top of page

ーKyoto Traveler's Promiseー

\ List of problem explanations /

\ Problem Explanations /

Dear Japanese people,

1. What we want tourists to keep in mind ・Question Which behavior should tourists take into consideration when making a trip that is considerate of the local community? ・Choices ① [Correct] Think about the impact on the local community and act with consideration for the local residents. ② Make your own enjoyment a priority. ③ Pay money to receive the services you need. ・Explanation Many tourist spots in Kyoto are located close to where local residents live, so the behavior of tourists can affect the lives of local residents. When sightseeing in Kyoto, please be considerate of the lives of local people and enjoy your trip by not talking loudly, not walking on the streets, and avoiding crowds!

2. Kyoto's special circumstances Question Some convenience stores and fast food restaurants in Kyoto City are different from those in other regions. What is it? Choices ①Business hours ②Language ③【Correct】Signboards Explanation Some convenience stores in Kyoto City often have different exterior colors, such as signs, compared to other prefectures. The reason is that colors and designs are regulated by ordinance to protect Kyoto's traditional landscape.

3. Private road off-limits areas Question In order to prevent nuisances such as "maiko paparazzi" who stalk maikos and take pictures all over the street, in which areas is it forbidden to enter private roads or take pictures without permission? Choices ① [Correct] Hanamikoji in Gion ② Pontocho ③ Ninenzaka (approach to Kiyomizu-dera Temple) Explanation To respect the lives of local residents and maikos while protecting Kyoto's culture and traditions, please refrain from stalking and other nuisances. You can also take pictures with maikos at Gion Corner and Hanamachi Art Museum.

4. When is it crowded? ・Question This is an image of the tourist comfort map for March 2024. At what time of day would you be able to avoid crowds around "Hanamikoji" on Saturday, March 30th? ・Choices ①8:00-9:00 ②13:00-14:00 ③15:00-16:00 ・Explanation To avoid crowds and enjoy sightseeing in Kyoto safely, securely and comfortably, we predict the tourist comfort level by time period for about two months in advance. In addition, we also broadcast live cameras at 10 tourist spots in the city. In addition, Kyoto City recommends morning and evening sightseeing so that you can enjoy famous tourist spots without the stress of crowds. By shifting the time of day a little, you can experience normal Kyoto.

5. Secrets unique to Kyoto machiya Question What is the purpose of these Kyoto machiya that can be seen around Hanamikoji? Choices ① To sit ② Trash can ③ [Correct] Mud guard Explanation This protects the house from mud splashes and also has a crime prevention effect to prevent passersby from approaching the house. It is also part of the design that enhances the beauty of the machiya. Kyoto machiya are actually inhabited by people, so please refrain from entering the premises or taking photos without permission so as not to disturb their lives.

6. Which one is the bamboo forest path? Question Which of the following photos is of the "bamboo forest path" in the Saga-Arashiyama area, famous for being visited by many tourists? Choices ① [Correct] A ② B ③ C Explanation B is the "Bamboo Path" in Muko City, and C is Adashino Nenbutsu Temple. In addition to the main tourist spots, Kyoto has many other great sightseeing spots.

7. Tourism issues on city buses ・Problem Which of the following are recent problems on Kyoto city buses? ・Options ①A (Many people do not give up priority seats) ②【Correct】B (Carrying large suitcases) ③C (Exhaust fumes) ・Explanation Kyoto has a wide range of luggage storage and delivery services. Please avoid bringing large luggage onto the bus as it will cause congestion. Take advantage of the comfortable "empty-handed sightseeing" and use public transportation smoothly. Also, in Kyoto, it is convenient to combine city buses and subways.

8. Reasons for the scarcity of trash cans in tourist areas Question Kyoto City has installed more trash cans around tourist areas than other cities in Japan, but there are times when the number of trash cans installed is reduced due to unavoidable circumstances. Please choose the reason that is not appropriate. Choices ① Because there are people who force their trash into a full trash can. ② Because household and business waste is dumped there. ③ [Correct] Because the design does not match the scenery Explanation This was a question that asked you to choose an option that is not appropriate. Trash cans that have become overflowing due to illegal dumping of household and business waste are removed in response to requests from the local community. In Kyoto City, we basically ask that you take your trash home with you, and please cooperate in beautifying the city of Kyoto by throwing away trash at the store where you bought it or taking it back to your accommodation during your trip.

