Kyoto
Once the capital of Japan, Kyoto is an astonishing cradle of culture and history and a true testimony of traditional Japan. The third largest city in the country is home to no less than 2000 religious shrines and temples, including the famous rock garden temple Ryōan-ji and the amazing wooden temple Kiyomizu-dera.
Some of the most precious historic monuments in Kyoto are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites (17 locations in Kyoto): Tenryū-ji, Rokuon-ji (Kinkaku-ji), the Kamo Shrines (Kami and Shimo), Kiyomizu-dera, Ninna-ji, Kōzan-ji, the Nijō Castle and many others.
Emperors, samurai and aristocrats have enjoyed beautifully arranged green spaces along their residences, throughout the ages, thereby making Kyoto world famous for its beautiful gardens. In fact, Kyoto has the thickest concentration of good gardens in all of Japan. One of the must visits are: Stroll garden at Okochi-Sanso, Garden at Taizo-in Subtemple at Myoshin-ji Temple, Karesansui (“zen” garden) at Ryoan-ji Temple, Hojo Garden at Tofuku-ji Temple and Koto-in Temple Garden among others.
Kyoto’s celebrations are famous for their unique flamboyant colours and are a true attraction for tourists all around the world. Save the date for: Aoi Matsuri on May 15, Gion Matsuri on July 1 to 31, Gozan no Okuribi on August 16 and Jidai Matsuri on October 22.