Kyoto, Japan's most touristy city was once the ancient historical capital of the country. Today, it is renowned for its beautiful gardens, quiet temples, colourful shrines and clusters of true masterpieces of religious architecture. Come visit the city and you'll be enchanted by the beauty of its more than a thousand Buddhist temples conserved through the centuries and enclosed by lush Zen gardens. While the city has its roots in its own culture and traditions, it is simultaneously blending with the global modernisation. Famed as one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Kyoto invites travellers from each and every corner of the globe through its soul-soothing splendour and gives them numerous reasons to seek and find the best deals on holiday packages.
Best Time to Visit Kyoto is a year-round destination as it enjoys pleasant weather for most parts of the year. However, the best seasons to visit this charming city are spring and autumn, i.e., from March to May and September to November when the weather is the mildest and the blooming cherry blossoms and vibrant fall foliage draw the highest attention. Those who want great deals on travel packages must go for early bookings, as the huge crowds visiting during these seasons push up flight fares and hotel tariffs.
Eating outThe city of Kyoto is best known for its delicious food that presents a true glimpse into its vast cultural heritage. From kaiseki cuisine to tempura to ramen to trendy cocktail options, the city has it all to delight travellers. This beautiful paradise is particularly famous for its tofu, sublime kaiseki cuisine and its Buddhist vegetarian fare. Travellers can enjoy authentic dining experiences at various Japanese and Italian cafes tucked in the city. Also, Kyoto is best known worldwide for its matcha - green tea and yatsuhashi - a Japanese confectionery.
Things to doOwing a centuries-old history and famed as a religious hub of Japan, Kyoto has a lot of experiences in its bucket for the travellers. While Kinkaku-ji, Eikando Zenrinji Temple, Ryoanji Temple, Sanjusangendo Temple and Philosopher's Walk are some ideal places to find peace, Kyoto Tower is the best spot to enjoy the panoramic view of the city. Additionally, tourists can wander through the incredible Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, participate in a tea ceremony and stroll through the Gion District to collect some unique experiences from the city.
Popular Hotels The city of beautiful wonders showcases a wide array of hotels, guest houses, ryokans (traditional Japanese inns) and shukubo (temple lodgings) to suit all kinds of tastes and pockets. Travellers with budget constraints can look for the best deals at Kyoto vacation rentals and ryokans placed all throughout the city whereas those who look for an opulent stay can go for the luxurious five-star properties. Hyatt Regency, Ritz-Carlton and Four-Seaons Hotel are some lavish options while Palace Side Hotel, Sakara and Budget Inn are a few appropriate choices for budget conscious guests.
Shopping Though Kyoto is meant for its atmospheric temples and historic shrines, it's also a shopper's haven; and there's no denying to this. Visitors who have booked a holiday to Kyoto will find it an ideal place to shop for traditional as well as modern Japanese goods. The city possesses two main shopping districts - The Kyoto Station Area and Downtown Kyoto. From traditional clothes, antiques and ceramics to martial art goods, incense and green tea, this city has it all to impress the shopaholics. Nishiki Market, Kobo-san Flea Market and Tenjin-san Flea Market are some of the prominent markets to visit.
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