Tourist Information of Kyoto

Kyoto is a tourist spot that history lovers can't resist, with places like Honno-ji Temple, which is associated with Oda Nobunaga who lived during the Warring States period, the famous Goju-no-to Tower of Tō-ji Temple, and Nijo Castle, where the Great Restoration took place. You can enjoy eating your way through "Nishiki Market," which supports Kyoto's food culture, and walking through the retro stone-paved streets of "Pontocho," where you might even cross paths with a maiko.

This area boasts particularly attractive cityscapes even in Kyoto, and both foreigners and Japanese alike can't help but be enchanted by the scenic views and the chance to encounter maiko if they're lucky. There are many famous spots such as the "Sanjusangendo" with 1001 Buddha statues lined up, "Kiyomizu Temple," and "Yasaka Shrine" scattered throughout the area, where you can fully enjoy the atmosphere of the ancient capital by indulging in traditional Japanese sweets or receiving blessings at power spots.

This area, known as Kyoto's backyard since ancient times, is recommended for adult women's trips as the aristocrats have visited seeking "healing" and "coolness." Kyoto's leading power spot for matchmaking, Kifune Shrine, has a beautiful river and a pure atmosphere that is attractive, making it a place where you can refresh both your mind and body. After enjoying Kyoto cuisine while overlooking the clear stream in the quiet Satoyama surrounded by mountains, it's a must to have a relaxing and elegant trip in the hot springs.

Fushimi, famous for the world-renowned Fushimi Inari Taisha with its vermilion torii gates, is a town with a lingering atmosphere and many sake breweries, making it a recommended destination for sake lovers. Yamashina has many historical sites, including Jomon period ruins, the "Yamashina Hongan-ji Temple Site" with legends dating back to the Heian period, and the "Old Tokaido Road" that vividly depicts the scenery of the Edo period. This area, where cultural assets with different historical backgrounds stand, has a unique atmosphere, so why not forget about time and spend a relaxing time here?

Arashiyama is a treasure trove of Kyoto-like attractions such as "Togetsukyo Bridge" and "Bamboo Forest Path," designated as a national historic site and scenic spot. Takao is one of Kyoto's leading autumn foliage spots, where the entire mountain is colored in autumn colors. It is full of atmosphere that can be enjoyed precisely because untouched nature remains. It is an area where you can be healed while feeling nature to the fullest and touch Japanese culture.

Visit the Kyoto Imperial Palace, where the emperors lived until 1869, and see the Kyoto State Guest House, which welcomes foreign dignitaries. Nishijin, named after the location of the Western Army during the Onin War, is a collection of workshops that produce Nishijin-ori, a traditional craft that is internationally famous. Kitano Tenmangu Shrine in Kitano is a highly prestigious shrine that receives protection from the imperial court during national emergencies and natural disasters. It is also known as a power spot that enshrines Sugawara no Michizane, the god of learning.

Famous for the story of a celestial maiden descending to earth, Amanohashidate is said to be one of Japan's three most scenic spots, as seen from the observation deck of "Amanohashidate View Land." The local cuisine in this area is undoubtedly seafood, with abalone and sweet shrimp in the spring, summer, and autumn, and snow crab in the winter being particularly famous. Seafood is delicious all year round, and the seafood in Tango Peninsula is so delicious that it is recommended to stay at a local inn and enjoy a seafood tour.

Uji, famous for the Phoenix Hall of Byodoin Temple and the Genji Museum, is an area that gathers historic sites and important cultural properties, making it a tourist spot that can be visited on foot. Itohkyuemon sells a wide variety of Uji tea with different tastes, which is also famous for being promoted and popularized by Sen no Rikyu. It is a place where you can enjoy rich matcha sweets and even "Uji matcha soba" for a matcha-filled experience, giving you a real sense of being in Kyoto.

Kameoka Station, the terminus of the Torokko electric train in Arashiyama, is also the starting point for the Hozugawa River Boat Ride, making it a very rural area. There are many local foods unique to Funami, such as deer meat and wild boar ramen, which are a must-try. Fukuchiyama has become a place associated with Akechi Mitsuhide, including the "Mitrei Shrine," which enshrines his spirit, and the "Fukuchiyama Castle," which is a symbol of Fukuchiyama.

Nagaokakyo has ancient ruins, burial mounds, and shrines scattered throughout the city, including the famous hydrangea spot "Yanagidani Kannon Yojo-ji Temple," which is said to be the phantom capital from about 1200 years ago. Yawata is a historical city with cultural heritage sites such as the "Iwashimizu Hachimangu Shrine," designated as a national treasure, and is also one of Japan's leading cherry blossom spots. It is an area where you can enjoy seasonal plants along with history.

Kyotanabe is home to historical tourist spots such as "Shuon-an," known as Ikkyu-san's temple, and "Kannon-ji," which houses a national treasure, the Eleven-faced Kannon statue. In addition, the campus of Doshisha University, which boasts state-of-the-art facilities, has ruins and ancient burial mounds. The local specialty, Gyokuro, is a notable gourmet item with numerous awards. Kizugawa was the capital of Japan for five years during the Nara period, when Emperor Shomu moved the capital there and renamed it "Kyo-nin." It is also known as a treasure trove of cultural assets.