Emperors, empresses, princes and concubines lived for centuries behind the walls of Kyoto-gosho. Today the former imperial palace welcomes visitors and transports them back in time.
The brightly painted Yasaka-jinja Shrine is one of the city's best known and most popular landmarks, especially the two-story vermilion entrance gate at the end of Shijo-dori Avenue.
Created in 2023, Kyotophonie is an international music event held in Kyoto Prefecture, bringing together dozens of artists from all over the world, performing in unique settings and staging in
Located in the south-east of Kyoto, Tofukuji is a large open temple complex, with 23 sub temples. The temple is famous for its stone and moss gardens and has the largest Zen temple gate in Japan.
Steeped in history, the Toji complex spans the years from its expansion in the ninth century to its current collaboration with the Cartier Foundation for Contemporary Art in France.
The shrine is dedicated to the two most important Japanese emperors and built to celebrate the Kyoto 1100th anniversary and named Heian, the city's former name.
South of Kyoto, the torii of Fushimi Inari Taisha, traditional gates at the entrance to Shinto shrines, lined up in their thousands on the mountainside. This is a must-visit place in
Ryoanji Temple located in the northwest of Kyoto is home to Japan's best known stone garden. Now a World Heritage Site this a must see attraction in Kyoto.
Plants mark the passing of the seasons. Here, nearly 120 varieties of moss have created a color palette of infinite varieties of yellow and green. Welcome to the Kokedera Moss Temple.
Located in southeast Kyoto Daigoji Temple was founded by Shobo in 874. Now a World Heritage Site the temple is a great place to see the changing of the leaves.
"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.
The Kyoto International Manga Museum invites you to discover or rediscover, far from Western clichés, an art in its own right in Japanese culture: manga.
Best Onsen in Kyoto: the city is more known for its temples but there are places to enjoy a hot spring experience in Kurama and Kyoto's many public baths.
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?
Kyoto, its temples, its landscapes ... but that's not all! Make room in your suitcases and go shopping. Here are our tips on what souvenirs and gifts to buy 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.
In the prefecture of Shiga, not far from the famous Kyoto, is the city of Otsu and the Hiyoshi-Taisha shrine. This Shinto shrine is the counterpart of the nearby Enryaku-ji temple on Mount Hiei.
Jojakkoji Temple, in Arashiyama, western Kyoto is a Nichiren sect temple dating from the late 16th century. It is known for its tranquility and autumn leaves.
Arashiyama in west Kyoto has several temples of great beauty: Tenryuji, Jojakkoji, Nison-in, Gioji, Adashino Nembutsiji, Otagi Nembutsuji and Daikakuji.
With regard to the emblematic sites and monuments of the historic district of Higashiyama, literally "the mountain of the east", the Ryôzen Kannon temple is an outsider in the classic tourist itine
Ishiyama-dera Temple is one of the two major Buddhist temples in the coastal city of Otsu. It is the 13th temple of the Kannon pilgrimage in the Kansai region.
Otatsu Inari Shrine (御辰稲荷神社) is a small Inari (fox) shrine just north of Heian Shrine in the Okazaki district of central Kyoto. It dates from the Edo Period.
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.
An emblematic culinary specialty of Japan, sushi can be enjoyed in many restaurants in Kyoto, but how do choose a place? Japan Experience offers 5 excellent places for you to choose from!
Saga Arashiyama Museum of Arts & Culture, a large modern building and garden in Kyoto, is dedicated to the Hyakunin Isshu - a very famous anthology of classical poems.
The dilemma often arises during a trip to Japan: how to enjoy the Onsen without exposing yourself naked in front of strangers and enjoying these moments of relaxation with your party in private?
Nonomiya Shrine in Arashiyama, Kyoto is a small shrine associated with the purification of imperial princesses before becoming priestesses at Ise Shrine.
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.
If you're interested in the history of Japanese costumes and textiles, the Kyoto Costume Museum is a worthwhile visit. Models and dolls dressed in kimonos illustrate history over time.
Since its opening in July 2018, the Cafetel hotel in Kyoto has already made a lot of noise. Too bad for the gentlemen, this is an establishment entirely reserved for ladies.
The Asahi Beer Oyamazaki Villa Museum of Art near Kyoto houses an extensive collection of Mingei craft works collected by Tamesaburo Yamamoto (1893-1966).
A brand new Ace Hotel will open its doors at the end of 2019 in the former imperial capital, Kyoto. The first Japanese hotel of the American chain promises to be luxurious.
