Reasons to Visit Japan
Modern and exciting cities make up much of the Japanese landscape, encapsulated by sleek bullet trains, flashing neon lights and dizzying skyscrapers. Scratch the surface to find hidden temples, preserved samurai quarters and local markets.
From delicate sashimi to prime grade steaks washed down with a local beer or a cup of hot sake, every mouthful you try in Japan will certainly be memorable and more often than not, delicious.
A stay in a Japanese ryokan inn is an unbeatable opportunity to experience true Japanese hospitality, including kaiseki cuisine, hot onsen baths and sleeping on a tatami mat.
Although the image of Japan is that of skyscrapers and flashing neon, most of the country is rural, rugged and mountainous, providing excellent walking and hiking in the summer and skiing in the winter.
Kyoto alone has over 1600 Buddhist temples and 400 Shinto shrines paying homage to a number of different deities and gods. Enter the through the large torii gate and contemplate.
From tea ceremonies and flower arrangements to lavish Geisha attended kaiseki banquets, Japanese culture is the most refined and elaborate in the world.
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The Mitsui Garden Kyoto Sanjo hotel is close to the main entertainment and shopping districts of the town and also handy for general sightseeing.
This small modern hotel is ideal for those wanting a convenient location in the city. Away from the railway station area, the hotel is close to the main entertainment and shopping districts of the town and also handy for general sightseeing. It has a restaurant, 'onsen' bathing room and there is a Starbucks coffee shop just outside the lobby. Along with the ideal location, we use this hotel over other standard tourist hotels in Kyoto because the facilities are more modern (many hotels in Kyoto are distinctly 'tired') and the service friendly. However, the standard rooms at the hotel are rather small.
Kyoto is the Japan of the imagination: a city of grand palaces, ornate shrines and exquisite gardens, mercifully spared from the bombing of World War II that razed other Japanese cities.
Our rating: First Class
Kyoto
Our rating: Deluxe
Further reading:Tours in JapanWhen to GoHighlightsItinerary IdeasPlaces to GoThings to DoAccommodationAbout JapanCountry Guides
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