Kyoto is the former capital city of Japan and world-famous for its refined culture, dining, and charm of rural Japan
Kyoto City attracts millions of local and international visitors each year looking for traditional Japanese culture. Temples and shrines such as Kiyomizudera Temple and Kinkakuji draw lots off attention from visitors, as do the bamboo groves of nearby Arashiyama. Stay in a traditional ryokan, take a dip in a rejuvenating onsen, and enjoy the seasonal changes of cherry blossoms and brilliant autumn foliage. Kyoto’s magic is only a short bullet train ride from Tokyo. Beyond the city lie Kyoto Prefecture’s many attractive rural areas. In the north, Amanohashidate has long been considered one of Japan’s three most scenic places. Nestled in the mountains, Miyama is one of the last towns with thatched-roof farmhouses, many of which are still inhabited. Enjoy delicious local vegetables and the famous green tea grown in Uji.
How to Get There
Access Kyoto on the bullet train from most major cities in Japan. The nearest airports are Itami and Kansai International. Both are in Osaka Prefecture, between 1 hour and 1 hour and 20 minutes away.
Kyoto City is a prime destination for most travelers with easy access from Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya and beyond by the Tokaido Shinkansen. Frequent commuter trains to and from Osaka are also an option. To reach other towns in Kyoto Prefecture and the Tango Peninsula, you’ll need to take local trains and buses. It takes just over two hours from Kyoto Station to Miyazu on the coast at Tango, where buses take you on to Ine and the beaches. Consdier renting a car for more travel freedom.
Don’t Miss
• Grand temples, shrines, palaces and gardens in Kyoto City and around
• Sumptuous multi-course kaiseki cuisine and refined traditional ryokan accommodations
• White-sand beaches and mineral-rich hot springs on the Tango Peninsula
• One of Japan’s three great views at Amanohashidate
