There are many people who visit Japan each year, and there is no reason that you shouldn’t be one of them. If you do decide to go, then Kyoto should be a destination that you make a priority. Once you’ve checked the flights and sorted the money out, then you can get down to the serious business of deciding what to visit. There is plenty to choose from, so take your time. There are beautiful buildings, gorgeous gardens and attention-grabbing galleries.
As one of the few major Japanese cities that wasn’t bombed by the allies there are still plenty of pre-war buildings that you can look at. These range from the simple townhouses (machiya) to the mighty palaces and castles that date back to when Kyoto was the capital of Japan up until 1868.
One of the most impressive buildings that you can see in Kyoto is the Imperial Palace. It is essential to book a ticket for entry, otherwise you risk being disappointed. It has been destroyed many times over the centuries but it has stood in its current appearance since 1855.
Another incredible building is the Nijo Castle, made in 1603 for the first shogun of the Edo Period, Tokugawa Ieyasu, to live in. Nearby there are other buildings from the same period surrounding a traditional garden, and together they form a UNESCO World Heritage site.
For the art lover, make sure you check out the Municipal Museum of Art. Housed here are more than 2000 works of art. There are breath-taking paintings, glorious sculptures and delicate calligraphy on show.
The gardens are most famous for their cherry blossoms in spring and autumn. Eastern Kyoto has some of the most popular gardens for seeing blossoms, such as at the garden of the Heian Shrine. If you’re visiting in Spring, make sure to check it out.
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