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
Exhibitions and Tours
Tourism
01/11/2019
to 30/11/2019
to 30/11/2019
Illuminations at the temple Kodai-Ji in Higashiyama
Kyoto 
Exhibitions and Tours
Tourism
01/11/2019
to 30/11/2019
to 30/11/2019
Illuminations at the temple Kodai-Ji in Higashiyama
Kyoto
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In the spring, summer and autumn, the temples of Kyoto are lit up in a rather beautiful way. Among the most beautiful installations can be seen at the temple of Kodai-Ji. Here, in spring and summer, the beauty of cherry blossoms is highlighted by the lights. In autumn, it's a different story. The trees planted around the pond are transformed into a white canvas on which digital artists project their works. The 3-D projections tell a new story each year, often a tale in which mystery and the supernatural are combined…
Adress
526 Shimokawaracho, Higashiyama Ward601-8128
Kyoto
Festivals
Feast
08/12/2019
to 17/12/2019
to 17/12/2019
Arashiyama Hanatouro Illumination
Kyoto
Festivals
Feast
08/12/2019
to 17/12/2019
to 17/12/2019
Arashiyama Hanatouro Illumination
Kyoto
Description
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Every year, in November, discover Arashiyama Garden by night, the flowers and pathways illuminated in a magical way. The emblematic Togetsukyo Bridge, is illuminated by ceramic and paper lanterns, a pathway that extends into the forest like something from a fairytale... As you explore the path, which follows the Katsura River, you can enjoy traditional dishes such as rice cakes. But it is also advisable to enjoy the silence, walking among the tall bamboos in this great cathedral dedicated to mother nature. <br/>
Adress
Ukyo Ward601-8128
Kyoto
Trade Fairs & Expos
Nature
10/01/2020
to 12/01/2020
to 12/01/2020
Gafuten Shohin Bonsai Exhibition
Kyoto
Trade Fairs & Expos
Nature
10/01/2020
to 12/01/2020
to 12/01/2020
Gafuten Shohin Bonsai Exhibition
Kyoto
Description
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The Miyako Messe plays host to this major meet up for bonsai lovers. Every year, exhibitors show off their work on these fascinating trees. The astonishing rigour and attention to detail required to successfully cultivate bonsai trees is astonishing. Wander among the various stands admiring the tiny but exquisitely beautiful trees. Bonsai can live for an amazingly long time; the oldest in the world are over a thousand years old. This fifteenth edition of the Gafuten Shohin Bonsai Exhibition opens the event up to artwork relating to bonsai; visitors will find some magnificent artistic surprises here.
Adress
9-1 Okazaki Seishojicho, Sakyo Ward601-8128
Kyoto
Phone
81 75 7862 2630 website
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Festivals
Tourism
15/01/2020
to 19/01/2020
to 19/01/2020
Yakuyoke Taisai Festival
Yawata
Festivals
Tourism
15/01/2020
to 19/01/2020
to 19/01/2020
Yakuyoke Taisai Festival
Yawata
Description
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The term Yakuyoke refers to a method of driving out evil, and, at the shrine of Iwashimizu-hachimangu, this practise has become a splendid ceremony. The highlight of the event comes on the last day, when the talisman and charms of the previous year are ceremoniously burned to the sound of flutes and drums. During the festival, it is possible to have a talisman made for you, in order to ward off bad luck, which will be burned for you in the sanctuary.
Adress
Yawata-takabo 30614-8588
Yawata
Phone
81 75 981 3001
Sporting Events
Endurance
16/02/2020
to 16/02/2020
to 16/02/2020
Kyoto Marathon
Kyoto
Sporting Events
Endurance
16/02/2020
to 16/02/2020
to 16/02/2020
Kyoto Marathon
Kyoto
Description
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From Takebishi Stadium to Heian-jingu Shrine, the Kyoto Marathon takes competitors on a tour of one of Japan's most beautiful historic cities. Sheltered by the five mountains that overlook the city, the 42-kilometre (26-mile) course allows runners to admire the botanical gardens, the Ginkaku-Ji temple and the very modern Kyoto Concert Hall. In the wake of the Kyoto Protocol, the marathon is also 100% green with many eco-friendly aspects. The medal, for example, will be made from recycled materials.
Adress
526 Shimokawaracho, Higashiyama Ward601-8128
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
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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
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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/>
All year long :
Every day, from 09:00 to 17:00
Admission prices :
Full price : 400 ¥
Every day, from 09:00 to 17:00
Admission prices :
Full price : 400 ¥
Adress
1 Kinkakujicho, Kita Ward601-8128
Kyoto
Phone
0081 75 461 0013 website
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Tourist destination
Well-being
Fushimi Inari Sanctuary
Kyoto
Tourist destination
Well-being
Fushimi Inari Sanctuary
Kyoto
Description
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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/>
Adress
Fukakusa Yabunouchi Cho, Fushimi-ku601-8128
Kyoto
Phone
075 641 7331 website
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Exotic
Kyoto International Manga Museum
Kyoto
Exotic
Kyoto International Manga Museum
Kyoto
Description
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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/>
From Tuesday 1 January to Tuesday 31 December 2019 :
From Thursday to Tuesday from 10:00 to 18:00
Admission prices :
800 ¥
Students : 300 ¥
Children : 100 ¥
Group rates (adults) : 640 ¥
Student Group Rates : 240 ¥
School Groups : 80 ¥
From Thursday to Tuesday from 10:00 to 18:00
Admission prices :
800 ¥
Students : 300 ¥
Children : 100 ¥
Group rates (adults) : 640 ¥
Student Group Rates : 240 ¥
School Groups : 80 ¥
Adress
Nakagyo Ward, Karasuma Dori601-8128
Kyoto
Phone
81 75 254 7414 website
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Bars & restaurants
Bars & restaurants
Our gourmet selection for Kyoto
VIP
Gion Karyo
Kyoto
VIP
Gion Karyo
Kyoto
Description
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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 Adress
570-235 Gionmachi Minamigawa601-8128
Kyoto
All year long :
From Thursday to Tuesday from 11:30 to 15:30
From Thursday to Tuesday from 18:00 to 22:30
From Thursday to Tuesday from 11:30 to 15:30
From Thursday to Tuesday from 18:00 to 22:30
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Gourmet spot
Ippodo Tea
Kyoto
Gourmet spot
Ippodo Tea
Kyoto
Description
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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
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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 Adress
279 Kawaramachi Dori, Nakagyo Ward601-8128
Kyoto
All year long :
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 16:00 to 00:00
Saturday, Sunday from 12:00 to 00:00
Menu prices :
Free
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 16:00 to 00:00
Saturday, Sunday from 12:00 to 00:00
Menu prices :
Free
website
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Typical
Toraya Karyo Kyoto Ichijo
Kyoto
Typical
Toraya Karyo Kyoto Ichijo
Kyoto
Description
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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 Adress
400 Hirohashi Dono-cho, Karasuma-Nishiiru601-8128
Kyoto
All year long :
From Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 19:00
Saturday, Sunday from 09:00 to 18:00
From Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 19:00
Saturday, Sunday from 09:00 to 18:00
website
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