Welcome to Kyoto Japan!
Kyoto is Japan's Historical & Cultural City
Kyoto is the ancient capitol of Japan, from 794 to 1868 and today is the center of historical, cultural and spiritual activity in the nation. For one thousand years, Kyoto was the seat of power, culture, religious life, and wealth of Japan. During this time, temples, shrines, palaces, and other structures were built which still remain today. The city escaped bombing during World War II, so the city retains tons of historical flair and traditional sensibilities. Kyoto is Japan's "second city", after the much larger and busier Tokyo to the north. There are parts of inner Kyoto that still resemble their medieval selves, since not much has changed visibly except the addition of cars and bright signs. The historical district of Kyoto, called Gion is where there are still Geisha training schools. Gion is really a walk back in time, with wooden doorways opening onto cobblestone alleys with curtained small shops and actual Geishas in training picking their way through the streets now and again. There are about two thousand temples and shrines in Kyoto. Kyoto has more World Heritage Sites per square inch than any other city on earth!
Kyoto is also the home of the ancient Imperial Palace (Dojo), where the Emporer of Japan tradionally lived. The complex is a multi-layered series of walls-within-walls, walkways, courtyards and large serene buildings and gardens, smack in the middle of the city itself. Visitors can walk around the grounds, which are extensive. The nearly-empty courtyards, pathways, and gardens are nearly endless, and the sense of calm and peacefulness in the middle of bustline Kyoto is a treasured respite for locals and tourists alike.
Located about two hours from Tokyo by shinkansen, or bullet train, Kyoto has almost a million and a half residents and covers about 230 square miles. It's Japan's seventh largest city. Kyoto International Airport is just over an hour from the city, and the main train station, Kyoto Station, is right in the middle of town and very convenient. Kyoto is set on a wide river down in a valley amongst sharp, steep mountains. It's on the main island of Honshu, at the western end of the island.
Kyoto is home to so much history and culture, you could live here for a whole year and still not see and do everything there is. We know, because our writers did live in Kyoto! We can give you a first-person perspective from someone who lived and worked in Kyoto for a year. We give honest, educated, open-minded accounts of one writer's experience in this complex and fascinating city, both the good and the bad. This is not candy-coated travel hype. We don't get anything if visitors to the website decide on travelling to Kyoto or not. This is information from a first-hand account of someone who lived and worked in this fabulous city. It's really one of the most beautiful cities on earth. For example, Kyoto is home to Japan's tallest pagoda, the sect Zen Obaku's headquarters, more than a thousand temples, some of the most famous temples in Japan, the headquarters of the Shin-Jodo sect, home to Koyasan, where Shingon Buddhism has its center, and the most famous Geisha training grounds in Japan, Gion.
Beautiful and tranquil are two words that describe Kyoto today. This
ancient city has retained much of what it became known for over the
years. Here you'll find centuries old temples, the famed geisha district
and modern conveniences for the traveler, like timeshares. These resorts can be a welcomed respite
after a long day of visiting all this incredible country has to offer.
Try a resort like Wyndham timeshares with locations internationally.
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