With more than 2,000 temples, shrines and gardens, Kyoto is a treasure house of cultural heritage in Japan and one of the most fascinating cities in Asia. From the impressive Nijo Castle, put up in the early 1600s for Tokugawa shoguns, to the Zen Buddhist temple of Kinkakuji Pavilion (immortalised in Yukio Mishima’s novel, The Temple of the Golden Pavilion), there is a wealth of sites to explore. Unlike many other Japan
ese cities, it escaped the ravages of both the Second World War and modern urban development, keeping intact much of the spirit and architecture of traditional Japan. The geisha districts are also must-sees during Kyoto trips. Packed with bars, restaurants and traditional teahouses, Gion and Pontocho are at their most atmospheric in the early evening, when the lanterns are lit and apprentice geisha flit about the backstreets on their way to their appointments.
Pamela Roebuck Ancient & Modern Japanour guide in Tokyo was fabulous – lovely person, very attentive and really seemed to care that we had a good time.
Kathryn Cuddihy Ancient & Modern JapanGood communication, jam-packed itinerary, fabulous guide (Taka)!
Mandy Guest Ancient & Modern JapanA very good itinerary and a good introduction to Japan.
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