Visiting Kyoto has become very popular especially during the cherry blossom and maple leaf season recently (around late March to mid-April and late November to early December).
Heavy advertising has caused the arrival of large crowds to the scenic places as advertised, all trying to replicate the photos shown. Even to Kyoto’s famous temples such as Kiyomizu Temple by public transport has resulted in overcrowding on the buses and long wait times. Even dining at well-known restaurants needs reservations as bookings have almost doubled during peak season.
The best time to avoid the heavy crowding and disappointments is to travel to Kyoto just before the Cherry Blossom and Maple Leaf season and after summer vacation. Ideally around early March, May, September, early November, mid-December, and January. Travelling to Kyoto during March, May, September, and November is best recommended as the weather is nice and cool.
Transportation in Kyoto is relatively cheap but is considered complex especially during peak season. It is not uncommon to get lost and catch the wrong bus because of crowded buses. As an alternative, riding a bicycle is highly recommended as a mode of travel because the roads in Kyoto is very flat, makes riding easy and fun but will need to take care especially around crowded areas. There are many bike rental shops all around the city, making it very convenient. Take a ride along the river when the weather is nice, gives the best experience.
Kyoto also offers a wide variety of food and hotels. Kyoto has many coffee shops where one can enjoy a light meal with refreshments and if you have more time, you should try the kaiseki cuisine and the service is always with a warm attitude. With hotels, Kyoto offers a wide range all dependent on the traveler’s budget but please take note, if you book a traditional Japanese style hotel, noise does carry through its thin floors and walls.
Sources: Asahi news