Some travelers recommend staying near Kyoto Station for its convenience in transportation, making it easier to explore the city and take day trips. The area is described as having a variety of hotels at different price points. Downtown Kyoto, particularly around Kawaramachi Street and Shijo intersection, is favored for its proximity to shopping, dining, and historical sites like Gion.

According to forum posts, The Mitsui Kyoto, located across from Nijo Palace, and The Celestine near Kinniji Temple in Gion, are highly praised for their locations and quality of service. The Kyoto Inn Gion and its sister property, Kyoto Inn Second, are also popular for their proximity to cultural sites and traditional Japanese experiences.

For those interested in traditional Japanese accommodations, Ryokans are suggested, with budget-friendly options available. Travelers have also discussed the convenience of having hotels provide bicycles or being located near bike rental shops to facilitate easier exploration of the city.

According to forum posts, some of Kyoto's top attractions include Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion), Fushimi Inari Taisha with its iconic thousand torii gates, and Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. These sites are frequently visited and highly recommended by travelers for their unique cultural and scenic values.

Travelers have called out Nijo Castle and the Imperial Palace as must-visit historical sites in Kyoto. These locations offer a glimpse into Japan's rich history and architectural beauty. The Heian Jingu Shrine and its garden are also highly recommended.

For day trips, Nara is suggested as an easy half-day trip from Kyoto, accessible by train. For those looking for less crowded options, users suggest visiting the Tofuku-ji Temple, especially during the autumn foliage season, and exploring the quieter Chishaku-in Temple near Sanjusangendo.

Some travelers have discussed the ICOCA card as a versatile option for public transportation in Kyoto. It can be used on buses, subways, and some train lines, but it functions as a rechargeable card rather than offering unlimited travel.

According to forum posts, the Kyoto One-Day Pass, priced at ¥900 for adults, allows unlimited travel on city buses and is particularly useful for visiting multiple temples in one day. It is confirmed to cover routes like the bus from Ninna-ji Temple to Ryoan-ji and Kinkaku-ji Temple.

For travelers exploring beyond Kyoto, such as Nara or Himeji, some users have mentioned that no single pass covers all central Kansai cities (Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, Nara). Instead, they recommend using a combination of the ICOCA card and specific JR passes if extensive travel across these cities is planned.

Some travelers have recommended Kikunoi, a Michelin 3-star restaurant, for an authentic Kaiseki experience. It is advised to book early due to high demand. Another suggested place is Nakahara in Gion, known for offering a relatively inexpensive yet delicious dinner.

For those looking for more budget-friendly options, Kikunoi Roan offers a less expensive lunch menu. Additionally, travelers have mentioned Wakuden, located on the 11th floor of Isetan Department Store at Kyoto Station, as a venue providing a nice lunch service, though reservations are necessary.

For a unique dining experience, some users have suggested visiting Kibune to dine above the river, which provides a picturesque setting. This option, however, is seasonal and typically not available in colder months like November.

According to forum posts, popular attractions for families in Kyoto include the Iwatayama Monkey Park, Toei Kyoto Studio Park, Kyoto Railway Museum, Samurai Museum, and the Kyoto City Zoo. These venues offer interactive and engaging experiences suitable for children.

Some travelers mentioned that areas like Arashiyama are great for families, offering nature trails, the Bamboo Forest, and the Monkey Park, providing a mix of adventure and cultural exposure that can be appealing to kids.

Travelers have called out other kid-friendly sites such as the Manga Museum and various temple grounds, which often intrigue older children with their history and architecture. The Nishiki Market and nearby shopping areas also offer a sensory feast that can keep children entertained with various sights and tastes.

Some travelers mentioned using luggage forwarding services for transferring luggage between Kyoto and other cities like Tokyo and Hiroshima. These services generally provide next-day delivery, and users can designate the delivery day on the form. However, they require payment upfront if the receiving hotel does not offer cash-on-delivery.

According to forum posts, convenience stores in Kyoto, like 7-Eleven, can also handle luggage forwarding through services like Kuroneko. Staff at these stores can assist with filling out the necessary paperwork, making this a convenient option for travelers unsure about the process.

Travelers have called out that some hotels in Kyoto, such as the Henn Na Hotel, do not handle payment for luggage delivery, posing a challenge for guests wishing to forward luggage directly from these hotels. In such cases, travelers are advised to use alternative services like those at convenience stores or designated transport service centers.

According to forum posts, the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is accessible by train or tram from Kyoto. Travelers can take the Hankyu train to Hankyu Arashiyama Station or the Randen (Keifuku) tram to either Arashiyama or Randen-Saga Station. The bamboo grove is a close walk from these stations.

Some travelers suggested visiting the bamboo grove early in the morning to avoid crowds, as it tends to get very busy throughout the day. The area is also described as being particularly crowded during peak tourist seasons like cherry blossom and foliage seasons.

For those interested in exploring beyond the bamboo grove, the area offers other attractions such as Tenryuji Temple, Okochi Sanso Garden, and various scenic walking paths. The Sagano Scenic Railway is also a popular activity nearby, providing beautiful views along the Hozugawa River, especially recommended outside the peak tourist seasons to avoid overcrowding.

Some travelers recommended Hiiragiya and its annex as top choices for a Ryokan experience in Kyoto, highlighting their prestige and quality. However, it was noted that the annex is currently undergoing operational adjustments.

For those looking for more budget-conscious options, various posts pointed to websites like japaneseguesthouses.com for a range of Ryokans at different price points. Specific budget-friendly recommendations were not detailed in the posts.

For travelers with specific needs such as family-friendly environments or vegetarian options, the posts suggested looking into ryokans that either do not require dinner to be taken onsite or can cater to special dietary requirements. No specific Ryokans were named for these criteria.

Several users expressed a preference for Ryokans located in or near central Kyoto for ease of access to local sites and transportation. However, detailed recommendations focusing on exact locations within central Kyoto were limited.