Kyoto

Kyoto is a city located in the Kansai region of Japan, on the island of Honshu. It was the capital of Japan for over a thousand years, from 794 until the mid-19th century, and it is considered the cultural heart of the country.

Kyoto is known for its numerous temples, shrines, and gardens, many of which are designated UNESCO World Heritage sites. Some of the most famous landmarks include:
1. Fushimi Inari Taisha, a Shinto shrine known for its thousands of torii gates that form a tunnel through the forest
2. Kiyomizu-dera, a Buddhist temple with a wooden stage overlooking the city
3. Kinkaku-ji Temple, a Zen Buddhist temple whose top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf
4. Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, where visitors can walk through a dense, tall bamboo forest
5. Enryaku-ji Temple, a Tendai monastery overlooking Kyoto founded in 788 by Saichō, a Japanese Buddhist monk credited with introducing the Tendai school of Buddhism to Japan

The city is also famous for its traditional Japanese culture, such as geisha and tea ceremonies. Visitors can experience these traditions firsthand by visiting Gion, a historic district where geisha entertain guests in traditional tea houses, or by participating in a tea ceremony at one of the many tea houses located throughout the city.

In addition to its cultural attractions, Kyoto also offers a vibrant dining scene, with many restaurants serving traditional Kyoto cuisine, which emphasizes seasonal and local ingredients. The city is also famous for its crafts, such as pottery, textiles, and lacquerware, which can be purchased at markets and shops throughout the city.

Overall, Kyoto is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Japanese culture, history, and tradition.

Destinations

Key sights to see

Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

Located in Fushimi-ku, Kyoto, at the base of a mountain named Inari, the Fushimi Inari Taisha is the shrine of the kami Inari, the Shinto god of rice, agriculture, industry and general prosperity. The shrine's primary attractions are its many mountain trails, the Romon Gate, and the two dense, parallel rows of gates called the Senbon Torii ("thousands of torii gates"). There are also many statues of foxes on the grounds, as foxes are thought to be the messengers of Inari.

Kiyomizu-Dera

Kiyomizu-dera is a historic Buddhist temple, founded in 778. One of its most striking features is the 13 meter high wooden stage supported by 139 pillars that juts out from the main hall, providing a stunning view of the city. The temple complex is also known for its beautiful gardens and numerous smaller buildings, including a pagoda and a hall dedicated to the deity of love and matchmaking. Visitors can also see the Otowa Waterfall, where three streams of water fall into a pond below.

Kinkaku-ji Temple

Kinkaku-ji, which literally means the "Temple of the Golden Pavilion," is a Zen Buddhist temple in Kyoto whose top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf. Formally known as Rokuonji, the temple was the retirement villa of the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. It became a Zen temple after his death in 1408, per his wishes. The building burned down several times in its history. The current structure dates back to 1955.

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is a popular tourist attraction located on the western outskirts of Kyoto, where visitors can stroll through a dense forest of tall bamboo stalks that tower over them, creating a sense of awe and wonder. The sound of the bamboo leaves rustling in the wind is said to have a therapeutic effect. The best time to visit is in the early morning or late afternoon when the light is softer, creating a more peaceful and intimate experience.

Tenryu-ji Temple

Founded in 1339 by Ashikaga Takauji, the first shogun of the Ashikaga Shogunate, Tenryu-ji is considered on the five great Zen Buddhist temples of Kyoto, and is closely associated with the Rinzai school of Zen Buddhism. The temple has a magnificent Zen garden, known as the Sogenchi Garden, and a beautiful stroll garden called the Shigetsu Garden, which offers different seasonal views. Tenryu-ji is also located adjacent to the iconic Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.

Enryaku-ji Temple

A Tendai monastery, overlooking Kyoto, Enryaku-ji was founded in 788 by Saichō, a Japanese Buddhist monk credited with introducing the Tendai school of Buddhism to Japan, and with being the first to bring tea to Japan. The temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the most important monasteries in the country. The key attractions of the temple are the Todo (east area), Saito (west area) and Yokawa, located several kilometers north of the other two areas.