In Moriyama, on the shores of Lake Biwa, Sagawa Art Museum displays works by Japanese artists at the crossroads of East and West, including ceramics and bronze sculptures.
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.
Kyoto is known for its many temples, scattered throughout the city. Tentokuin Temple is one of a series of shrines near famous Tofukuji, southeast of Kyoto Station.
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).
Miidera Temple (aka Onjoji), near Otsu in Shiga Prefecture was founded in 672 during the Nara Period of Japanese history. There are over 40 buildings in this large Tendai temple complex.
Why not make the most of your stay in Kyoto by living side by side with artists of the former imperial capital? With its art gallery and designer rooms, the Anteroom Hotel gives its visitors
Right next to Gion, the famous geisha district, a paradise for collectors can be found: several quiet streets which are full of traditional Japanese arts and crafts boutiques.
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.
Ujigami Shrine in Uji, south of Kyoto, is a UNESCO World Heritage Listed Shrine, and has the oldest shrine building in Japan dating from the 11th century.
Like Rome, Kyoto didn't happen in a day. The two thousand participants parading during the Jidai Matsuri honor the memory of the great figures who helped shape the city's long history.
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.
Mimurotoji Temple, Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture 三室戸寺: In the wide garden of Mimurotoji Temple in Uji there are 30 different kinds of hydrangea some of which seem to have the shape of a heart.
Kyoto University Museum (KUM) is the oldest university museum in Japan and has a valuable, eclectic collection spanning humanities, natural history and engineering.
The Namikawa Cloisonné Museum in the Okazaki district of Kyoto is the Meiji Period house, studio and garden of the cloisonné master Namikawa Yasuyuki (1845-1927).
Gioji Temple is a tiny sub-temple of Daitokuji in the Saga-Arashiyama district of western Kyoto famous for its moss garden and its association with a love affair gone wrong.
The impressive Kiyomizu-dera, a temple on magnificent stilts, offers a spectacle three times a year worthy of a visit to celebrate the dragon god Seiryu.
Every March, generally the second week, the Higashiyama district is adorned with two thousand five hundred lanterns placed on the ground which illuminate the alleys and other remar
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.
Jakko-in Temple in Ohara, Kyoto has been a nunnery since 1186 and is associated with the classic feud between the rival Taira (Heike) and Minamoto (Genji) clans.
Raigo-in Temple Ohara 来迎院: Raigo-in Temple is one of several Tendai-sect temples in the pretty, farming village of Ohara in the hills north east of Kyoto.Raigo-in like its more famous neighbor, San
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'
Okazaki Shrine in Kyoto is associated with the gods of fertility and easy child birth. Statues and motifs of rabbits dominant this pleasant shrine's grounds.
Sugawarain Tenmangu Shrine in Kyoto near the south west corner of the Gosho is believed to be the birthplace and home of Michizane Sugawara, the noted Heian era poet and court official.
Oharano Shrine in the Oharano district of south west Kyoto is an ancient shrine connected with the tutelary deity of the Fujiwara clan and mentioned in the Tale of Genji.
Shogoin Temple in Kyoto is monzeki temple with priceless fusuma paintings by the Kano School of artists. A monzeki temple it served as a temporary residence for two emperors.
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.
Yoshiminedera is a Tendai sect temple located in the mountains south west of central known for its superb autumn leaves and historic, elongated pine tree.
The Kyoto Municipal Museum of School History is housed in a former school and introduces the history of Japanese education from the Edo Period to the present day.
Bukkoji is a Jodo Shinshu sect temple in the Gion district of central Kyoto and was founded by the priest Ryogen (1295-1336), a disciple of Shinran in 1324.
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.
Koetsuji Temple in the Takagamine district of north west Kyoto was once the artist colony of the noted Edo period artists and tea master, Honami Koetsu (1558-1637).
Yasui Konpira-gu Shrine in Gion, Kyoto is known for its power stone said to end bad relationships or initiate good ones as well as an annual comb festival.
The Japan Kanji Museum & Library in Gion, Kyoto has interactive and fun displays on the history and development of Chinese characters (kanji) in Japan.
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.
Kyoto top 10 temples & shrines: see a listing of Kyoto's best Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines including Kinkakuji, Ginkakuji, Nanzenji and Heian Jingu.
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.
North of Kyoto is the Enryakuji temple of Mount Hiei, which was one of the most powerful temples of Japan. A visit to one of the great places of Japanese Buddhism.
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...
Among the many temples of Kyoto's UNESCO World Heritage sites, Ninna-ji Temple is one of the largest. It has become famous throughout Japan for its cherry blossoms.
