Highlights
Cultural Encounters
Japan’s cultural heart, experience the charming traditions of this fascinating country while in Kyoto. Discover the art of authentic Japanese cooking at a culinary workshop, or witness a traditional tea ceremony, in which matcha tea is prepared and presented in a centuries-old ritual. Bathe in a traditional onsen spring, learn calligraphy, try your hand at flower arranging or visit a sake brewery.
Gion
The district of Gion’s atmospheric cobbled streets are lined with wooden houses, 17th-century buildings and glowing lanterns. Visit antique shops, art galleries and traditional tea houses, while the scenic Shirakawa Canal is fringed by willow trees and high-end restaurants. Of course, Gion is where the traditional Geisha (Geiko in Kyoto dialect) undergo strict training, work and reside. Some Geiko host guests at teahouses, serving drinks and performing traditional music and dance. This ultra-exclusive event can be arranged by our Luxury Concierge service.
Fushimi Inara-Taisha Shrine
This vast shrine complex is a truly impressive site to behold. Thousands of torii gates create the Senbon Torii, surrounding a mesmerising network of walkways and hiking trails that lead into the sacred forest of Mount Inari, home to five shrines that were built in dedication to Inari, the Shinto god of rice and sake.
The Golden Pavilion
Among the thousands of temples dotted about the compact city, Kinkaku-Ji – or the Golden Pavilion - is the most iconic. Originally built in 1397, the Zen Buddhist temple was burnt down by a young monk, followed by a full reconstruction. Today, the striking main hall is covered in gold leaf, brilliantly reflecting in the pond that surrounds the building. Inside, each floor represents a different style of architecture with ornate carvings, while outside, pretty gardens house the traditional Sekkatei Teahouse in which you can enjoy a cup of matcha tea.
Kiyomizu-dera Temple
One of Kyoto’s most popular temples for good reason, this hilltop building dates back to the 8th century. Absorb views from the main hall’s veranda, drink sacred water from the waterfall, and explore the number of shrines housed here. Not as tranquil as some of the city’s other temples, this bustling building is one of the most enjoyable to visit, offering an interactive experience that truly represents the expression of faith in Japan.
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Enchanting in every way, this unique park houses tall, thick green bamboo stalks that endlessly line the pathway, creating a sense of otherworldliness that is difficult to describe and magical to experience.
Culinary Delights
A dream destination for foodies, Kyoto is the place to experience authentic Japanese cuisine. Embrace Japan’s love affair with food, sampling delicacies including fresh sushi, delicate tempura, steaming ramen and matcha tea desserts. Dedicated food tours around the city showcase the delicious gastronomy that is loved by locals, while a saunter through the weird and wonderful Nishiki Market will take you past a wealth of confectionary, seafood and pickled vegetables. Kyoto is also home to a great number of world-class, Michelin-starred restaurants. Sushi Wakon, located in the elegant Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto, serves stunning Japanese cuisine using the freshest ingredients.
Nara
Around 45 minutes by road from Kyoto, Nara is a fascinating historical city. Though compact, it is filled with traditional gardens, striking temples and ornate shrines, a particular highlight of which is Toda-ji Temple, a must-visit masterpiece that is home to the largest Buddha statue in Japan. Established in 1880 and one of the country’s oldest parks, Nara Park houses hundreds of deer, considered in the Shinto religion to be messengers of the gods.