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Kyoto

Nestled among mountains in Western Honshu, Kyōto (京都; ) has a reputation worldwide as Japan's most beautiful city. However, visitors will be surprised how much work they will have to do to see its beautiful side. Most visitors' first impressions will be of the urban sprawl of central Kyoto, around the ultra-modern glass-and-steel train station.
Nonetheless, the persistent tourist will soon discover Kyoto's hidden beauty in the temples and parks which ring the city center, and find that the city has even more than meets the eye.

Diveshops in Kyoto:


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Hotels in Kyoto

 Kyoto Garden Hotel Score 8 from 30 reviews
Oike-Minami-Iru, Muromachi-dori, Nakagyo-ku 8/10
Parking: 20 parking spaces (free / first-come-first-serve) ... more
 
Hotel Granvia Kyoto Score 8 from 1 reviews
JR Kyoto Station, Karasuma Chuo-guchi, Shiokoji-sagaru, Karasuma-dori, Shimogyo-ku, 8/10
As the most sought after deluxe property in Kyoto, the hotel houses over 1,000 pieces of contemporary artworks throughout the premises exudes a museum like quality. The artwork of Kyoto-based artists, some of the most famous in Japan, is prominently featured among the paintings, sculptures, and industrial art on display and accentuated by photographs adorning the guest rooms. ... more
 
Aranvert Hotel Kyoto Score 8.5 from 38 reviews
179 Higashi Kazariya-cho, Gojyo street, Shimogyo-ku 8.5/10
Vending machine: First floor Emergency exits: Four exists on each floor Payphones: Two on first floor Two on third floor Public bath/ relaxation Open: 5:30 PM to 1:00 AM The great bath commanding a panoramic view provides you with relaxation. This panoramic bath is on the highest floor. The women's bathroom commands the Kyoto Tower, Higashi Honganji Temple, and Nishi Honganji Temple in the front direction. Please relieve the stress of your travel in the sumptuous location where you can see the rows of traditional houses peculiar to this ancient city. ... more
 
 Kyoto Hotel Okura Score 10 from 4 reviews
Kawaramachi-Oike, Nakagyo-ku 10/10
Centrally located, Kyoto Hotel Okura offers free internet access, free parking and a variety of restaurants. Rooms at Kyoto Hotel Okura feature large windows offering views of Higashiyama Mountains. They offer air conditioning, a mini-bar and en suite bathroom. Room service is provided. Kyoto Hotel Okura's 7 restaurants offer a variety of cuisines ranging from traditional Japanese and seasonal Kyoto specialties to French and Italian. Kyoto Hotel Okura is a 15-minute drive from Kyoto Japan Railway Station. It is also close to attractions such as the Imperial Palace, Kyoto's oldest temple, Toji, and Nijo Castle. ... more
 
Watazen Ryokan Score 0 from 0 reviews
413 Izutsuya-cho , Yanaginobaba dori Rokkakku - sagaru, Nakagyo - ku 0/10
Located in central Kyoto, Watazen Ryokan offers traditional Japanese rooms, free Wi-Fi in public areas and is a 10-minute walk from Shijo Underground Station. Rooms feature tatami flooring. They also come with a Japanese mattress and futon, TV, minibar and private toilet. Some rooms include an attached bath. Watazan Ryokan provides a public bath. A western breakfast is offered. Guests can also sample traditional Japanese meals at Watazan Ryokan. Hankyu Karasuma Station is a 5-minute walk away. Daimaru Shopping Centre is just a short walk away. JR Kyoto Station is just 5 minutes away by underground. Parking is available at an extra charge. Bicycles can also be hired. ... more
 
More hotels in Kyoto

Kyoto and Nara Day Tour - Golden Pavilion, Nijo Castle, Todaiji 10 hours

Kinkakuji Temple - Golden Pavilion See both Kyoto and Nara in this great one day tour.

Kyoto was Japan's capital and the emperor's residence from 794 until 1868. It is now the country's seventh largest city with a population of 1.4 million people and a modern face. Enjoy this morning tour to see some of the main highlights of this wonderful city, steeped in culture.

Japan's first permanent capital was established in the year 710 at Heijo, the city now known as Nara. As the influence and political ambitions of the city's powerful Buddhist monasteries grew to become a serious threat to the government, the capital was moved to Nagaoka in 784.

Nara is located in the Kinai plain, less than one hour from Kyoto. Due to its past as the first permanent capital, it remains full of historic treasures, including some of Japan's oldest Buddhist temples.

Tour Highlights Include:

  • Nijo Castle
  • Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion)
  • Kyoto Imperial Palace
  • Buffet Lunch at Kyoto Handicraft Center
  • Todaiji Temple
  • Deer Park
  • Kasuga Shrine

Please see the information in 'Itinerary' for details about visiting each place. Click here for more information and Booking Details

Ryoanji

Ryoan-ji temples what must be the most famous and photographed zen garden in Japan. Be prepared for the crowds of people that throng the site, and it is more likely that you find inner solitude in the surrounding gardens, than at the famed zen garden. You can take Bus 59 from Kinkakuji to Ryoanji.

type:Fountains and statues

Kiyomizu Dera

This temple is perched on a hillside, overlooking much of Kyoto. Of note is the huge platform (where you get a great view of Kyoto on a fine day), supported by hundreds of wooden struts. Sharing the same compound, are a number of smaller shrines. Try to arrive early in the morning to beat the crowds. The temple is open early, so you can make this your first stop of the day. The area surrounding the temple is sprinkled with shops selling crafts and foodstuff.

type:Hotspots

Kyoto Morning and Kyoto Handicraft Center including woodblock printing 5 hours

Nijo Castle Enjoy a morning tour of Kyoto together with the experience of making your own woodblock print or cloisonne at the Kyoto Handicraft Center.

Tour Highlights Include:

  • Nijo Castle
  • Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion)
  • Kyoto Imperial Palace
  • Buffet Lunch at Kyoto Handicraft Center

Please see the information in 'Itinerary' for details about visiting each place. Click here for more information and Booking Details