Is Tokyo or Kyoto Higher?

If you happen to’ve by no means been to both metropolis, evaluating Tokyo vs Kyoto might sound futile. Though each have served as Japan’s capital (Kyoto up to now, Tokyo now), right now’s Tokyo is a glittering, sprawling megacity, whereas Kyoto exudes a extra provincial attraction, outlined not be skyscrapers and subway traces, however historic temples and bamboo forests.

Besides each of these characterizations are over-simplistic, and inaccurate: Tokyo’s bought each historical past and tranquility in plentiful provide; Kyoto is small neither in inhabitants nor expanse.  Regardless of what number of days in Tokyo you spend or which issues to do in Kyoto enchantment most to you, you’ll uncover that these cities are extra comparable than you’d initially suppose.

So, is Tokyo or Kyoto higher? Proceed studying to study extra about what separates—and unites—Japan’s prime two vacationer locations. Then, dig deeper into each, whether or not you try my information to 5 days in Tokyo, or use my Kyoto itinerary to plan your personal.

The place to Keep in Kyoto vs Tokyo

For my part, the perfect place to remain in Kyoto can also be one of many easiest—I’ve two choices, nevertheless, simply in case one is booked. Ryokan Uemura, situated within the coronary heart of Higashiyama, is owned by a lady whose husband’s household lived there for six generations. I’m not conversant in the backstory of Ryokan Kyoraku, in the meantime, nevertheless it affords a easy and satisfying base close to Kyoto Station. (I gained’t choose you, in fact, when you select a extra luxurious place like Kyoto Granbell Lodge, or save on a dorm mattress at Santiago Guesthouse.)

So far as the place to remain in Tokyo, I additionally suppose {that a} handy, comfy and stylish alternative is finest, whether or not on the decrease finish of the worth spectrum with Lodge Felice Akasaka or the marginally extra upmarket Ginza location of Lodge the Celestine. Each the opulent Tokyo Station Lodge and inexpensive First Cabin Tsukiji meet my “three c” standards as effectively, although not all vacationers wish to spend (or want to avoid wasting) a lot once they go to Tokyo. Is Tokyo or Kyoto higher for inns? That’s in the end as much as you to resolve.

A Nearer Have a look at Tokyo vs Kyoto

Historic Sights in Kyoto and Tokyo

Is Tokyo or Kyoto higher for issues to do? Whether or not you traipse by way of the perfect temples in Kyoto, from Kiyomizu-dera in Higashiyama to Ginkaku-ji initially of the Thinker’s Path, it’s simple to seek out historic websites in Japan’s erstwhile capital. They usually’re not all the sacred type, both. Kyoto Imperial Palace remains to be a part-time residence of the Japanese Emperor, whereas the close by Nijo Fort is among the few surviving examples of a “flatland” fortress in Japan.

Alternatively, you shouldn’t low cost Tokyo on this class. Whereas town’s official oldest temple Senso-ji has been re-built a number of occasions since its authentic development within the eighth century, the de-facto Tokyo outdated city of Yanaka evokes the previous neighborhood of Shitaderamachi, which existed when Tokyo was often known as Edo. Different elements of Tokyo that evoke the previous embrace Ryogoku, the place sumo tournaments happen and Tsukiji, the place Tokyo’s seafood market was situated till very lately.

Tokyo vs. Kyoto Cityscape

One factor that surprises many individuals in regards to the skyscrapers in Tokyo is that none are significantly tall, by right now’s requirements. That is anticipated, in fact, given Japan’s propensity for earthquakes. Certainly, it doesn’t matter town’s sprawling skyline any much less spectacular, significantly once you look out on it (with Mt. Fuji looming over it on a transparent day) from i-Hyperlink Statement Deck in Ichikawa, a metropolis in Chiba prefecture. So far as the place to get pleasure from Tokyo’s city environment most from floor degree, the neon-filled streets of Akihabara, Shinjuku and Shibuya are finest for that, in my view.

