Japan 旅行: Kyoto

Kyoto City is one of the most famous cities in Japan. Located on Honshuu island, it was originally the Japanese capital for over 1000 years until Tokyo became capital in 1869.

Kyoto (img via city.kyoto.jp)

Kyoto is most well known for its beautiful and abundant shrines. Containing around 2000 shrines and temples, Kyoto is endearingly referred to as the "City of Ten Thousand Shrines".
These religious areas are divided into the two largely followed and oldest religions in Japan: Buddist temples, and Shinto shrines.

Heian-Jingu Shinto Shrine (img via insidekyoto.com)

Kiyomizu-dera Buddist Temple

Kyoto is also home to most of Japan's breathtaking and talented Geisha. The word Geisha means "person of the arts" and refers to a Geisha's entertaining ability through song, dance, and conversation. The city contains 5 different geisha districts, all of which use different crests on their kimono and lanterns to distinguish themselves from other districts.
Today, businessmen and travelers alike can enjoy the artistry and talent of the Geishas of Kyoto at one of the many Tea Houses in the Geisha districts.

This video, by Kyoto Fan, showcases some of Kyoto's streets at night, as well as two dances performed by Maiko (apprentice geisha).



Not everything in Kyoto is ancient. The city is brimming with youth and exciting technological advancements. Kyoto University is one of the best post secondary institutions in Japan, producing nobel prize winners in the fields of Chemistry and Physics.

Kyoto University

 Many well known companies like Nintendo, Nisshin Electric, and Toei Studios have their offices headquartered in Kyoto.

Kyoto is a huge city, and there is an amazing array of things to do, see, and experience.

Have you been to Kyoto before? What did you enjoy most?