Holidays to Kyoto –Travel to Japan | Best at Travel

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Kyoto is unquestionably one of Japan’s leading destinations for history, cultural sites and natural beauty. Largely untouched by the ravages of World War II, Kyoto still boasts an incredible array of architectural delights, having played host to Japan’s Emperors and rulers for over 1,000 years. Imperial palaces, temples, shrines, and magical gardens of moss-covered bridges and trickling streams are commonplace throughout this now-cosmopolitan city. Visit the iconic 14th century Golden Pavilion for a taste of once regal life, or the Kiyomizu-dera, Sanjūsangen-dō and Nishi Honganji Temples as a tranquil escape from the city. And of course there’s no leaving Kyoto without having wandered the streets of the ancient Gion district - keep an eye out, and you might even spot a geisha girl here.

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Hyatt Regency Kyoto

Kyoto

In a place where ancient Japan comes to life, the Hyatt Regency Kyoto manages to discreetly lie between the awe-inspiring Sanjusangendo temple and national museum, offering modern indulgence in the midst of it all. It is close to the Eastern Hills of Kyoto, where many more of these enchanting temples sit, yet is just a 20-minute walk from Gion district, with its resident geishas and fantastic shopping.

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Kyoto Tokyu

Kyoto

Kyoto Tokyu lies a short taxi or shuttle ride from downtown Kyoto, meaning that the attractions of the city are close by, without being too much ‘in the thick of it’. Guestrooms are modest and neutrally decorated, with the main draw of this hotel coming in the form of a respectable restaurant, onsite gym and charming waterfall terrace.

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Ritz Carlton Kyoto

Kyoto

Expertly crafting a fusion between subtle Japanese service with out and out luxury, sitting on the banks of the Kamogawa River as the Higashiyama Mountains serve as an adequately dramatic backdrop; you’re already predetermined to have a memorable trip to Kyoto, during your stay at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel.

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The Royal Park Hotel Kyoto

Kyoto

Close to the river in Kawaramachi-Sanjo, The Royal Park Hotel Kyoto Sanjo is ideally placed for exploring the city of Kyoto. While excellent shopping and entertainment can be enjoyed right on your doorstep, the must-see Gion District is also just a 20-minute walk away, where ancient Japan can be glimpsed in the beautifully preserved streets.

Kyoto Travel Information

There are no direct flights to Kyoto from the UK – you’ll need to fly to Osaka (with a stopover) and then carry on to Kyoto by land.

Currency: Yen
Time difference: GMT +9
Flight from UK: 13 and a half hours to Osaka
Visa: Not required for UK passport holders
Language: Japanese
National drink: Beer or sake
National dish: Sushi

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Travel Tips & Advice for Kyoto

Kyoto Activities

Kyoto is – in our opinion – the place to immerse yourself in Japanese culture. The city is the birthplace of many crafts including tea ceremonies and flower arrangement, so there’s no better place to take part in or learn about these traditions. You’ll also find plenty of places to stroll whether its beneath cherry blossoms and maple trees along Philosopher’s Path or through 10,000 orange torri gates at the Fushimi Inari Shrine. And if you’re looking to sample Japan’s premium alcoholic drink, there’s tastings at the Shotoku Shuzo Sake Distillery.

Kyoto Food & Drink

The basis of kyō-ryōri, or Kyoto cuisine, is the use of fresh, seasonal vegetables and subtle flavours and the cannot-be-missed way to experience this is sitting down to kaiseki, Japanese fine dining composed of several small courses – though be warned the menus are pricey! For cheaper eats head to a casual noodle bar serving ramen. The city is also famed for its tofu dishes, wagashi (sweets and cakes) and high quality green tea. Our top dining etiquette tip? It’s considered ban manners to fill your own glass, so top up your neighbours and wait for them to do the same.

Kyoto Attractions

There are over 2,000 temples and shrines to discover and explore in Kyoto – we recommend visiting a few of the lesser known ones alongside the big-name favourites including the gold-leaf covered Kinkaku-ji to avoid the crowds. Looking to spot a white-faced, red-lipped geiko – the Kyoto name for geisha? The Gion district is the go-to place in the city to try and see one of these female entertainers going to and from their appointments. Other attractions in Kyoto include peaceful Zen gardens, the Nishijin textile district and the Arashiyama Bamboo Groves on the outskirts of the city.

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