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Kyoto 
Ordinarily we hesitate to tell people where they “must” travel to, but we make an exception for Kyoto. Kyoto is the gatekeeper of Japanese culture and history; the place in Japan where the coexistence of tradition and modernity is most evident – and it has a vast array of beautiful accommodation and cultural activities for you and your partner to enjoy. For newlyweds, we particularly recommend our Japanese wedding ceremony experience in full traditional kimono!
“I spent two years living in Kyoto, and still haven't visited every UNESCO site! My top tip: don't limit yourself to the well-trodden path. Ask a local guide to reveal Kyoto's secret shrines and gardens. There are still many magical places that aren't swarming with tourists.”
After all the hype you'll hear about Kyoto before you arrive (from us as much as anyone), on first glance the city may not live up to expectations. Most visitors arrive at Kyoto Station, a gleaming ode to futuristic architecture designed by Hiroshi Hara, before being swept out past tacky Kyoto Tower, drab concrete shops and karaoke bars. But Kyoto is Japan's seventh-largest city, not a tiny rural village, and it is the juxtaposition of modern, urban life against the time-honoured traditions that make this one of the most fascinating of Asian cities.
Kyoto was founded in 794 as Japan's capital and the home of Emperor Kanmu. Situated in a flat plateau, surrounded on three sides by mountains and bisected by the River Kamo, the city was laid out as a grid system in the tradition of Tang China. As the city fell prey to the inevitable evils of overcrowding, plagues and natural disasters; a plethora of temples and shrines with their attendant rituals and festivals - designed to placate the spirit world - were born. Many of these rituals survive largely unchanged to this day, and you can see them being played out on their appointed date every year.
Today, Kyoto is home to more than 2,000 temples and shrines, including an amazing 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Kyoto culture; a unique tapestry of influences from imperial nobility, samurai warriors, silk traders and Zen Buddhists; is still fiercely defended by Kyotoites - and thankfully, as it was not bombed during World War Two, a great many of its important historical buildings have been preserved to this day.
Given its status as the standard-bearer for Japanese culture and history, it is not really surprising that Kyoto attracts more than 40 million visitors a year. Packed with must-see sights, from the rock garden of Ryoan-ji to the Golden Pavilion of Kinkaku-ji, from the famous Kiyomizu-dera Temple to the "nightingale floors" of Nijo Castle; you will find that here it is impossible to escape the tour bus crowds. Yet for those who make the effort, Kyoto's narrow streets are packed with hidden beauties - exquisite gardens and little-known temples - that are quiet and peaceful even at the height of the tourist season.
For example, take the back exit from Kiyomizu-dera and you'll find yourself alone in the ancient and majestic cemetery which clings to the mountainside. Sanjusangendo is another less-visited treasure. The main temple hall is filled with 1,001 shining gold statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. There's always a chance to flee the crowds at Fushimi Inari, where thousands of torii shrine gates make a labyrinth of bright red tunnels along the mountain paths.
Then there are the places where the real heartbeat of Kyoto is found: Nishiki Market, where old ladies in kimono barter for mysterious ingredients; city centre sento bathhouses; and the tiny lantern-lit temples set amongst the shops in the Sanjo arcades. Kyoto is there to be uncovered and discovered, and once you have scratched the surface, it is a city sure to draw you back time and time again.
For more information email us: [email protected] or call: + 61 7 3186 8800
Recommended Accommodation in Kyoto
Over the past few years the range of accommodation available in Kyoto has improved greatly. There are some fabulous boutique hotels at all price ranges as well as the big established names - or why not try a traditional ryokan inn? You are in the capital of history and culture after all.
Experiences in Kyoto
In keeping with its position as the capital of culture, Kyoto offers more experiences than any other city. There is of course the traditional sightseeing - but the way to really get beneath the surface is to visit artisans, take part in tea ceremony, enjoy cooking experiences & much more besides.
Weather in Kyoto
The Climate Guide for Kyoto, Japan is perfect for planning your holiday. Monthly weather averages give the best indication of what the weather is usually like for every month of the year including figures for temperature, rainfall and sunshine.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max Daytime Temperature (°C) | 6 | 6 | 10 | 17 | 21 | 25 | 29 | 30 | 25 | 20 | 14 | 9 |
| Min Night-time Temperature (°C) | -2 | -2 | 1 | 6 | 11 | 16 | 20 | 21 | 17 | 11 | 5 | 1 |
| Hours of Sunshine (Daily) | 3 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 4 |
| Hours of Daylight (Daily) | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 10 |
| Heat and Humidity Discomfort | None | None | None | None | None | None | Moderate | High | Low | None | None | None |
| Days with some Rainfall | 25 | 24 | 23 | 17 | 16 | 19 | 19 | 18 | 19 | 16 | 18 | 22 |
| Monthly Rainfall (mm) | 106 | 100 | 123 | 130 | 145 | 218 | 228 | 137 | 209 | 116 | 99 | 86 |
| UV Index (Maximum) | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 3 | 2 |
For more information email us: [email protected] or call: + 61 7 3186 8800
Tour Gallery
For more information email us: [email protected] or call: + 61 7 3186 8800
For more information email us: [email protected] or call: + 61 7 3186 8800
Featured trips including Kyoto
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Self-Guided Adventure
Traditional Japan (Essential)
- Tokyo
- Kanazawa
- Shirakawago
- Takayama
- Matsumoto
- Tsumago
- Kyoto
- Tokyo
A budget 14-night adventure taking you into the heart of old Japan, with traditional accommodation and visits to the historic cities of Tokyo & Kyoto.
14 nights: from AU$4387 pp (twin share) Read more >
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Self-Guided Adventure
Japanese Ikigai and the Path to Happiness (Classic)
- Tokyo
- Izu Peninsula
- Kyoto
- Ayabe
- Tsumago
- Matsumoto
- Tokyo
Contemplate your reason for being on a philosophical journey around Japan.
13 nights: from AU$6630 pp (twin share) Read more >
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Small Group Tour
Winter Highlights (IJT Classic)
- Tokyo
- Tsurui
- Lake Kussharo
- Abashiri
- Sapporo
- Hakodate
- Kyoto
- Kanazawa
- Tokyo
Japan in the winter is a magical destination, blanketed in snow and free from the crowds that throng the cultural hotspots in summer.
14 nights: AU$12255 Read more >
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