Kyoto is located to the west of Tokyo and offers a slightly slower, but just as vibrant, pace of life to the capital. It's a pretty wide spread city, but a lot of it can be reached on foot, and cutting down back alleys and different streets can result in seeing lots of interesting things. The sheer size of the place can seem overwhelming, so planning your visit is really helpful. Kyoto is a place I can see myself revisiting again, and managing to find something new to do, eat and explore every time.
Gion District
My dad and I rather confidently thought we'd done the 'Gion', yet realised on the way back to Tokyo on the train realised we'd merely brushed the edge of it. This is classic for two people who stood beneath the Empire State for about 10 minutes wondering where it was. The Gion is Kyoto's Geisha district, and has a lot of small shops, teahouses, and (if you're lucky) a geisha or Geiko making her way to an engagement.
Fushimi Inari Shrine
I'd seen this all over social media before arriving in Kyoto and was, frankly, excited to see it in the flesh but it's slightly out of town location and our one day excursion meant we didn't have time to visit. Each of Japan's shrines has something different to offer and I can't wait to be able to go back and see this one. It takes a few hours to climb the full trail and foxes (kitsune in Japanese) can be spotted if you keep an eye out!
Cherry Blossom
Although most of Japan offers highly impressive cherry blossom at different times of the year, I managed to see a little in Kyoto, but the abundance of trees without blossom definitely left me wanting more. There's something very intriguing and magical about seeing ladies bustling to and from houses in kimonos. Against the back drop of the cherry blossoms would be even more beautiful.
Matcha
Most cafes and restaurants in Kyoto offer matcha drinks, desserts and sweets. Matcha is essentially green tea powder and supposedly has a lot of health benefits. It can be an acquired taste, so I'd say start off with something like a matcha latte and ease yourself in before going for it in everything! I love matcha and had in melon pan, a traditional Japanese bun, as well as at the Snoopy Cafe in Kyoto.