Destination Kyoto Japan Travel Guide by the Yamasa Institute Innovative, International, Non Profit

Kyoto today only has 1.4 million inhabitants, but has tremendous cultural assets including around 20% of Japan's National Treasures, and 15% of the Important Cultural Properties. Capital of Japan from 794 until the 1868 "Meiji Restoration", this city is cupped in a ring of mountains and cut through by rivers. It is beautiful, but has an unfortunate micro-climate - Kyoto is notorious for uncomfortably hot/humid summers and frigid cold winters. Kyoto is a must see for any traveller interested in Japan, its history and culture. Although the genteel rooflines and historic cityscape have largely been destroyed, traditions remain vital to the city - people flock to see raked pebble gardens at Zen temples such as Ryoan-ji, or experience an overnight stay in a traditional ryokan. It isn't possible to walk anywhere really without stumbling upon World Heritage listed properties.

A major business center and home of high tech corporations such as Kyocera (Kyoto Ceramic), there are as many temples to mammon as to deities. It is also a major student town with more than 35 universities and colleges - and although some may be attracted by famous colleges, one of the major lures attracting young Japanese university students to Kyoto is the raucous nightlife. It is a particularly great place during the Gion festival and New Year.

Kinkakuji - the Golden Pavilion