9. Evacuation sites in case of disaster ・Question If a major earthquake or other disaster occurs while you are sightseeing in Kyoto, where should you go first? ・Choices ① City hall or ward office ② The nearest station (Kyoto Station, etc.) ③ [Correct] Emergency evacuation areas such as parks, temples, and shrines ・Explanation When a disaster occurs, it is dangerous to head to the station all at once, so first ensure your safety and evacuate to an emergency evacuation area. There are about 50 emergency evacuation areas in the city, such as Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Tenryu-ji Temple, and Nijo Castle, and in the event of a disaster, information such as the damage situation and train operation status is provided.

10. Manners when passing through a torii gate Question What should you be careful of when passing through the torii gates of shrines, which are common in Kyoto? Choices ① Don't talk ② [Correct] Don't walk in the center ③ Don't walk with shoes on Explanation The center of the torii gate is said to be the path of the gods, so when passing through the gate, walk on the left or right side. Also, temples and shrines are sacred places, so refrain from talking loudly.

For Foreigners

1. Things to keep in mind for everyone who visits Kyoto・Question Which of the following behaviors should tourists adopt to be considerate of local communities?・Choices ①【Correct】Be conscious of the impacts of their activities and behave considerately towards local residents ②Make their own enjoyment a top priority ③Pay money to receive necessary services・Explanation Tourist attractions in Kyoto are often located in close proximity to the homes of local residents, and the behavior of tourists can affect their lives. When sightseeing in Kyoto, please be considerate of the lives of local residents by not talking loudly, not walking spread out over the street, and avoiding congested times and places.

2. Special Circumstances in Kyoto・Question In Kyoto City, some convenience stores and fast food restaurants differ from those in other regions. What is the difference?・Choices ①Operating hours ②Regional dialect ③【Correct】Signage・Explanation In Kyoto City, some convenience stores have differently colored signs/logos and exterior designs, compared to other prefectures. To preserve Kyoto's traditional landscape, the colors and designs are regulated by ordinance.

3. No-entry areas to private roads・Question In which district is it prohibited to enter private alleys and take pictures without permission in order to prevent nuisance behavior such as and taking photos while blocking the road?・Choices ①【Correct】Hanamikoji in Gion district ②Pontocho ③Ninenzaka・Explanation Do not engage in nuisance behaviors, such as chasing and snapping maiko. Be sure to respect the lives of maiko and local residents while preserving the culture and traditions of Kyoto. You can have your photo taken with a maiko at the Gion Corner or the Gion Kagai Art Museum.

4. When are the busiest dates?・Question This image shows the Sightseeing Comfort Map for March 2024. What time of day would be best for sightseeing around Hanamikoji on Saturday, March 30, to avoid congestion?・Choices ①8:00-9:00 ②13:00-14:00 ③15:00-16:00・Explanation To allow tourists to avoid congestion and enjoy sightseeing in Kyoto in a safe, secure and comfortable manner, we forecast comfort levels around popular spots by time period during each day, up to approximately two months in advance. Live camera feeds from 10 popular sightseeing spots in the city are also available. Kyoto City recommends morning and evening sightseeing in order to enjoy famous sightseeing spots without the stress of congestion. By slightly shifting the time period of your visit, you can experience Kyoto as it normally is.

5. Secrets unique to traditional Kyoto townhouses・Question Around the Hanamikoji area, you can see this structure in front of traditional Kyoto townhouses. What is its purpose?・Choices ①To sit on ②Trash disposal ③【Correct】Mud protection・Explanation This fence protects the house from mud splashing. In addition, it protects the house from passers-by (security function). As part of a Kyo-machiya, it also enhances the beautiful architectural design of the house. Kyo-machiya are actually people's homes, so please do not enter their premises nor take photos without permission. Do not disturb residents' lives.

