Kyoto

Traditional cuisine, enchanting alleyways and
a portrait of Japanese history

Turn a corner in Kyoto, and you could find yourself beside a World Heritage site or a trailblazing restaurant. The city’s enduring landmarks reflect the changing periods of Japanese history, from 7th-century Koryu-ji Temple to Nijo Castle, the shogun residence. At Kiyomizu-dera temple, the sweeping thatched roof tops the main hall perched on a hillside, prompting smiles and raised cameras.

Kyoto is a place to experience Japanese history in full colour. Pass through walkways created by thousands of red torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine, or see the gold-covered Kinkakuji temple reflecting in its tree-lined lake. The city’s captivating past comes to life during celebrations held throughout the year. This includes the Jidai Matsuri Festival in October, when residents don authentic costumes from different historical periods. To place yourself at the centre of Kyoto’s oldest festival, experience the extravagant floats of Gion Matsuri during July, and stick around after dark for a panoply of food vendors and drink stalls.

Discover the modern city with high-end shopping along Shijo Street, or pick out your next destination from Kyoto Tower’s 100-metre-high observation deck. When it’s time for a break, savour the freshest ingredients in a historical setting with a visit to a traditional ochaya teahouse along Gion’s Hanami-koji street and adjacent alleyways. Among the fragrant, photogenic food stalls at centuries-old Nishiki Market, much of the fresh produce comes from local farmers and artisans. Indeed, nature is on full display in this wonderfully complex city, particularly at Sagano Bamboo Grove in Arashiyama, where the trees take on an otherworldly glow.