamarikyu-gardens-may-2005-1-1440x955.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/hamarikyu-gardens-may-2005-1-390x259.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/hamarikyu-gardens-may-2005-1-780x517.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/hamarikyu-gardens-may-2005-1-510x338.jpg 510w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/hamarikyu-gardens-may-2005-1.jpg 1544w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<figcaption class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-2-7853'>\n\t\t\t\tHamarikyu Gardens\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/2015\/04\/14\/tokyo-vs-kyoto-clash-of-the-titans\/autosave-file-vom-d-lab23-der-agfaphoto-gmbh-4\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/16_0237-1024x683.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-2-7852\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/16_0237-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/16_0237-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/16_0237-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/16_0237-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/16_0237-720x480.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/16_0237-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/16_0237-390x260.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/16_0237-780x520.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/16_0237-510x340.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<figcaption class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-2-7852'>\n\t\t\t\tTuna auctions at Tsukiji Fish Market\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<p><strong><em>Kyoto<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>What&#8217;s to see in Kyoto? Temples, temples, temples. And maybe a garden or two&#8230;.so much more!<\/p>\n<p>A <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/japanese-destinations\/kyoto\/\">visit to Kyoto<\/a> is a chance to see some of Japan\u2019s finest historical architecture, and with over 2,000 temples and shrines to choose from \u2013 we\u2019re sure the city won\u2019t disappoint! If you get tired of temples, moreover, there is plenty more to keep you busy, from a rickshaw ride through the bamboo groves of Arashiyama to a morning spent sampling the delights of Nishiki food market. Here are just a few of Kyoto\u2019s highlights:<\/p>\n<p><strong>Fushimi Inari Shrine<\/strong> \u2013 my own personal favourite, Fushimi Inari\u2019s tunnels of red <em>torii <\/em>gates have been immortalised in countless travellers\u2019 photographs and are even more impressive in the flesh.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Kiyomizu-dera Temple<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 Located on a hillside above the city, drinking from one of Kiyomizu\u2019s three streams is said to improve your luck in either brains, love or money.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Kinkaku-ji Temple<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 This golden pavilion at the centre of a lake is one of Kyoto\u2019s most famous sights. It\u2019s even more beautiful in the snow, as I found out last winter.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Ryoan-ji Temple<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 Japan&#8217;s most famous Zen rock garden \u2013 Ryoan-ji is most definitely <em>not <\/em>more beautiful in the snow. As I found out last winter.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Nijo Castle<\/strong> \u2013 Quite unlike an ordinary Japanese samurai castle, Nijo is famous for its \u201cnightingale floors\u201d, which squeak to warn the inhabitant of intruders.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Gion<\/strong> \u2013 Gion is Kyoto\u2019s traditional teahouse district, home to the city\u2019s elusive geisha population. InsideJapan Tours can arrange for you to have a private audience with a trainee geisha \u2013 a truly rare and privileged experience!<\/p>\n<div id='gallery-3' class='gallery galleryid-7845 gallery-columns-3 gallery-size-large'><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/2015\/04\/14\/tokyo-vs-kyoto-clash-of-the-titans\/ryoanji_tt1_2004-1\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"686\" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/ryoanji_tt1_2004-1-1024x686.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-3-7857\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/ryoanji_tt1_2004-1-1024x686.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/ryoanji_tt1_2004-1-300x201.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/ryoanji_tt1_2004-1-1200x803.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/ryoanji_tt1_2004-1-900x603.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/ryoanji_tt1_2004-1-720x482.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/ryoanji_tt1_2004-1-1440x964.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/ryoanji_tt1_2004-1-390x261.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/ryoanji_tt1_2004-1-780x522.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/ryoanji_tt1_2004-1-510x341.jpg 510w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/ryoanji_tt1_2004-1.jpg 1840w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<figcaption class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-3-7857'>\n\t\t\t\tRyoan-ji Zen Garden\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/2015\/04\/14\/tokyo-vs-kyoto-clash-of-the-titans\/_dcs3439\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/dcs3439-1024x683.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-3-7858\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/dcs3439-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/dcs3439-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/dcs3439-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/dcs3439-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/dcs3439-720x480.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/dcs3439-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/dcs3439-390x260.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/dcs3439-780x520.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/dcs3439-510x340.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<figcaption class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-3-7858'>\n\t\t\t\tFushimi Inari Shrine\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/2015\/04\/14\/tokyo-vs-kyoto-clash-of-the-titans\/geisha-of-gion\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"685\" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/geisha-of-gion-1024x685.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"A geisha in Gion\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-3-7859\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/geisha-of-gion-1024x685.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/geisha-of-gion-300x201.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/geisha-of-gion-1200x803.