Kyoto

The Edo City Frozen in Time - KYOTO is Japan 's former capital, and it 's one of the strongest cultural beacons in the country, housing centuries of well-preserved traditions and history dating back to the 8 ^th century! With numerous Edo shrines, castles, Buddhist temples, monasteries, Japanese gardens of old, and a renowned reputation for Geishas, courtesy of Gion district, Kyoto offers a trip down memory lane of how Japan was like so many decades ago.

Edo period architecture is Kyoto 's most shining gift, and that entails astounding padogas and temples such as Kinkakuji , which is famous for its gold, story presentation, and the beautiful nature that surrounds the premises 'blue pond. Not too far from this royal-like temple is the buzzing street of Kawaramachi that holds onto the past while providing a unique take on Japanese modernity involving ritzy shopping. You can best explore the yesteryear construction appeal around Kyoto via kimono rental & sightseeing tours , which will likely involve traditional tea ceremonies in tatami rooms. Learning the etiquette involved in the preparation, presentation, and drinking of matcha is just the beginning of an enormous cultural journey that includes ancient pottery , weaving workshops , and traditional Japanese calligraphy lessons.

Speaking of culture, you should also make time for an authentic geisha performance in a city best known for just that. More traditional dances include performance and makeover displays by the face-painted maiko , young women under 20 years of age who are not only skilled in dance but also playing shamisen instruments! You can also experience the makeup of an oiran , encompassing hailing styling, head accessories, and an umbrella, and partake in photoshoots to create beautiful traditional pictures for your holiday album! Still on dress up adventures, there are also Ninja VR experiences in Kyoto that allow you to not only dress up as one but live a day in these martial arts shoes through virtual reality missions!

For a taste of iconic and customary Japanese foods, you should sightsee in the 400-year-old Nishiki market that offers five blocks of traditional restaurants and shops catering to all sorts of meals, treats, and desserts. Relaxing at foot spas and brewery tasting in Kyoto should be on your agenda as well.

More religious attractions to have on your radar include the Kibune shrine in Kibune town , hidden away in lovely forest seclusion full of soothing nature. Learn about ancient gods and their incredible stories at this and other famous shrines in Kyoto such as the Fushimi Inari shrine that offers beautiful rows of black and orange torii! You may also choose to travel to the legendary city of Nagaokakyo for exciting helicopter sightseeing tours, and for other lovely winter attractions like Hachijogaike and Nishiyama parks. For more beautiful and quiet nature, the Arashiyama bamboo groove offers peaceful paths surrounded by tall canopies that create lovely silhouettes under sunlight!

These are only but the tip of an ever-interesting Kyoto iceberg, so let us show you the rest of its countless offerings via our many exciting activities!