From ancient temples and shrines to the iconic maiko, Kyoto is considered the cultural heart of Japan by many. You can also find areas of modernity such as Kyoto Station and the Kyoto International Manga museum.
10 Must-See Sakura Spots in Kyoto
Although Kyoto is a fantastic destination any time of year, first time travelers to this treasure of a city should strongly consider visiting in the spring. Imagine the sight of Kyoto’s thousands of temples and shrines surrounded by sakura, or maybe even catching a glimpse of a geisha...
Great Spots for Plum Blossoms in Kansai
You know that winter is ending at last when you start seeing ume or plum blossoms. Some of the earliest blooming flowers in Japan, you may even see hardy ume blooming while there is still snow on the ground! They come in a variety of cultivars, the colors of which include creamy whites and pinks...
Let's Go! A Walk-Through Guide to the Fushimi Inari Shrine
Located in the entrancing city of Kyoto, Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine is home to the famed tunnel of a thousand torii gates. Used as the setting for the movie Memoirs of a Geisha, this shrine is often ranked as the number one most popular sightseeing destination among tourists visiting Japan....
Saiho-ji: how to visit Kyoto's Moss Temple
The stunning garden of Saiho-ji Temple is a must-see while in Kyoto. However, you’ll need...
Improve Your Luck at These Seven Kyoto Shrines
Kyoto is home to an incredible number of temples and shrines. According to a survey conducted by...
Photogenic Kyoto: a Photographer's One-Day Plan
Get your cameras ready! This one-day plan takes you around some of Kyoto's most beautiful spots...
It wasn’t so long ago that matcha was relatively unknown outside of Japan. Now in something of a matcha boom, this vibrantly green tea has been steadily gaining popularity abroad. So if you’re a fan in the mood for something matcha while traveling through Japan, then the best place to...
Matcha Tea From Master Craftsmen
by SHUN GATE Originally published February 2016 Uji matcha tea is made in the southern region of Kyoto Prefecture. Matcha tea is a kind of green tea and is deeply embedded in Japan’s traditions and culture as the tea used in the country’s tea ceremony. Tea is...
Maiko (舞妓) are young women who have decided to embark on the rigorous training process of becoming a geiko (芸妓; Kyoto dialect for geisha). Even though they are effectively the face of Kyoto both in Japan and abroad, there is still much mystery that surrounds their profession....
A One-Day Walking Guide to the Higashiyama Area and Gion
It's easy to spend an entire day exploring the beautiful area known as Higashiyama. To...
Where to Go on Your First Day in Kyoto
This one-day plan will take you by bus and train to three of Kyoto's most iconic locations:...
Kyoto Tasting Tour: Nishiki Market
Nishiki Market is known as the kitchen of Kyoto. This street is home to some 130 stores that...
