Introducing Kyoto ...

Kyoto Prefecture is a sightseeing centre where people worldwide return time and time again. From the end of the Nara Period (794), Kyoto has functioned as the crossroads of Japanese history. From its beginnings as the Kunikyo and Nagaokakyo settlements until the Emperor moved to Kyoto, it was the capital of Japan for over 1000 years. Even today, Kyoto is the cultural centre of Japan, and continues to be loved by Japanese and people of the world alike. The ancient capital of Kyoto, whose traditions have been matured through the ages, is now making startling advancements. Its rich culture and experience are being utilised in modern technological industries. Traditional skills developed more than 1000 years in this ancient capital are now being utilized in cutting-edge technologies. Furthermore, the people of Kyoto have produced many religious arts and forms of entertainment. Countless religious Shinto rituals and festivals have captured the imagination of people the world over.

Attractions

 

The Golden Pavilion – Built as the Shariden, it is covered with gold. The image of the pavilion, which stands at the edge of Kyokochi pond, is reflected in the water. Major repair work performed in 1987 has further enhanced its brilliance.

The Kinakuji Temple (Silver Pavilion) – It is a Buddhist temple in the Sakyo ward of Kyoto. Ashikaga Yoshimasa initiated plans for creating a retirement villa and gardens as early as 1460. After his death, Yoshimasa would arrange for this property to become a Buddhist temple. The official name is Jishoji or the "Temple of Shining Mercy."

The Ryoanji Temple – Also known as Temple of the Peaceful Dragon, it is a Zen temple located in northwest Kyoto. Belonging to the Myoshinji school of the Rinzai branch of Zen Buddhism, the temple is one of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Kiyomizu Temple – It is an independent Buddhist temple in eastern Kyoto. The temple is part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto and one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites. Surprisingly, not one nail is used in the whole temple.

The Byodoin Temple – This temple was originally built in 998 in the Heian period as a rural villa of Fujiwarano Michinaga, one of the most powerful members of the Fujiwara clan. This villa was changed to a Buddhist temple by Fujiwarano Yorimichi in 1052. The most famous building in the temple is the Phoenix Hall, constructed in 1053. It is the only remaining original building, surrounded by a scenic pond; additional buildings making up the compound were burnt down during a civil war in 1336.

The Sanjusangendo Temple – A Buddhist temple in Kyoto, it is officially known as Hall of the Lotus King. This temple name literally means Hall with ‘‘thirty space s between columns’’, describing the architecture of the long remain hall of the temple.

The Nishi Honganji Temple – Nishi Honganji (or, ‘The Western Temple of the Original vow’), is one of two temple complexes of Jodo Shinshu in Kyoto, the other being Higashi Honganji (or, 'The Eastern Temple of the Original vow'). Today it serves as the head temple of the Jodo Shinshu organisation.

The Nijo Castle – One of the highlights of Kyoto, the series of ornately-decorated reception rooms within the Ninomaru complex is particularly impressive and known for its "nightingale floors" - wooden flooring which makes bird-like squeaking sounds when stepped on. From the donjon of the inner castle, you can get good views over the castle layout, and the rest of the city.

The Fushimi Inari Shrine – It is the head shrine of Inari, located in Fushimi Area, Kyoto. The shrine sits at the base of a mountain also named Inari, and includes trails up the mountain to many smaller shrines. Because Inari is the god of business, each of the Torii is donated by a Japanese business. Merchants and manufacturers worship Inari for wealth. Donated torii lining footpaths are part of the scenic view.

The Heian Shrine – A giant gate towers above the approach to the Heian Shrine leading to the main sanctuary - reminiscent of the colourful Monarchic Age. Although this shrine seems old, it was actually built in 1895 to commemorate the 1,100th anniversary of the capital's being moved to Kyoto. The sanctuary, painted brilliant vermilion and green, is a replica of the main administrative building of the Heian Capital, reduced in size to 5/8 of the original structure. Behind the main sanctuary is the expansive stroll-style landscape Shinen Garden, with its drooping cherries, wisteria and other trees.

The Kyoto Imperial Palace – The Kyoto Imperial Palace, which was the residence of the Imperial family until the capital was moved to Tokyo in 1869, is located in Kyoto Gyoen park. Within the Imperial Palace grounds, which are enclosed by a roofed earthen wall, are the Palace Hall and the Minor Palace – reminiscent of the dynastic age.

The Arashiyama Area – It is a district on the western outskirts of Kyoto. It also refers to the mountain across the Oi River, which forms a backdrop to the district. Notable tourist sites in Arashiyama include The Iwatayama Monkey Park, the romantic "Moon Crossing Bridge", the tombstone of the Heike courtesan Kogo of Sagano, the Tenryuji Temple, the Shinto Shrine and the Matsuo Shrine.

The Sake Warehouse – The relaxing town Fushimi features buildings dating back to the Meiji Restoration and white-walled sake warehouses. The many sake warehouses here remind you of the famous Fushimi sake.

The Handicraft Centre – Featuring an exhibit of traditional handicrafts and a gallery presenting traditional industries via video and personal computers, it is inside of Kyoto Kangyokan Hall in the green culture and arts zone of Okazaki Park. With its well-designed exhibit space, the museum offers many colourful ideas for the future, including a wealth of information regarding traditional industry.

The Hozu River – The Hozu River runs from Kameoka to Arashiyama, over a length of about 10 miles. It is possible to see a variety of wild life, such as turtles, birds and snakes, and a vista of natural beauty here, and you will also get a feeling for what old time travel must have been like.

The Toei Uzumasa Movie Land – Uzumasa used to be called the "Hollywood of Japan." Many movies were shot here. It gives you an opportunity to learn about the history of Japanese film culture, while also enjoying various attractions, including seeing "real" Samurai and Ninja. You can also turn into a samurai or a princess, not only by putting on the right costume but with real disguises, including wigs and makeup - then walk around the movie land and take pictures. You can also see historical movies and TV shows being shot. This is certainly a tourist spot not to be missed by anyone interested in Japanese movies or Samurai.

The Yuzen Dyeing – Invented in the middle of Edo era (around 1700) by Miyazaki Yuzen-sai, and it has been the ultimate art of kimono dyeing ever since. Some say that once Yuzen have come into style, twenty of other dyeing styles were extinct. This may be an exaggeration but is implying how greatly Yuzen affected the dyeing culture.

The Ikebana (Flower Arrangement) – It is the Japanese art of flower arrangement, also known as "way of flowers". More than simply putting flowers in a container, Ikebana is a disciplined art form in which nature and humanity are brought together. Contrary to the idea of floral arrangement as a collection of multicoloured arrangement of blooms, ikebana often puts emphasis on other areas of the plant, such as its stems and leaves, and highlights towards shape, contour and structure.

The Kimono – Kyoto is also a major centre of the textile industry that makes authentic kimonos, which in 21st-century Japan are primarily worn for special occasions such as official holidays and are usually more expensive than modern clothing.

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Our tours featuring Kyoto:

| Nostalgic Japan Tour | Back to Edo | Imperial & Spiritual Japan | Japan Panorama |

| Anti-crisis Holidays |