Gion District

The Gion district is a historic neighborhood located in central Kyoto that is famous for its well preserved traditional architecture, narrow streets, and the presence of geisha and maiko, who are highly skilled entertainers that are trained in traditional arts such as music, dance, and tea ceremony. Visitors can see geisha and meiko walking through the streets, and can also attend performances or book private dinners with geisha and maiko at some of the traditional tea houses in the area.

Ryoan-ji Temple

Ryoan-ji Temple was originally built as a villa in the late 11th century during the Heian period. It was later converted into a Zen temple by the Hosokawa clan in the late 15th century. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Temple is renowned for its iconic Zen rock garden, which is considered one of the most important and influential examples of Japanese dry landscape (karesansui) gardens. In addition to the Zen rock garden, Ryoan-ji has other beautiful gardens and a large pond with islets.

The Philosophers Path

The Philosopher's Path is a picturesque walking trail that follows the course of a small canal that runs through the Higashiyama district in eastern Kyoto. The Path derives its name from the influential Japanese philosopher Nishida Kitaro, who was known to walk this route daily while deep in thought. One of the most famous features of the Philosopher's Path is its cherry blossoms (sakura) during springtime, as the path is lined with hundreds of cherry trees.

Okochi Mountain Villa

Okochi Sanso, also known as Okochi Mountain Villa is a hidden gem and historic site located in the Arashiyama district of Kyoto. It is a beautifully landscaped garden and villa complex that was once the private retreat of the legendary Japanese film actor, Denjirō Ōkōchi, who was known for his roles in samurai films during the early 20th century. One of the highlights of Okochi Sanso is the traditional Japanese teahouse named "Jibutsudō," where visitors can enjoy matcha (green tea) and seasonal sweets.

Activities

Exciting and memorable things to do

Full Day Kyoto Tour

Discover Kyoto on this day tour, with an experienced guide by your side. Visit Kinkaku-ji Temple, one of the country’s most visited sites. A far cry from Buddhist austerity, it is covered in real gold leaf, photogenically stunning at any time of year, no matter the weather. The story of the warlord who had this pavilion built will surely capture your mind, too. Next, stop by Ryoan-ji Temple which dates back to the Heian period (794-1185, and Kitano-Temmangu Shrine. In the afternoon, explore Kyoto along the Philosopher’s Path, a pleasant stone path that follows a canal lined by hundreds of cherry trees.

Half Day Arashiyama Tour

Head to the Arashiyama district, a popular destination since the Heian period (794-1185), when nobles would relax in its natural settings. Take a walk through the famous bamboo groves, which are particularly attractive when a light wind makes the tall bamboo stalks sway gently back and forth. Visit Nonomiya Shrine, a Shinto shrine, then enjoy some matcha tea and a light snack at Okochi Mountain Villa, the former villa of the popular samurai film star Okochi Denjiro (1896-1962). Finally, stop by Tenryu-ji, which is ranked among Kyoto’s five great Zen temples and the largest and most impressive temple in Arashiyama.

Geisha Cultural Experience

Get a rare peek into the world of Kyoto’s mysterious geisha districts, also known as ‘the flower and willow world’, and enjoy a traditional multi-course dinner. You will see a maiko perform dances to live music played by a senior geisha shamisen player. You will also get the chance to partake in a traditional geisha game, ask questions, and listen to their stories. Your translator is an expert in Kyoto geisha culture and will help you every step of the way. This is a unique chance to experience this refined form of entertainment, a mysterious world that even most Japanese find impenetrable.

Trips

Popular, customizable trips

Best of Japan

12 days / 11 Nights from $ 6499 per person

Experience the best of Japan on this 12 day journey through the country. Start in Tokyo and explore its many temples and famous shopping districts, before visiting the iconic Mt. Fuji and staying at a traditional Japanese Ryokan Onsen (Inn with hot springs). Then proceed to Kyoto and Nara, the cultural heart of Japan, to learn about Japanese spiritual beliefs, architecture, and traditions, and marvel at the natural beauty of its parks, especially during the Cherry Blossom season. Next, visit Hiroshima to see how this city has rebounded from its tragic and painful past, and gaze at the iconic Floating Torii gate on Miyajima Island, one of the most photographed sights in Japan. Finally, visit Osaka to experience its eclectic mix of historical and modern sights.

Kyoto

Destinations

Activities

Trips

12 days / 11 Nights from $ 6499 per person

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