Which one is more worth it?
HERITAGE
1. Tokyo is the capital of Japan which, without a doubt, gives it the main role of the country as a nerve center, political and economic. For more than a thousand years, **Kyoto was the protagonist that hosted the seat of the Imperial Court**, until in 1868 Emperor Mejii decided to move the seat of the court to Tokyo, leaving Kyoto in the background. However, Kyoto was the only major Japanese city that was not bombed during World War II, so it remains one of the important Japanese cities with a rich artistic and architectural heritage second to none.
two. The historical and monumental heritage of Kyoto and its various scenic and cultural spaces make it an important tourist attraction. It has some 2,000 temples plus palaces and gardens . Among its most outstanding monuments are The Imperial Palace, the Castle Nijō, the Kinkaku-ji (or Golden Pavilion), the Ginkaku-ji (or Silver Pavilion), the Heian Shrine, and the Fushimi Inari-taisha . Many of them recognized by the UNESCO What World Heritage . While Tokyo has some temples like the one in sensoji in the Asakusa neighborhood, the Shinto temple of Meiji Jungü and the Imperial Palace, worth seeing but nothing close to Kyoto level.
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Ginkaku-ji in Kyoto
ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN
3. Kyoto is the epicenter of traditional Japanese architecture and has been the basis of contemporary architecture, being a clear influence on many current architects. The city is built on the feng shui. tokyo however due to its disproportionate population had to adapt with the construction of large buildings to house its inhabitants, leaving the machiyas (town houses) for the less charming apartment residences.
Four. But what about those crosses diagonally, horizontally and in all possible ways that are seen throughout the Japanese metropolis? That is pure cutting edge . its thousands of neons, alleys, and the style of Tokyoites dressed in a minimalist trend it breathes style and design throughout the city. If there is something typically Japanese, it is "Less is more" from Tokyo.
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Machiya in Kyoto
CULTURE
5. Culturally, at the traditional level, Kyoto takes the cake ; the film and television industry have their center in this city due to the numerous jidaigekis (samurai action movies) that have been filmed in Toei studies Uzumasa Eigamura . However, most of the most prestigious Japanese artists work and live in Tokyo . And modernity, and the future of culture is undoubtedly in the capital. In the hipster neighborhood of Shimokitazawa young people reside, artists with a promising future. Music studios, art galleries and thousands of shops make Tokyo the coolest place in the country.
6. As for the fundamental Japanese icons of sensuality, in both cities we have different prototypes. In Kyoto reign the mysterious and traditional Geishas who hide in the neighborhood gion , where it is possible to see them from time to time at sunset when they get ready to work in this century-old neighborhood. And in Tokyo the parade of Lolitas, Kawai girls and schoolgirl maidens . Japan breathes sensuality and fetishism from all sides in a modern and traditional style.
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Shimokitazawa, the hipster and creative neighborhood of Tokyo
TRANSPORTATION
7. Tokyo has the largest Japanese connection of national and international travel since it has airports, train connections and an impressive metro network. Intercity transport is based on the express rail and metro network. They bring together more than 70 lines forming the most extensive network in the world and also the fastest and most efficient to move around their 23 Special Neighborhoods in a flash. Kyoto with a much smaller population has two subway lines, urban buses and a good connection through the bullet train Shinshaken ; but it lacks an airport (the closest ones are Osaka and Kansai). With 20 million daily passengers Tokyo is unbeatable !
8. Nevertheless Kyoto has bike lanes for almost the entire city and it is a joy to be able to move on wheels from temple to temple or walk along the banks of the Kamogawa River and its beautiful neighborhoods full of ideal mini houses with bonsai. Something unthinkable in the craziness of Tokyo. So pedaling lovers come out winning in Kyoto by landslide . There is no better plan than touring Kyoto by bike.
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Bicycles in front of the typical 'machiya' in Kyoto
GASTRONOMY AND NIGHTLIFE
9. Kyoto has a high level gastronomic offer . In the nishiki market you can taste the gastronomic varieties of the country, discover all kinds of foods and take away delicacies from its gourmet shops such as sauces and sesame spices. There are many restaurants throughout the city, and a varied offer in the streets of the Pontocho area, but Tokyo's offer is endless. From the ramen street under Tokyo Central Station, the yakitori street ( Omoide Yokocho ) with almost 50 restaurants in shinyuku , the izakayas (Japanese taverns) recognizable by the presence of red lanterns, theme restaurants and the Tsukiji fish market; where you can see the raw material, witness fish and taste the best sushi. Tokyo has no end.
Omoide Yokocho
10. The nightlife of the country is undoubtedly centered in the capital, and it is very varied. A city of 13 million inhabitants they have to have a lot to offer; for all musical tastes and of all sizes. the area of Shibuya it is full of record stores and bars that are located on floors of buildings. Roppongi It is one of the most lively where foreigners and Tokyoites come together to let their hair down in its large nightclubs. Y Shinjuku Golden Gai , full of picturesque pubs with a capacity of five to ten people with different styles and music that should not be missed under any circumstances. In Kyoto the revelry is calmer and the wishky and sake bars reign . Perfect for a drink after dinner in the pontocho area.
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Restaurant in Pontocho, Kyoto
NATURE
eleven. Kyoto is pure nature, an excess of green wherever you go . All the temples have beautiful gardens, trees and green areas. It is one of the best areas in Japan to see the momiji in autumn (reddening of the leaves) or the Hanami in spring ( cherry blossoms ) . A show like no other. You can get lost in the bamboo forest, walk along the bougainvillea-filled riverbank, admire the reflection of the gold temple in the lake, relax in the zen gardens, walk along the philosophers' walk or have a picnic in the park of Maruyama . Wherever you go you will find gardens, lakes, weeping willows, bonsai and flowers.
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Spring hanami in Kyoto
SHOPPING
12. Going shopping in Kyoto is a quiet and ideal walk to meet and buy traditional items of Japanese culture. Kimonos, handicrafts, antiques and food from Japanese cuisine. Modern items will be found in shopping malls and shops along the streets Kawaramachi and Shijō . In the zone of gion classic souvenirs. But the best are the markets; like the one from toji temple (21st of each month) or the Kitano Tenmangu Shrine (the day 25) . For an authentic atmosphere the Nishiki-koji street flea market.
13. Traditional shopping and markets in Kyoto vs. electronics, manga, anime, video games in Tokyo. In Shibuya we will find the trends of young people in Harajuku; haute couture in Omotesando; youth shops and freaks in Takeshita Dori; designer boutiques in Ginza, and electronics chains in Ikebukuro and Akihabara. kappabashi for everything related to the kitchen, the Yanesen for traditional Japanese crafts and Jimbocho with thousands of old bookstores with all kinds of sheets, papers and scores to frame.
Thirteen million inhabitants or a million and a half. Tradition vs modernity. Nature or metropolis. Urban or romantic atmosphere. Subway or bike. Kimonos or sleeve. Temples or skyscrapers. Gourmet cuisine or fresh sushi. We give you the hard-fought result but only you have the final decision.
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Shopping in Shibuya: PSYCHOTROPY