Anastasia Smith
Kyoto isn’t lacking in charm despite no longer being the nation’s capital. In fact, it is now one of the most popular travel destinations in Japan. Planning a visit? Let curiosity be your navigator.
While Kyoto has developed into a modern city, reminders of its rich history and heritage remain. One such reminder is the Imperial Palace. One such reminder is the Imperial Palace. Needless to say, it’s a must-visit for all tourists with a thirst for discovery. The palace was the former residence of the royal family; it no longer serves that purpose, as the royal family now officially resides in Tokyo. Visitors are allowed in the gardens, but not in the palace itself, barring special occasions. Don’t worry, the grandeur and the historical charm of the gardens will add enough substance to your visit.
It’s doubtful that you’ve seen the likes of Arashiyama Bamboo Forest before. It’s truly a unique natural wonder you should not miss. It’s lush and tranquil and offers a serene escape from city life. The forest has a mystical and mysterious aura about it, one reason that explains its popularity. You can take a wander through its pathways lined by green bamboo stalks seemingly reaching the sky. In some palaces, the bamboo trees grow so thick that they prevent you from seeing through to the other side. Its popularity and fame as a tourist hotspot are such that the vicinity is home to some of the best Kyoto family hotels. For example, take Park Hotel Kyoto, which is no more than 30 minutes from the forest.
The clue is in the name! The Golden Pavilion is indeed a golden pavilion. Located in northern Kyoto, the pavilion bears the official name of Rokuon-ji. The two floors of the pavilion are entirely covered with gold leaf, which becomes radiant and enchanting when the first sunrays dance upon them. Plus, there’s a nearby pond that holds the reflection of the radiant pavilion. The temple has a long history going back to the 14th century. Now a zen temple, the initial purpose of the pavilion was to serve as a holiday home for the shogun. What you see today isn’t the original structure, however. Countless fires and warfare laid waste to what was once a shogun residence. The current building goes back to the 1950s and does justice to the original structure, so you wouldn’t be missing out on anything.
Another scenic sight of Kyoto is the Philosopher’s Path. What is it so named? Well, Nishida Kitaro, one of the most famous philosophers in Japan, was said to have used the path for meditation and daily walks. The path trails along a beautiful canal for two kilometres. If you fancy following the trail, you’ll encounter a number of shops and restaurants along the way. Spring is a particularly popular time to visit the path. The path is lined by cherry trees that burst into colourful blooms of all shades of pink from late March to early April. Other seasons are equally charming and offer memorable experiences.
Your visit to Kyoto is an opportunity to taste sake and see sake breweries and museums. Sake is inherent to Japanese culture and has a long history. It’s made with rice and has a bittersweet taste, not unlike beer. Some breweries offer guided tours coupled with tasting sessions. Before you end your tour, don’t forget to buy a bottle or two of sake to take home.
A geisha district in Kyoto, Gion District warrants a visit. It’s where the geisha culture of Japan still thrives as if it were still the 19th century. If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to catch a performance of geisha apprentices dancing and singing. They also happen to be great conversationalists.