6. Which is the bamboo grove path?・Question Which of the following is the bamboo grove path, a famous tourist spot attracting many visitors located in the Saga and Arashiyama area?・Choices ①A ②B ③C・Explanation B is "Take-no-michi" (bamboo path) in Muko City and C is Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple. In addition to the main "must-see" sightseeing spots, there are many other sightseeing spots well worth visiting in Kyoto.

7. Tourism issues in city buses・Question Which of the following has become an issue affecting city bus services in Kyoto recently?・Choices ①A (Many people not giving up priority seats to those in need) ②B (Tourists bringing large suitcases into buses) ③C (Exhaust fumes)・Explanation In Kyoto, a wide range of luggage storage and delivery services are available. To avoid overcrowding, please do not bring large items of luggage onto buses. Take advantage of luggage services to enjoy "hands-free sightseeing" and smooth use of public transportation. Kyoto has an excellent public transport network. Combining the city bus and subway services is the most convenient way to get around in Kyoto.

8. Why are there so few trash cans in tourist areas?・Question Kyoto City aims to install more trash cans around tourist attractions than other cities in Japan, but sometimes has to reduce the number of trash cans due to unavoidable circumstances. Please select the most unlikely reason from the following scenarios.・Choices ①Because some people try to cram trash into already overflowing cans ②Because some people throw household waste or business waste into trash cans ③【Correct】Because the design does not match the landscape・Explanation In Kyoto City, trash cans that often overflow with trash thrown away by tourists and/or illegally dumped household or business waste are removed in response to requests from local residents. The City basically asks tourists to take their trash back to their accommodation. Please help to keep Kyoto's streets clean by disposing of trash at the shop where you bought products or taking your trash back to your accommodation during your trip.

9. Evacuation site in case of disaster・Question If a major earthquake or other disaster occurs while sightseeing in Kyoto, where should you go?・Choices ①To the City hall / ward offices ②To the nearest station ③【Correct】To an emergency evacuation site such as a park, temple or shrine・Explanation In the event of a disaster, it is dangerous if many people head for the nearest station all at once, so after securing your personal safety, go directly to an evacuation site. About 50 evacuation sites are designated in the city, including Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Tenryu-ji Temple, and Nijo-jo Castle. If a disaster occurs, be sure to check information such as damage conditions and train service status.

10. Manners when passing through the ""Torii"" at shrines・Question There are many shrines in Kyoto. How should you behave when passing through a ""Torii"", traditional Japanese gate found at shrines, symbolizing the entrance to a sacred space?・Choices ①Refrain from speaking ②【Correct】Avoid passing through the exact center of the ""Torii"" ③Take off your shoes・Explanation It is said that the line through the center of the torii gate is the path of the gods, so when passing through the gate, you should walk on the left or right side of the path. Also, since temples and shrines are sacred places, please do not talk.

If you answer all the questions correctly, you're sure to have a great time touring Kyoto!

Receive special offers at over 60 facilities and enjoy your own trip to Kyoto!

If you answer all the questions correctly in the quiz, you will definitely visit your visit to Kyoto more!
Receive special offers at over 60 facilities and enjoy your own personalized trip to Kyoto!

For those who want to know more about Kyoto

Please check out the following website for the best information on Kyoto.

For those who want to know more about Kyoto
Please check the following websites that provide valuable information on Kyoto.

4. When is it busiest?

・QuestionThis is an image of the tourist comfort map for March 2024. What time of day would be best to visit the area around Hanamikoji on Saturday, March 30th and avoid the crowds?

#14 When is it busy?_jp.jpg

Choices

①【Correct】8:00-9:00 ②13:00-14:00 ③15:00-16:00

・Explanation: To avoid crowds and enjoy sightseeing in Kyoto safely, securely and comfortably, we predict the comfort level of sightseeing by time period for about two months in advance. In addition, we also broadcast live cameras at 10 tourist spots in the city. In addition, Kyoto City recommends morning and evening sightseeing so that you can enjoy famous tourist spots without the stress of crowds. By shifting the time a little, you can experience normal Kyoto.

