Deciding between two fall itineraries… The big question: to Kyoto or not?

13 comments

1. Not sure if this helps but I think almost all tourist spots and major cities will be packed during this time. I think its still worth it unless you can come back to Japan soon. 🙂 I was planning to go to Kyoto this November too and I figured to just explore early morning. Like 6am. Had to cancel due to budget constraints but Ill add it back up if I cant buy a ticlet for the Ghibli park.

2. Personally, I would do the Osaka visit as a day/evening trip from Kyoto. You can get a Hankyu Railways train from Umeda (Osaka) back to either Shijo or Kawaramachi stations in Kyoto. Both are not a long walk to the City Hall area. Not covered on the JR pass but still a fairly cheap fare.

   With tourism on the rebound, it will only get busier year on year. Was lucky enough to be in Kyoto in November last year shortly after things opened up, and it was lovely to have far less people to bustle along with, but that’s just part of the fun.
   6 weeks to go till I head back again….

   Nara is an easy visit from Kyoto, too, and you could slot your visit to Fushumi Inari in the morning on your way to Nara, unless you specifically want to go in the afternoon. Fushimi Inarai is much better with fewer crowds, so I suggest you get in early.

   As for the trips you were planning on doing from Osaka, if you are using the rail pass, it is only about 13 minutes between Kyoto and Osaka on the bullet train, so not much longer on a journey.

   Edit: added the last 2 paragraph

3. >It bums me out since that was going to have my “non-city Japanese experiences”

   You were planning to have a non-city experience in a city? One of the top 10 largest cities in Japan?

   And now you’re planning to visit Japan during autumn but go out of your way to avoid one of the most majestic places to see the foliage?

   Not sure I understand either reasoning, but you do you.

   >don’t have crowd anxiety or anything and will not have any travel partners, so should be nimble getting around crowded areas. But some people make it sound like hell on earth.

   Don’t let some people ruin your trip. There will be people and there will be crowds. But as long as you don’t mind queuing a bit (which is just part of Japanese city life), you’ll be fine. I can see how it can be hell if you’re culture shocked and maybe still a bit jetlagged, and maybe not used to crowds, so ymmv. (And I guess as a 175cm tall but not too big dude, I have it easier than short or big people in the crowds – I can usually see what’s happening in the area around me because I’m taller than most Japanese and I can get through crowds without bumping into everyone.)

   To be honest, seeing how the Japanese manage and behave in crowds is quite the cultural experience. Warning: you might hate all people at home afterwards.

4. Reading this since my plan will be more or less the same as your’s. Both date and location.

5. >after reading more about how busy Kyoto will be

   If you don’t like a crowded place, yes skipping Kyoto is a good idea. But if it’s the case Tokyo and Osaka are crowded as well.

   > my “non-city Japanese experiences”

   Kyoto is the eighth biggest city in Japan.

6. If you think Kyoto is crowded wait until you hit Dotonburi at night.

   I was in Kyoto 10 days ago. Yes, it was crowded, but it’s always busy. Been there in summer, spring and autumn.

   If its worth going to Japan its worth dealing with crowds. They are big very busy cities and you cannot avoid lots of people at major attractions.

   People are largely so very polite and manage crowding exceptionally well.

7. I’ve visited Japan numerous times, and I highly recommend Kyoto as the most authentic experience of Japan today. Whether you’re looking for modern shopping streets and malls, Gion has you covered. If you prefer traditional shop houses and streets, Kiyomizu-gojo is a must-visit. There are plenty of things to see and do in Kyoto, so don’t let the crowds discourage you.

8. Based on your itinerary and the time of year you’re traveling, I would recommend sticking with your original plan to visit Kyoto. While it’s true that the city can get crowded during the fall foliage season, it’s also one of the most beautiful times of year to visit. Plus, Kyoto is home to so many historical and cultural sites that are worth seeing, and it’s a great opportunity to experience a different side of Japan outside of the cities.

   That being said, you may want to adjust your itinerary slightly to avoid the biggest crowds. For example, consider visiting popular sites like Fushimi Inari and Arashiyama early in the morning to beat the rush. You could also explore some of the less-visited temples and gardens, which are still beautiful but may not be as crowded.

   Overall, I think the benefits of visiting Kyoto during the fall season outweigh the potential downsides. It’s a unique and beautiful experience that you may regret missing out on. Just be prepared for the crowds and adjust your itinerary as needed to make the most of your time there.

9. I did Tokyo 3 days , Kyoto 4 days, Tokyo 3 days. I enjoyed Kyoto more than I did Tokyo tbh. Kyoto had more vibes that are chill, but the restaurants are always full due to reservations and they don’t do walk ins. In Tokyo you have a higher chance of walking in.

10. Definitely keep Kyoto. It’s an amazing city and is even more so in the fall. You can definitely stop at Fushimi Inari on your way from Nara to Kyoto. I’d recommend doing that.

11. honestly I can’t imagine ever going to Japan and *not* visiting Kyoto. there is no other place like it in the world. it’s magical, **especially** in the fall

12. Definitely don’t miss Kyoto and do spend time outside of cities. Go to Kibune and Kurama as a day trip and hike and be in nature.

    Osaka is my favorite city to party in but Kyoto has a much higher concentration of cultural sites.

13. I mentioned in another post that I wished more people would express unpopular opinions in this sub, so here’s one:

    Are you actually interested in what Kyoto has to offer or are you just adding it to your itinerary because almost every single person in this subreddit says that you must go?

    I have been to Japan a few times and have no interest in it and have no feelings of regret or that I’ve missed out on something for not having gone.