Landmarks
From Kyoto hotels you can explore centuries of glorious and atmospheric landmarks, starting with the exquisite Golden Pavilion, Kinkaku-ji. Marvel at the giant red gates at Heian Jingu and relax in the maple-shrouded surroundings of Tofuku-ji temple with its atmosphere of Zen purity. At Daigo-ji Temple you will encounter one of this magical city's world heritage sites. Known as the ‘Temple of Flowers' and surrounded by astonishing natural colour in every season, this is an unforgettable place. The five-story pagoda Goju-no-to is now the oldest building in Kyoto. In a city said to house more than 1, 000 temples there are near endless possibilities for exploration.
Culture
The contrast between Kyoto and many of Japan's major cities is really dramatic. There is no sign here of the mesmerising ultra-modernism for which the country has become justly famous. Kyoto is all about authentic and ancient tradition, and not just through the glorious temples and shrines. Everyday life is imbued with the old ways too, which you can clearly see among the characterful traditional town houses and the timeless shopping streets with their little stalls selling tea, fish and tofu.
Culinary Kyoto
Being capital of Japan for 1, 200 years made Kyoto the kitchen of the Imperial Court, and high-ranking nobles inherited an incredible range of refined cuisines. That legacy is clearly evident in the city today. Eating out here is a unique, satisfying and multi-layered experience, from the pinnacle of Japanese culinary art known as kaiseki, to the pure, simple traditional dishes or ramen.
There are many speciality restaurants for sushi, tempura, soba and ramen, plus the city is also famous for its fabulous sweets, many of which are used in the Japanese tea ceremony.
Japanese cuisine or Washoku has attained such heights here, that in 2013, it was recognised as an intangible heritage by UNESCO. There is nothing intangible about the sensory treats that await you in the ancient streets of Kyoto.
Museums and galleries
With the whole city being a site of priceless heritage, it is no surprise to discover museums and galleries filled with rare and intriguing treasures. The Museum of Kyoto in the Central Area is a fine place to get your cultural bearings. There are permanent displays on city history, an excellent Fine Arts and Crafts Gallery and ‘Roji-tenpo', a reconstructed Edo-Period merchant street designed for shopping and dining.
The Kyoto National Museum in the East Area is a grand establishment that displays, preserves and researches artefacts and treasures owned by temples, shrines and the imperial household. Here you can wander among more than 12, 000 precious and rare items of fine art, craftsmanship and archaeology.
