Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Department Stores
Have a look at the fabulous variety of goods for sale in Kyoto's department stores (
CLICK
HERE
). While you're there, stop by the food floor and snag some free food samples.
Kyoto Station
rooftop observatory is the best you'll get - short of paying to ascend Kyoto Tower or ex-
pending the energy to climb Daimonji-yama.
Festivals
you're lucky, you might even be asked to participate.
Hikes
It doesn't cost anything to enjoy Kyoto's natural beauty. There are myriad hikes in the
mountains that surround the city. The best of these is the Daimonji Yama climb (
CLICK
HERE
).
Saving Money
You can also save money by buying takeaway food and having picnic lunches in parks
or by the river. If you prefer to eat in a restaurant, the Downtown area, especially around
Sanjo-Kawaramachi, is chock-a-block with restaurants offering meals for less than ¥800
(look for big signs giving the price of their signature dishes or set meals). And, needless to
say, due to the decline in tourists numbers caused by the 2011 Great East Japan Earth-
quake, you can score some incredibly cheap accommodation deals if you look online.