Kyoto

You are not considered a true Kyotoite unless you can trace your lineage back to the city for a minimum of 4 generations. It quickly becomes apparent during holidays in Kyoto that whilst the rest of Japan has abandoned many cultural practices in favour of a 21st century lifestyle, residents of Kyoto fiercely protect their culture and way of life. This is evident in everything from good table manners to family pedigree. The symbolic and refined mind-set of Kyoto residents, insists that everything that happens in the city is of the highest standard. From products and services to cuisine and hospitality- the people of Kyoto take pride in ensuring anyone who takes a holiday in Kyoto leaves with the most wonderful memories.

A meditative stroll along the Philosopher’s Path (Tetsugaku no michi) which runs for 1.2 miles alongside a canal lined with cherry and maple trees will place you on the path of the city’s most famous old thinkers. The shrines and temples just off the main path are well worth exploring. The Gion district is geisha central, although holidays to Kyoto don’t always result in visitors meeting one. The narrow cobbled lanes are lined with surprisingly well-preserved wooden buildings, many of which are discreet tea-houses or high-end ryotei restaurants. It is often reported that there are over 1000 Buddhist temples in Kyoto. The spectacular architecture surrounded by some of the most breath-taking zen gardens in the world make the temples of Kyoto a highlight of any holiday in Kyoto. If you get fed up of the temples the Kyoto International Manga Museum is offers a crash course in everything related to the Japanese comics, including the world’s largest manga collection.

Kyoto does not have its own airport, but rather is served by Osaka's two airports. There is an excellent road and railway network between the two cities. Overseas travellers can fly into Kansai International Airport and then get a train to Kyoto. Kansai Airport Station is located opposite the arrival lobby where the Japanese Rail (JR) West Haruka Kansai Airport Limited Express Train can be caught.

Kyoto is potentially a year-round destination, although the climate is extreme: summer months are oppressively hot and humid with regular rain, and winter is surprisingly cold, with occasional snowfall.

Spring and autumn are the most moderate and beautiful times of year in terms of the glorious cherry blossom (around early April) and the fiery red changing of the leaves (early November). This, however, is when Kyoto is at its busiest. Those keen to avoid the crowds should try early autumn or late spring. Public holidays, such as Golden Week and New Year are also best avoided, owing to crowds of tourists and many places being closed.The city’s geisha change their hair ornaments 12 times a year to celebrate the natural world and the city’s confectioners create seasonal sweets that reflect whatever is in bloom. Starting in February and lasting through the summer, a series of blossoms fruit plums, daphnes, cherries, camellias, azaleas and wisteria, among many others.