It means Imperial capital. The city of Kyoto, small in comparison to Tokyo with around 1.5 million people, is ranked 17 th in the latest Best Student Cities index along with the nearby cities of Osaka and Kobe, with the combined metropolitan area known as Keihanshin. Kyoto’s reputation as historical treasure-hoard leads many first-time visitors to expect a quaint, wood-panelled town with quiet, traditional streets – but don’t be fooled. Just to set the record straight before I begin, if you’re umm-ing and ahh-ing about whether you should visit Tokyo or Kyoto on your trip to Japan, you can stop right away. Shinjuku is the entertainment and business hub, packed with skyscrapers; Akihabara “electric town” is the home of flashing neon, Maid Cafes and otaku counterculture; Asakusa is the city’s traditional district, home to Senso-ji Temple and souvenir shops; while Harajuku is the mecca for Japan’s outrageously-attired youths and atmospheric Meiji Shrine. Temples, temples, temples. Tokyo Skytree – Tokyo’s 634m Skytree is the tallest tower in the world, and the views from the top are incomparable. If you've never had wagyu before (I mean the real Japanese stuff, not the stuff that foreigners call wagyu), it will be a tongue opening experience. My name is Robert Schrader, and I'm a Japan travel expert with nearly a decade of experience under my belt. A great place to stay in a traditional ryokan inn. On the other hand, you shouldn’t discount Tokyo in this category. Following the war, Tokyo defied all expectations to make a spectacular recovery, culminating in the economic bubble of the 1980s, which brought the breakneck development and massive building projects that made Tokyo what it is today. Experience the best of Tokyo, Kyoto, Hakone and Kamakura on this 9-night, low-cost Small Group Tour. I'm really interested in the traditional Japanese culture but also what makes modern Japanese culture/towns/city scapes unique. Brief as it is, I hope this short introduction will help you understand a little of the character of Tokyo and Kyoto, and why these are indispensable destinations on any Japan itinerary! So just decide whether or not you desire your very first glimpse of… So just make your mind up no matter whether you wish your first glimpse of Japan to be cutting-edge modernity or significant-brow custom, plus your option is produced. To be sure, while the best time to visit Kyoto is also during these periods (I’m almost convinced that autumn in Kyoto is as beautiful as sakura season), the congestion here is even more unbearable than it is in Tokyo. For example, if you arrive in Japan from Tokyo, it would be better for you to depart from Osaka. They’re polar opposites, after all: Tokyo is really a land of neon and skyscrapers, the archetypal metropolis; Kyoto is stuffed with kimono-clad geisha, temples and tea ceremonies. They’re polar opposites, after all: Tokyo is a land of neon and skyscrapers, the archetypal metropolis; Kyoto is full of kimono-clad geisha, temples and tea ceremonies. I've decided five or six nights in Toyko and four or five nights in Kyoto (with day trips) should be Nara – One of Japan’s ancient capitals, Nara boasts a wide open park, a resident population of friendly deer, the largest wooden building in the world and an amazing giant Buddha, too. These are all our latest exclusive holiday, vacation and tour offers brought to you from InsideJapan Tours. Welcome to the page with the answer to the clue Like Tokyo and Kyoto. Of course, that’s a very subjective question – and in a city that offers so much, you could choose almost anything. Read Privacy Policy or view sitemap. Whether you traipse through the best temples in Kyoto, from Kiyomizu-dera in Higashiyama to Ginkaku-ji at the start of the Philosopher’s Path, it’s easy to find ancient sites in Japan’s erstwhile capital. No matter how many days in Tokyo you spend or which things to do in Kyoto appeal most to you, you’ll discover that these cities are more similar than you’d initially think. Find out which is better and their overall performance in the city ranking. What are the highlights? Subscribe to email updates. Chinese has another word for "capital," pronounced dū, whose Middle Chinese ancestor was borrowed into Japanese as to, "capital, large city." Kyoto is 京都 in Kanji, where 都 means city or captal or metropolice. Neon-bathed streets and Michelin-starred eats, Travel back in time to Japan's ancient capital, A world of Japanese street food starts here, Climb Japan's iconic peak, or just admire its beauty, Enjoy Japan’s seasons in the “Kyoto of the North”, Year-round adventure in Japan’s great, white north, Flowery castles, volcanic lakes and snow monsters, Discover Japan’s most underrated, unexplored island, Trek the trails of Japan’s ultimate hiking paradise, Tropical paradise a short flight from Tokyo. There are many ways to construct a Tokyo itinerary—popular ones I’ve written spotlight how to spend 3 days in Tokyo; I’ve even presented an idea for how to see Tokyo in just a day. Speaking of Japan’s most famous bamboo forest, Kyoto is much more than the Sagano Bamboo Grove when it comes to nature, though that might not be apparent if you haven’t done much research. Tokyo (東京; 東 - east, 京 - capital) means "the eastern capital". This is found in the name Kyoto, which was