Wallpaper*s Kyoto: A Review

Don't let the plain cover fool you, the Wallpaper* City Guide to Kyoto is chock full of terrific photography and insider tips about the trendiest places in the city. While the book is no Exploring Kyoto, which is a must have for the independent visitor to the city, it fills a niche in the crowded travel market with its focus on architecture and design. It also deserves credit for embracing some of Kyoto's newest buildings, such as Kyoto Station and the National Parliament Library. For those who have spent a considerable amount of time in the city, the Wallpaper* guide is perfect, for you are sure to discover a hidden gem to see on your next visit.

A look at their 24 Hours in Kyoto section tells you all you need to know about the book. In essence, the itinerary is aimed at the traveler seeking to impress his or her world weary friends by avoiding most of the traditional "must sees," highlighting places where it is better to "be seen."

They suggest that you start your day "touring a temple or two," but their lack of specific recommendations implies that one is essentially the same as the next. Perhaps if you have spent a week in the city, the phenomenon of being "templed out" would have you feeling as though there is nothing to distinguish them, but if it is really your only day in the city, why not see the best? Of their remaining six suggestions, three are devoted to cafes and restaurants--not the first thing I think about whenever I end up in a city short on time.

As for the tourist attractions themselves, they offer a mixed bag. Sanjusangendo is the longest wooden building in Japan, home to 1001 Kannon Bodhisattva statues, and is famous for hosting an annual archery competition on its grounds. On the face of it, all three claims to fame sound interesting, and were enough to lure me there. Touring the building in person, I found it to be less than the sum of its parts. It is a place that photographs well both inside and out, but curiously it is the only temple I would rather see in pictures than in person.

Their second recommendation, Ryoanji, is impossible to dispute, and it made my 24 hour list as well. While its nearby counterpoint, Kinkakuji, warrants inclusion in their Landmarks section, it is not mentioned here. Knowing how close the two sites are, you owe it to yourself to compare them on the same day.

Finally, they suggest a train ride on the Sagano Torakku Ressha in Arashiyama. While admittedly an area of great scenic beauty, highlighted by low green mountains and stands of bamboo, a tour is better suited for the traveler with 3-4 days in Kyoto who is inclined to spend an entire day in the northwest corner of the city.

If you have never been to Kyoto before, likely will never have a chance again, and really want to see the best the city has to offer, might I humbly suggest a look at my itinerary. Mind you, mix my traditional tourist attraction suggestions with their restaurant, bar, and hotel recommendations, and you just might end up with the best of both worlds.