The Area

Kyoto is bounded by mountains to the west, north and east. Many of the best monuments and gardens can be found in the foothills, such as the Higashiyama district east to of the Kamo River.

Fall is the best season for sightseeing. With over 200 Shinto shrines, 1,600 temples, three Imperial palaces, nine major museums and countless classic gardens, Kyoto easily meets the criteria of a full, cultural experience. Tour services with the Kyoto City Taxi are available upon request and reservations can be made through the hotel.

Kyoto is also famous throughout Japan for the quality of its crafts and food products. It is one of the best places to buy crafts and souvenirs, many of them local specialties.

What's Nearby

• Kyoto International Conference Center - In an unforgettable lakeside setting, this complex has hosted 12,000 events in 35 years of international meeting experience. (Across the street)
• Kyoto Convention Bureau
• Sports Center - Features golf practice center and horseback riding facilities. (5 minutes away)
• Uzumasa Movie Village - Tour Japanese movie sets available to the public.

Sightseeing Nearby

• Gion - Kyoto's best known district is full of contrasts: Classical Japanese arts are performed next door to a betting shop, which may be adjacent to the side of a temple. The Gion Festival is a major attraction annually (July 16 - 17). (20 minutes by car)
• Daikakuji - Headquarters of one of Japan's most popular schools of ikebana (flower arranging). (45 minutes by car)
• Sagano - Home of rice fields, bamboo groves, temples and cemeteries, this picturesque city is famous for its maple leaves in the fall. (40 minutes by car)
• Arashiyama - A lot of unspoiled natural beauty can be found here with the center of attraction being the timeless Togetsu-kyo, the graceful "moon-crossing" bridge.

Temples and Shrines

• Kinkakuji: The Golden Pavilion - A glimmering legacy to medieval Japan, the graceful three-story structure is totally covered in gold leaf and topped with a bronze phoenix.
• Ginkakuji: The Silver Pavilion - Said to be a masterpiece of garden design, Ginkakuji is set within a remarkable garden with ponds, raked gravel mounds and pine trees.
• Kyoto Gosho - This was the former Imperial Palace when Kyoto was the capital of Japan.
• Kiyomizu Temple - For over 1,000 years, pilgrims have climbed the slope to pray to the 11-headed Kannon image and drink from its sacred spring. Famous for its cherry blossoms in the spring, maple trees in the fall. (30 minutes by car)
• Daitokuji Temple - Famous tearooms and jewel-like gardens continue to promote the ways of Zen and tea.