Japan tips you’ll ACTUALLY use 2/30
: Kyoto is divided in half by the Kamo river. Gion, and most tourist sights are located on the right side of the Kamo river, while the Kyoto Imperial Palace and Nishiki Market are on the left side.
Traveling by bus makes it easy to get between points, but if you want to be close to the action, stay on the right side.
I stayed by Nijō Castle, quite a distance from all of the action on the left side of the river. The Imperial Palace was a 15 minute walk from my hotel, but in the October heat it was tiring to say the least.
And do not underestimate distance. What may seem like a decent walk on Google Maps could be an exhausting 45 minutes to your hotel.
Of course it’s not all bad! Walking around you can really enjoy the quiet neighborhoods. Having been my first time to Japan, I was able to take in the sights and absorb the atmosphere. I tried to appreciate every moment I could.
Bonus tip: Make sure you book the inside tour for Nijō castle ahead of time if possible. They stop the inside tour about an hour before they close (5pm I believe). I missed it and it is one thing I regret. The tour of the grounds was still beautiful otherwise! I highly recommend carving out 1-2 hours to enjoy it.
There’s a shop at the end of the walk that sells Oden too (that and a float was amazing).
Comment below any questions or curiosities you may have about my experience and I’ll do my best to answer!
Photo is not mine, found on Pexels. #japan #japantips #japantravel #Lemon8 #travel
When I traveled to Kyoto, one of the most surprising things I learned was just how much the Kamo River influences your travel experience. Locals often treat the river as a natural boundary, separating the lively, bustling Gion district on the right from cultural gems like the Kyoto Imperial Palace and Nishiki Market on the left. Staying on the right side puts you closer to major tourist spots and nighttime entertainment, which makes it easier to soak up Kyoto’s vibrant atmosphere without the hassle of long commutes. I found that relying on just Google Maps for walking distances wasn't always reliable, especially in the heat or when carrying luggage. What seems like a quick walk can turn into an exhausting journey. It's helpful to use local buses or taxis to conserve energy for sightseeing. Kyoto’s bus network is extensive but can be crowded; buying a day pass helps if you're planning multiple stops. A highlight for me was visiting Nijō Castle. Although I stayed a bit further away, exploring its grounds was peaceful and beautiful, especially during less busy hours. One tip I'd add is to definitely book the inside tour in advance. It’s well worth the effort as the interiors are stunning and rich with history, but tours stop about an hour before closing. Missing this means you lose out on a big part of the experience. Besides sightseeing, don’t miss local food stops near the castle — I tried Oden at a small shop at the end of my walk, complemented by a refreshing float drink. It was a memorable treat after a day of walking. Overall, Kyoto's charm lies both in its famous sights and its quiet neighborhoods, where you can truly feel the city’s culture and history. My advice: take your time, prep your itinerary with the river's layout in mind, and embrace both the busy and calm sides of Kyoto.