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/geisha-of-gion-900x602.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/geisha-of-gion-720x482.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/geisha-of-gion-1440x964.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/geisha-of-gion-390x261.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/geisha-of-gion-780x522.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/geisha-of-gion-510x341.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<figcaption class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-3-7859'>\n\t\t\t\tA geisha in Gion\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/2015\/04\/14\/tokyo-vs-kyoto-clash-of-the-titans\/p2140339\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/p2140339-1024x768.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-3-7860\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/p2140339-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/p2140339-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/p2140339-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/p2140339-900x675.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/p2140339-720x540.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/p2140339-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/p2140339-390x293.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/p2140339-780x585.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/p2140339-510x383.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<figcaption class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-3-7860'>\n\t\t\t\tInside Nijo Castle\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/2015\/04\/14\/tokyo-vs-kyoto-clash-of-the-titans\/olympus-digital-camera-209\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/p2140352-768x1024.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-3-7861\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/p2140352-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/p2140352-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/p2140352-1200x1600.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/p2140352-900x1200.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/p2140352-720x960.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/p2140352-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/p2140352-390x520.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/p2140352-780x1040.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/p2140352-510x680.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<figcaption class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-3-7861'>\n\t\t\t\tKinkaku-ji Temple\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/2015\/04\/14\/tokyo-vs-kyoto-clash-of-the-titans\/olympus-digital-camera-210\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/p2160466-1024x768.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-3-7862\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/p2160466-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/p2160466-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/p2160466-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/p2160466-900x675.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/p2160466-720x540.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/p2160466-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/p2160466-390x293.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/p2160466-780x585.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/p2160466-510x383.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<figcaption class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-3-7862'>\n\t\t\t\tKiyomizu-dera Temple\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<p><strong>Day trips<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s not just what\u2019s in the city that counts \u2013 it\u2019s also the side trips you can make as part of your stay. For me, Kyoto really takes the biscuit in terms of nearby attractions, but many of my colleagues would insist that Tokyo wins! Decide for yourself\u2026<\/p>\n<p><strong><em>Tokyo<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Nikko<\/strong> \u2013 Perhaps the best side-trip from Tokyo is Nikko, a national park that\u2019s home to a shrine and temple complex built in honour of Tokugawa Ieyasu.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Kamakura<\/strong> \u2013 A small city that once served as Japan\u2019s de facto capital, Kamakura is famous for its lovely beaches and giant bronze Buddha.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Hakone<\/strong> \u2013 Japan\u2019s most popular hot spring resort, located in the shadow of Mount Fuji. A great place to stay in a traditional ryokan inn.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Tokyo Disney<\/strong> \u2013 Boasting Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea, if you\u2019re after a Disney fix in Tokyo\u00a0you\u2019ll be spoilt for choice.<\/p>\n<div id='gallery-4' class='gallery galleryid-7845 gallery-columns-3 gallery-size-thumbnail'><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/2015\/04\/14\/tokyo-vs-kyoto-clash-of-the-titans\/i00146\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/i00146-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-4-7863\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/i00146-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/i00146-300x300.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<figcaption class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-4-7863'>\n\t\t\t\tKamakura&#8217;s giant Buddha\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/2015\/04\/14\/tokyo-vs-kyoto-clash-of-the-titans\/nikko6-2\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/nikko6-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-4-7864\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/nikko6-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/nikko6-300x300.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<figcaption class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-4-7864'>\n\t\t\t\tToshogu Shrine in Nikko\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/2015\/04\/14\/tokyo-vs-kyoto-clash-of-the-titans\/16-ashinoko_hakone_kanagawa\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/16-ashinoko_hakone_kanagawa-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-4-7865\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/16-ashinoko_hakone_kanagawa-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/16-ashinoko_hakone_kanagawa-300x300.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<figcaption class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-4-7865'>\n\t\t\t\tHakone Fuji view\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/2015\/04\/14\/tokyo-vs-kyoto-clash-of-the-titans\/leah-lao-ben-and-harry-sep-2014\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/disneyland-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-4-7866\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/disneyland-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/disneyland-300x300.