Originally designed in 1933 to commemorate the coronation of Emperor Hirohito ceremony (1901-1989), this museum offers a permanent collection of two thousand one hundred pieces of art, including m
On the hills to the east of Kyoto is the discreet Shugaku-in. Built between 1655 and 1659, this imperial villa near the palace city spreads its three levels of gardens in a beautiful setting.
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 t
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.
Smaller than its cousins from Osaka and Miyajima , Kyoto Aquarium is home to over 250 species and 15 000 specimens, grouper shark through the jellyfish.
Trees tower over the entrance, towering trees, some over seven hundred years old, guarding the temple. The sound of birds calling, wind in the leaves, silence.
The headquarters of the Obaku branch of zen, the third school of Zen Buddhism in Japan, smaller and less known than the Rinzai and Soto schools, the Ôbakusan Manpukuji remains one of the few enclos
The Todasu-no-mori forest embraces and encercles the Shimogamo Jinja like a treasure. The latter is close to another shrine like a brother, the Kamigamo Jinja.
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.
Near the University of Kyoto, in this student district students, on the fifteenth of each month, along the tree-lined paths of Chion-in, is held one of the three main markets of the city.
In the former capital more than anywhere elsewhere, revamped traditional skincare and beauty products, have a certain attraction for the young and the not so young.
A bright store window filled with beautiful things; ukiyo-e (traditional prints), prints on wood, shin-hanga (an artistic movement that modernized print styles), books and other p
Looking for an original gift? A quaint souvenir? The old-fashioned store run by the Fujimoto couple as an introduction to the art of Nihon-ga, traditional Japanese painting.
Around a street corner in Gion, the Kenninji invites you to meditate. A temple with beautiful gardens, in April it hosts a celebration in in honor of a Zen master.
What a strange paradox that this place dedicated to Kamo Wake-Ikazuchi, the Shinto god of thunder, is so peaceful. Yet the nearby town seems to be so far away.
Surrounded by greenery, nestled in the Higashiyama district, this temple, dating from 1264, which had originally served as a secondary villa to the Emperor Kameyama (1249-1305) is now c
The Fushin'an tea house of the Omotesenke family has perpetuated the ceremonial rites related to this famous drink since the sixteenth century, and more recently, through its foundation.
Nestled in a sun colored building with architecture reminiscent of the Catalan Antoni Gaudi (1852-1926), Independants Café has all the facets of a good arty venue.
Walls of the same color as the light foam that covers your espresso, a selection of small home made dishes, soft music, colorful chairs to curl up in...
A discreet and elusive beauty, harmony between pavilions and compositions master gardeners characterize this architectural masterpiece occupying an important place in Japanese arts.
The talented French pastry chef Philippe Conticini, known in France for his delicious Paris-Brest pastries, has exported his know-how of flavors, and his talent for evoking childhood
Discover the shelves of this fabulous store between prints displaying the graceful curves of women or undulating landscapes of Japan and stylized paintings with a priceless cachet, you will find s
No one can ignore the elegant walk of Japanese ladies hidden under their parasols when the sun comes out. Tsujikura makes it possible to bring back a fleeting image as a souvenir.
The Kyoto-ite students rave about this cozy place to relax between classes or revise their papers in a place deserving of the name "just like home". Go check it out!
Shiramine Shrine in Kyoto is the home of the kemari and is popular with soccer players of all levels, who come to pray for success in sports competitions.
Plants, meandering paths near tiny bodies of water, old women with weather skin and big hats, and elegant gentlemen sitting for hours on the benches in the park: Welcome to the Kyoto botanical gar
If you're looking for relaxation and privacy, this property offers all the sulphurous water facilities to enjoy the beautiful surroundings and the benefits of sources in the region.
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.
Plants mark the passing of seasons. Here, nearly one hundred and twenty varieties of moss have created a color palette of infinite varieties of yellow and green. Welcome to the Temple of Moss.
With its harmonious landscapes and refined architecture, the beauty of Ginkakuji surpasses that of the Golden Pavilion in the hearts of many Japanese ...
It's been several centuries since the country's emperors walked these paths. Since the transfer of the capital to Tokyo in 1868, now regular folk can enjoy the charms of the park.
Near Kyoto, the red pine forest that covers the mountains of Shiga, a classified nature reserve, is home to an unusual museum of East Asian art, lost in sovereign heights.
The Izusen inn awakens the senses. The restaurant, also within the same holy precincts of the monastery complex Daitokuji , introduces guests to an ancient culinary tradition: shojin ryori.
