Welcome to the city of Sanctuary with its golden, wooden and garden roofs of unique refinement.
Inescapables
Inescapables
Japanese Refinement Temple
Kyoto, cradle of Japanese culture
Kyoto is the Japan of your dreams, with kimonos, temples and shrines, watercolour landscapes and tranquil gardens. Book flights to Kyoto and you will discover an ancestral city, the birthplace of the culture that is such a source of pride for the Japanese. Begin your exploration in Gion, the heart of historic Kyoto. Here, geishas in their traditional garb walk alongside the old wooden houses. Turn westward to Nishiki market for a spectacular foray into local cuisine with its delicious specialities and fine teas.
Kyoto, heart of imperial Japan
Thanks to your cheap flight to Kyoto, you will be able to step back in time, over a thousand years, to when the city was the imperial capital of Japan. Bearing witness to this is the imposing Kyoto-gosho, the imperial palace, which is nestled in 63 hectares of parkland. Its architecture tells the story of many centuries of turbulent history, including fires and restoration work. Even more impressive is the shimmering Kinkaku-ji, a Buddhist temple whose exterior is decorated with gold leaf. This Unesco-listed site is a favourite with visitors who also appreciate the tranquil elegance of its gardens.
Kyoto, city of a thousand gardens
Although it has a wealth of sumptuous buildings, Kyoto is a city that's on a human scale. Numerous visitors choose to walk or cycle around it, exploring the banks of the Kamo river. With your direct flight to Kyoto, you will be transported to the heart of the "capital of peace and tranquillity", which is said to have over 2,000 gardens. Admire the burst of colour in the Arashiyama district: bamboo groves, blooming cherry trees, misty mountains and red maple trees offer an evolving spectacle throughout the year. Simply book your flight to Japan to enjoy this elegant and cultural city.
Events
Events
The events in Kyoto
Festivals
Spirituality & Humanism
03/05/2020
to 03/05/2020
to 03/05/2020
Yabusame Shinji, festival
Kyoto 
Festivals
Spirituality & Humanism
03/05/2020
to 03/05/2020
to 03/05/2020
Yabusame Shinji, festival
Kyoto
Description
coordinates
A traditional festival in Kyoto, Yabusame Shinji takes place every year on 3rd May.
This event begins a few days before the Aoi Matsuri, which is one of the biggest popular Japanese festivals. The Yabusame Shinji takes place in the Kamo temples area, including those of Shimogamo and Kamigamo. With typical Japanese punctuality this archery festival traditionally starts at 1pm and its purpose is to protect and purify the roads which will be used during the Aoi Matsuri. For the occasion, archers from the Ogasawara school ride on horseback along a 500m path, shooting flaming arrows. A spectacular sight.
This event begins a few days before the Aoi Matsuri, which is one of the biggest popular Japanese festivals. The Yabusame Shinji takes place in the Kamo temples area, including those of Shimogamo and Kamigamo. With typical Japanese punctuality this archery festival traditionally starts at 1pm and its purpose is to protect and purify the roads which will be used during the Aoi Matsuri. For the occasion, archers from the Ogasawara school ride on horseback along a 500m path, shooting flaming arrows. A spectacular sight.
Festivals
Feast
15/05/2020
to 15/05/2020
to 15/05/2020
Aoi Mitsuri, festival
Kyoto
Festivals
Feast
15/05/2020
to 15/05/2020
to 15/05/2020
Aoi Mitsuri, festival
Kyoto
Description
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The city of Kyoto is famed for its many celebrations, and Aoi Matsuri is one of the best loved. It is named after the hollyhock, as this is the flower that the mother of deity Kamo Wakeikazuchi offered up in hope of seeing her son once more.
The festival has taken place since the 7th century, and is celebrated each year on 15th May. Several hundred dancers parade through the city, accompanied by people dressed in traditional tunics from the Heian dynasty (794-1185), some mounted on horseback, and a number of women dressed in traditional kimono.
The procession departs from the Sento Gardens, winding its way through the streets to finish at Kamigamo shrine, around five hours later.
The festival has taken place since the 7th century, and is celebrated each year on 15th May. Several hundred dancers parade through the city, accompanied by people dressed in traditional tunics from the Heian dynasty (794-1185), some mounted on horseback, and a number of women dressed in traditional kimono.
The procession departs from the Sento Gardens, winding its way through the streets to finish at Kamigamo shrine, around five hours later.
Adress
3 Kyotogyoen, Kamigyo War601-8128
Kyoto
Exhibitions and Tours
Painting & Graphic Arts
03/08/2019
to 29/05/2020
to 29/05/2020
Legendary Kyoto Painting from Maruyama Okyo to the Modern Era, exhibition
Kyoto
Exhibitions and Tours
Painting & Graphic Arts
03/08/2019
to 29/05/2020
to 29/05/2020
Legendary Kyoto Painting from Maruyama Okyo to the Modern Era, exhibition
Kyoto
Description
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Kyoto, the city of Japanese culture and tradition, hosts an exhibition exploring the evolution of its own school of painting. The beginnings of this artistic tradition can be traced back to a particular event. Some 250 years ago, a painter named Maruyama Okyo settled in Kyoto in order to create a brand new style, immediately identifiable with his paintings representing nature in motion and his portraits of animals which are both realistic and elegant. On the fringes of the artistic trends at the time, like that of the Kano school, the Maruyama-Shijo school returns to the essential, to an aesthetic formalism.