5. Secrets unique to Kyoto townhouses

Question: What is the purpose of these Kyoto townhouses seen around Hanamikoji?

#15 Kyomachiya's unique secrets.jpg

Choices

① To sit on ② A trash can ③ [Correct answer] A mudguard

・Explanation This protects the house from mud splashes and has a crime prevention effect that prevents passersby from approaching the house. It is also part of the design that enhances the beauty of the townhouse. Kyoto townhouses are actually inhabited by people, so please do not enter the premises or take photos without permission so as not to disturb their lives.

6. Which is the bamboo forest path?

Question: Which of the following is a photo of the "Bamboo Forest Path" in the Saga-Arashiyama region, which is famous for being visited by many tourists?

#16 Which is the bamboo forest path?.jpg

Choices

①【Correct Answer】A ②B ③C

・Explanation

B is the bamboo forest at Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple, and C is the "Bamboo Path" in Muko City. Kyoto has many special sightseeing spots in addition to the main tourist spots.

7. Tourism issues on city buses

Question: Which of the following has been a recent problem with Kyoto city buses?

#17Tourism issues on city buses.jpg

Choices

① A (Many people don't give up their priority seats) ② [Correct answer] B (Carrying on a large suitcase) ③C (exhaust gas)

・Explanation

Kyoto has a wide range of luggage storage and delivery services. Please avoid bringing large luggage onto the bus as it will cause congestion. Take advantage of the comfortable "empty-handed sightseeing" and use public transportation smoothly. In Kyoto, it is convenient to travel by combining city buses and subways.

4. When are the busiest dates?

・Question
This image shows the Sightseeing Comfort Map for March 2024. What time of day would be best for sightseeing around Hanamikoji on Saturday, March 30, to avoid congestion ?

#14 When is it busy?_en.jpg

・Choices

①【Correct】8:00-9:00 ②13:00-14:00 ③15:00-16:00

・Explanation

To allow tourists to avoid congestion and enjoy sightseeing in Kyoto in a safe, secure and comfortable manner, we forecast comfort levels around popular spots by time period during each day, up to approximately two months in advance.

Live camera feeds from 10 popular sightseeing spots in the city are also available. Kyoto City recommends morning and evening sightseeing in order to enjoy famous sightseeing spots without the stress of congestion. By slightly shifting the time period of your visit, you can experience Kyoto as it normally is.

5. Secrets unique to traditional Kyoto townhouses

・Question
Around the Hanamikoji area, you can see this structure in front of traditional Kyoto townhouses. What is its purpose?

#15 Kyomachiya's unique secrets.jpg

・Choices

①To sit on ②Trash disposal ③【Correct】Mud protection

・Explanation

This fence protects the house from mud splashing. In addition, it protects the house from passers-by (security function).

As part of a Kyo-machiya, it also enhances the beautiful architectural design of the house. Kyo-machiya are actually people's homes, so please do not enter their premises nor take photos without permission.

Do not disturb residents' lives.

6. Which is the bamboo grove path?

・Question
Which of the following is the bamboo grove path, a famous tourist spot attracting many visitors located in the Saga and Arashiyama area?

#16 Which is the bamboo forest path?.jpg

・Choices

①【Correct】A ②B ③C

・Explanation

B is "Take-no-michi" (bamboo path) in Muko City and C is Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple. In addition to the main "must-see" sightseeing spots, there are many other sightseeing spots well worth visiting in Kyoto.

7. Tourism issues in city buses

・Question
Which of the following has become an issue affecting city bus services in Kyoto recently?

#17Tourism issues on city buses.jpg

・Choices

①A (Many people not giving up priority seats to those in need)

②【Correct】B (Tourists bringing large suitcases into buses)

③C (Exhaust fumes)

・Explanation

In Kyoto, a wide range of luggage storage and delivery services are available. To avoid overcrowding, please do not bring large items of luggage onto buses. Take advantage of luggage services to enjoy "hands-free sightseeing" and smooth use of public transportation. Kyoto has an excellent public transport network. Combining the city bus and subway services is the most convenient way to get around in Kyoto.

Copyright © Kyoto City Tourism Association All rights reserved

bottom of page