If you’ve only got one full day in Kyoto, you’ll have to work fast and efficiently. This itinerary allows you to get a good sampling of what the city has to offer in just one day. Continue reading

Make the most of your Kyoto trip with our Kyoto itineraries for visits lasting 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 4 days and 5 days, plus tailored Kyoto itineraries for Shoppers, Temple Lovers, Hikers and Garden Lovers, as well as off-the-beaten track, foliage and cherry blossom itineraries. Continue reading

What is the best time of year to visit Kobe? What’s the weather like in Kobe month by month? Here, we’ll give you all the answers. Continue reading

What’s the best time to go to Kyoto? What are the most interesting seasons? What’s the weather like in Kyoto in each month? When are the best festivals in Kyoto? Read on for our comprehensive guide. Continue reading

Central Kyoto contains two of the most important tourist sites in the city: the Kyoto Gosho (Imperial Palace) and Nijo Castle, as well as a few smaller sights and attractions. Continue reading

The Northern Higashiyama Area is one of Kyoto’s most important sightseeing districts. It’s less crowded than Southern Higashiyama but it contains at least as many first-rate sights, including fantastic temples, shrines and lots of greenery. Continue reading

The Northwest Kyoto Area is a bit of a hike from downtown or the station, but it contains several of Kyoto’s most important sights including Kinkaku-ji Temple (the Golden Pavilion), Ryoan-ji Temple (with its famous rock garden) and Myoshin-ji Temple. Continue reading

Shimbashi is single most attractive street in all of Asia, particularly in the evening. When the cherry blossoms are in bloom here, it’s almost too beautiful for words. Continue reading

Kinosaki Onsen is a picturesque village on the Japan Sea Coast, two and a half hours north of Kyoto by direct train. It’s one of the best places to enjoy an onsen (hot spring) within easy distance of Kyoto. Here is a full guide to Kinosaki’s onsen, ryokan and restaurants. Continue reading

The Kumano Kodo is an ancient pilgrimage trail in the mountains of Wakayama (south of Kyoto) where you can walk with a light pack from guesthouse to guesthouse for a few days. It’s a brilliant way to experience Japan’s rural side and ancient religious traditions. Continue reading