Japan's capital from 794 to 1192. I’m completely in love with Kyoto and would live here, but Tokyo is it’s own unique breed of city! However, in Too-kyoo the "too" means east, and in Kyoo-to the "to" means city. As far as where to enjoy Tokyo’s urban atmosphere most from ground level, the neon-filled streets of Akihabara, Shinjuku and Shibuya are best for that, in my opinion. InsideJapan Tours can arrange for you to have a private audience with a trainee geisha – a truly rare and privileged experience! For instance, younger people tend to enjoy shopping or partying in Tokyo/Osaka over Kyoto. In the general, the amount of time you spend in Tokyo depends on three factors: 1) How much of the city you’ve already seen; 2) how many day trips you want to take; 3) how long the rest of your trip to Japan is. So just decide whether you want your first glimpse of Japan to be cutting-edge modernity or high-brow tradition, and your choice is made. Literally meaning "tree root path", this area contains a network of thick tree routes protruding from the ground in an impressive and slightly eerie display of nature. Definition of Kyoto in the Definitions.net dictionary. Mount Koya – Though you could just about do Koya in a day from Kyoto, an overnight stay is much better. Tokyo to Kyoto via Hakone. Tokyo is about 30% more expensive than Kyoto for travelers. Hamarikyu Gardens – Sipping green tea at the teahouse in the serene centre of Hamarikyu Gardens, quite literally an oasis at the heart of the metropolis, is a definite must. Nikko – Perhaps the best side-trip from Tokyo is Nikko, a national park that’s home to a shrine and temple complex built in honour of Tokugawa Ieyasu. It’s not just what’s in the city that counts – it’s also the side trips you can make as part of your stay. This atmospheric mountaintop temple community is my favourite place in all Japan, and a great chance to stay the night at a temple lodging! Schedule a phone call from Kyoto, Japan to Tokyo, Japan. The first character of Tôkyôto (東) means East. Sprawling Tokyo made up of its daringly different neighbourhoods may be one of the planet’s most densely populated destinations but it is also one of the world’s cleanest cities.In fact, Tokyo is a place where recycling is so respected that they have almost turned it into an art form. Tokyo, the current capital, is written as 東京, which means Kyo of the east or eastern capital. Specialists in travel to Japan Hakone – Japan’s most popular hot spring resort, located in the shadow of Mount Fuji. Wherever initially, Tokyo or Kyoto – it should be an uncomplicated choice, correct? While the city’s official oldest temple. The collection itself, which belonged to the late Seizo Ota V comprises more than 12,000 ukiyo-e … I won’t go there, but will rather concede that choosing between Tokyo or Kyoto is something of a wash. When in Rome… or in this case Tokyo and Kyoto. They’re polar opposites, All things considered: Tokyo is usually a land of neon and skyscrapers, the archetypal metropolis; Kyoto is full of kimono-clad geisha, temples and tea ceremonies. Whatever the case may be, you're in the right place. Unfortunately, in Japanese Tokyo is spelled with the characters 東京 [toːkʲoː], which mean 'east capital', while Kyoto is spelled with 京都 [kʲoːto], which mean, well, 'capital capital' (both characters in isolation can be read /miyako/, which is the native-vocabulary word for 'capital, metropolis'). Patreon:https://bit.ly/3nl9rsITravel to Japan! Whether you decide to visit one or both of these top destinations, consider commissioning a custom Japan itinerary, and let me sweat the details! I’ve written a dedicated article about day trips from Tokyo, but if you don’t want to click it right now, I’ll go over some of the best options here. These green spaces are often buzzing with live music and laughter, but especially so than during cherry blossom season – when locals flock for beer-fuelled picnics beneath the pink sakura petals that dance on the breeze. 2 with 4.72 students among every 100 people. Today's capital of Japan is Tokyo. Flying in/out of Tokyo.. The best places to visit in Kyoto for a great view of the city, meanwhile, include Kiyomizu-dera (this is especially true at sunset), where you can get a great sense for the hypnotizing mix of ancient and modern structures that defines today’s Kyoto. Then, dig deeper into both, whether you check out my guide to 5 days in Tokyo, or use my Kyoto itinerary to plan your own. I'm travelling to Tokyo and Kyoto for two weeks in July and I want to see as much as possible in between and surrounding those two cities. What does Tokyo mean? Be sure to wander the surrounding market stalls and grab a bite to eat from a roadside stand! What does Tokyo mean? See more. Although both have served as Japan’s capital (Kyoto in the past, Tokyo now), today’s Tokyo is a glittering, sprawling megacity, while Kyoto exudes a more provincial charm, defined not be skyscrapers and subway lines, but ancient temples and bamboo forests. If you prefer big cities, modern technology, nightlife and a huge selection of restaurants, Tokyo is for you. The major route is called The “Golden Route”, which consist of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. Visiting Tokyo and Kyoto first 2 weeks of April (March 30th-April 10th) hoping to