Kyoto Accommodation Guide
Kyoto, with a population of 1.46 million people, is one of the largest cities in Japan. It was the capital of Japan for over 1,000 years from its establishment as the Heian Kyo Capital in 794 until the seat of government was moved to Tokyo in 1868 after the Imperial Restoration. Regarded as the spiritual home of the Japanese people, Kyoto steadfastly maintains the essence of Japanese art and culture.
Just to the south-west of Tokyo, the city is known for its seasonal festivals and theatre productions, hundreds of imposing temples and shrines, delicious tofu-based cuisine, and traditional Japanese handicrafts. Classical Japanese arts such as the tea ceremony and flower arrangement, and the highly popular Geisha districts are other major attractions. And if you need to book Tokyo Hotels near Narita Airport, then be sure to make reservations in advance.
Your hotel in Kyoto will be accessible to the major attractions
Kyoto is a compact city with a good public transportation system so your hotel in Kyoto should be selected with the places you wish to visit in mind. Don't miss the Nishiki Food Market for a taste of the best of Kyoto's cuisine, where over 120 shops sell fresh produce. Any hotel in Kyoto will direct you to the Kyoto National Museum with its fine archeological and art collections and you can tour the impressive Imperial Palace grounds and gardens with a guide. A trip to the Nijo Castle, built in 1603 by the last Tokugawa shogun, can be arranged by the tour desk of any hotel in Kyoto.
Stay at a Kyoto ryokan that is close to the attractions
As an alternative to hotels, you might consider a Kyoto ryokan. Ryokans are somewhat like B&Bs in that they are generally small, clean, family run lodgings without the fancy service and with traditional tatami mat rooms and futon beds. They always attract keen travellers willing to share travel information and this is a prime reason for choosing them. Most temples and shrines lie on the city's outskirts, but are easily accessible by public transportation from Kyoto ryokans. The Kiyomizu Temple, beautifully positioned on a hillside, has a wide veranda, with views over the city - its bright vermilion pagoda is a landmark. The buildings of the Heian Shrine and its massive red torii gateway, echo the style of the first Imperial Palace in Kyoto. The gardens are famous for their spring blossoms and fall colors. The Ashikaga Shogun Yoshimitsu used the Kinkakuji Temple (Temple of the Golden Pavilion) as a retreat, but after his death the building became a temple. The beautiful gilded structure is set in a traditional Japanese garden.
Renowned for its Zen-style garden, with its raked gravel patterns and carefully positioned rocks, the Ryoanji Temple was built in 1450 by General Hosokawa Katsumoto. The shogun, Ashikaga Yoshimasa, who popularized the tea ceremony, built the Ginkakuji Temple (Temple of the Silver Pavilion) in 1482. The temple gardens are famous for their ascetic formality and balance. The nearby popular Path of Philosophy follows a scenic canal. The Saihoji (Kokedera) Temple, better known as the Moss Temple, is a Zen temple set in a pretty moss garden (reservations by mail necessary) Numerous works of art are housed in the Toji Temple, built in 794 as a place to pray for peace. A giant temple flea market is held here on the 21st every month.
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