basic information

Autumn Colors 2009

Kyoto was Japan's capital and the emperor's residence from 794 until 1868. It is now the country's seventh largest city with a population of 1.4 million people and a modern face.

Over the centuries, Kyoto was destroyed by many wars and fires, but due to its historic value, the city was dropped from the list of target cities for the atomic bomb and spared from air raids during World War II. Countless temples, shrines and other historically priceless structures survive in the city today.

Attractions

Central Kyoto

Nijo Castle (5) Former Kyoto residence of the shogun. Kyoto Imperial Palace (7) The Imperial Family's residence until 1868. Nijo Jinya (30) Former inn for visiting feudal lords. Nishiki Market (15) Fresh food market street in central Kyoto. Sento Palace (40) Imperial palace with beautiful gardens. Pontocho (22) Narrow lane offering atmospheric dining. Honganji Temples (20) Head temples of the Shin-Jodo sects. Kyoto Manga Museum (42) Recently opened museum about manga. Kyoto Station (2) Kyoto's futuristic railway station building. Kyoto Tower (27) Modern landmark of Kyoto.

Eastern Kyoto

Kiyomizudera (3) Temple famous for its large wooden terrace. Sanjusangendo (14) Temple with 1001 human sized statues. Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion) (6) Beautiful temple not actually covered in silver. Gion (4) Kyoto's most famous geisha district. Kodaiji Temple (13) Built in memory of Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Heian Shrine (8) Modeled after the ancient Imperial Palace. Nanzenji Temple (19) Zen temple with beautiful stone garden. Chionin Temple (23) Head temple of the Jodo sect of Buddhism. Philosopher's Path (12) Walking trail famous for cherry blossoms. Yasaka Shrine (17) Popular shrine hosting the Gion Festival.

Northern Kyoto

Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion) (1) Temple building covered in gold. Shugakuin Villa (41) Imperial villa at the outskirts of Kyoto. Ohara (36) Rural area famous for Sanzenin Temple. Ryoanji Temple (9) Zen Temple with famous rock garden. Kurama (37) Rural town with temple and hot spring. Ninnaji Temple (28) Temple turned former imperial residence. Hieizan (31) Mountain temple complex of the Tendai sect. Daitokuji Temple (21) Large Zen temple complex. Kamo Shrines (33) Two of Kyoto's most important shrines. Kitano Tenmangu (32) Popular shrine hosting a monthly flee market. Takao (42) Wooded valley with temples north of Kyoto. Toei Uzumasa Eigamura (34) Theme park and film set combined.

Western Kyoto

Kokedera (39) Called moss temple because of its garden. Katsura Villa (35) Imperial villa with stunning landscape garden. Arashiyama (10) Pleasant district at the outskirts of Kyoto. Tenryuji Temple (24) Zen Temple in the Arashiyama district. Yoshiminedera (45) Temple on Kyoto's western mountains.

Southern Kyoto and Uji

Fushimi Inari Shrine (11) The ultimate torii gate experience. Byodoin Temple (18) Temple with a beautiful Pure Land Garden. Tofukuji Temple (26) Temple with spectacular autumn leaves. Toji Temple (16) Large temple with Japan's tallest pagoda. Daigoji Temple (25) Famous temple southeast of Kyoto. Mampukuji Temple (38) Headquarters of the Zen Obaku sect.

Events

Gion Matsuri (29) The most famous festival of Japan. Hanatoro (44) Twice annual light up event. Aoi Matsuri (46) Historical parade from the Heian Period.

Side Trips from Kyoto

Mount Koya Atmospheric temple mountain. Nara Japan's first permanent capital. Himeji Site of Japan's most beautiful feudal castle. Osaka Largest city of the Kinki Region. Miho Museum Unique art museum in the mountains. Kinosaki Pleasant, old-fashioned hot spring resort. Amanohashidate One of Japan's three most scenic views. Kobe Harbor city, recovered from 1995 earthquake. Iga Ueno Former castle town famous for ninja.

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Orientation

Access and Orientation How to get to and around in Kyoto. Suggestions Suggested day schedules and side trips. About transportation in Japan

Accommodation

Sponsored Listings:

Guest house Yahata Bed and breakfast with dormitories from 2500yen. One stop from Kyoto Station by subway. Walking distance to downtown Kyoto. Ryokan Motonago A real traditional inn at Gion with 11 rooms, friendly staff. Walking distance of Kiyomizu-dera, Yasaka-jinja and more. Gion Shinmonso A fine ryokan in the Gion near geisha streets. Easy access to Kiyomizu-dera and Yasaka-jinja. Special offers available. Gion Hatanaka A real Japanese inn in a quiet area of Gion, famous for Geisha. 15min walk to Kiyomizu-dera. 5min to Yasaka-jinja. Kyoto Ryokan Yachiyo Experience Kyoto at Yachiyo Ryokan. Taste delicious kaiseki dishes, and relax in traditional and modern Japanese rooms. Nagomi no Wa Experience Kyoto in our traditional machiya townhouses at reasonable prices. 10min walk from Kyoto Sta, WiFi in every room. Japanese hotel, Ryokan Nishiyama Experience the real Japan at our affordable ryokan. Close to major tourist spots in Kyoto.

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Shops

Mimuro- Original Kimonos When VIPs from around the world come to Kyoto, they visit this little known hideaway of a specialty shop. From... More shops...

Restaurants

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All of Kyoto Kyoto Station Gion Kawaramachi/Pontocho

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Tours and Packages

Kyoto Tours Various tours and travel packages for Kyoto and surroundings.

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news and reports

	Kyoto Cherry Blossom Report April 15, 2009
	Kyoto Cherry Blossom Report April 12, 2009
	Kyoto Cherry Blossom Report April 7, 2009
	Kyoto Cherry Blossom Report April 4, 2009
	Kyoto Cherry Blossom Report April 1, 2009
	Kyoto Cherry Blossom Report March 30, 2009
	Kyoto Cherry Blossom Report March 25, 2009

travel community

Popularity of Kyoto:
Users who have been to Kyoto: 1924
Most visited: Ranked 2nd out of 113 destinations

Ratings for Kyoto:

japan-guide.com Rating:		best of the best
User Rating (by 1035 users):	97/100	highly recommended

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english links

product links

Lonely Planet Kyoto Book by Chris Rowthorn Exploring Kyoto: On Foot Through the Ancient Capital Book by Judith Clancy Old Kyoto: A Guide to Traditional Shops, Restaurants, and Inns Book by Diane Durston

japanese links