If you've only got one full day in Kyoto, you'll have to work fast and efficiently. This itinerary allows you to get a good sampling of what the city has to offer in just one day.
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Navigating Kyoto is easy as the city is laid-out in a grid with streets running north to south, and east to west. It's also fairly flat so walking and cycling is certainly possible.
Generally, in Kyoto, the best way to get around is by using the subway or buses. However, there are also several railway lines that service the city. The most popular one being the national JR Line (Japan Rail). Most trains run through Kyoto Station and offer services to nearby areas, including Osaka, Kobe and Nara.
Kyoto is more relaxing. Tokyo is about 30% more expensive than Kyoto for travelers. If you prefer big cities, modern technology, nightlife and a huge selection of restaurants, Tokyo is for you. If you're after temples, shrines, garden, geisha and hiking, Kyoto is for you.
Japan is much cheaper than you think, especially now with a weak yen. And Kyoto is much cheaper than Tokyo. Indeed, Kyoto is one of the cheapest major destinations in the developed world.
The best times to visit Kyoto are October/November (fall) and March/April/May (spring). You can visit Kyoto at any time of year because the weather is temperate. Summer (June/July/August) in Kyoto is hot and humid. Winter (December/January/Febuary) in Kyoto is cold.
The shinkansen (bullet train) is the best way to travel between Tokyo and Kyoto. It takes around 2 hours and 15 minutes and costs Y13,080 between Tokyo and Kyoto(non-reserved seat). You don't need to reserve seats on the shinkansen if you travel outside of peak travel hours and outside of peak travel seasons.
Some places only accept cashDon't rely on credit cards when visiting local attractions or small shops in Kyoto. Of course, in hotels and shopping malls you will 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 will need to pay cash.
Safety at night:Very safeKyoto is regarded as a very safe city to walk alone at night. The streets are well-lit and the crime rate in Kyoto is low compared to many other international cities. Locals are usually helpful and respectful.
Osaka 1-Day Itinerary SummaryOne day is enough to get a good taste of Osaka. Stay in a place like Kita, Central Osaka or Minami to save time. The must-see attractions in Osaka are Osaka Castle, the Kita District and the Minami District.
When traveling in Japan, especially if you're in one of the big cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, you'll generally have no problem not speaking Japanese at all. There are usually English signs all over train stations and airports.
A crucial question you must ask yourself is how much time to allot to each city. For most people, the ideal breakdown is 2 full days in Tokyo and 4 full days in Kyoto (travel days are not considered full days). If you are more interested in modern Japan, then you could spend 3 days in Tokyo and 3 in Kyoto.
A standard fee for a one-way Tokyo to Kyoto ticket is around 160 USD during peak seasons and 100-120 USD off peak, although the price heavily depends on such factor as what travel class you prefer or do you purchase a ticket with reserved or unreserved seats.
Aside from cash, the following methods of payment are available: One-Day Ticket (such as the Subway & Bus 1-Day Pass)IC Card (such as PiTaPa, ICOCA, Suica, & PASMO)