Often overlooked by visitors, the Kyoto Botanical Gardens is one of the city’s hidden treasures. It’s great for picnics, strolling or cherry blossom viewing. Continue reading

Two days in Kyoto allows you to see a lot, but you still have to work efficiently. This itinerary is the way to make the most of two days in Kyoto. Continue reading

At the heart of Kyoto lies Gion, the city’s most famous entertainment district and the center of its traditional arts. Michael Lambe takes us on a daytime tour of Gion’s most famous landmarks, shops and historic sites. Continue reading

One of Kyoto’s most important shrines, Yasaka-jinja Shrine overlooks the Gion entertainment district and sponsors the city’s biggest annual festival: the Gion Matsuri Continue reading

Nene-no-Michi Lane is a wonderful flagstone walkway that links some of the most important sights in the Southern Higashiyama area. Continue reading

Nison-in Temple is a lovely Tendai sect Buddhist temple that is best known for its lovely maple- and cherry-lined arcade leading to the main halls. Continue reading

If you need some fresh air and the kids need a good play in the great outdoors, you cannot beat this playground at the north end of the Kyoto Imperial Palace Park (Gosho). It’s our go-to spot when we’re in Kyoto with the kids. Continue reading

Tawaraya is widely considered to be Japan’s finest ryokan (traditional Japanese inn). It’s also one of Kyoto’s most expensive accommodations. We recently spent one glorious night there to try to answer the question: Is it worth it? Continue reading

A green sanctuary in the middle of the drab plain of Kyoto, the Kyoto Gyoen (Kyoto Imperial Palace Park) is Kyoto’s Central Park. Continue reading

The Path of Philosophy is easily one of the most attractive sights in Kyoto – a streamside path lined with blossoming trees and shrubs of every description. Continue reading