Deservedly one of Japan’s most popular destinations, Kyoto has a huge wealth of temples, shrines and cultural practices to experience.
Kyoto plays an important role in Japan’s history as one of its ancient capitals, and even today has all the atmosphere and elegance you might expect from the emperor’s former city of residence. Famous for the multi-coloured, multi-course dining experience of kaiseki cuisine, home to Gion – Kyoto’s geisha district – and surrounded by lush nature, this city’s feeling of ‘heiwa’ (peace) prevails, even amongst the bustling tourist crowds.
- Taste Matcha tea during a traditional Tea Ceremony
- Go Geisha spotting in the Gion district
- Explore the many beautiful shrines and temples
- Visit Japan’s first capital, Nara and it’s magnificent World Heritage Sites
Nearby Nara was Japan’s first capital city and offers ancient wooden UNESCO temples, bowing deer and a giant golden Buddha statue, all at a more sedate pace than its neighbour, Kyoto.
In 2010, Nara celebrated the 1,300th anniversary of its ascension as Japan’s Imperial capital. Quieter and more sedate than Kyoto, it is the ideal place to slow down and delve into Japan’s ancient past.
