8 Reasons Why Kyoto is World Renowned

As the main draw for culture buffs visiting the city, Kyoto's 14th-century imperial palace is no ordinary landmark in Japan. Having served as the resplendent home of some of the country's most famous emperors, this free attraction has been an architectural marvel for ages. In addition to its state ceremony hall and library, the palace being surrounded by the Kyoto Gyoen National Garden has also added to its popularity.

As Japan's most celebrated author, Haruki Murakami is nothing short of an icon in the global literary world. With his novels being translated into more than 50 languages, this New York Times best-selling author of "Norwegian Wood" has been associated with his hometown Kyoto since he first put pen to paper.

Although Kaiseki is a traditional meal option that's available all across Japan now, this dinner composed of several courses was actually invented in Kyoto. Ideal for group dining, the Kaiseki has been adapted to encompass as many as 14 courses in certain areas of Japan.

As one of the country's leading sake manufacturing cities, Kyoto can rightly be described as one of Japan's sake heartlands. The fermented rice wine made in this part of the country is known for its rich taste with most of the breweries occupying the banks of the Horikawa River. Those based at Park Hotel Group establishments and other local resorts will find that touring sake breweries is one of the top things to do in Kyoto.

Dating back centuries, Nijo Castle is another victim of the 1750 earthquake which shook Kyoto and nearly destroyed this ancient edifice. Although the castle faced many other fires and was never completely refurbished, the venue remains a historical monument that attracts countless visitors.

Having dominated the Japanese headlines in the 1460s, the Onin War which raged on for 11 years is another reason Kyoto is well-known across the globe. Having started as a squabble between two local families, the conflict was based on who would become the Shogun after Ashikaga Yoshimasa. The battle was ultimately won by Hosokawa. The Onin War was one of the longest civil wars in Japan and destroyed most of Kyoto before reaching this end.

This sweet snack invented by a blind monk during Japan's Edo era is another famous export of Kyoto. Made using red bean paste, matcha powder and glutinous rice, the triangle-shaped treat is baked to perfection before being served.

As one of the most photographed sites in all of Japan, the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is also found in Kyoto. The area which is home to many idyllic walking trails is not only home to monkeys but also giant pandas.