Travel in Kyoto

Kyoto cries out to be explored on foot so that its sights, sounds, smells, and textures are savored to the fullest. A mass of cool green garden moss, the resonant echo of a temple bell, the uniquely Japanese aroma of soy, sugar and sake, and the sensual caress of silk, all experienced on a day's walk, convey the legacy of this ancient culture in a uniquely personalized manner for each visitor.
Kyoto, which in 1994 feted the 1200th anniversary of its birth as the nation's capital, has never been so vibrant. In addition to the 1,600 temples and 400 shrines that draw 40 million visitors annually, the city boasts of a new concert hall and commemorative gardens. Here, history, the arts, landscaped beauty and religious heritage join forces to present a microcosm of Japan's legacy to the world.
One thing Kyoto does not have is an off season. In spring and autumn, the Japanese in particular flock to see the famed cherry blossoms in Maruyama Park and the maple leaves in the western hills of Arashiyama. In summer, the city is ablaze with color: first, with the 32 gilded, ornate floats of the July 17 Gion Matsuri, then with the Daimonji, when a gargantuan bonfire paints the character "dai," or "big," against the eastern mountain slope. In winter, women emerge in beautiful kimono from January 1st through 3rd, and again when 20-year-olds stroll about in rich silks on Coming-of-Age Day, January 15th. Whatever the season, one need not venture far to find it celebrated in Kyoto. The city's sights and charms are tightly woven together in an ideal setting for tourism on foot.
Courtesy of the Japan Tourism Board

Travel in Kyoto Attractions

GeoPassage tours offers multitudes of travel opportunities, Kyoto is just one of the many cities we offer day tours and individual attractions to, be sure to check out our entire catalog.