Information
Weather
Kyoto enjoys a special climate, with very hot summers and very cold winters. Spring, which takes place from March to May, offers mild weather with fairly rare rains. It is during this prosperous period that the cherry blossom festival takes place.
Then, from June to July takes place the rainy season. As with the rest of the land in eastern Asia, the rain becomes very heavy. After this rainy episode, in July and August, it is summer that settles in Kyoto. Due to its particular location, Kyoto enjoys a climate in which the wind is absent, but the heat can become stifling. Note the presence of a few thunderstorms during this period. Autumn, from September to November, and winter, from December to February, take over. Kyoto is regularly covered with snow during the winter.
→ Best months to visit Kyoto: February to May, October, and September.
Time difference
Japan is at GMT+ 9, ie: - in summer, there is a 7-hour time difference (when it is 11 a.m. in Paris, it is 6 p.m. in Kyoto). - in winter, there is an 8-hour time difference (when it is 11 a.m. in Paris, it is 7 p.m. in Kyoto).
Money
The currency is the yen. Banknotes of 1,000, 5,000 and 10,000 yen and coins of 1, 5, 10, 50, 100 and 500 yen.
Opening time
Temples, museums, art galleries, gardens, and most tourist sites are open, as a rule, between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. or 5:00 p.m. Department stores, supermarkets and shopping malls do not close on Sundays or public holidays. Some chains never close their stores (convenience stores). Shops open between 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. (7:00 p.m., for department stores).
Internet
Japan is at the forefront for very high-speed connections. WIFI is found throughout the city (bus, café, restaurants, cinema, train station, etc.). It is possible to rent a WIFI mobile.
Danger
One of the rare dangers comes from driving on the left. Suddenly the cars come from the right. Distrust at first when crossing.
Knowing that we line up in single file before crossing in turn, and never “à la française”, anytime and anywhere.
Getting around Kyoto
By air
Japan Airlines and ANA provide most of the many domestic services, but there are also JetStar, Skymark Airlines and Peach Airlines.
By train
The Shinkansen is the high-speed train system in service in Japan. Japan Railways, the main Japanese company, covers almost the entire archipelago.
By Bus
the night bus can be a good option for long distance trips. There are different companies, but the Willer company is one of the most convenient, as you can book in English through their website.