Experience the Magic of Kyoto
Scroll to discover the city's most vibrant districts
Kyoto, the cultural heart of Japan, is a city where ancient traditions and timeless beauty come alive. Once the imperial capital for over a thousand years, it remains home to countless historical treasures, including serene temples, elegant shrines, and beautifully preserved tea houses. The city is famous for landmarks such as Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), Fushimi Inari Shrine with its endless red torii gates, and Kiyomizu-dera, offering sweeping views of the city. Kyoto’s traditional districts, like Gion, keep the spirit of old Japan alive with wooden machiya houses and the graceful presence of geisha and maiko. Seasonal beauty enhances its charm—cherry blossoms in spring, vibrant maple leaves in autumn, and quiet snow-covered gardens in winter. With its rich history, refined arts, peaceful Zen gardens, and culinary traditions, Kyoto offers travelers a deep and unforgettable experience of Japan’s cultural soul
Nijo Castle
Nijo-jo Castle is one of Kyoto’s most impressive and historically significant landmarks, showcasing the immense power the shoguns held over Japan during the Edo Period. Built with towering stone walls and surrounded by deep moats, the castle clearly reflects the authority and dominance of the military rulers who controlled the nation for centuries. Unlike the soaring, fortress-like appearance of Himeji-jo Castle, Nijo-jo is designed with lower, sprawling structures that still convey strength and grandeur. Its buildings are richly decorated, and the famous “nightingale floors” were crafted to chirp when walked upon, serving as a clever security measure against intruders. The castle grounds are surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens, featuring seasonal flowers, serene ponds, and traditional walkways that enhance the overall charm. Nijo-jo Castle remains a remarkable testament to samurai-era power, architectural elegance, and Kyoto’s deep historical heritage
Kiyomizudera Temple
Otowasan Kiyomizudera Temple was founded in 778. Its history dates back over 1200 years. As a holy place where the deity Kannon’s great compassion prevails, the temple has long been open to citizens of all classes. History books and literature describe how large numbers of people have enjoyed visiting Kiyomizu-dera Temple throughout its history. Halfway up Mt. Otowa, one of the peaks in Kyoto’s Higashiyama mountain range, stands Kiyomizu-dera Temple, which is abundantly blessed with nature. It provides landscapes to match each season, including cherry blossoms in spring, lush green in summer, colored leaves in autumn, and snows capes in winter
Sagano Bamboo Grove
Arashiyama is a pleasant, touristy district in the western outskirts of Kyoto. The area has been a popular destination since the Heian Period (794-1185), when nobles would enjoy its natural setting. Arashiyama is particularly popular during the cherry blossom and fall color seasons. The walking paths that cut through the bamboo groves make for a nice walk or bicycle ride. The groves are particularly attractive when there is a light wind and the tall bamboo stalks sway gently back and forth. The bamboo has been used to manufacture various products, such as baskets, cups, boxes and mats at local workshops for centuries
Fushimi Inari Shrine
Fushimi Inari Shrine, located in southeast Kyoto, is one of Japan’s most celebrated and visually iconic Shinto shrines, and it is also part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice, prosperity, and business, the shrine has been a place of worship for centuries. Fushimi Inari is world-famous for its breathtaking pathway of more than 10,000 bright orange torii gates, which create stunning tunnels that stretch across the wooded slopes of Mt. Inari. These gates, donated by individuals and businesses, form long, winding trails that lead visitors from the main shrine grounds up into the peaceful forested hills. Walking through the torii tunnels offers a magical and unforgettable experience, with shifting light, quiet surroundings, and scenic viewpoints along the way. Fushimi Inari Shrine remains one of Kyoto’s most iconic and spiritually captivating destinations
EXCURSION FROM KYOTO
Kyoto, the cultural heart of Japan, is a city where ancient traditions and timeless beauty come alive. Once the imperial capital for over a thousand years, it remains home to countless historical treasures, including serene temples, elegant shrines, and beautifully preserved tea houses. The city is famous for landmarks such as Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), Fushimi Inari Shrine with its endless red torii gates, and Kiyomizu-dera, offering sweeping views of the city. Kyoto’s traditional districts, like Gion, keep the spirit of old Japan alive with wooden machiya houses and the graceful presence of geisha and maiko
Nijo Castle
Nijo-jo Castle is one of Kyoto’s most impressive and historically significant landmarks, showcasing the immense power the shoguns held over Japan during the Edo Period. Built with towering stone walls and surrounded by deep moats, the castle clearly reflects the authority and dominance of the military rulers who controlled the nation for centuries. Unlike the soaring, fortress-like appearance of Himeji-jo Castle, Nijo-jo is designed with lower, sprawling structures that still convey strength and grandeur. Its buildings are richly decorated, and the famous “nightingale floors” were crafted to chirp when walked upon, serving as a clever security measure against intruders. The castle grounds are surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens, featuring seasonal flowers, serene ponds, and traditional walkways that enhance the overall charm. Nijo-jo Castle remains a remarkable testament to samurai-era power, architectural elegance, and Kyoto’s deep historical heritage
Kiyomizudera Temple
Otowasan Kiyomizudera Temple was founded in 778. Its history dates back over 1200 years. As a holy place where the deity Kannon’s great compassion prevails, the temple has long been open to citizens of all classes. History books and literature describe how large numbers of people have enjoyed visiting Kiyomizu-dera Temple throughout its history. Halfway up Mt. Otowa, one of the peaks in Kyoto’s Higashiyama mountain range, stands Kiyomizu-dera Temple, which is abundantly blessed with nature. It provides landscapes to match each season, including cherry blossoms in spring, lush green in summer, colored leaves in autumn, and snows capes in winter
Sagano Bamboo Grove
Arashiyama is a pleasant, touristy district in the western outskirts of Kyoto. The area has been a popular destination since the Heian Period (794-1185), when nobles would enjoy its natural setting. Arashiyama is particularly popular during the cherry blossom and fall color seasons. The walking paths that cut through the bamboo groves make for a nice walk or bicycle ride. The groves are particularly attractive when there is a light wind and the tall bamboo stalks sway gently back and forth. The bamboo has been used to manufacture various products, such as baskets, cups, boxes and mats at local workshops for centuries
Fushimi Inari Shrine
Fushimi Inari Shrine, located in southeast Kyoto, is one of Japan’s most celebrated and visually iconic Shinto shrines, and it is also part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice, prosperity, and business, the shrine has been a place of worship for centuries. Fushimi Inari is world-famous for its breathtaking pathway of more than 10,000 bright orange torii gates, which create stunning tunnels that stretch across the wooded slopes of Mt. Inari. These gates, donated by individuals and businesses, form long, winding trails that lead visitors from the main shrine grounds up into the peaceful forested hills. Walking through the torii tunnels offers a magical and unforgettable experience, with shifting light, quiet surroundings, and scenic viewpoints along the way. Fushimi Inari Shrine remains one of Kyoto’s most iconic and spiritually captivating destinations