Asia’s magical city, Kyoto offers a unique insight into Japan’s majestic history and unending beauty. The size of a small metropolis, Kyoto lies in a fertile valley steeped by picturesque mountains, so that visitors can enjoy the pace of the city, together with the harmony of the countryside.
Functional would be the most apropos word of choice to describe Tokyo. The subway is phenomenal!!!!! Easy to read, well marked, colour coded, clean, on time, computerized displays at every stop and before each future stop, etc. Could not get lost if we tried. Only three hours from Tokyo by bullet train, Kyoto is characterised by its four distinct seasons, each of which blossom to reveal new and unexpected charms. In Spring, the cherry blossoms welcome holidaymakers into the mountains, sprinkled with surreal shrines, temples and cultural sites. Summer is festival time, with abundant sunshine, lantern displays and fireworks bursting over the heads of fishermen on the rivers. In Autumn, the harvesting season begins, with rain festivals and dancing demonstrating the beauty of Kyoto’s culture. And in Winter, snow blankets the city, only to subside quickly to the return of the flowers that define this gorgeous location.
Sightseeing in Kyoto is a breeze, with tours of the city’s best-loved features departing regularly. For instance, take a ‘Kyoto Afternoon’ tour, an affordable and exciting journey that takes visitors to key tourist destinations such as:
• Heian Shrine (an ancient Japanese court surrounded by elegant gardens);
• Kiyomizu Temple (nestled amid traditional shops, on a hill from which the entire city can be surveyed); and
• Sanjusangendo Hall (an incredibly long, wooden temple hall housing thousands of statues of Buddhist gods).
Alternatively, take the Sagano Scenic Railway, which travels through Kyoto’s spectacular mountain and river regions.
For many, the Phoenix Hall and Pure Land Garden are foremost among Kyoto’s amazing historical sightseeing opportunities. This gigantic traditional structure, which resembles a soaring bird, is thousands of years old yet sparkles like a diamond among huge water-filled gardens. Recent archaeological excavations have revitalised the area, revealing an original network of gardens, bridges and corridors that have been restored to a shimmering glory.
Another must-see in Kyoto is the Uji City Municipal Tea Ceremony House, located not far from the Phoenix Hall and offering a traditional Japanese tea ceremony experience. This cultural activity, unique to Japan and born in Kyoto, offers a taste of the spiritual side of Japanese life.
Parts of Kyoto are world-renowned as sites of historical interest. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Rokuon-ji Temple (also known as the Golden Pavilion) features the world’s most famous landscape gardens, established since 1450 and conveying an impression of unlimited space.
For lovers of urban bustle and thrills, there are museums, theme parks and endless possibilities for learning, exploring, shopping and relaxing. The Shijo Karawamachi area, for example, is lined with some of Japan’s finest department stores and shopping arcades, which surround Kyoto’s busiest intersection. Not too far away is the Nishiki Food Market, where Kyoto’s best fresh produce invites you to look, taste and enjoy Japan’s beloved cuisine.
Kyoto is Japan’s traditional capital, where the nation’s ancient traditions meet its phenomenal modern excitements. Truly the heart of Japan, Kyoto offers visitors a special journey into Asia and an experience that cannot be forgotten.