A handpicked selection of experiences endorsed by our experts. If you can’t see what you’re looking for, let us know, as our extensive network of local contacts can open many doors.
Visit Daitoku-ji, which was founded in 1319 and was historically one of Kyoto’s principal centers of the “Way of Tea,” and tea ceremony and related arts like calligraphy flourished here. To this day, it remains a subdued oasis in Kyoto’s northern reaches. It is a vast temple complex containing 21 sub-temples, of which Daisen-in and Obai-in both have excellent Zen gardens.
Visit the Fushimi Inari Grand Shrine, one the most mysterious and haunting Shinto shrines in all of Japan. This iconic image of Japan was the inspiration for Bulgarian artist Christo’s Central Park Gates; the shrine grounds are home to tens of thousands of vermilion torii (gates) which create tunnels that run for miles up through the forest of Mount Inari.
Have a private dinner in the Gion neighborhood accompanied by traditional geisha performance and socializing. Kyoto is the birthplace of this time-honored custom, which began in the 17th century and typically includes songs with shamisen (a three-stringed instrument). Though once a central part of Japanese culture, today the art of the geisha is largely one of historical preservation.
Stop by the Ginkaku-ji, the “Silver Pavilion” to Kinkaku-ji’s gold. Like the Golden Pavilion, Ginkaku-ji was built to be the retirement villa of a 15th-century shogun and was converted into a Zen temple after his passing. Ginkaku-ji is renowned for its meticulously landscaped gardens, including a dry garden dubbed the “Sea of Silver Sand,” unique for its huge sand cone nicknamed the “Moon Viewing Platform,” and a sizeable moss garden with pond, islands and bridges.
Have lunch at Honke Owariya, Kyoto’s oldest noodle restaurant (nearly 550 years old). During the Edo period (1603-1868), it served its famous dishes inside the Imperial Palace itself, and it continues to tout its status as the Imperial family’s noodle purveyor of choice in Kyoto.
The Kinkaku-ji, or "Golden Pavilion," is one of the iconic sights of Kyoto. Built as a pleasure pavilion by a 15th-century shogun and burned down by a deranged monk in the 1950s, it has now been rebuilt to is previous exquisite perfection.
One of the oldest temples of the city, Kiyomizu is built high on massive stilts in the eastern foothills, with excellent views of Kyoto. Kiyomizu means “pure water,” and the temple takes its name from the Otowa waterfall that flows within its grounds. The waterfall tumbles in three streams, said to represent wisdom, health and wealth. Visitors typically queue up to sip from ladels provided (first use one cup to rinse your hands, then a second cup to sip from, and finally a third cup to stand on the ladel’s end to allow water to flow down and rinse the handle). Please note that Kiyomizu-dera is an attraction of great renown, and as a result, it is often one of Kyoto's most crowded temples.
Take a day trip to the I.M. Pei-designed Miho Museum, located about 1 hour by car southwest of Kyoto. You will be met and guided on a private tour by a museum curator. The museum houses Koyama’s private collection of Asian and Western antiques, as well as other pieces with an estimated value of between US$300 million to US$1 billion. Each exhibit in the Miho Museum was carefully selected as much for its artistic beauty as its historical significance, and careful attention is paid to how the collection is displayed.
An imposing, quintessential Zen temple that made a cameo in Sofia Coppola’s film Lost in Translation, the Nanzen-ji contains an enormous two-story sanmon, or main gate, that is one of the largest in Japan. The ascent up steep stairs to the second-story balcony rewards visitors with breathtaking views. In the main temple building, pause and enjoy a cup of green tea; savor the sound and sight of a waterfall emptying into a pond, and you will understand why Nanzen-ji has been a Zen holy place since the 13th century.
Explore Nishiki market, where myriad food stalls serve yakitori (grilled chicken on a stick), fried fish, oshinko (pickled vegetables), and much more. Nishiki is where many residents of Kyoto do their grocery shopping if they have time; it is similar to wet markets in Hong Kong, except they are much cleaner and more dedicated. Generally, each storefront only sells one thing: bonito fish flakes, root vegetables, fresh fish, or locally made sake, for example.
Go on the “Philosopher’s Walk,” named after a Kyoto University philosophy professor, Nishida Kitaro, who trod this path along the Shishigatani canal daily. The route takes you past several temples and shrines within a park that is also home to coffeehouses, boutiques and craft shops. Cherry blossoms and maple trees line the walkways; this is indeed the perfect place to reflect and contemplate.
