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.

Most people would agree that Kyoto is better-suited for adults, as most of the eye-popping attractions are historical and cultural. Kids may find the first couple of temples interesting, but if they start to get antsy you may be in trouble. The zoo and the movie village are both good quick-fixes, and most children will enjoy exploring the vast grounds of Nijo Castle or the Imperial Palace.

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.

Temples, ancient castles and palaces, ponderous Zen gardens and engaging museums fill this one-of-a-kind UNESCO World Heritage City. Hundreds of individual attractions make up the fabric of Kyoto, which on the whole is one of the most charming and timeless places left on earth. Perhaps best known for the multitude of ancient temples and shrines scattered around the city, there seems to be a festival or special cultural event happening every week of the year at these vibrant and socially important sites. There’s simply so much to see in Kyoto that you’ll have to make a short list and come back for the rest.

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.

Banks: 09:00 to 15:00, Monday to Friday
Post Offices: 09:00 to 19:00, Monday to Friday; 09:00-17:00 Saturdays; 09:00-12:30 Sundays and holidays
Department Stores and Shops: 10:00 to 19:30, daily
Museums: 10:00 to 16:00, Tuesday-Sunday
Business Offices: 09:00 to 18:00, daily