Kyoto Prefecture

The Gion Festival, with its spectacular Yamaboko Float Parade, is one of Japan's oldest and most revered annual events. Witness massive, intricately decorated floats, some weighing over ten tons and built without nails, being pulled through Kyoto's streets, accompanied by traditional music and costumed participants.

The Gion Matsuri is Kyoto's most famous festival, spanning the entire month of July with its main highlight being the spectacular Yamahoko float parades. Visitors can experience a vibrant atmosphere, intricate traditional floats, and lively street scenes, often described as a 'moving art museum.'

Tawaraya Ryokan is one of Kyoto's most prestigious traditional inns, founded over 300 years ago and counted among the city's three great ryokans. Located in the heart of Kyoto near Kawaramachi Station, this 18-room establishment offers an authentic Japanese cultural experience with meticulously maintained gardens, traditional architecture, and world-renowned hospitality. Guests consistently praise the exceptional service, with dedicated room attendants providing personalized attention throughout their stay. The ryokan serves exquisite kaiseki cuisine featuring seasonal ingredients, though some recent reviews note inconsistencies in meal quality. While the experience comes at a premium price point (suites can exceed ¥343,000 per night), most visitors describe it as a transformative cultural immersion. The ryokan's traditional atmosphere, attention to detail, and historical significance make it a bucket-list destination for those seeking authentic Japanese hospitality.

A traditional Japanese restaurant that uses only seasonal ingredients, located near the Nishiki Tenmangu Shinto shrine and awarded one Michelin star. The chef speaks good English and explains the ingredients and cooking process while preparing the dishes. The restaurant specializes in kaiseki, a traditional multi-course meal that can include more than 14 dishes. There are three menus differing by number of courses and price: lunch costs ¥3,500–¥7,000, and dinner costs ¥7,000–¥15,000.

% ARABICA Kyoto Fujii Daimaru is a premium specialty coffee shop located on the first floor of the Fujii Daimaru department store in the Shijō‑Kawaramachi area of Kyoto. The location is part of the globally known % ARABICA chain, founded by the Kyoto trading company Asiamix, which operates in 17 countries. The café is famous for its distinctive Kyoto latte (made with condensed milk), rich espresso and professional baristas using top machines such as Slayer Espresso. The space is compact with limited seating but offers an upscale coffee experience for shoppers and tourists. This location usually has shorter queues compared with the popular Arashiyama branch, making it a more accessible option to try % ARABICA's famous coffee.

The Nintendo Museum, housed in a renovated historic factory, offers a nostalgic journey through Nintendo's century-long evolution. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits, view rare artifacts from Hanafuda cards to modern consoles, and relive classic gaming moments, making it a captivating experience for fans and curious minds alike.

Nestled deep in the Shigaraki mountains, the Miho Museum is a masterpiece of architecture by I.M. Pei, designed to blend seamlessly with its natural surroundings. Visitors are transported through a futuristic tunnel and over a suspension bridge, evoking the legendary 'Peach Blossom Spring' before discovering its curated collection of ancient art.

Katsura Imperial Villa offers a rare glimpse into 17th-century Japanese imperial aesthetics, renowned for its exquisite gardens and minimalist architecture. Visitors consistently praise its tranquility and the profound beauty of its meticulously maintained landscapes, making it a highlight for those seeking an authentic cultural experience away from the crowds.

Perched on a hillside overlooking Kobe, the Nunobiki Herb Gardens offer a serene escape with breathtaking city and bay views. Visitors enjoy a scenic ropeway ride to the top, followed by a leisurely stroll through diverse European-style gardens filled with fragrant herbs and flowers. It's a perfect blend of natural beauty, relaxation, and stunning vistas.

More than just a train station, Kyoto Station Building is a futuristic architectural marvel and a bustling city within a city. Visitors can explore its vast shopping and dining options, enjoy panoramic city views from its Skyway and rooftop garden, and witness impressive light shows on its grand staircase, making it a destination in itself.

Kobe Harborland is a vibrant waterfront district offering a mix of shopping, dining, and entertainment with picturesque harbor views. Visitors particularly enjoy the area's lively atmosphere, especially in the evening when the Ferris wheel and Kobe Port Tower are beautifully illuminated, creating a romantic setting.

Known as 'Kyoto's Kitchen,' Nishiki Market is a bustling, five-block-long covered street filled with over 100 stalls selling fresh seafood, produce, traditional Japanese delicacies, and street food. Visitors can sample a wide array of local specialties, from baby octopus to soy donuts, in a lively atmosphere.

Souvenirs from flea markets — in addition to festival markets, flea markets operate at temples, shrines and parks in Kyoto. You can find all kinds of interesting items here: antiques and crafts to clothing and plants. Among the best are the Kobo market at Tōji Temple and the Tenjin-ichi market at Kitano Tenmangū Shrine.

The prix fixe selection of numerous small dishes borrows an idea from Spanish tapas. Playful presentation and gorgeous arrangements upgrade Italian cuisine to a modern interpretation. The open ...