With its world-famous stone garden (karesansui) Ryoan-ji is another of Kyoto’s UNESCO World Heritage sites. The Zen rock garden, measuring 2,659 square feet (247 square meters) in area, is believed to have been originally landscaped in the 15th century. It consists of 15 moss-covered small boulders in a sea of raked white gravel, and is laid out so that when viewing the garden from any angle (other than a bird’s-eye view), only 14 rocks are visible – the 15th becoming visible, it is said, upon enlightenment.
In terms of shopping, Kyoto is famous for its traditional handicrafts, which be roughly divided into three categories – Buddhist art, tea ceremony accoutrements and everyday household items. The area around Pontocho Street in particular has high-quality wooden products, such as bowls and other dining ware crafted from local zelkova and cherry trees.
Have a private lesson or ceremony in one or more traditional Japanese arts, such as ikebana (flower arrangement), calligraphy, sushi-making, tea ceremony, sword-fighting, or kimono fitting.
Surrounding the largest freshwater lake in the nation, Shiga Prefecture is a diverse and gorgeous region. From the white beaches of the west to Mount Hira’s Oku-Biwako Parkway road, from pristine Lake Biwa to the countless rice fields, one is constantly surrounded by natural beauty. Shiga is renowned for funa-zushi, or fermented crucian carp sushi, and wagyu, also known as Omi beef of supreme quality. For lovers of history, Shiga offers a number of impressive relics dating back centuries. Among these, Hikone Castle stands as a reminder of classic Edo architecture, one of the oldest castles in the nation and considered a treasure amongst Japanese people.
Explore in-depth information, experiences and highlights by navigating to specific regions using the links below.
Take in the best of Japan’s must-see sights on this 14-day journey. You’ll take in the world-famous Tsukiji & Toyosu Markets, board a bullet-train for Kyoto, and spend time at the cultural capital’s ancient temples, shrines, and palaces, spending your nights in some of Japan’s best hotels.
Embark on an around-the-world 20-night adventure of dramatic contrast, from the palaces and temples of imperial Kyoto to the souks and medina of imperial Marrakech.
Embark on an around-the-world 20-night adventure of dramatic contrast, from the palaces and temples of imperial Kyoto to the souks and medina of imperial Marrakech.
New 12-night Aman Jet Expedition from ancient Kyoto to modern Shanghai, and tropic island of Palawan to Bali's verdant Ubud.
This 13-day itinerary is a treat for anyone, a confirmed fan of Japan or not. Experience the buzz and bustle of Tokyo from the traditional wards to the ultra-modern architecture. You’ll travel across the country on the high-speed bullet trains, or by private transfer, visiting rural Yamanaka, historic Kanazawa on the west coast of Honshu, and Kyoto.
Discover Japan’s exciting history on this exciting 11-day luxury journey through Japan’s most fascinating age-old cities. Explore the colossal Todaiji Temple, visit ancient shrines, take an emotional tour of Hiroshima, and embrace Japan’s old world charm, while staying at some of Japan’s most luxurious hotels.
Step off the tourist trail for this exciting 11-day luxury journey through Japan’s less-visited areas. Take to Japan’s southwest shores as you journey from Kyoto to Osaka, stopping at UNESCO-listed sites, old castle towns, Shrine Island, and Asia’s largest limestone cave, while staying in luxury hotels like the Hyatt.
Experience fun for the whole family on this 8-day luxury Japan tour through Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and more. Your kids will love rides on bullet trains, walks through mystical forests full of deer, a visit to the home of Pokemon, chewing delicious mochi, and watching the scenery go by aboard a river cruise.
Immerse yourself deep into Japan’s art and culture scene on this fascinating and fun 13-day luxury tour. You’ll tour historic landmarks in hotspots like Tokyo and Kyoto, dine on traditional kaiseki cuisine, and learn the ancient art of Japanese flower arranging, tea ceremony, or calligraphy.
Take a deep breath and inhale the sweet scent of cherry blossoms on this 8-day luxury tour of Southern Japan. You’ll travel from Osaka to Hiroshima, visiting ancient temples and museums, and being entertained by puppets and Geishas, while staying at luxurious Japan hotels like Hoshinoya Kyoto along the way.
With just 28 rooms and scores of dedicated staff, some of which have been with the property for over 50 years, the Hiiragiya Ryokan is able to deliver an unparalleled level of service. You will not eat the same meal twice – unless you request a repeat – and the maid will only insert the main flower in your room's ikebana arrangement when you enter the room for the first time. The cuisine here is Kyoto-style Kaiseki, and it is served on handcrafted Kiyomizu ceramics and the finest lacquer ware. Each room is exquisitely decorated and all have elegant, traditional wooden bathrooms made of aromatic fir. The property was opened in the early 1800s and has been with the same family for six generations.
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