Visit Kyoto, Japan
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.
For many centuries Kyoto was Japan’s capital and to this day retains the nation’s greatest and most glorious concentration of cultural treasures.
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. It has not stood still however, and this is undeniably a modern city, but amongst the new developments pockets of ancient Japan linger, where kimonoclad Geisha still shuffle along narrow, lamp-lit streets.
Stay in a ryokan
We have selected some of Japan’s finest ryokan to allow you to truly experience this magical atmosphere and to ensure your visit to Kyoto is the highlight of your time in Japan. Such is the wealth of attractions in Kyoto that we recommend at least a few days to savour the atmosphere, exploring independently, with an experienced private guide or as part of a guided group tour.
Traditional crafts and pastimes
Japan is rightly famed for the delicacy and refinement of its traditional crafts and pastimes, such as Ikebana flower arranging, origami, bonsai and earthenware pottery. The Women’s Association of Kyoto have established a range of short introductions to various aspects of Japanese culture, craft and cookery that allow foreign visitors to Kyoto to visit a real Japanese home and try their hand at traditional skills. Courses are run by local women keen to share their hobbies and skills with visitors, and offer the chance to enrich your time in Japan by interacting with local people on an individual level.
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