A visit to Kyoto will fill you with memories of beautiful kimono-clad women, stunning architecture and cherry blossoms which seem to fall from the sky. There’s good reason why Kyoto is on UNESCO’s World Heritage Site list. With over 1,000 years of uninterrupted history as one of Japan’s premier cultural, artistic, religious and political centres, Kyoto has had a lot of time to get things right.

There’s a tangible sense of old Japan in this city. You can feel it in the temples that dot the urban landscape, the timeless geisha district of Gion and the wandering rivers and canals that crisscross the concrete. Perfectly balanced gardens fill in much of the void between building and pavement and the people who live here seem to understand the special unique quality of their city. Kyoto is not just a temple or a neighborhood; it’s a complete tapestry of history, art and religion, which is still growing. Hardly a day passes by without one of the many temples or shrines hosting a colourful and ancient festival. If you want to experience the Japan of centuries past, Kyoto is it.

Thankfully, Kyoto was not bombed into the history books during WWII. This bit of good fortune has allowed a rare glimpse into the golden era of one of the world’s great cultures. From the Golden and Silver Pavilions to the Imperial Palace and Nijo Castle, you will never run out of fascinating sites to visit that stir up images of Shogun warriors and opulent imperial dynasties. 

The nightlife of Gion’s Pontocho neighbourhood is up there with Tokyo and the shopping potential of Shijo is enough for anyone. Then there’s the weaving district of Nishijin, with its 100 year-old wooden houses blending in perfectly with the overall scene in Kyoto. It’s this interwoven mix of the ancient and the modern that makes this city so engaging and the second-most visited city on earth after Mecca.

There is however an extremely modern side to Kyoto as well. Hotels come in all budgets and size, with luxurious resorts, family establishments and mid-range accommodation all found throughout the city. The most noticeable concentration of hotels is near Kyoto central station, which has a few attractions of its own. There are fewer choices in the historic centre, and even less in the pretty Kitayama district, but close proximity to the excellent rail network makes it convenient to get around. Kyoto, like the rest of Japan, is priced in the upper range for hotels, and the selection includes mostly three and four star hotels with nothing particularly remarkable about them.

Throughout its 1,000 year history, Kyoto has been an important centre of religion, creativity and commerce. This mountain-enclosed city was first founded in 794 as Japan’s newest Heian-kyo, or ‘Capital of Peace and Tranquillity’. The Heian Period, which ran from 794 until 1185, was a golden era for Japanese culture as it built upon the ideas and customs imported from neighbouring China and Korea. Kyoto was the heart of this aristocratic courtly period and benefited greatly as the arts, literature and spirituality poured into the city. A number of fine literary achievements such as Sei Shonagun’s The Pillow Book were created during this time; and as the early Buddhist sects of Tendai and Shingon blossomed in Kyoto, hundreds of stunning temples and shrines were built across the city.

Thankfully, Kyoto somehow avoided the destructive forces of fire and war throughout most of its history, leaving us with a fascinating glimpse at traditional ancient Japanese life. Medieval Japan, 1185 to 1598, saw much cultural development as well as many wars. It was however the beginnings of the Kyoto that still exists today.

The Kamakura Period (1185 to 1333) saw both aborted Mongol invasions and the rise of Japan’s Buddhist sects, resulting in a temple building wave which can still be marvelled at in Kyoto today. The proceeding Muromachi Period (1334 to 1573) was another high point in Japanese cultural achievement, again based heavily around Kyoto. Both the Golden and Silver Pavilions were built during this period, and arts such as Noh dramas, the traditional tea ceremony and ikebana flower arrangement were also born. Sadly, the Onin War of 1467-1477 brought this time to an end, resulting in the widespread destruction of the city. After a brief but violent period of internal warlord battles, Japan was brought together by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who rebuilt much of damaged Kyoto and ushered in the city’s last hurrah as a capital of Japan. The Edo Period from 1600 to 1868 moved the nation’s capital to Tokyo, but Kyoto continued to thrive as a major commercial and cultural centre. As one of the few cities to be spared the wholesale destruction of WWII, Kyoto provides perhaps the finest examples of ancient Japanese temples, palaces and gardens in the country.

Apart from the stifling heat and humidity of August and the cold sodden depths of winter, Kyoto is blessed with mild and pleasant weather most of the year. There’s really no bad time to visit this city, but certain special periods of the year attract hoards of visitors. The two most popular seasons for tourists are the April cherry blossoms and the colourful autumn foliage of November. You can be sure that the city will feel crowded and busy during these months.

Rain is a dominant theme during June and July, but this is when the moss-covered shrines are at their finest. If you can stand the heat, August and September offer relatively low crowds at the hot tourist spots and lots of outdoor activities and al fresco dining along the Kamo River. Another good time to avoid the crowds is from December to February. The weather will certainly be cold but you’ll feel as though you have the city to yourself. Keep in mind that Kyoto is a major festival site. During the really popular ones you’ll find the city jammed with people, but the spectacle will be worth the hassle. Book your room well in advance if you plan to visit during the cherry blossom season or at the height of autumn. There’s good reason why so many people flock to Kyoto during these weeks.