Traditional Japan Kyoto

Tea and temples, rivers and rock gardens, gyozas and Geisha – all found in Japan’s oldest city

Home to many ancient cultural rituals and 10,000 shrines, Kyoto offers a true taste of traditional Japan. As the original capital, it’s the best place to enjoy Japan’s past without the hustle and bustle of its future.

First on the itinerary are the rolling hills of Ariyshiama District, famous for cherry blossom in spring and blood red leaves in autumn.

If you’re up for a bit of a hike, take to the Sagano Bamboo Forest, a 500m avenue through a tunnel of towering bamboo. Or, if adventure calls, hop on the two-hour Hozugawa riverboat cruise down a rapid ravine.

If it’s Zen you’re after, Ryoanji Temple has the best example of a Japanese Zen garden. There are 15 stones in the garden but no more than 14 can be seen from any single viewpoint – to see all 15 you need to obtain enlightenment! Why not try a spot of meditation here… or there’s a tofu restaurant inside.

At the base of Inari mountain, Kyoto boasts the stunning Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine. Trail through a burning orange tunnel of 10,000 tantalising Torii gates to smaller shrines above. You can spend up to two hours exploring and enjoy a panoramic view of Kyoto at the peak.