The perfect locations to go to in Kyoto for a fantastic view of town, in the meantime, embrace Kiyomizu-dera (that is very true at sundown), the place you will get a fantastic sense for the hypnotizing mixture of historic and trendy constructions that defines right now’s Kyoto. I additionally benefit from the view from Okochi Sanso Villa, a non-public former residence simply behind Sagano Bamboo Grove, whereas I discover the view from Kyoto Tower to be much less that spectacular—it’s simply too excessive.

Nature In and Round Kyoto and Tokyo

Talking of Japan’s most well-known bamboo forest, Kyoto is way more than the Sagano Bamboo Grove in terms of nature, although that may not be obvious when you haven’t finished a lot analysis. The aforementioned Thinker’s Path is particularly wonderful in spring, when it turns into actually engulfed in cherry blossoms, whereas the wooded slopes that lead as much as Kurama-dera are completely beautiful in autumn. Maruyama Park is gorgeous anytime of yr, however particularly in April when the weeping shidarezakura reaches full bloom.

Japan’s present capital does surprisingly effectively within the Tokyo vs Kyoto competitors for nature, buoyed largely by enormous city parks like Koishikawa Koraku-en, Shinjuku Gyoen Nationwide Backyard and Yoyogi Park. The Sumida River promenade in Asakusa can also be actually incredible—and we’re not even out of town limits but! To the west of town is Mt. Takao, a fantastic climbing tour from Tokyo for the day, whereas Hitachi Seaside Park in Ibaraki prefecture is a lush and flower-filled escape, particularly within the spring and autumn.

Getting Round in Tokyo vs. Kyoto

Is Tokyo or Kyoto higher in terms of public transport? As you’ve most likely heard, Tokyo transportation is in one other league in terms of effectivity. Which isn’t to say it’s all enjoyable and video games. Navigating this serpentine mess of observe (to say nothing of all of the buses that every one wind by way of town) will be tough, particularly if it’s your first journey. It’s because rail transport in Tokyo consists not solely of the Tokyo Metro, but in addition of the Toei Subway, public Japan Railways line (which you’ll be able to trip utilizing your JR Move, together with the Narita Specific) and quite a lot of non-public trains techniques as effectively.

Tokyo Station can also be the primary hub of Japan’s Shinkansen high-speed rail community, which might be the place you’ll board your prepare sure for Kyoto Station. When you arrive right here, you’ll most likely board both a Kyoto sightseeing bus or one of many metropolis’s many public buses, although it’s additionally attainable you’ll make use of its subway system, which is way smaller than Tokyo’s. The Kyoto space is moreover served by the non-public Keihan Primary Lane, in addition to JR Traces that join Kyoto Station to Arashiyama and Inari, the place you discover Fushimi Inari Shrine.

Day Journeys from Kyoto and Tokyo

I’ve written a devoted article about day journeys from Tokyo, however when you don’t wish to click on it proper now, I’ll go over among the finest choices right here. Whereas most vacationers go to scenic Nikko and its historic Tosho-gu shrine or Kamakura (which, like Kyoto, was additionally as soon as the capital of Japan), different Tokyo day journeys are attainable, together with to the bottom of Mt. Fuji (although you’ll want to remain in a single day when you climb) and to the Edo-era metropolis of Kawagoe in Saitama prefecture.

In fact, Kyoto additionally affords loads of excursions, which suggests it’s tough to call a winner for this portion of the Tokyo vs Kyoto rivalry. Nearly all of vacationers head to the deer-filled metropolis of Nara (and, much less typically, the tea-producing city of Uji), however you could possibly additionally head to Hikone and Nagahama Castles on Lake Biwa, in Shiga prefecture. Another choice could be to go to Osaka on a day journey, although I believe this metropolis deserves its personal itinerary—I even wrote a submit evaluating Osaka vs. Tokyo straight!

