Why is Kyoto a Must-See?

Kyoto is a must-see since you can see things there that you can't see in every other place, starting from legendary old-style entertainment women (better known as geisha, maiko, and geiko).
You can learn about Japan's religions, from Shinto to Zen-Buddhism, see amazing temples, understand that matcha isn't for you at first, but then you fall in love with it, probably before you understand it's packed with caffeine, navigate the crowds while observing the bamboo forest ^{(*Arashiyama Bamboo Grove)} and the famous torii gates ^{(*Fushimi Inari Shrine)}, and rent traditional Japanese clothes for a photo session (though it's like wearing an "I <3 NY" shirt in Times Square – modern Japanese people typically wear suits or the local version of Crocs).
In addition to all this, Kyoto boasts shops, bars, and incredible food.

Why Did I Say Unfortunately?

Alright, so before you slip into that kimono and hunt down the hottest onsen, let's answer question number two.
Kyoto's awesome, tons to see and do. But hey, I gotta be honest – it’s packed with tourists.
Those tiny streets? Yeah, sometimes you can barely walk there.
The maiko and geiko suffer from stupidity of tourists that don’t respect them and look at them like they’re a walking attraction that they must take a photo of, and probably the last thing they want in their long schedule is feeling like they are animals that run away from instagram hunters (respect them when you come!).
Kyoto is considered the place to see old-time Japan, but is it really a city stuck in the past if Amy and Taylor walk through it with their fancy geta?^{*(geta: wooden japanese flip flops)}
If you truly want to look like a Japanese woman, it involves cosmetic surgeries and wearing the local version of Crocs (I don't get why these are considered fashionable here, but hey, I’m not Coco Chanel and I’m not here to judge!)

How Much Time Do I Need for Kyoto?

You can visit Kyoto for a day trip from Osaka (it's not that far and there's a short direct train ride).
For a more relaxed experience, however, I recommend spending at least 2-3 nights in Kyoto.
This will allow you to explore the city at a leisurely pace and truly enjoy your vacation.
During my first visit to Kyoto, I saw most of the attractions you can experience on a day trip, except for the Fushimi Inari-taisha torii gates and the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.
I wasn't up for waking up early to avoid the crowds, so I skipped those on my stay.

What to Do in Kyoto?

You can visit Kyoto's main attractions on a day trip.
This includes exploring the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and the iconic torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine.
Go to an authentic shopping experience at Nishiki Market (it's well-known that in old times, Japanese samurai bought their shields in Zara)...
Take a guided walking tour to learn about the city's religious significance and visit its historical landmarks.
Enjoy a relaxing walk along the scenic river at sunset time before returning to Osaka.
If you have more time, you can slow down and truly experience Kyoto's magic.
Revisit some of the temples you saw on the guided tour, or Immerse yourself in Japanese culture with a traditional tea ceremony or a geisha performance and even rent a beautiful kimono for a photo session for your instagram.

Should I Visit Kyoto?

Sure, Kyoto's cool, but it isn't exactly a hidden gem anymore.
It can get crowded, and sometimes it might feel a bit like Disneyland for Japanese history.
But hey, the historical sites and cultural experiences are undeniably impressive.
If you're cool with sharing the experience, Kyoto's worth a visit.