Traditional Kyoto is the ancient capital of Japan and makes a wonderful contrast to Tokyo, offering visitors an insight into the Japan that once was. With over 2,000 temples and shrines the city is a great example of Japanese architecture and plenty of time should be dedicated to exploring these different sites. We can arrange a guided tour which will really bring the history and culture of the temples to life, but if you prefer to explore independently then some of the must-sees are Kinkaku-ji, whose gold plated exterior overlooks a large, tree lined pond, and the Fushimi Inari shrine, which is
reached via snaking avenues of bright red torii gates. Kyoto is also the home of the geisha and around 200 geiko (mature geishas) and 100 maiko (apprentice geisha) still live and practice in the city. A really unique Japanese phenomenon, spotting the painted white face of a geisha is a memorable experience, for the best chance, head to the Gion area where the geishas live.

Contact one of our specialists + 44 (0) 20 3958 6120

Enquire now

Kyoto Holiday Ideas

A few suggestions to get the holiday planning process started
Japan - Tokyo - Alps - Kyoto - Osaka

Japan - Tokyo - Alps - Kyoto - Osaka

Japan through the Eyes of a Child: Mangamania and Samurai

Tokyo, Kyoto and the Japanese Alps: from the megalopolis to the rice fields

13 days, from £ 3,570 to £ 4,465

Japan - Tokyo - Shuzenji - Kyoto

Japan - Tokyo - Shuzenji - Kyoto

Winter in Japan: Tokyo and Kyoto without the Crowds

Visit Japan during winter and head for the Japanese Alps, renowned for its world-class skiing

11 days, from £ 4,325 to £ 6,220

Tokyo,The Japanese Alps,Kyoto

Tokyo,The Japanese Alps,Kyoto

Luxury Japan Cultural Adventure

Take a tour of Tokyo's main sights and hidden gems

13 days, from £ 4,325 to £ 6,220

Japan - Tokyo - Kanazawa - Hida Furukawa - Kyoto - Miyajima

Japan - Tokyo - Kanazawa - Hida Furukawa - Kyoto - Miyajima

Highlights of Japan: Tokyo, the Alps, Kyoto and Miyajima Island

Travel across Japan by train and at a flexible pace, and from age-old sites to modern marvels

15 days, from £ 4,645 to £ 5,805

The Japanese Alps,Honshu,Tokyo,Kyoto

The Japanese Alps,Honshu,Tokyo,Kyoto

Across the Japanese Alps

Visit Jigokudani Park and see its iconic snow monkeys bathing in the hot springs

12 days, from £ 4,845 to £ 6,965

Japan - Kyoto - Mount Koya - Osaka

Japan - Kyoto - Mount Koya - Osaka

Highlights of Honshu: Imperialism, Buddhism and Island Life

A machiya (traditional wooden townhouse) in Kyoto, a temple in Mount Koya, a ryokan (traditional inn) in Kinosaki: accommodation[...]

18 days, from £ 4,910 to £ 5,535

Japan - Tokyo - Hakone - Shuzenji - Kyoto - Kinosaki - Osaka

Japan - Tokyo - Hakone - Shuzenji - Kyoto - Kinosaki - Osaka

An Authentic Journey through Japan: from Onsens to Ryokans

The frenetic rhythm of Tokyo, the creative energy of Kyoto

12 days, from £ 7,210 to £ 10,365

Japan - Polynesia

Japan - Polynesia

A Romantic Adventure to Japan and French Polynesia

A great trip to cultivate 'the art of Zen', in a Japanese garden or Polynesian lagoon

15 days, from £ 7,945 to £ 10,000

Honshu,Kyoto,Tokyo,Hakone and Mount Fuji

Honshu,Kyoto,Tokyo,Hakone and Mount Fuji

Japan in Style

Stay in one of Tokyo's immaculate high tech (and high rise) hotels and explore this amazing city with a private guide

14 days, from £ 10,165 to £ 14,615

Contact one of our specialists
+ 44 (0) 20 3958 6120 Enquire now

Related ideas

Kyoto / Tokyo / Ryokan / Osaka / / Japanese Alps / Kanazawa / Mount Koya / Hiroshima & Miyajima / Hakone & Mount Fuji /