From 794 to 1869, Kyoto was the Capitol of Japan. Up until 1869, all the Emperors of Japan were seated and had full control of the country in Kyoto. Kyoto offers the chance to be immersed in the rich Culture and Tradition, as well as showing how Kyoto can adapt to the new traditions of modern times.
Kyoto served as Japans capital and the emperors residence from 794 until 1868. It is now the country’s seventh largest city with a population of 1.4 million people and a modern face while still continuing to cherish their traditions.
Over the centuries, Kyoto was destroyed by many wars and fires, and due to its historic value, the city was dropped from the list of target cities for the atomic bomb and spared from air raids during World War II. Countless temples, shrines and other historically priceless structures survive in the city today and without a doubt Kyoto is Japan’s Cultural Capital. With 17 Unesco World Heritage registered Temples, Shrines and gardens in Kyoto, you may think that Kyoto has the most Temples and shrines in Japan. However, even with over 3000 Temples and Shrines, it still only has the second most, but without a doubt Kyoto is the main attraction for Overseas Visitors while in Japan. Kyoto is not only about Temples and traditional, but is a place that brilliantly merges tradition with modern trends and architecture. Kyoto also offers many hand-on-experiences and if you want to get a little active, of course this is possible with hiking, rafting and even monkey parks to visit.
Japanese Cuisine was registered as an Unesco Intangible Cultural Heritage asset in 2013. It mentions “Japanese Cuisine”, however, this originated from the Kyoto
Traditional style Cuisine called Kaiseki Ryori. While you are in Kyoto, you definitely need to try the Kaiseki Cuisine, which consists of 10-12 small dishes of seasonal food ranging from vegetables, seafood and meat. In particular, the Kaiseki Cuisine offers you a chance to see the seamless presentation of Japanese Cuisine.
Do enjoy an experience in Kyoto will increase your memories of this city. Any experience from Hiking on part of the Kyoto Trail, to taking a traditional merchant boat ride approx. 16km down a scenic route, participating in Zazen meditation, flower arranging, Cooking classes or even having an exclusive arrangement at a World Temple Heritage with you own personal Monk showing you around.
Whether you are an artists, avid gardener, collector of antiques, museum lover, and even if you are a Sake admirer, there will always be something in Kyoto to satisfy your needs and interests.
