Kyoto the old Imperial capital of Japan has a history going back over 1200 years. This city of hundreds of temples and shrines was where culture history and intrigue unfolded. Today visitors can enjoy Kyoto's ancient culture by walking around whilst greeted by the echo of a temple bell, the aroma of food, the sensual caress of silk.
The Kinkakuji Temple with its golden pavilion and beautiful gardens was once the villa of an Ashikaga Shogun. In the 14th century his son had the villa converted into the Rokuonji Temple. Besides this temple there are numerous shrines and temples to see from the Daigoji Sanpoin Temple to the Saiganji Temple and many more.
Kyoto is a city for all seasons. In spring the cherry blossoms greet you in Maruyama Park whilst in the autumn the maple leaves are aglow in the western hills of Arashiyama. In summer the city is ablaze with colour. In winter women emerge in their beautiful colourful kimonos from January 1st to 3rd. to greet the New Year.
Kyoto is best known for its numerous festivals, the big 3 being the Aoi,Gion and Jidai Matsuri (Festival).
The Aoi Matsuri (15 May) goes back to the 6th century. A procession of beautifully out-fitted ox-carts with 400 people dressed in Heian period (794-1185) attire leaves the old Imperial Palace in the morning ending up at the Kamigamo Shrine by the evening.
The Gion Matsuri (8 August) has a procession of 32 floats; some depicting scenes from Japanese history and mythology with shrines and sacred images and folk art performances. Others are huge two-storey music hall/Museum combinations. Each one is hand pulled by teams of 40 men. So if you are in Kyoto, wear your newly bought kiimono and join the merrymaking. The Jidai Matsuri (11 November) or the Arashiyama Maple Festival features a procession of boats on the Oi River.
Kyoto's 5 traditional hanamachi or entertainment quarters developed in the Edo period as areas where the rich people enjoyed food music and dancing. This tradition continues today and you too can be entertained by the legendary geishas who will play on the shamisen (3 stringed guitar). The Kabuki of Japan had its birth in Kyoto's famous Minamiza theatre, which was the first Kabuki theater built in Japan.
There is excitement all year round in Kyoto. So visit Kyoto and enjoy its festivals. Try the cuisine whether Tempura or Sushi and Sashimi delicious and so beautifully presented. Partake of a tea ceremony and let your cares wash away. Visit the famous Kyoto Tower for a panoramic view of the city or the rail museum or costume museum or just walk around the streets, past machiya (the traditional townhouse of merchants) and soak in the ambience or shop for handicrafts or pearls. Kyoto is indeed a unique experience. It has to be savored at leisure. The best way to reach Kyoto is to fly to Osaka and then take the train to Kyoto.