Kyoto

Kyoto was Japan's imperial capital from 794 to 1868 and still nowadays it is the country's main cultural center. There are numerous temples and traditional gardens in Kyoto, but because businesses and industry need more space all the time, traditional architecture is slowly disappearing. Still a lot remains and Kyoto is a very interesting city, where you can see raked pebble gardens, beautifully modeled temple roofs and mysterious geishas. One of the most interesting sights in the city center is the Imperial Palace, although it can only be visited as part of a tour. The building dates from 1855.

The most interesting temples are situated in the eastern part of Kyoto, notably the Higashiyama district. The Sanjusangen-do Temple is a particular highlight. Inside are 1001 statues of the Thousand-Armed Kannon (the Buddhist goddess of mercy). Also in the eastern part of Kyoto is Gion, the best place to experience traditional Japanese night entertainment.

In northwest Kyoto are several marvelous Zen temples, including the Kinkaku-ji Temple. An obsessed monk burned it to the ground in 1950 and it was completely rebuilt, including the gold-foil covering. Also in Kyoto's northwest is the Takao District, which is famous for its autumn foliage.

Himeji-jo Castle is the most beautiful surviving Japanese castle. It is also known as the 'White Egret', a name that derives from its stately white walls. The Himeji-jo Castle can easily be visited in a day trip from Kyoto.

Kyoto is well known for its festivals. There are hundreds of them in the Kyoto area throughout the year. The most interesting festivals include Aoi Matsuri (15 May), which commemorates the 6th century prayers of the people for the gods to stop calamitous weather and Gion Matsuri (17 July), Japan's most famous festival, which ends with a huge parade. Enormous fires are lit during Damon-ji Gozan Okuribi on 16 August. The fires are lit to bid farewell to the souls of ancestors. Portable shrines are paraded through the streets during Kurama-no-Himatsuri Fire Festival, which is held on 22 October. Youths with flaming torches accompany the parade.

Most accommodation in Kyoto can be found in the north and northwestern parts of the city, as well as in the east. Accommodation should be booked in advance if you want to visit Kyoto during one of the festivals. There are countless restaurants in the city. In central Kyoto international and Japanese food is available, while in eastern Kyoto many restaurants are specialized in yakitori and western-style food.

Kyoto is 375 km west of Tokyo.