Kyoto Overview

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. more...

Kyoto Activities

Surprisingly, Kyoto's most famous shrine was only built about 100 years ago to commemorate the 1,100 anniversary of the city. The shrine is dedicated to two of Japan's most influential emperors, the 50th and the 121st, but the real highlight is the stunning Shinen Garden which lies to the left of the shrine as you enter. Considered one of the finest examples of Meiji Period gardening, it's a must-see during the spring for its weeping cherry trees and in the autumn for the brilliant colours of the maple trees. more...

Kyoto Events and Festivals

Hatsumode: Japanese New Year is when people make their first visit of the year to a shrine to pray for happiness and health. Women and children wear their finest kimonos. more...

Kyoto Sightseeing

The temple at Ryoanji is nice, but most visitors come to contemplate the famous Zen rock garden on the temple grounds. A clay wall surrounds the garden on three sides, with a wooden deck on the fourth side where you can sit and ponder its mystery. This 15th century Zen rock garden is perhaps the finest example of the style in all of Japan, so don't miss it. more...

Kyoto Transport

The nearest international airport to Kyoto is Kansai International Airport, 50kms outside of Osaka. If you are flying into Japan from another country, you will arrive here. Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways handle most of the domestic flights and a number of international routes. The usual big name carriers also fly regularly into Kansai Airport from North America, the UK, Europe and most parts of Asia. more...

Kyoto Travel Tips

No special vaccinations are needed to visit Japan. However, check that you are caught up on the basic inoculations such as tetanus and hepatitis. The standards in Japan are very high, so you should be able to drink the tap water safely. However, there's always a small risk that your body will react to new micro organisms in the food and water, so stick to bottled water whenever possible and if you eat sushi make sure it's from a decent-looking restaurant. more...