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<figcaption class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-4-7866'>\n\t\t\t\tTokyo Disney\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<p><strong><em>Kyoto<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Mount Koya<\/strong> \u2013 Though you could just about do Koya in a day from Kyoto, an overnight stay is much better. This atmospheric mountaintop temple community is my favourite place in all Japan, and a great chance to stay the night at a temple lodging!<\/p>\n<p><strong>Nara<\/strong> \u2013 One of Japan\u2019s ancient capitals, Nara boasts a wide open park, a resident population of friendly deer, the largest wooden building in the world and an amazing giant Buddha, too.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Osaka<\/strong> \u2013 Big, brash, bold Osaka is one of Japan\u2019s most exciting cities, and is known for its colourful Nanba district and delicious street food. Universal Studios Japan is also located here.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Himeji<\/strong> \u2013 Just a short hop on the <em>Shinkansen<\/em> line is Himeji, home to Japan\u2019s largest and most impressive original castle \u2013 recently reopened after a five-year facelift!<\/p>\n<div id='gallery-5' class='gallery galleryid-7845 gallery-columns-3 gallery-size-thumbnail'><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/asian9\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/asian9-150x150.png\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/asian9-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/asian9.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/2015\/04\/14\/tokyo-vs-kyoto-clash-of-the-titans\/olympus-digital-camera-212\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/p3220193-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-5-7872\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/p3220193-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/p3220193-300x300.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<figcaption class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-5-7872'>\n\t\t\t\tOsaka\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/2015\/04\/14\/tokyo-vs-kyoto-clash-of-the-titans\/p3210038\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/p3210038-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-5-7871\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/p3210038-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/p3210038-300x300.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<figcaption class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-5-7871'>\n\t\t\t\tMount Koya\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/ali\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/Ali-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/Ali-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/Ali.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<p>This is just the tip of the iceberg of things that can be done with a little time and inclination in Tokyo and Kyoto. Already I&#8217;ve rambled on\u00a0longer than I should, and without even touching on food, nightlife, museums, transport, accommodation&#8230;<\/p>\n<p>Brief as it is, I hope this short introduction will help you understand a little of the character of Tokyo and Kyoto, and why these are indispensable destinations on any Japan itinerary!<\/p>\n<h4>Like this post? Help us by sharing it!<\/h4><ul class=\"wpfai-list\"><li class=\"wpfai-list-item facebook\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F7845&amp;t=\" title=\"Facebook\" class=\"wpfai-facebook wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-facebook fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item twitter\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/twitter.com\/share?text=&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F7845\" title=\"Twitter\" class=\"wpfai-twitter wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-twitter fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item pinterest\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F7845&amp;description=&amp;media=\" title=\"Pinterest\" class=\"wpfai-pinterest wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-pinterest fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item linkedin\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/linkedin.com\/shareArticle?mini=true&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F7845&amp;title=\" title=\"Linked In\" class=\"wpfai-linkedin wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-linkedin fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item envelope\">\r\n      <a href=\"mailto:?subject=&amp;body=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F7845%20-%20\" title=\"E-Mail\" class=\"wpfai-envelope wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-envelope fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item stumbleupon\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.stumbleupon.com\/submit?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F7845\" title=\"Stumble Upon\" class=\"wpfai-stumbleupon wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-stumbleupon fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item reddit\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.reddit.com\/submit?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F7845\" title=\"Reddit\" class=\"wpfai-reddit wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-reddit fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><\/ul>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Like this post? Help us by sharing it! &nbsp; Just to set the record straight before I begin, if you\u2019re umm-ing and ahh-ing about whether you should visit Tokyo or Kyoto on your trip to Japan, you can stop right away. The answer is simple: you should visit both. But what if it doesn\u2019t tie [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":54,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_sitemap_exclude":false,"_sitemap_priority":"","_sitemap_frequency":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[2362],"tags":[1429,1818,2195],"class_list":["post-7845","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-places-and-where-to-stay-in-japan","tag-comparing-kyoto-and-tokyo","tag-kyoto","tag-tokyo"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7845","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/54"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7845"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7845\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":34934,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7845\/revisions\/34934"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7845"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7845"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7845"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}