How Many Days in Tokyo vs. Kyoto

There are lots of methods to assemble a Tokyo itinerary—well-liked ones I’ve written highlight learn how to spend 3 days in Tokyo; I’ve even introduced an thought for learn how to see Tokyo in only a day. Within the normal, the period of time you spend in Tokyo depends upon three elements: 1) How a lot of town you’ve already seen; 2) what number of day journeys you wish to take; 3) how lengthy the remainder of your journey to Japan is.

Likewise, what number of days in Kyoto you spend depends upon these similar elements—if there’s a distinction between Tokyo and Kyoto, it isn’t on this regard. As an example, when you have simply two weeks in Japan, then three days in each Tokyo and Kyoto (and a day journey from every, as an example to Kamakura and Nara, respectively) could be simply what the physician ordered. If, then again, you could have one month in Japan, you may improve your allowance to between 4-6 days in every metropolis.

The Finest Time to Go to Tokyo vs. Kyoto

Tokyo is a 365-day per yr vacation spot, if solely as a result of a lot of what to do there’s indoors—the climate or time of day doesn’t actually matter. With this being mentioned, I’d be mendacity if I mentioned I didn’t love marveling at Tokyo cherry blossoms alongside Chidorigafuchi moat, or basking within the glow of golden ginkgoes alongside Meiji Jingu Gaien (even when I’m undecided both are definitely worth the related crowds).

To make sure, whereas the perfect time to go to Kyoto can also be throughout these durations (I’m virtually satisfied that autumn in Kyoto is as stunning as sakura season), the congestion right here is much more insufferable than it’s in Tokyo. If you happen to can cope with seeing the verdant greens of summer season (or, extra hardly ever, the contemporary snows of winter) as an alternative of white-and-pink blossoms or flaming leaves, there’s a bonus to visiting Kyoto throughout Japan’s tsuyu summer season monsoon or its chilly winter.

Different FAQ About Tokyo and Kyoto

Is Tokyo or Kyoto higher?

As a normal rule, vacationers who love dynamic, city environments like Tokyo extra, whereas those that worth historical past and historic tradition pattern to want Kyoto. This isn’t true for everybody, nevertheless. That’s as a result of Kyoto, whereas it was Japan’s historic capital, is dwelling to trendy districts like Kawaramachi, which afford up to date creature comforts to steadiness out the machiya homes and geisha of Gion. Likewise, Tokyo sights just like the Imperial Palace, Senso-ji temple and Meiji Jingu shrine distinction fantastically with the glowing neon of Shinjuku and Shibuya.

Is Kyoto the identical as Tokyo?

Kyoto and Tokyo have each served as Japan’s capital, however aside from this they couldn’t be extra completely different. Whereas Kyoto is a relative modest metropolis nested between mountains deep within the inside of the Japanese mainland, Tokyo is a sprawling port metropolis whose expanse is matched solely by its insane inhabitants density. If you happen to can, go to each in your journey to Japan to revel on this distinction.

Is Tokyo simply Kyoto backwards?

In Japanese, Tōkyō (東京) means “Japanese Capital,” the place as Kyōto (京都) means “Capital Metropolis.” Apparently, the complete given to the Tokyo metro space is Tōkyōto (東京都), which accurately means “Japanese Kyoto.” So no, “Tokyo” isn’t just “Kyoto” backwards.

The Backside Line

Is Tokyo or Kyoto higher? I gained’t go there, however will reasonably concede that selecting between Tokyo or Kyoto is one thing of a wash. Whereas these two cities are extra comparable than you’d most likely consider, they’re distinctive sufficient that you could’t substitute visiting one for the opposite. Alternatively, sure forms of vacationers will certainly really feel dwelling at dwelling in both metropolis: City foodies in Tokyo; Historical past and nature lovers in Kyoto. Whether or not you resolve to go to one or each of those prime locations, think about commissioning a customized Japan itinerary, and let me sweat the small print!