Overview
If you are looking for peace and relaxation, a holiday to Kyoto is your best deal. It was once the imperial capital of Japan for more than 1,000 years. Today, it is the country’s cultural heartbeat, home to around 2,000 temples and shrines and 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The city effortlessly blends old Japan with modern energy. One moment, you are enjoying world-class shopping in the bustling streets of Nakagyo Ward; the next, you are watching a geisha glide (suri-ashi) through the lantern-lit alleys of Gion.
From thousands of vermilion torii gates of Fushimi Inari Taisha to the golden-leaf brilliance of Kinkaku-ji, every corner of the city is steeped in history. You can also explore historic sites such as the Kyoto Imperial Palace. To lose yourself in natural serenity, enjoy the hillside views from Kiyomizu-dera, walk through the stunning green stalks of the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove (The Bamboo Forest), or find balance at the Ryoan-ji Zen rock garden.
