What is Kyoto? Everything You Need To Know About Japan’s Cultural Hearth

Kyoto is a city located in the middle of Japan, near Osaka. It is one of Japan’s cultural meccas and has been at the heart of the country’s political, spiritual and artistic activities since the 8th century. Even today, it is an important tourist destination, with an array of world-renowned sites and a distinctly traditional atmosphere. This article will discuss what tourism to Kyoto looks like, explain its ancient history, tell you about its regional highlights, and also highlight an activity that would make a great addition to any trip to this city.

What should I expect when visiting Kyoto?

Kyoto is the epitome of classic Japan. When visiting, you will be surrounded by bright shrines and temples, traditional bamboo groves, and elegant ancient palaces. Even the urban districts are filled with narrow cobbled alleyways, boutiques serving classic Japanese handmade items, and eateries serving traditional Japanese fare. All of these will make for an unforgettable experience combining traditional Japan with some quirks of modernity that make the city unique.

Besides its unique aesthetic qualities and cityscape, Kyoto is enriched by its long history. The city has been the political center of Japan since the 8th century when it became the imperial capital. At that time, the city was called Heian-kyo. Its importance during the Heian Period (794-1185) ensured that it played a major role in the development of Japanese culture and social structure. In this time, woodblock printing, literature and calligraphy blossomed, and a political system developed to rule over Japan as we know it today. This long history has made Kyoto a center of tourism today and a great starting point for anyone wishing to explore Japan.

Highlights of Kyoto

Kyoto offers a large variety of sites and attractions that draw visitors to this ancient city every year. It is impossible to visit them all but some of its must-see sites include:

• Kinkaku-ji Temple: Kinkaku-ji Temple is a Zen temple featuring a temple building gilded with platinum, making it look like a shining beacon within the enormous garden grounds.
• Fushimi Inari Shrine: Fushimi Inari Shrine is renowned for its crowded lineup of bright orange torii gates. It is the head shrine of the over 30,000 Inari shrines across Japan.
• Kiyomizu-dera Temple: Kiyomizu-dera Temple is well known for its wooden veranda, which overlooks Kyoto City, providing an amazing view.
• Gion Geisha District: Gion is Kyoto’s most famous geisha district, renowned for its traditional wooden architecture and few remaining geishas.
• Kyoto Imperial Palace: The Kyoto Imperial Palace was home to the Emperor during the Heian Period from 794-1185 CE . It is located within the expansive Kyoto Imperial Park.
• Arashiyama Bamboo Grove: This fairy tale-esque bamboo grove is one of Osaka’s most popular spots for traditional Japanese beauty.

For more information on what to do on a trip to Kyoto, take a look at this Japan Guide article outlining some of the best attractions.

Unique Activities in Kyoto

When visiting such a culturally rich area as Kyoto, there are some experiences that cannot be replicated anywhere else. To make your trip to Kyoto truly memorable, why not take a special food tour with a local guide? The Kyoto Izakaya Food Tour with Local Guide, offered by GetYourGuide, offers everything from an introduction to Japanese cuisine, along with visits to some local bars and restaurants specializing in fine dining that tourists would not normally access in Japan. You will get to sample some delicious local dishes such as tempura, sushi and yakitori while conversing with your charming hosts who are proficient in English – perfect for those wanting to learn more about the culture. What’s more, this tour even offers the option of including sake tasting – something surely no thristy traveller would want to miss out on!

Conclusion

Kyoto is one of Japan’s crown jewels. With its stunning cityscape steeped in history and culture, there is something for everyone to explore here. From Kinkakuji Temple to Fushimi Inari Shrine, it has some of Japan’s lesser known treasures that are sure to enchant visitors from all around the world. And for those who want to experience something extra special and off the beaten path, why not try an izakaya food tour with locals! There are lots of activities available to learn unique cultural aspects while also enjoying wonderful local food – a great way to make your visit just that bit more special.