On the other hand, uncivilized tourist behavior and conflicts between tourists and local residents also occur from time to time. If you want to enjoy your trip and create many good memories, it is important for tourists to observe civilized etiquette. We have compiled some tourist precautions and practical tips for each area in Kyoto.
Kyoto sightseeing! The basics of the basics
First: Don’t block the road
Kyoto is home to many popular attractions such as the front of Kiyomizu Temple, Nishiki Market, and Arashiyama, where there are a lot of people. No matter where you are, please avoid standing in the middle of the road to talk or indulge in taking pictures, so as not to hinder others from passing.
You should be more careful in crowded places. Blocking the middle of the road will not only cause trouble to others, but also cause dangerous accidents such as falls. You need to be especially careful during the cherry blossom season, the autumn leaf season, and the Gion Festival.
Second: Please do not litter
Please throw your garbage into the trash can or put it in a trash bag and take it away to protect the beautiful environment. Kyoto City has designated 43 “beautification promotion and enhancement areas” in the ordinance, including major scenic spots such as Arashiyama and Fushimi Inari Taisha. Those who violate the regulations and litter will be fined up to 30,000 yen.
Third: Confirm in advance whether you can take the photo
It is forbidden to use drones to take photos (according to the Aviation Law, most areas of Kyoto are densely populated areas and drones are prohibited). Some places in shrines and temples completely prohibit photography, and some places prohibit the use of flash photography. Before taking photos, please carefully check the signs, etc. Do not take photos of maiko to avoid causing trouble to them.
Also learn about tourist etiquette and useful tips for each region!
Kyoto’s tourist spots are scattered across various areas, and each area has its own unique characteristics. Let’s check out the things to note about each tourist spot!
Readmore Second Mortgage: Everything You Need
Kyoto Station
Kyoto Station is crowded with people and luggage
Kyoto Station is the gateway to Kyoto and the starting point of sightseeing. It is inconvenient to carry luggage, souvenirs and other items. In this case, it is recommended that you use the “Hands-Free Sightseeing” service. At the Hands-Free Sightseeing Service, you can send your luggage from Kyoto Station to your hotel, and you can also store your hand luggage that cannot fit in the locker.
YORIMICHI Plaza
Carrying large luggage on buses or trains may affect other people. Especially in Kyoto, please do not carry large luggage on city buses. Make full use of the hands-free sightseeing service and enjoy sightseeing with peace of mind and ease.
YORIMICHI Plaza (right below Kyoto Central Post Office) is located in PORTA, an underground shopping mall in front of Kyoto Station. It provides seats, and almost all seats are equipped with charging ports for smartphones. Free Wi-Fi is available, so you can search for information about your destination while you rest. Please feel free to use it.
In front of Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Kiyomizu Temple and its surroundings are a must-see for tourists in Kyoto. The alleys that extend from Kodaiji Temple to Kiyomizu Temple are called Ichinenzaka, Nininzaka, and Sanninzaka.
Please be careful not to smoke, litter, or take photos for long periods of time. Please do not litter after buying food, and be careful not to block others in order to take good photos.
Kiyomizu Temple is located in a crowded area and there are few parking lots, so it is more convenient to take public transportation to the front of Kiyomizu Temple. Kiyomizu Temple opens at 6 am, so it is recommended to visit during a less crowded time.
