Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan’s Cultural Jewel

Welcome to the City of Ten Thousand Shrines — Kyoto, Japan’s erstwhile imperial capital and cultural epicentre. One of the best-preserved historical cities in the country, Kyoto is a window into ancient Japan, affording a glimpse into a bygone era through its old palaces, majestic shrines, traditional townhouses and spiritual temples. It’s also a curious melting pot for the old and the new, where the traditional shares space with the modern. Prepare to be enchanted, awed and captivated all at once, in this land of shrines and Geishas, castles, rock gardens and unmatched culinary extravaganzas.

Kyoto Map Luxury Travel Japan Regency Group

Kyoto wears Japan’s heritage proudly, and there are plenty who flock to its attractions. But for every iconic landmark in the city, like the stunning temples of Kiyomizu-dera, Kinkaku-ji and Ginkaku-ji, or the rock garden of Ryōan-ji, there are other lesser-known treasures like Kyoto’s hidden gardens, tiny hamlets and temples that are just as amazing. Take the love stones, for instance. Look beyond the main hall of the Kiyomizu-dera temple and you’ll find the Jishu Shrine, dedicated to Ōkuninushi, the god of love, where a pair of “love stones” placed 20 ft. apart entices visitors to walk from one stone to the other with eyes closed, in the hope of being blessed with true love.

Kyoto Geisha Luxury Travel Japan Regency Group
Kyoto Gion Wooden House Luxury Travel Japan Regency Group

calendar

When to visit

The spring and autumn months of March to May and September to November are the most favourable, although the months of September and October are prone to typhoons.

You cannot come to Kyoto and return without having seen the Heian-jingū Shrine, an imperial Shinto shrine whose gigantic torii gate welcomes you into its spacious cherry blossom-strewn grounds, which during the blooming season transforms into a vision of delicate beauty. Or the Fushimi Inari-Taisha, a sprawling shrine that’s perched on the wooded slopes of Inari-san whose main attraction is its seemingly endless, blazing orange torii. From here, you can visit nearby attractions that include the Kyoto Museum of Modern Arts, Kyoto Zoo and a sake brewery where you can explore the brewing process before stopping for a taste at the local liquor shop.

Wander around Gion district and take in the surroundings, dotted with machiya or traditional townhouses, or try your luck spotting Geishas. You can also dine with a Geisha and Maiko and enjoy the traditional, multi-course Kaiseki meal or experience an elaborate tea ceremony.

If you have some time, you could discover the Kyoto that extends beyond tradition and heritage and lends itself to glorious nature in its surrounding countryside. You’ll discover bamboo groves, lush forests and ancient temples where festivals are still celebrated as in yonder days. Kyoto’s Arashiyama district on the outskirts is a tourist’s paradise and a photographer’s dream come true. Best viewed by foot, it’s also a very special experience to ride through the surreal bamboo forest and take in the sights from the comfortable seat of a rickshaw.

Kyoto Miyajima Garden Luxury Travel Japan Regency Group
Kyoto Fushimi Inari Shrine Torii Gate Luxury Travel Japan Regency Group
Kyoto Japanese Garden Luxury Travel Japan Regency Group
Kyoto Green Macha Tea Luxury Travel Japan Regency Group

Kyoto is the soul of old Japan. It paints an incredible cultural masterpiece with influences from Zen Buddhists, Samurai warriors and imperial nobility. This is, perhaps, the foremost reason why you should visit this enchanting, venerable city.

Kyoto Luxury Travel Japan Regency Group

What to do

– Visit the Zen gardens at Daitokuji Temple
– Browse through comics at the Kyoto International Manga Museum
– Shop at Nishiki Market
– Enjoy martial arts at the Kyoto Budo Centre
– Go Geisha-spotting

By Experiences

tea ceremony regency group japan
sushi japan regency group
craftsmanship regency group japan
ryokans luxury stay japan regency group
geisha regency group japan
private jets cars regency group japan

By Destinations

tokyo travel japan regency group
kyoto travel japan regency group
hakone travel japan regency group
nara travel japan regency group
okinawa travel japan regency group
hokkaido travel japan regency group

By Itineraries

cherry blossom travel japan regency group
gourmet travel japan regency group
past present travel japan regency group
family travel japan regency group
nature travel japan regency group

Our Partners

mandarin partner regency group
partner traveller made japan regency group
pearl partner regency group japan
leading hotels partner regency group japan
relais chateaux partner regency group luxury travel japan
mandarin partner regency group
traveller made partner regency group japan
peninsula partner regency group
pearl partner regency group japan
leading hotels partner regency group japan
relais chateaux partner regency group luxury travel japan