Kyoto Japan

Kyoto stretches from southeast to northwest in the central and northern Kansai Region (Midwest Japan). It has three geographical features, the saw-toothed coast area around the Maizuru Bay in the northwest, the Tamba Mountains around the center and the Kyoto Basin in the southeast.

Kyoto became the capital of Japan in the 8th century. It had flourished as the center for Japanese politics, economy and culture for some 1,200 years until the capital functions were transferred to Tokyo in the mid 19th century. There remain many temples and shrines that had been built during this long period. Seventeen historic sites including the Kiyomizu-dera Temple and the Nijo-jo Castle are designated as World Cultural Heritage sites.

In Kyoto you may meet Maiko, young dancing entertainers who walk in long hanging sleeved kimono in the Gion, see the townscape characterized with popular 19th century style latticework, and visit the Nishijin where they weave traditional nishijin-ori textiles with vivid colored threads. Kyoto'sfestivals are famous not only in Japan but are known worldwide. The three major festivals of Kyoto are Aoi-Matsuri Festival in early summer, Gion-Matsuri Festival in summer and Jidai-Matsuri Festival in autumn. There is also the Okuribi in five hills of Daimonji, where torches shaping a letter or Japanese Kanji are ignited into flames on the night of August 15, in a Buddhist ritual called O-bon

 

map of kyoto japan

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Kyoto Sightseeing

Kyoto is a city where old and new exist side by side. Department stores, restaurants, shopping arcades, theaters and hotels can be found around the modern station, however old temples such as the Higashi Honganji Temple, Nishi-Honganji Temple and Toji Temple are also dotted around the area.

For over 1,000years, Kyoto was the political, cultural and artistic center of the country. Today, Kyoto is home to the greatest wealth of historical and cultural properties in Japan. Japanese history can't be told without Kyoto's history.

Kyoto Transportation

Kyoto is conveniently accessible from both Tokyo and Osaka. From Osaka's Kansai International Airport, JR rapid trains and airport limousines provide a quick and easy transportation. Shinkansen (bullet train) is the easiest and fastest transportation from Tokyo.

Once you are in Kyoto, getting around should be no problem. Buses, taxis, subways, trains, and bicycles are all common ways to get around Kyoto.

Here is Some information on Kyoto's public transportation.

 

Kyoto Festivals

There are hundreds of traditional festivals in Kyoto celebrated throughout the year. Festivals are called "Matsuri" in Japanese. Some dating back hundreds or even thousands of years.  Most festivals in Kyoto are more focused on the beauty and the dramatic story behind the original reason for the festival. There is not much excitement, dancing, or singing at Kyoto festivals but if you are into Japanese beauty, you can't miss the festivals in Kyoto.