Hi, not many know me here, I am kind of new. Anyway, as part of the exchange program (Monbukagakusho Scholarship), I transferred for a couple semesters to Kyoto University. Its kind of crazy out here, considering there's less than thirty students in the whole university that speak english (forcing me to make the best of my high school/college japanese).

Kyoto is a beautiful city, with lots of great things to do. I thought I'd let people know where the fun is.

Kyoto is located in the Kansai region of the Honshu island of Japan. It used to be the capital during imperial times, and so it has much of the ancient architecture of Japan, as well as modern buildings dotting its downtown area. Note for those who like cars, Kyoto was built in accordance with chinese geomancer's laws in mind... meaning the layout is annoying, even though your chi is properly aligned >.>

Okay, first, you need to get used to the fact that in Kyoto, it's either going to be really hot or really cold, depending on season, so pack accordingly.
I recommend sweatshirts and a good coat or two with fleece/flannel-lined pants for winter, and shorts/airy-pants and t-shirts for summer (don't forget sunglasses ^^).

On to the sights!
Any traveler wanting to visit Japan MUST see the Kyoto Gosho. It is the most beautiful castle in all of Japan bar none. The traditional architecture is surrounded by lush and equally beautiful gardens. Must see, if you miss this, you've missed the heart of Japan.

Kinkaku-ji, (aka Rokuon-ji, or The Golden Pavillion), is a sight to be seen. This structure, viewed from afar, looks like it floats atop the water, and its reflection in the water is stunning.

Ugh, I need to attend to some things, but I've given some backstory on the city and a couple fun places to go. Next update will include good places to eat, and nightlife.

this is really neat. i always wanted to go to japan (college japanese didn't help), but i've always been slightly terrified of it.

oh, and good on you for being an sk fan.

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sounds so magical....your are so lucky

I only have a little bit of time, I have a class in half an hour, but thanks for the comments^^

I was really excited when I found out that my application to Kyoto-U was accepted, and I really like it here.

Anyway, yeah, I will post more soon, particularly things pertaining to food (places to eat, etiquette, types of food, etc.) and maybe nightlife if I have time. Anyway, it's nice to see people are interested in what I was sure would be a topic flop.

Are you still around? I am going to Japan at the end of April and I'm so excited!!! Are you still in Kyoto? I'm assuming you probably know a lot more now than when you posted this so I'd love an update!