Kyoto is a city that we find takes quite a bit of walking to see it well and we prefer the flexibility of setting our own pace and agenda as we go than having a guide or tour do it for us. Perhaps start planning with what are your key things you absolutely want to see in the two days and where you will be staying, maybe near the station, in the centre of town, slightly suburban or a nearby city like Osaka? The route I cover on this particular walking route goes between 2 stations Nijojo Mae at the castle and Sanjo on the Keihan line so it is fairly easy to back to a hotel from those points or along the way you pass close to stations on the 2 subway lines. There are many bus stops too of course and while we do use them sometimes they do add an extra complexity so aren't my first choice. Which ever way you decide is right for you, enjoy! I do recommend having either global roaming, a travel SIM for your phone or mobile WIFI so you can get online and check for nearest station or see where you are on a map any time you want to.

Hi Machell, so pleased it was some help, I hope you had a fabulous time. The books that come to mind first are the Tales of the Otori series by Lian Hearn.

Thanks Lynda, we have a few articles to help first time visitors navigate the transport system including the Tokyo subway. I agree with you on eating out, even when we've rented an apartment there is too much good food on offer to skip the opportunity to try something new 🙂

Fantastic information. We spent a week in Tokyo, absolutely love Japan! Hardest part was navigating the train system. If you're travelling to Tokyo, be prepared to eat out breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Thanks Lyn, have a fabulous trip to Japan. We haven't been in summer so will be very interested to hear about your experiences.