Kyoto
Kyoto is Japan's cultural heart, with over 2,000 temples, shrines, and gardens. As the former imperial capital, it offers the most concentrated experience of traditional Japanese culture.
History
Kyoto was the imperial capital of Japan for over 1,000 years (794-1868). The city was spared from WWII bombing, preserving its historic districts. It was the site of the Kyoto Protocol climate agreement. The city is home to 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Famous for
How to reach
By rail: 2 hours from Tokyo by Shinkansen (Nozomi). By air: Itami Airport (domestic) and Kansai International Airport (international, 75 min by train).
Nearby attractions
Emergency contacts
About
Kyoto is the soul of Japan. The city is laid out in a grid pattern modeled after ancient Chinese capitals. Fushimi Inari Shrine's thousands of red torii gates create a stunning tunnel path up the mountain. Kinkaku-ji's golden pavilion reflected in a mirror pond is one of Japan's most iconic images.
The Arashiyama district offers the famous bamboo grove, the Togetsukyo Bridge, and the Iwatayama Monkey Park. Gion is Kyoto's famous geisha district, where you might spot maiko (apprentice geisha) walking to evening appointments. Traditional machiya townhouses line the atmospheric streets.
Kyoto is also the place to experience traditional crafts: pottery (Kiyomizu-yaki), weaving (Nishijin-ori), and lacquerware. The city's cuisine includes kaiseki (multi-course haute cuisine), shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian), and yudofu (hot tofu). The bamboo groves of Arashiyama are best visited early morning to avoid crowds.