Adress
parc Okazaki601-8128
Kyoto
Things to do
Things to do
To do in Kyoto
Hot spot
Kyoto Gosho, Imperial Palace
Kyoto 
Hot spot
Kyoto Gosho, Imperial Palace
Kyoto
Description
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Thousands of years of history can be felt in this splendid palace in Kyoto. It was the seat of Japanese imperial power from its construction, in 794, until the enthronement of the Emperor Akihito who abdicated in 2019. <B>Kyoto Gosho</B> imperial palace is the symbol of this immensely long lasting power. The architecture and decorative arts combine harmoniously in a perfectly Japanese artistic balance. Sumptuous gardens and huge reception rooms bear witness to the skills of Japanese craftsmen over the ages. <br/>
Adress
3 Kyotogyoen, Kamigyo War601-8128
Kyoto
Hot spot
Kinkakuji, the Golden Temple
Kyoto
Hot spot
Kinkakuji, the Golden Temple
Kyoto
Description
practical information
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Kinkakuji, also known as the Golden Pavilion, is a Buddhist temple nestled beside a lake, in an exceptionally tranquil natural setting. The external walls are decorated with gold leaf, and the temple shimmers against the beautiful natural backdrop, its golden glow reflected in the water. The original temple was built here in 1397. It was burnt down by a monk in 1950, but the temple was then reconstructed exactly as it was before. The temple is like a phoenix risen from the ashes; if you look carefully you will see a statue of a phoenix perched on the highest point of the building. A historic and cultural highlight, the Golden Temple is a must-see when in Kyoto.<br/>
Admission prices :
Full price : 400 ¥
Tourist destination
Well-being
Fushimi Inari Sanctuary
Kyoto
Tourist destination
Well-being
Fushimi Inari Sanctuary
Kyoto
Description
practical information
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This shrine was founded in 711, dedicated to Inari, the goddess of rice. Two hundred years after, it was elevated to the highest rank of Shinto shrines and it also remains the largest sanctuary in Japan. The Fushimi Inari Shrine is particularly famous for its striking red <I>torii</I> gates which straddle the paths leading to and from the sanctuary. These have been donated by organisations and individuals, and there are said to be ten thousand of them, covering the many hiking trails behind the shrine leading up the hills behind. <br/>
Exotic
Kyoto International Manga Museum
Kyoto
Exotic
Kyoto International Manga Museum
Kyoto
Description
practical information
coordinates
The Manga Museum in Kyoto is a must for anyone interested in manga and comics. On your visit you'll be able to see the "wall of manga" which is the star attraction in this museum that's housed in a former school. The wall is a library of some 50,000 manga books just waiting to be read. You will find works there by the spiritual father of the discipline, Osamu Tezuka. The museum boasts the largest collection of manga volumes in the world. In this vast universe of words and images, there is of course something for every possible taste. Whether you are a <I>shojo</I> (young girl), a <I>shonen</I> (young man), or a <I>seinen</I> (adult), this unique library offers an amazing overview of the history of manga. <br/>
Admission prices :
800 ¥
Students : 300 ¥
Children : 100 ¥
Group rates (adults) : 640 ¥
Student Group Rates : 240 ¥
School Groups : 80 ¥
Bars & restaurants
Bars & restaurants
Our gourmet selection for Kyoto
VIP
Gion Karyo
Kyoto
VIP
Gion Karyo
Kyoto
Description
practical information
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Gion Karyo is a prestigious restaurant in Kyoto. Diners appreciate the traditional Japanese cooking with a modern twist. You can opt for the kaiseki menu, a succession of small dishes much like a tasting menu. The restaurant is housed in the atmospheric district of Gion, a maze of little wooden houses known as machiya. Step into Gion Karyo and you will travel back in time with the subtle and timeless flavours of Japanese cuisine.
Phone
075 532 0025
Gourmet spot
Ippodo Tea
Kyoto
Gourmet spot
Ippodo Tea
Kyoto
Description
practical information
coordinates
This shop selling fine Japanese teas is a real institution: <B>Ippodo</B> was established more than 300 years ago! The tea here is particularly good quality, as the shop oversees all steps in the production process, from tea leaf harvesting to drying. You will find all kinds of green tea here, including matcha, gyokuro, sencha and hojicha. The Kyoto tea shop also offers tea classes so you can learn how to prepare and get the most out of your Japanese green tea. There's a tea room at the Kyoto boutique so you can stop and savour the reviving flavours and aromas. You can also buy Ippodo tea at boutiques in Tokyo and New York. <br/>
Phone
81 75 211 4018
VIP
Botejyu Restaurant Kyoto
Kyoto
VIP
Botejyu Restaurant Kyoto
Kyoto
Description
practical information
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This restaurant is a great little spot for okonomiyaki in Kyoto. Sit along the bar and watch as your food is cooked by the chefs on a teppanyaki (a hot grill plate) on the bar right before your eyes. Try the delicious okonomiyaki, a kind of savoury pancake with a variety of fillings, or yakisoba fried noodle dishes. It's the perfect meal for a weary tourist who has spent many hours sightseeing or shopping! <br/>
Phone
075 221 1662
Typical
Toraya Karyo Kyoto Ichijo
Kyoto
Typical
Toraya Karyo Kyoto Ichijo
Kyoto
Description
practical information
coordinates
The traditional Japanese confectionary known as wagashi are more than just sweets. They are intricate and often beautifully presented plant-based sweets which are designed to accompany Japanese green tea. They are made with azuki bean paste, sticky rice, and other traditional ingredients, and you will see different wagashi depending on the season or occasion. Make your way to Toraya Karyo Ichijo if you're interested in trying some of the best wagashi around. The company was founded in the 16th century by a celebrated confectioner by that name. Toraya served the imperial family for many centuries, perpetuating an age-old tradition and developing flavours which have been refined over the years.
Phone
81 75 441 3111