A former ancient capital of Japan dating to the 7th century, Kyoto is steeped in history and offers the ideal combination of rich culture and modern indulgences for a luxury holiday you won’t soon forget.
Refined Accommodation
When it comes to a place to stay where you can enjoy personalised service and plenty of pampering, options like the centrally located Park Hotel Kyoto make a perfect choice. You can opt for the Park Suite at this property of the Park Hotel Group which is positioned on the top floor with exclusive access to a rooftop garden set amidst stunning views. Such refined living spaces include a lounge with floor-to-ceiling windows and traditional detailing; a luxurious bathtub in a spacious washroom, a 49-inch HD TV, drip coffee and Japanese tea and free Wi-Fi are some of its many other highlights.
Key Places to See
This city is great for exploring and amongst the top things to do in Kyoto is to visit its UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the famed 17th century Nijo Castle; ideally, look to stay at a hotel that’s within walking distance of this attraction and from which you can also visit the Kinkaku-ji and Kiyomizu-dera Temples. Those who love the outdoors can hike up Mount Inari to the Fushimi-Inari Taisha Shrine or wander around the idyllic Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. You can also soak up some local culture at the lively Nishiki Market, while eclectic nightlife experiences await at Pontocho Alley.
Dining Delights
You can also enjoy a foodie journey of discovery in this city which has a rich culinary heritage including a tradition known as Kaiseki Ryori which is a type of traditional multi-course haute cuisine in Japan. You can savour this and other distinctive dishes at some of the top Michelin-star restaurants in Kyoto such as Hyotei, Kichisen and Nakamura. Known for its delicate and refined flavours, the local cuisine also features favourites like Buddhist vegetarian dishes (Shojin Ryori) and tofu cooked in broth (Yudofu).
When To Visit
The great thing about visiting Kyoto on a holiday is that it has something to offer all year round due to its temperate weather. That said, generally, the best periods to visit are during spring (March to May) when you can witness gorgeous cherry blossoms and autumn (September to November) when the leaves change colour to provide magical backdrops. During winter (December to February), the landscape gets a snow-filled makeover and though temperatures rise in summer (June to August) you can still enjoy adventures and witness the Gion Matsuri Festival (July) too.