Kyoto is the kind of city where you take things slow. It’s never the kind of place that screams for attention like Tokyo. Instead, it draws you in quietly, with temple bells and narrow lanes lined with wooden townhouses and pockets of calm where time seems to slow down. If you feel like you’ve been juggling a hundred tasks and want to get away from the blues of daily life, Kyoto is the perfect destination to visit. Here’s how to plan the best relaxing stay in Central Kyoto.
Find the Right Place to Stay
For a getaway that’s as memorable as it is relaxing, you need to find the right place to stay. Despite its calm and tranquil character, Kyoto is among the most visited cities in Japan. A diverse group of travellers flock to the city each year, and the accommodation sector caters to all of them. There are budget options as well as high-end hotels. Park Hotel Kyoto, for example, is a popular four-star Kyoto Japan hotel.
Best Time to Visit
Kyoto is beautiful year-round, but the seasons do dictate your experience. Spring, from March to May, is perhaps the most famous time to visit. This is when cherry blossoms turn the city pink, and parks like Maruyama and the Philosopher’s Path are busy with picnickers. It’s the season that brings in the most crowds, so if you want to see the blossoms without feeling rushed, go early in the morning or toward the end of the bloom when things quiet down.
Autumn, from October to November, is just as beautiful. The weather cools down, the air turns crisp, and the leaves turn orange and yellow – it’s hard to imagine a more picturesque time to visit the city. If you don’t want to deal with crowds, May and September are ideal.
Summer (June to August) brings sticky heat and afternoon downpours, while winter offers a tranquil atmosphere.
Make Your Stay Truly Relaxing
You know what the secret is to a calm and relaxing getaway, no matter where you are? Not trying to see and do everything! Start your days early – wake up with the sunrise if you can. Temples like Kiyomizu-dera, Nanzen-ji, and Eikando are at their most peaceful in the morning light. Pop into one of the local cafés for a slow, indulgent breakfast, then take to the streets to observe daily life.
The Philosopher’s Path, a beautiful pathway lined with cherry trees and stone bridges, is the best place to take it slow and wander around without a plan. The Kamo River is another must-visit. Locals love to come here to sit by the water, chat, or read.
In between exploring popular attractions, give yourself breaks to attend a tea ceremony or even take a nap back at the hotel. Kyoto is full of hidden cafés, tiny sake bars, and garden-view restaurants where you can linger as long as you like. Don’t just tick boxes when sightseeing – it doesn’t make for a relaxing getaway. Instead, try to blend in with the slow character of the city.
Evenings are also an excellent time to head out. Lanterns light up, people wander through Gion’s alleys, and the smell of grilled fish and miso fills the air. It’s the perfect time to enjoy a slow, quiet dinner and maybe go for a walk along Pontocho Alley or the river.
More Tips
If you’re planning to use public transport, grab an IC card – it will save you a lot of time on buses and subways. The bus system can be a bit tricky, but once you become more familiar with the routes, the city becomes easy to navigate.
Dress in layers because the weather changes quickly, and always keep a small umbrella handy.
More importantly, don’t feel like you have to see everything. Yes, it’s tempting, but the whole point of a relaxing getaway is to take it slow. However, if you want to see most of what the city has to offer, give yourself enough time to do so.
AloJapan.com