catch the Cherry Blossoms. Gion – Gion is Kyoto’s traditional teahouse district, home to the city’s elusive geisha population. With this being said, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t love marveling at Tokyo cherry blossoms along Chidorigafuchi moat, or basking in the glow of golden ginkgoes along Meiji Jingu Gaien (even if I’m not sure either are worth the associated crowds). With just six narrow alleyways groaning with over 200 tiny clubs and eateries, bar-hopping here is an unmissable Tokyo experience in my book. Kyoto did not escape from modernisation unscathed, and today you will find a bustling, modern city that hides its cultural gems beneath a veneer of concrete, steel and glass. Hi all, I am in Japan soon for 7 days. The best places to visit in Kyoto for a great view of the city, meanwhile, include Kiyomizu-dera (this is especially true at sunset), where you can get a great sense for the hypnotizing mix of ancient and modern structures that defines today’s Kyoto. If you’ve never been to either city, comparing Tokyo vs Kyoto might seem futile. Tokyo Disney – Boasting Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea, if you’re after a Disney fix in Tokyo you’ll be spoilt for choice. As you’ve probably heard, Tokyo transportation is in another league when it comes to efficiency. By Sam Evans. Another option would be to visit Osaka on a day trip, though I think this city deserves its own itinerary—I even wrote a post comparing Osaka vs. Tokyo directly! What if you don’t have time to do both? Fuji (though you’ll need to stay overnight if you climb) and to the Edo-era city of Kawagoe in Saitama prefecture. Kyôto is written as follows in Japanese: 京都 Tokyo is actually Tôkyôto and is written as follows: 東京都 Note that the “kyôto” part of both is written the same. One thing that surprises many people about the skyscrapers in Tokyo is that none are particularly tall, by today’s standards. The Prince hotel is right next to Tokyo Tower and has one of my favorite restaurants in the world: Yakiniku Champion. In 1943 both Tokyo merged into Tokyo-to with"to" meaning a new designation as"Metropolis". Information and translations of Kyoto in the most comprehensive dictionary definitions resource on the web. Don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime chance to be in the heart of the action as Japan plays host to the world's most spectacular sporting event. Recommendations. Not only are the meanings different, the pronunciations are too: notice that the first mora of Tokyo has a long vowel, but the second syllable of Kyoto has a short vowel. In Japanese Kyoto is written as 京都, with both characters meaning 'capital'. He also runs the popular website Leave Your Daily Hell. Whilst at the base is an aquarium, planetarium, shops, restaurants and more! Also, often it used to be referred to just as 'Kyo'.) Mt. read more In both words, the "kyoo" means capital. But if you have more time on your hands, there are several places to visit between Tokyo and Kyoto that make for easy day or overnight trips along the way. My name is Robert and I'm happy you're here! Of course, Kyoto also offers plenty of excursions, which means it’s difficult to name a winner for this portion of the Tokyo vs Kyoto rivalry. What’s to see in Kyoto? Going off the Kanji (which is used most of the time the cities' names are printed), Kyoto means "Capital City" (it used to be the capital of Japan until the capital was moved to Edo). Need help deciding between Kyoto or Tokyo? Over the course of the long and peaceful Edo Period (1603-1868) to which it gave its name, the city of Edo became one of the largest and most populous cities in the world: Japan’s capital in all but name. Indeed, it doesn’t matter the city’s sprawling skyline any less impressive, particularly when you look out on it (with Mt. Hey guys, Me and my Girlfriend are travelling to Japan on the 8th of Feb for our anniversary for 7 days. whereas Kyoto is Kyoo-to. Everything about the capital is fast, right down to its pedestrians’ walking pace. If you are interested traditional and cultural Japan, Kyoto is much better than Tokyo/Osaka, and so on. Kyo had been the Empelor's capital for centuries. What is the difference between Tokyo and Kyoto? Find inspiration for your Japan holiday plans by exploring our latest brochure. Tokyo is a 365-day per year destination, if only because so much of what to do there is indoors—the weather or time of day doesn’t really matter. Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka are connected with by the Tokaido Shinkansen line, included with the Japan Rail Pass.. Although both have served as Japan’s capital (Kyoto in the past, Tokyo now), today’s Tokyo is a glittering, sprawling megacity, while Kyoto exudes a more provincial charm, defined not be skyscrapers and subway lines, but ancient temples and bamboo forests. These are just a few of Tokyo’s many districts – there’s also cosmospolitan Roppongi, exciting Shibuya, seedy Kabukicho, futuristic Odaiba, upmarket Ginza… you could stay in Tokyo for years and feel as though you haven’t seen it all. Which is not to say it’s all fun and games. And maybe a garden or two….so much more! Like what you're reading? Fly in 30th of March stay 7 nights in Tokyo. 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