"Washed again in Kurama, we had ascended to the sky without uttering a word, our hands knotted, riveted to the immense trees, drunk with azure and light. "
The traditional neighborhood of Gion along with its Geisha has contributed to making Kyoto famous. Despite an urban metamorphosis, the spirit of Kyoto positively asserts itself here.
Kyoto away from the crowds: Saki, our Travel Angel residing on-site, reveals her ten favorites in Kyoto. What to see in Kyoto? Which temples to visit in Kyoto?
The Philosopher's Path (Tetsugaku no Michi in Japanese) in northeast Kyoto gets its name from a famous philosopher who regularly walked this route for quiet contemplation.
Like many other cities, it's possible to enjoy Kyoto through various free tours and activities. Discover which shrines, parks, side streets and famous sites are free to explore in Kyoto...
Arashiyama Kimono Forest Kyoto is an art installation of 600 clear, acrylic cylinders with Kyo-yuzen kimono designs around Arashiyama Keifuku Randen Station.
North of Kyoto Prefecture, along the Sea of Japan and nestled in Ine Bay, this remote village has a rich history and its identity is deeply rooted in the region.
Located in the center of Kyoto, a stone's throw from Nijo Castle, the historic district of Aneyakoji has managed to preserve its charm and peaceful atmosphere.
The Asahi Beer Oyamazaki Villa Museum of Art near Kyoto houses an extensive collection of Mingei craft works collected by Tamesaburo Yamamoto (1893-1966).
Fushimi Kyoto Walk: Fushimi in south east Kyoto is known for its sake brewing. The area was an important river link to Osaka in the Edo Period and makes for a pleasant half-day walk with lunch.
Omi Shrine (Omi Jingu), near Otsu in Shiga Prefecture, was built in 1940 during the Showa Period. The shrine is dedicated to the Emperor Tenji (626-672).
Tanabe Castle, in Maizuru, Kyoto Prefecture was besieged in the run up to the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600. Tanabe Castle was defended by just 500 men against 15,000 attackers.
Takayama Hikokuro and Izumo Okuni: Takayama Hikokuro (1747-1793) was a celebrated samurai of the Edo Period (1600-1868). His statue (on Sanjo, a few meters east of Kawabata) is hard to miss.
Kyoto's Okazaki district, centered arond Heian Shrine, contains a number of museums and other places of interest including Kyoto City Zoo, Rohm Theater and Miyako Messe.
Walk south on Teramachi from Imadegawa in Kyoto to discover historic temples, shrines, stores and restaurants on Teramachi and and Shinkyogoku streets.
Ohara is picturesque village located in the north east of Kyoto known for a cluster of Tendai-sect temples famous for their amazing autumn colors and connections with Buddhist chanting and music.
Oharano: read a guided to the pleasant suburb of Oharano in the south west of Kyoto with a number of pretty temples and shrines including Shojiji (Hana-no-tera) famous for its cherry blossom.
Teramachi is an historic street in Kyoto, lined with historic temples and shrines, that runs from Kuramaguchi in the north to south of Shijo in the downtown area.
The Kyoto International Exhibition Hall, Miyako Messe in Okazaki is a large convention center which includes the Kyoto Museum of Traditional Crafts, Fureaikan, which exhibits a wide range of Kyoto'
Miyama, north west of Kyoto city has remote, mountain villages that retain a rural and traditional way of life, with thatched roofs and old crafts kept alive.
Kawaramachi Catholic Church in the center of Kyoto dates from 1967 and is the cathedral for the diocese which includes Kyoto, Nara, Shiga and Mie prefectures.
Iwakura is a quiet, secluded district of north east Kyoto at the foot of Mt. Hiei famous for Jissoin Temple and the former residence of Iwakura Tomomi.
Although walking distance from the busy street of Hanamikoji dori in the heart of the famous Gion district in Kyoto, the district of Shirakawa is often a peaceful haven.
Takaragaike: Takaragaike Lake in Kyoto is an Edo period man-made lake with a jogging track and pleasant walks near the Kyoto International Conference Center and Kyoto Grand Prince Hotel.
The Old Secluded Residence of Iwakura Tomomi is the historic retreat of the imperial court noble Iwakura Tomomi (1825-1883) in the north east of Kyoto.
The temples and shrines in Kyoto are a sight to behold, but if you're looking for a bit more adventure, why not visit the 200 cheeky little monkeys that roam Iwatayama Monkey park.
This thin sandbar, resistant from being engulfed by the waves of the Bay of Miyazu for centuries, holds a real fascination for many Japanese who come every year to enjoy the view...
Ideally located at the foot of the stone steps of Ninen-zaka, which takes you to the famous Kiyomizu-dera temple, the teahouse Camellia invites passing visitors for a relaxing stop in the serenity
Today, very few Japanese fishermen's villages remain intact. Urbanization made them disappear. To regain the spirit of these old villages, visit the Bay of Ine.
Easily accessible but uncrowded, Villa Okochi Sanso offers beautiful views of the city and the surrounding mountains, not far from other sights of Kyoto.
Gion is the soul of Kyoto. A timeless district, it has preserved the customs and the appearance of medieval Japan. Shinbashi dori marks its northern boundary.
Just a stone's throw from Kyoto is the largest lake in all of Japan. To best enjoy, it's best to get as far away from Kyoto, to the lake's northern shores.
Doshisha University is one of the oldest private universities in Japan, founded in 1875 by the Christian educator Niijima Jo, who was the first Japanese to graduate from an American university.
Mimizuka Ear Mound: Mimizuka is a memorial burial mound in south east Kyoto for the noses and ears of Korean soldiers and civilians killed by Toyotomi Hideyoshi's invading armies in the late 16th c
A Walk In Southern Higashiyama Kyoto: take a stroll from Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion) to see the Kyoto temples of Nanzenji, Kodaiji, Chion-in, and Kiyomizu.
Read an article about Kyoto's Toei Eiga Mura. Toei Eiga Mura is a former and current film studio that has been transformed into a theme park and museum.
Shugakuin Rikyu Imperial Villa. Read about Kyoto's Shugakuin Rikyu Imperial Villa. Shugakuin Imperial Villa is a royal palace in east Kyoto famous for its gardens.
Kyoto 88 Temple Pilgrimage: The Hachi-ju Haka-sho (88 Temple Pilgrimage) is a short hike in the hills behind Ninnaji Temple in western Kyoto that is modeled on the more famous Shikoku route.
