Kyoto is not really a very large city, although there are many places to visit! The bus, train, and subway system really makes most of the city very easy to access. What many people consider to be "off the beaten path" are lesser visited sites, but they are actually very easy to access and very much "ON the path"! Because of this, I have put my destination tips in the "Things to Do" section.
With that said, there are a few places that are a little off the beaten path:
-The Ohara area in northeastern Kyoto is slightly removed from the main part of the city. There is a bus that will take you there, so it's still not difficult to reach.
-The Matsuo area is located just south of Arashiyama is off the tourist trail for most foreigners. Still, there is a bus that goes here, as well.
-The Takao area in the northwest also has buses that regularly come here, but it's removed from the hustle and bustle of the inner city. You definitely wouldn't want to try to walk here!
Probably the most "Off the beaten Path" area of the city is the Oharano area! Buses to this area leave from stations closer to the area, not Kyoto Station. It is further south than the Matsuo area in a mainly agricultural part of the city (it doesn't even look like Kyoto!). After arriving at your stop, you may still have to do some walking to get there, so it's important to have a map here. It's a great place for those who enjoy stepping off the tourist trails to see some great shrines and temples without the hords of tourists you'll find in the city center.
Written Oct 13, 2010
Kyoto is a top destination for visitors to Japan and its also a large city. That doesn't mean that there aren't places where one can get off the beaten path. Even in some of the high traffic tourist destinations, such as Ginkaku-ji or Kinkaku-ji temple, a visitor can find areas that aren't as visited within the temple grounds. Many times I found myself away from the crowds & wandering through a peaceful section of a Japanese garden undisturbed. The photo I've included is on a gardner painstakingly hand grooming a moss covered slope in the centuries old Ginkaku-ji temple garden. And yes...I found him off the beaten path.
Written Apr 16, 2005
There are many places in Kyoto, that you must see...but its important how do you see it!!! The best way is hire a bicycle and go around the town!!! You will find many places which are just amazing!!
Like the one in this photo. Its restaurant, built on a river and the lanterns hanging outside...
Written Sep 12, 2002
There are enough temples in Kyoto to easily find one that is not top-popular by tourists. One that I want to tell you about is the great Senjusangendo-hall. In this templecomplex are an amazing amount of wooden statues to be bewondered. The maker(s) must have taken decades to forfill this great work of art.
Written Sep 8, 2002
Just walking by the streets away from the city center, you find a lot of pretty gardens and small temples, holding a relaxing atmosphere with the sound of the water flowing somewhere around...
Written Oct 6, 2002
Japan is not all about Modernity/Hi-tech... the countryside exists and there is a rustic rural feel to the place. Do explore, and you will find that there is a less hectic pace in Japan
Written Aug 26, 2002
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Japan is not all about Modernity/Hi-tech... the countryside exists and there is a rustic rural feel to the place. Do explore, and you will find that there is a...
71 members live in Kyoto

Q: Hi there, I’d try online booking for Shimizu Ryokan near the JR Kyoto station for dates: 8, 9 & 10 Jun. But it's fully book....

A: I stayed at the RIHGA Royal Hotel Kyoto which is about a 10 min walk from the station (I walked directly form there) and was quite happy with commodities and price.
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Kyoto is a must see for every tourist in Japan!

Kyoto is one of the most beautiful places I have been. So, if you are interested in going to Japan, you must consider going to Kyoto City. Plan to stay there for at least three days to be able to...
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Kyoto became the nation's capital in 794, ushering in the Heian Period. The city was modeled after the Chinese capital Chang-an in a grid and called Heian-kyo. Toji Temple (East Temple) and Saiji...
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WORLD OF ITS OWN (Kyoto,Nara,Osaka,Himeji & Kobe)

I*T*I*N*E*R*A*R*Y DAY 1 Kyoto (Kiyomizu Dera Temple and Gion Area) DAY 2 Kyoto (Sanjusangendo Temple, Heian Shrine, Nanjenji, Ginkajuji Temple and Karawamachi Area) DAY 3 Kyoto (Kinkajuji Temple,...
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In July 2009 we visited Kyoto for few days and had wonderful time exploring this city and its major sites. To most sites you can just walk or take a short bus trip, join me in a city tour as I walk......
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In my opinion Kyoto is one of the most magnificent cities is the world - from what Ive seen so far! Its a beautiful vibrant city where modern life meets old traditional Japan. Twice I have been to...
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